“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died of consumption, in Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich., Jan. 24, Justus Ferguson, aged 46 years. Mr. Ferguson had resided in the township of Wright about twenty-eight years. He was a man who was naturally possessed of fine business talent, and he had resided so long in the vicinity of Wright that he was generally known throughout that region. His disease baffled the skill of physicians, and nature, having struggled against it for more than one year, finally gave way, despite the care and attention of those who did all in their power to make him comfortable, if they could not furnish him relief, in his last days. The funeral discourse was delivered by the writer, on the twenty-seventh of January, to a very large congregation of sympathizing friends and neighbors. W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Died, near Richland, Kan., of typhoid pneumonia, sister Ellen, wife of Bro. William B. Bedgood, aged 60 years. Sister B. embraced present truth in the winter of 1874, and until her death was a faithful and devoted Christian. Her greatest desire was to see her children converted; and at her last meeting with the church she had the satisfaction of seeing her eldest son take his stand on the side of truth. She died in the firm hope of a part in the first resurrection. J. M. STANSBURY.
Died, in Oneida, Mich., Jan. 18, 1878, of spina bifida, Stellie Amelia, infant daughter of Nelson B. and Elizabeth J. Cole, aged 10 months and 5 days. This is the second time the cruel enemy death has visited this family and taken a tender branch. Their hearts are sad, but they have hope. We carried the little sleeper to her resting-place, comforted with the assurance that soon the Life-giver will come, and then she will be brought forth from the land of the enemy. Discourse by the writer, from Jer. 31: 16, 17. E. R. JONES.
Died of consumption, in Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich., Dec. 28, 1877, Bro. Wm. Rymon, aged 47 years. Though a great sufferer, he died happy in the Lord. Remarks by the writer, from Rev. 1: 18. J. L. EDGAR.
Died of a complication of diseases, Jan. 15, 1878, at Faribault, Rice Co., Minn., my mother, Mrs. E. W. Phelps, in the fifty-eighth year of her age. She embraced the truths of the last message about twenty-six years ago, under the labors of my uncle, W. Phelps. During all this time she has been a faithful observer of God’s holy Sabbath. Her testimony will be missed in our little church. We shall miss her in the family circle; but as we mourn, we have the cheering hope of meeting her again in a better land than this. Sermon on the blessed hope, by Eld. W. B. T. Wilkee, Congregationalist. H. F. PHELPS.
Died, at North Bloomfield, Trumbull Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1878, our little Bertha, aged 9 months and 14 days. It was hard to part with our darling, but we hope to meet her on the evergreen shore. WM. AND F. HUMPHRIES.
Testimonials for Friends Traveling to Europe
By John Nevins Andrews
Testimonials.
We request that friends who come to Europe on their own responsibility will in all cases bring testimonials of their standing in the churches to which they belong in America. This is a matter of great importance, as otherwise we may be in danger of being deceived by impostors or of neglecting those that are worthy of confidence. J. N. ANDREWS.
Wanted: Farm Work for a Young Sabbath-keeper
Wanted.
A YOUNG man 19 years of age wants to work for some good Sabbath-keeper, on a farm, in New York or Pennsylvania, where he could have the privilege of Sabbath meetings. Address, Frank Carpenter, Blockville, Chautauqua Co., New York.
APPOINTMENTS
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
General T. and M. meetings for Minnesota, in connection with Eld. Haskell’s meeting at Medford, Feb. 15 to 17. Matters of the greatest importance in reference to the tract work will be introduced. We hope to see a general turnout. Eld. Haskell will be with us, and all our brethren and sisters should make an effort to be at this meeting. We shall expect our secretary, and as many of the directors as can, to attend this meeting.
Let all come prepared to care for themselves, as far as possible. We are not often favored with help from abroad. Let us come together, praying that the Lord will renew his work in all our hearts.
Harrison Grant.
I will meet with the church at Estella, Mich., Feb. 9, 10. Meeting will commence on Friday evening, at 7 o’clock. Will some one meet me at Riverdale station the 8th?
E. R. Jones.
Clintonville, Cedar Co., Mo., Feb. 9, 10. Union Point church, Feb. 16, 17. These meetings commence Sabbath evening, and if the interest will justify, will continue into the week following these dates. We want to pay special attention to the tract work. We hope for a general attendance of all the friends of the cause in the vicinity. Mail matter can be sent me to Nevada City, Vernon Co., Mo., during these meetings.
Geo. I. Butler.
We will commence a series of meetings with the church at J-Jefferson, Hillsdale Co., Mich., on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 6. These meetings will continue over Sabbath and Sunday following. All the members of the church, without exception, are desired to be present from the first to the last of these meetings.
W. H. Littlejohn. M. S. Burnham.
We will meet with the brethren of Dist. No. 7, where Bro. Foy may appoint, Feb. 16, 17. Dist. No. 6, where Bro. Tyrel may appoint, Feb. 23, 24. We urge a general attendance of the brethren of these districts at these meetings.
B. L. Whitney. A. H. Hall.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the church at Pilot Grove, Ia., Tuesday eve., Feb. 12, and continue meetings over the following Sabbath and Sunday. Brighton, Tuesday eve., Feb. 19, continuing over the following Sabbath and Sunday.
E. W. Farnsworth.
I will hold meetings with the friends at Amherst, Mass., Feb. 8–17. All the scattered ones in that vicinity who can come but one Sabbath we hope to see the last Sabbath, Feb. 16.
D. A. Robinson.
Gaines, Kent Co., Mich., Feb. 16, 17. Hope to see a general attendance of the brethren in the vicinity at this meeting. Will come prepared to remain a short time if thought best. If the brethren at Leighton would wish me to hold meetings with them, please report at this meeting.
H. M. Kenyon.
Gridley, McLean Co., Ill., Feb. 15–20. Wm. H. Sloan appoint. Leroy, McLean Co., Ill., Feb. 22–25. Dalton City, Moultrie Co., Ill., Feb. 27–28. Lovington, Moultrie Co., Ill., March 1–10. Humboldt, Coles Co., Ill., March 12–13. Oakland, Coles Co., Ill., March 15–17. Wm. Bitner’s neighborhood, March 18. Campbell, Coles Co., Ill., March 19. Wm. Doyal appoint. Greenup, Cumberland Co., Ill., March 20–22. Martinsville, Clark Co., Ill., March 23–24. Bro. J. Hiestand’s neighborhood, Crawford Co., Ill., March 26. Keenville, Wayne Co., Ill., March 29–31. Webber Grove school-house, Jefferson Co., Ill., April 1, 2. Mt. Vernon, Ill., April 3–7. Woodburn, Macoupin Co., Ill., April 11–14. Princeville, Ill., April 19–21. Address us at the above points. Meetings at each point to commence on the evening of the first date.
G. W. Colcord. C. H. Bliss.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the church at New Liberty, Republic Co., Kan., Feb. 16 and 17.
Chas. F. Stevens.
The War.
THE war news the past week has put a somewhat different aspect upon affairs in the East. The peace negotiations did not run so smoothly as anticipated. The demands of Russia were reported much larger than at first announced. But while the armistice hung fire, the Russians did not, but kept up a vigorous push toward Constantinople, so that on Friday last they were reported within twenty-four hours’ march of the city. The week closed with the impression that but little was known concerning the immediate prospects of peace; and that what was known was not known for certain.
“Pretty Good.”
By Editor
Such was the uniform exclamation of some half-dozen persons whose eyes fell upon the following paragraph as we were clipping it from the Detroit Evening News, of Feb. 2. We think all our readers will concur in the sentiment:—
“The editor of the ADVENT REVIEW AND HERALD does not resent the wholesale abuse heaped upon that peculiar people, the Adventists. He argues that it advertises their faith and brings their doctrines the more conspicuously before the public. It can be truthfully said that the Adventists of Michigan are, as a class, a devout, industrious, progressive, law-abiding, honest folk—living exemplars of Christianity in all their walks in life. Those who abuse them show little taste and less brains.”
Of which two last-named valuable commodities, we are happy to say that the News seems to possess its full share—as evinced by the foregoing remarks.
Load Up. Load Up.
By Editor
NOTHING exhibits more clearly the quivering anxiety of the defenders of the Sunday institution, in respect to its observance, nor better illustrates the old adage that drowning men will catch at straws, than the avidity with which they seize upon a shallow and exploded criticism which has recently been set afloat again, as though it was something new, and try to bolster up their cause thereby. It is the claim that the first day of the week is called the Sabbath in the Greek Testament. It was noticed in the REVIEW last week under the heading, “A False Criticism.”
The trouble with the criticism is that it is utterly false—not a word of truth in it. It is the offspring of either ignorance or dishonesty. In the little tract on Sabbaton, the matter is fully explained, and the error clearly exposed. What we took up our pen, therefore, to say is, to all our friends, to load up with the proper documents, and be ready for those who thus try to propagate error.
Wherever the article herein referred to is circulated, and any handle made of it, we advise our friends to procure a supply of the tract on Sabbaton, and circulate it just as widely, if possible. If any will not read the refutation, they show themselves lovers of deception, and must reap the consequences.
To Correspondents.
ANSWERED BY LETTER. T. Langdon, S. W. Randall, J. W. Medlin, B. F. Merritt, P. M. Hill (2), D. M. Canright, E. H. Morton, B. L. Whitney, J. B. Goodrich, J. A. Killingworth, J. P. Henderson, J. N. Andrews, D. P. Curtis.
To the Michigan S. B. Treasurers.
By A. B. Oyen
At the annual meeting of the Michigan Conference last September, the following resolution was adopted:—
“Resolved, That we recommend that the reports of the pledges of s. B., to the Conference, be forwarded to the secretary at the beginning of each year, viz., Jan. 1.”
Of the 108 churches in our Conference, not more than half a dozen have sent in their reports, in accordance with this resolution. This is not as it should be. All s. B. treasurers who have not already done so, should immediately send in their s. B. figures, as arranged for the present year, so that a correct account may be kept with each church.
A. B. OYEN, Conf. Sec.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Special Meeting.
By James White; S. Brownsberger; W. C. White; W. C. Sisley; W. J. Fairfield; O. B. Jones; John Harvey Kellogg
A SPECIAL meeting of the Stockholders of the Health Reform Institute will be held Friday, March 1, 1878, at Battle Creek, Mich., at 10 A. M., for the purpose of empowering the Board of Directors to secure a loan for the settlement of bills incurred by the erection of the new building, by mortgage on the property, and to so change the By-Laws as to authorize them to borrow money by mortgage security on the real estate owned by said corporation.
James White,
S. Brownsberger,
W. C. White,
W. C. Sisley,
W. J. Fairfield,
O. B. Jones,
J. H. Kellogg,
Directors.
Dedication of the New Sanitarium Buildings.
It is expected that the new buildings of the Sanitarium will be ready for dedication about the time of the meeting announced for the first of March. The building is rapidly approaching completion, and is being occupied as rapidly as rooms are finished off. Patients are arriving in such numbers that the old buildings are wholly inadequate to accommodate them, indicating that the improvements have been made none too soon.
It is desired that every share should be represented at this meeting, and those who cannot attend should at once appoint proxies upon receipt of blank certificates for the purpose, which will be sent to every stockholder who is not known to be thus represented by some person who will be certain to attend the meeting.
Sabbath Readings, Vols. 1 and 2.
“SABBATH Readings for the Home Circle,” in two volumes of 400 pages each, are now offered for 60 cents each. In these two volumes will be found valuable lessons for all members of the family circle, and they should be extensively read. Both volumes, by mail, $1.20.
To Illinois T. and M. Society.
By F. M. T. Simonson
In future, directors will please send tract money to F. M. T. Simonson, instead of G. Foreman, as before. See new constitution.
F. M. T. SIMONSON, Sec.
Battle Creek, Mich.
A Suggestion.
By Joseph Lamont
As the most of those who especially need to read Bro. Ayers’ article on tobacco are not able (?) to take the REVIEW, I suggest that the elder or leader in each congregation lend this paper (Jan. 17) to each user of the vile weed, calling attention to the above-mentioned article.
JOSEPH LAMONT.
Change of Address for the V. M. Society at Jay
By Mrs. John McGregor
Notice.
Those sending letters to the president of the V. M. Society at Jay, Saginaw Co., Mich.; will please address Mrs. John McGregor instead of Mrs. A. McGregor, as letters addressed to Mrs. A. McGregor may fall into other hands. The name of the secretary is Miss Eleanor Irving. Thanks for names already received; send more. Mrs. John McGregor.
Situations Wanted in Sabbath-Keeping Families
SITUATIONS are wanted in Sabbath-keeping families (health reformers), in the same place or in separate places, in any State. For particulars, address Wm. L. Brisbin or Martha Brisbin, Weston, Wood Co., Ohio.
The Sabbath as the Memorial of Creation Rest
ANY day of the week will answer the purpose of physical rest; but only one of the seven can be a fit memorial of the Creator’s rest from the work of creation, and that is the day upon which he rested. Sabbath means rest. The Sabbath day of the Lord can be no other than the day on which the Lord rested.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, notice of the omission should be given.
$2.00 EACH.
Wm Dexter 53-6, Ambrose White 53-1, G H Rogers 53-5, L P Bailey 53-1, J D Rockey 53-5, J R Stone 52-1, Tryphena Kirkman 53-5, Alfred Boynton 53-5, Joseph Hughes 53-5, Mrs R F Parsons 53-1, N A Ramsey 51-22, Alonzo Foster 53-7, A Kellogg 53-1, W N Glenn 53-1, Alice Canfield 52-25, Mrs M F Dibble 53-5, M S Tyrel 48-1, Samuel Rexford 53-5, Cornelius Waldron 53-1, Chas Cowles 53-1, Mrs B Fish 53-5, Mrs Mary O Galloway 53-1, Mrs J Williams 53-1, John M Brown 53-6, H Sorensen 53-3, W R Slade 53-1, Anna Rasmussen 53-1, D P Strong 53-8, Michael Johnson 53-1, Wm B Bedgood 53-1, E A Dean 53-5, Allen R Hardy 53-5, R J Foster 53-2, J S Rogers 52-20, Thomas Smith 53-4, Harvey Benham 53-4, Hiland Simpson 53-4, W A Doyal 53-5, J O Young 52-25, H J Hunn 53-1, Isaac H Thompson 53-1, O Wilson 53-10, R A Rice 53-4, J Webber 53-12.
$1.00 EACH.
H Ovenberg 52-1, Sarah Harlow 52-15, Robt Sawyer 50-18, Wm O Harra 52-1, Henry Noble 52-5, T R Horner 51-25, John A Hatch 52-2, Laura C Nourse 52-1, Asa Green 52-1, Wm S Hipkins 52-1, Jonas Kyle 52-8, Jackson Binks 52-1, Danl L Covey 52-5, Mrs Wm Edson 52-14, Mrs Sarah Torrey 52-5, Wm F Wood 52-9, W D Comstock 52-1, Mrs S L Sprague 53-1, M A Dennis 52-1, D J Kime 52-1, Delia Huntly 52-1, R B Hunter 52-5, Mrs I S Smith 52-10, W S Maine 52-5, Mrs E Grantham 52-5, Mrs Hattie N Davis 52-8, Philemon Webber 52-5, Henry Youngs 52-1, Hannah Gurley 52-5, Wm E Caviess 52-1, J S Miller 52-1, F M Palmiter 52-4, Emily Shirley 52-1, A W Cummings 52-14, Mrs L M McNutt 52-5, E H Crampton 52-5, Eliza Coit 52-10, Lovina Robinson 52-12, I J D David 52-1, W D Porter 52-5, Jonathan Harwood 52-5.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Mrs Alva France $1.50 53-5, A W Reed 1.50 53-5, Mrs Lizzie Moore 1.50 53-5, T V Canright 50c 51-14, L E Kelsey 50c 50-23, E A Doud 1.50 53-5, E J Paine 50c 52-5, Mrs Mary Whalen 50c 51-18, A La Rue 1.50 53-5, R Stickney 1.50 53-5, A Munson 1.50 53-5, Mrs A F Tenny 1.50 53-5, Mrs Chas Mosher 75c 52-5, M A Coons 50c 51-21, Anna Jenson 50c 51-17, Geo W Field 1.50 51-18, Lucy M Showers 50c 51-18, Mrs W H Hall 50c 51-18, Mrs Jennie Peabody 1.50 53-5, Mrs M J Beaman 1.50 53-5, Gertrie Richards 1.50 53-5, David McClintock 1.50 53-5, Jessie Watt 1.50 53-5, Mrs Harriet Cushing 1.50 53-1, J McGregor 1.50 52-17, D T Taylor 1.50 52-5, Simon Anny 25c 51-18, Peter J Peterson 75c 52-5, E Fletcher 75c 52-5, J J Goodrich 1.50 53-5, S Burr 1.50 53-5, W Cowell 1.50 53-5, Mrs Mary A Hudson 50c 51-22, Mrs Thomas G Hills 50c 51-22, William Hogg 50c 51-22.
Books Sent by Mail.
Hans P Nielson 25c, W Sanborn $1.00, Rev E H Hess 50c, D P McWilliam 10c, William Blair 25c, Mrs Huldah Burr 25c, N Jensen Dam 25c, Henry Barstow 1.00, Moses D Cambell 5c, J H Harrison 75c, Mrs E J Holt 40c, R H Johnson 30c, S C Conrey 4.50, Susie Purrington 50c, P Morse 1.25, N P Dixon 1.00, Julia Craig 25c, H Jenkins 25c, J C Randell 1.70, J W Landes 30c, F Hutchinson 1.00, A Carlson 30c, T T Nickerson 10c, W L Jackson 25c, W Sample 1.00, D W C McNett 40c, T H Tucker 75c, J E Schaffer 6.67, M M Ory 30c, P Hanson 1.45, B A Zavitz 15c, A W Nary 25c, Wm Gosnell 25c, H H Stanton 25c, E Pugh 25c, S D Campbell 25c, Libbie Brown 25c, Emma Hill 25c, J F Hankins 25c, Mrs I Hatten 25c, David Fulton 4.10, Miss Tennie Bailey 1.00, M E Salisbury 25c, W D Nelson 25c, L W Gully 20c, Mrs M C Reiser 15c, S Bowen 20c, Mrs E Mix 25c, E E Whitney 25c, E M Smith 25c, M S Avery 30c, Harris Fitch 2.40, Mary Robbins 25c, M A Beaman 25c, Cynthia Lewis 25c, Henry Youngs 1.00, Wm Clark 1.00, O R Judd 25c, Otis Phillips 25c, Hiram Parks 25c, P Sanders 25c, Peter Frost 25c, D B Fop 25c, W W Buck 25c, Rebecca Vove 25c, Mrs James Norton 25c, S W Smith 1.50, E Miller 25c, Mrs S Pierce 1.00, Dr S H Hunt 2.60, J O Drotfs 50c, M Fuller 24c, D Mayne 10c, F Lauderdale 31c, C Nelson 25c, J L Davison 25c, Mrs R S Birge 25c, Teacher 2.00, Jay Campbell 46c, M E Dancer 25c, M G Crosby 15c, Lizzie Hornby 25c, Wm S Frost 20c, W Schram 25c, W H H Wolland M D 30c, Sarah A Stern 50c, Mrs H Chatfield 1.00, W S Gilbert 25c, E C Elwood 25c, H H Auflather 50c, I H Thomson 1.00, E R Dodge 1.00, A T Jones 20c, Silas Nowlin 25c, Miles Spurling 25c, J Bedunah 25c, F Blasdell 25c, J Hawkswell 10c, Sarah Elwell 25c, J Leech 25c, W W Hamilton 25c, J H Fisher 25c, Mrs M A Knowles 25c, G E Banger 25c, H W Gibbke 25c, A Chaffee 75c, J B Logne 9c, Dr W D Stillman 3.75, A P Van Horn 6.70, D C Hunter 1.20, Wm Evans 1.20, H G Bump 1.50, A M Fulton 4.68, A A John 3.90, J W Adams 2.61, Lizzie Hornby 75c, H A Anderson 1.70.
Books Sent by Express.
J C Tucker $12.60, B L Whitney 24.80, Wm H Canfield 7.20, J M Stansbury 20.25, Geo B Starr 22.14, Frank Zirkle 3.98, E A Turner 4.94, Washington Boggs 3.60, Delia Fitch 5.00, M M Kenny 34.40.
Books Sent by Freight.
Wm Beebe $26.22, Clinton Owens 10.00.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
Elwood $10.00, William E Margerson 17.05, Antrim per L C Rathbun 15.00, Battle Creek 625.00.
S. D. A. E. Society.
John Johnson $10.00, Mary Crouch 5.00, Hannah Brown 5.00, M Dennis 5.00, Lodemia Burr 2.50, Elisha Godfrey 7.50, Wellington Brigham 5.00, Chas Ransom & father 25.00, Christian Froh 12.50, Lively Lindsay 12.50, A A Jordon 2.50, T B Ransom 5.00, Alex Paton 25.00.
Mich. T. & M. Society.
Dist 13 per M F Mullen $6.00, Partello Maria Crawford added ½ 5.00, & Marinda Crawford added ½ 5.00. Dist 11 per L E Rathbun 33.00.
Gen. T. & M. Society.
A B Lockwood $25.00.
Danish Mission.
John Rasmussen $10.00, R Brodersen 10.00.
Swedish Mission.
Christain Nelsen $2.65, John O Akerlind 5.00.
Cash Rec'd on Account.
C L Palmer $1.08, Maine T & M Society 10.00, Cal T & M Society per Signs 20.15, Vt T & M Society per A S H 13 24, M M Kenny 18.38, Wis T & M Society 120.00, Wm Evans 2.75, H Woodruff 2.20, E W Farnsworth 20.00, Kan T & M Society 130.00, N Y T & M Society 100.00, Vt T & M Society F T Wales 1.00.
Health Institute Meeting and Possible General Conference Session
By Editor
We call especial attention to the appointment for a Health Institute meeting in this number. Probably a call for a special session of the General Conference at the same time and place, will appear next week. We are waiting to hear from the Committee.
To make room for an abundance of matter this week, we issue another Supplement. It is filled with stirring and important articles. Read it.
Specimen numbers of “The Normal Offering,” published by Bro. Merritt and Dennis, at Normal, Ill., as noticed in REVIEW No. 3, present volume, will be sent free on application.
REASONS FOR ENGAGING IN MISSIONARY WORK.
By Stephen N. Haskell
1. God, Christ, angels, and all nature are at work for the happiness of man and the glory of God. Man was so constituted, that, had he never sinned, labor would have been a source of happiness to him; hence God placed him in the garden to dress and to keep it. In the creation of this earth, God designed to secure the happiness of man; and he is ever at work in the great plan of salvation, by his providence and his Spirit, to save the human family from that state of sin and misery in which man finds himself in consequence of his own disobedience. “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work,” are the words of the Saviour. His entire life was one of self-denial, labor and suffering. The work which the Father gave him to finish was the work which he performed.
Angels also work. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Angels who watch over the humble Christian always behold the face of God. They encamp about the saints of God, and deliver them. They impress minds to do the will of God, and are constantly ascending and descending, to and from Heaven, performing the will of God in answer to the prayers of his people. See Heb. 1:14; Luke 15:7, 10; Matt. 18:10; Ps. 34:7; 91:11, 12; Dan. 10:12, 13; 10:1; Gen. 28:12.
The established laws of nature, which cause the earth to bring forth and bud, are ordained to give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. Isa. 55:10; Ps. 104:14, 15. In the universe, which is governed by fixed laws, everything works; and shall man, the noblest work of God, be found in idleness? The apostle commanded and exhorted the Thessalonians that with quietness they work; “That if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thess. 3:10-12.
That which does not manifest life is decayed matter; and stagnant pools breed disease, pestilence, and death. To speak of a Christian who does not work, is to use contradictory terms. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10. The church becomes established by good works; we are exhorted to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Heb. 10:24.
The work of enlightening mankind and saving precious souls for whom Christ died, is the work of God. In engaging in this work, therefore, we connect ourselves with God, Christ, and holy angels; and when this life shall fail we shall be received into everlasting habitations.
2. Works are the basis of our reward. We are rewarded according to our works. “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Faith will enable us to work acceptably, but it is our works that will be examined from the record book above. Good works are therefore recommended; and we are assured that our “righteousness remaineth forever.” 2 Cor. 9:9, 10. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Heb. 6:10. “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Eccl. 12:14. “For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10. Yes; “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
My brother, when your selfish interests come in between you and the work of God, do you stop to think that you are not only depriving yourself of the crown of life, but are sowing seed which will yield you a harvest of sorrow in the final day of reckoning? My sister, when that impatient word escaped your lips, did you realize that it was recorded by an angel, and that, unless repented of, you would one day see it again in living characters? For God “will render to every man according to his deeds.”
3. The joy of the Christian will consist in seeing those for whom he has labored, saved with an everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. To meet in glory those for whom we have labored and prayed, but whom we have never seen in this life, will cause mutual joy in Heaven. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, says, “We are your rejoicing even as ye also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 2 Cor. 1:14.
To the Philippians, the apostle writes: “My brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy, and crown.” The crown of glory, bedecked with stars representing souls saved by the apostle’s self-denying life, was the crown of righteousness, right-doing, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, would give him at that day, and not to him only, but to all that love his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8. Every one that enters the portals of glory will wear such a crown; and none will enter there who have not in this life possessed a self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit of labor for the salvation of others. It is necessary therefore that we labor in harmony with the plan of God, that we may gather with Christ. “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” Ps. 128:1, 2.
4. The reward is certain. There is no danger of a failure here, for the reward is of such a nature that the dissolution of this earth cannot affect it. A gentleman of wealth asked a banker of my acquaintance: “Where is the safest place to invest a few thousands?” “In Heaven,” was the banker’s reply. We recommend this to all as a safe place of deposit. “He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. All are bidden to enter the field, and gather golden sheaves to be enjoyed in eternity.
My brother, my sister, do not wait until everything on your part has been so arranged that there will be no cross to bear. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” Has God entrusted to you this world’s goods? Do not wait until the shouts of victory are heard by the redeemed hosts, and the fruit is borne to glory by the angels of God; now is the time to make investments, and enter the harvest field.
From every nationality the cry is heard, “Come over and help us.” There never was a greater need of means in the cause of God than now; there never will be a greater need. Means now invested in the cause of God will place a “treasure in Heaven,” and bring speedy returns. There is no doubt of this. The result of this matter is settled in Heaven. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:5, 6. It is the blessing of God that gives success to the word spoken, to the seed sown. We should labor with courage, faith, and hope. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.
Much labor will be expended without seeing great results, but ultimate success is certain. We cannot tell whose hearts God has prepared to receive the truth, but we know that they are all around us; we are directed to “give a portion to seven, also to eight.” We should be like the clouds full of rain, that empty themselves upon the earth. “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isa. 32:20. “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isa. 55:10, 11.
There never was a time when the words of our Saviour were more emphatically true than now: “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” There never was a time when eternal fruit was so soon to be given as now. Who among those who have not hitherto taken an active part in the missionary work will immediately enter the ranks of laborers?
S. N. HASKELL.
BE NOT WEARY IN WELL-DOING.
By Maria L. Huntley
In every good work there are difficulties and obstacles to surmount. This the tract and missionary workers find true in their experience, and to them the exhortation, “Be not weary in well-doing,” is especially applicable. Inspiration has described the closing scenes of this world's history, and left the description on record for the encouragement of the people of God. The Lord knew that the coldness and the lack of appreciation in the world, with various other hindrances, would have a discouraging influence upon his people and cause them to feel that their efforts were useless. But they are assured of their ultimate success in these words, “In due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The text shows that there will be great danger of becoming weary and ceasing our exertions, or in other words, fainting by the way; and the result will be, we shall not reap the reward of well-doing in the end. There must be a cause for this inclination to become weary, and in this, the fact is implied that conditions and circumstances will exist opposed to the work of well-doing in which we are engaged.
The “hard times,” which have become a chronic complaint throughout the country, offer, in various ways, resistance to the work of canvassing. This financial embarrassment has come upon us at a time when, in the providence of God, publications have been prepared especially adapted to the wants of the people, and when a change has taken place in society, preparing the people to receive our publications with favor. Now, shall we yield to circumstances and wait for better times? No; let our zeal and energy, our trust and reliance in God, be in proportion to the difficulties we meet. “The good time coming” will only be after it is too late to labor for the salvation of others. Sin and sinners will then have been destroyed. If we work for God at all, it must be under discouragements and difficulties, and in a manner that will cause self-denial and sacrifice. Human strength will ever be insufficient, but it will be necessary to rely upon God for divine aid in carrying forward his work upon earth. Indeed, if we met with no difficulties, and everything went smoothly without much effort, we should at least have some cause for doubting the truthfulness of our position, or the efficiency of our work.
There is a greater conflict, a greater work before us than we have yet seen; and “if the footmen have wearied thee, how canst thou contend with horses?” We have not yet reached the swellings of Jordan. If any become weary now, it is not from over exertion, but because of a lack of interest and a failure to realize the sacredness and importance of the work. This is the kind of weariness of which there is so much danger. Let the heart become imbued with the spirit of Christ, and it will vanish like the morning dew.
By his providence God is saying to every one who has received present truth, “Son, go labor in my vineyard.” To each is given a work in proportion to his ability when aided by the Spirit of God. No one should be satisfied while doing less than he is able, or doing that in any but the best possible manner. Even the little child has a place, and a work to perform, if he chooses to be thus employed. So wonderful are the dealings of God with the children of men that to every one is granted the privilege of being associated with Christ and holy angels in their work of six thousand years, and finally sharing in their joy and reward. Where is earthly honor, pleasure, or personal interest, when compared with distinction and joy like this? Surely they sink into insignificance; yet how many, how very many, see only the former, and are wasting their lives in vainly trying to secure them. What a spectacle will a wasted life present in the Judgment! Dear reader, may you and I be spared the bitterness of knowing, when too late, that we have lived for ourselves only. MARIA L. HUNTLEY.
SOW THE SEED.
By J. N. Ayers
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11 : 6.
Youth is here represented by the “morning,” old age by the “evening,” showing the necessity there is for all, young and old, to be at work. Each has his place to fill, his work to do, and as we are living in the closing days of the gospel dispensation, how necessary it is that all should be at work “while it is day,” remembering that “the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9 : 4. Jesus is soon coming; probation will soon close; the world must be warned; the time to sow is almost past. Oh! where are the sowers? Where are those that have been sowing? “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9 : 62. Where are those that want to work, and no one has hired them? “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.” Matt. 20 : 7. Jesus is talking; do you believe him? Will you work for Jesus? He will see that you are paid.
“For we are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Cor. 3 : 9. “Husbandry,” the business of cultivating the earth. Paul here gives us an illustration that all may understand. We all know how the farmer goes to work to raise a crop. He plows the ground, harrows it until all the clods are thoroughly pulverized, sows the seed and covers it so that the fowls will not pick it up, and leaves it to grow. But all this labor would be in vain if God did not give the increase. “Doth the ploughman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat, and the appointed barley, and the rye in their place? For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” Isa. 28 : 24-26.2
God works by means, and when he has a work to do on the earth among men, he raises up a people to do it; and if they fail he will raise up others to take their places and their crowns. The time for the third message to be given arrived, the S. D. Adventists were raised up, and their ministers are now carrying this message to the world. The day of its proclamation is far spent, and we know it is to go with a “loud voice.” The ministers are doing all they can. They may be likened to an army led on by the “third angel.” The battle goes hard; but still they move forward, fighting valiantly for the truth, fighting error in every form. Help is coming! I hear them shout. Oh, how that shout thrills through every heart! As they look, behold a mighty angel appears. He immediately commences marshaling his forces to help the “third angel.” He brings his army to the front, takes the skirmish lines, the enemy begins to fall back in disorder, his forces press forward, routing the enemy from all their strong positions, leaving the ground well strewn with trophies. The old soldiers under the lead of the “third angel” gather them up, and get them ready for the great Commander, who will soon come and take command in person. The T. and M. workers are the forces led on by this mighty angel to help the third angel. They are laboring together with God.
Now for the work. A husbandman does not sow his seed before the ground is plowed, and if it is cloddy after he has broken it up, he will harrow and roll it, until he gets it thoroughly pulverized and level; then he will sow the seed. The seed to be sown is all ready in the shape of tracts, pamphlets, books, and papers. The man that sows no grain in seed time cannot expect to reap in the time of harvest. If he does not prepare his ground, he cannot expect to reap much but weeds; there may be a few sickly stalks, but very little grain. So if we want a plentiful harvest, we must first prepare the ground for the seed. Do this by gentleness. If the man with whom you are conversing breaks up rough and cloddy, smooth him down with love and kindness; get all the anger out of him, and then before leaving hand him a tract on the subject you have had under discussion. Pursue this course in the fear of the Lord, being very careful not to offend, so as to choke the seed already sown, and persevere until you have his mind well seeded with the truths of the message. Then the living preacher can water the seed, and God will give the increase. But we must first have our own hearts broken up and brought into subjection to God’s will, getting self entirely out of the way.
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one; and every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labors.” 1 Cor. 3 : 8. The devil will be at work, picking up all the seed he can before it gets rooted; and you will see some that will not understand. Others will receive the truth with gladness, but in a short time they will give up and go back to the world; while others will bring forth fruit, some sixty, some an hundred fold. Matt. 13 : 18-23.
“Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isa. 32 : 20. “They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126 : 5, 6. Who will sow the seed?
J. N. AYERS.
LED
I do not ask, dear Lord, that life may be
A pleasant road;
I do not ask that thou wouldst take from me
Aught of its load:
I do not ask that flowers should always spring
Beneath my feet;
I know too well the poison and the sting
Of things too sweet.
For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead:
Lead me aright,—
Though strength should falter, and though heart
should bleed,—
Through peace to light.
I do not ask, O Lord, that thou shouldst shed
Full radiance here;
Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread
Without a fear:
I do not ask my cross to understand,
My way to see;
Better, in darkness, just to feel thy hand,
And follow thee.
Joy is like restless day, but peace divine
Like quiet night;
Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine,
Through peace to light.