p. 180 | Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 23. (12/5/1878)

BIBLE LESSONS FOR YOUTH.

LESSON XXIV.—THE PROMISE.

QUESTIONS.

How old was Joseph at this time? Gen. 41:46.
How much corn did Joseph gather?
Did the famine come on as Joseph predicted?
How far did the famine extend? Verse 56.
Who came to Egypt to buy corn?
How did Joseph’s brethren fulfill his dream when they came to buy corn?
Did Joseph’s brethren know him?
Did he know them?
What did he remember, as he saw them bow before him?
How did he treat them?
Of what did he accuse them?
What did they say, as they protested against this accusation? Gen. 42:10–13.
Did Joseph seem to believe what they said?
What did he do with them?
How long did he keep them in prison?
What did he do at the end of three days?
What did he do with Simeon?
What did Joseph require of his brethren, to prove that they were true men? Verse 20.
When these wicked men were brought into such trouble, what did they remember?
What did they say? Verse 21.
What happened on their journey home to make them feel still worse? Verses 27, 28.
When they arrived in Canaan, was Jacob willing to let Benjamin go with them to Egypt, as Joseph had demanded?
What did he say?
What finally induced him to let Benjamin go?
What did they take with them when they went down to Egypt again?
What did Joseph do when he saw Benjamin with them?
How did he entertain them?
What plan did he take for bringing them back after they had started on their journey?

SYNOPSIS.

Joseph was thirty years old at this time. He went throughout all the land, and gathered up corn, according to the plan proposed. “And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering, for it was without number.”

The famine came on, as Joseph had predicted, and extended over all the face of the earth, so that the people of other countries were obliged to come to Egypt to buy corn; and among others, came ten of Joseph’s brothers.

As Joseph was the one who sold the corn, they came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. This fulfilled Joseph’s dream about the sheaves.

They did not know Joseph; but he knew them, and remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them so many years before. He spoke to them harshly, calling them spies; but they protested, saying that they were true men, the sons of one man; that they had a younger brother at home with their father; and that one of their brothers was not.

Joseph persisted that they were spies, and put them in prison. After three days he released all but Simeon, and filling their sacks with corn, sent them home to their families. Simeon he bound before their eyes, and gave them to understand that he should regard them all as spies unless they brought down their younger brother.

When these wicked brothers were thus brought into trouble, they remembered how they had treated Joseph, and thought God was punishing them for their cruelty to him. “And they said one to another, ‘We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.’”

The money that they paid for corn, Joseph had restored to them, each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. On their way home they discovered the money, and felt still more afraid that God was going to bring some terrible punishment upon them.

When they arrived in Canaan, Jacob was unwilling to let Benjamin go with them to Egypt, as Joseph had requested, fearing that evil might befall him. He said, “Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away; my son shall not go down with you.” But when their corn was gone, and they were all in danger of starving, he consented.

So they took money to buy corn, and the money that had been restored to them in their sacks, and a present for Joseph, and went again to Egypt.

When Joseph saw that Benjamin was with them, he ordered the ruler of his house to prepare them a sumptuous dinner. He greeted Benjamin very affectionately, and after entertaining them all with great pomp in his own house, he gave them their corn, restoring their money as before, and sent them away.

And Joseph said to his steward, “Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest.”

And as soon as they had gone a little way out of the city, Joseph sent his steward to accuse them of stealing his cup. They denied, saying, “With whomsoever it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.”

NOTE.—The Bible tells this story in such touching and beautiful language that nothing else can equal it; it is rewritten only for the sake of brevity.

LESSONS FOR BIBLE CLASSES.

By G. H. Bell

LESSON XXIV.—THE CLEANSING OF THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY.

QUESTIONS.

1. To what must the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary correspond?

2. What were the two leading acts in the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary?

3. In what must the cleansing of the heavenly consist?

4. How are the sins of penitent believers transferred to the heavenly sanctuary?

5. In what way do the sins of all men find a place in the sanctuary above? Rev. 20:12.

6. What do we learn from Rev. 20:12 in regard to the number of the books of record kept in Heaven?

7. What book is named in that verse?

8. What book is named in Mal. 3:16?

9. What does the book of life contain? Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 13:8.

10. What is recorded in the book of remembrance?

11. What must the other book, or books, contain?

12. What use is to be made of these records? Rev. 20:12.

13. What will God bring into judgment? Eccl. 12:14.

14. What do we learn from Matt. 12:36?

15. What from I Cor. 4:5?

16. Are all these things recorded in the books?

17. How may we know that all these things find a place in the record? Rev. 20:12.

18. What are we making, day by day, and moment by moment?

19. Who is noting every particular in our history?

20. Where will we have to meet this record?

SYNOPSIS.

Since the priests of the worldly sanctuary served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary must correspond to the cleansing of the earthly.

The cleansing of the earthly sanctuary consisted in presenting the blood of the sin-offering as an atonement, and in the removal of the sins that had been transferred to the sanctuary during the year. So the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary must consist in presenting the blood of Christ, and in the removal of sins. We see, then, that the blood of Christ is offered in the second apartment, as well as in the first.

It has already been noticed that Christ takes upon himself the sins of penitent believers, and thus their sins have been transferred to the heavenly sanctuary. There is also a record kept of the sins of all men; for we read, in Rev. 20:12 that the dead are to be judged out of those things that are written in the books, according to their works. From the same verse we learn that there must be at least three books, and that one of them is the book of life.

In Mal. 3:16 we learn that a book of remembrance is written for them that fear the Lord. The book of life contains the names of those who have entered the service of Christ. The book of remembrance contains a record of their good deeds,—their acts of repentance, confession, obedience, and sacrifice.

We conclude, then, that the other book, or books, mentioned in Rev. 20:12 must contain a record of the deeds of the wicked. As we have already noticed, men are to be judged by the record found in the books. This record is very clear: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.” Every idle word, as well as every secret purpose or motive, will be carefully entered in the books kept in the sanctuary above.

Day by day, and moment by moment, we are making our history; while the recording angel, with unfailing accuracy, is noting every particular. This record we will have to meet in the judgment, where with all the countless millions of earth, we shall be judged out of the things written in the books, according to our works.

G. H. BELL.

SUPERINTENDENTS

SABBATH-SCHOOL HINTS.—NO. 2.

SUPERINTENDENTS

It is sometimes difficult to find a proper person for superintendent, especially in small schools in the country, as it often happens that no one of the church or company is fully qualified to fill the position. In such cases, the best that can be done is to select one that has the most natural fitness for the place, and encourage him to go ahead. It frequently happens, though, that persons of this class are the very ones who do not want the position, and excuse themselves on the plea of inability; but if really urged they will consent to “act” till somebody is chosen. This “acting” is often like one of the three following examples.

1. One superintendent goes to the school, but he has picked out no hymns to sing, and has given no thought to the opening exercises. Listlessly turning the leaves of the hymn book, he selects a piece to sing, and the old stereotyped prayer is offered; this kills the life and interest of the school in the outset. A lack of promptness and freshness characterizes all the exercises, and at the close of the school no good impression has been made, simply because the superintendent lacked a little wholesome interest in his work.

2. Another being chosen who is somewhat gifted in speech-making, determines to exhaust his resources, if need be, in bringing the school up to what he conceives to be a model pattern; and as the programme gives a certain amount of time to “general remarks,” he improves it to the last moment in remarks so decidedly “general” that none see his points, and all are glad when he is through. On yielding to his successor, he too may look back and see “failure” written on his work; unless, perchance, before it is too late, he sees the defect, and provides a remedy to avert the impending calamity. This can be done. If superintendents who have a gift for speech-making can cure themselves in no other way, let them do it on the plan adopted by a certain chorister in the Presbyterian church who afterwards joined the Society of Friends. The old habit of singing still clung to him, but he did not think it right to give way to it in the presence of others. So when the impulse became irresistible, he retired to his chamber and sang alone. In like manner, superintendents, when they feel a speech “coming on,” might make it without disturbing the school.

3. A third enters upon his duties with a deep sense of his own incompetency, yet feeling that he will try to discharge his responsibilities in the fear of God and by his help make a success of the work. He enters the school, commences promptly, and goes on calmly with all the exercises, without evincing a doubt as to what comes next, or how it is to be done. There is nothing boisterous or indecorous in his conduct; but he moves quietly about the room, arranging classes and giving instruction, until by the tap of the bell he is admonished that the time for general questions has arrived. These he puts in such a manner that all feel he is well acquainted with the lesson, while his method gives life and freshness to the exercises, and inspires teachers and pupils with more energy and to greater thoroughness in the work.

The secret of his success lies in the fact that from week to week he prepares himself, by study and prayer, for the discharge of his duties. He studies the lesson thoroughly in all its parts; being careful to ascertain the bearing one point has upon another, and the relation each sustains to the whole. He also studies carefully, not only the general wants of the school, but those of each class separately, and the capacity of every pupil under his watchcare. When difficulties present themselves that he knows not how to surmount, he prays to God—prays earnestly for wisdom to direct the work to a successful issue, and that those under his charge may be brought into the fold of Christ.

The Sabbath-school superintendent may feel that his sphere is contracted, and long for a wider field of usefulness; but he should be careful that the work intrusted to him in this direction is done in a manner to commend him to God. Although it may seem to him to be a small work, yet it is a precious one, and great in the sight of God.

TEXAS CAMP-MEETING.

By James White

The Plano, Texas, camp-meeting was held according to appointment, three miles from the little village of Plano, Nov. 12–19. The weather was fine, and the roads were dry and smooth for several weeks before, and at the opening of the meeting, so that there was a very general turnout of the brethren and sisters in the State. And seventy-five brethren were on the ground one week before the time appointed.

Elder R. M. Kilgore had been holding a tent-meeting at the village for the period of two months, and as the result of his labors and of the camp-meeting there are about forty keeping the Sabbath. From a Baptist church of thirty members, sixteen of their best, including their deacon, have come with us. They have a house of worship which cost $1,000, of which Dea. Huguley and his son-in-law, Morris, who is also with us, gave all but $105.

Twenty-four discourses were preached during the camp-meeting. Elder Haskell was on the ground two days in advance and gave eleven discourses. Mrs. W. and the writer gave six discourses each, and Elder Kilgore one. In consequence of the distance, the rains, and deep mud, the outside attendance was small. Sunday afternoon Mrs. W. gave a discourse on Christian Temperance before a large congregation. Her discourse in the afternoon of the first day of our arrival took deep hold of the brethren, and seventy-five came forward for prayers.

There is one disagreeable feature among the people here that we do not see North. The women generally, as well as the men, are inveterate users of tobacco. It seemed strange, almost an imposition, to hear Elder Kilgore examine the sisters who presented themselves as candidates for baptism, on the matter of their using tobacco. But in obeying the truth for this time they are purifying themselves from this filthy practice. Old men, young men, and women are rejoicing in the victories they have already gained.

There were about two hundred brethren and sisters on the ground. And for intelligence, thorough conversion, and consecration to the cause of God they have not been excelled by those in any State where the cause was not more than two years old. Texas is doubtless the best field of all the Southern States. Since the great rebellion which resulted in the freedom of the slaves, Northern people have been pouring into the State. The population of the city of Denison is very largely made up of Northern people. Public opinion changes slowly in Texas, still it moves and improves. The growth of this large State is rapid, and it promises to be as good a field of labor as exists anywhere.

We have suggested that as early as 1880 our pioneer paper in the interests of the Tract and Missionary Society be published in some one of the Southern States. We now think Texas is the State, and Denison is the city where the press should be located. Denison and vicinity is sandy and dry, while most important places are notorious for deep black mud in the rainy season. Denison has four railroads already, and two others are anticipated, making it a great railroad center, six hundred miles from St. Louis, and about four hundred miles from New Orleans, and less distance to the largest and most distant cities of the State. At Denison there is good water and plenty of wood at two dollars a cord.

One more Conference is added to the sisterhood of Seventh-day Adventist Conferences. Elder Kilgore has given a report of its organization. As a missionary field, Texas has cost the General Conference nothing. Elder Kilgore has used his own means. Bro. J. F. Bahler and others have acted a noble part, so that the young Conference is less than one thousand dollars in debt. Bad management by some who had come to the State from Michigan and who had more selfishness and self-confidence than sanctified common sense and religion, had plunged the Tract Society into debt; but at the camp-meeting $1250 was pledged to the Society. Thirteen were baptized. Tent work for the coming season was considered, and it was thought best to purchase two tents, one sixty, the other fifty feet in diameter, which will cost $400. And the General Conference is pledged, through two of the Committee present, to pay $400 of the debt of the Texas Conference at the Office of the REVIEW AND HERALD. This proposition was a matter of great encouragement to the brethren. God bless the Texas Conference. J. W.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A. HALL: For a full discussion of the 49 weeks, the work of reformation by Nehemiah which marked their close, and proof that this was in the 15th of Darius Nothus, and that this was B. C. 408, see REVIEW of March 21, 1878, Vol. 51, No. 12. Darius Nothus was the third Persian king bearing the name of Darius, the first being Darius the uncle of Cyrus, B. C. 538; the second, Darius Hystaspes, B. C. 520; the third, Darius Nothus, B. C. 423; the fourth, Darius Codomannus, B. C. 335, who was the last Persian king, and was defeated by Alexander the Great at the battle of Arbela, B. C. 331.

How do you harmonize Gen. 49:10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come,” with Eze. 21:27, which says that the kingdom should be overturned, overturned, &c., and the fact that it was overturned from the days of Babylon, Dan. 1:1, and onward?

C. C. W.

ANS. We understand that the coming of Shiloh, is the coming of the Messiah at his first advent, but do not understand that the declaration, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah” till that time, means that Judah, till then, should occupy a position absolutely independent of all other nations, but that it would still remain a nation and maintain its government, though it might be in subjection to other powers. And this was fulfilled in the maintenance of the Jewish nation as a distinct people, and separate government, with the complete preservation of their genealogy, till Christ came, since which time they have ceased to exist as a nation, and their genealogy has been hopelessly lost.

Dr. Clarke has the following instructive note on Gen. 49:10:—

“From Judah the scepter shall not depart] The Jews have a quibble on the word שבט shebet, which we translate scepter; they say it signifies a staff or rod, and that the meaning of it is, that ‘affliction’ shall not depart from the Jews till the Messiah comes; that they are still under affliction and therefore the Messiah is not come. This is a miserable shift to save a lost cause. Their chief Targumist, Onkelos, understood and translated the word nearly as we do; and the same meaning is adopted by the Jerusalem Targum, and by all the ancient versions, the Arabic excepted, which has kazeeh, a rod; but in a very ancient MS. of the Pentateuch in my own possession, the word sebet is used which signifies a tribe. Judah shall continue a distinct tribe till the Messiah shall come; and it did so; and after his coming it was confounded with the others, so that all distinction has been ever since lost.”

T. B. SNOW: In relation to Matt. 19:28, our view is that the part which the saints have to act in the Judgment pertains to their own generation only.

If the destiny of the righteous is fixed before Christ comes, how and when do you apply the Saviour’s words in Matt. 25:32: “And before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats?”

A. FRIEND.

ANS. We apply the passage quoted to the time of Christ’s appearing, when the saints are taken from the earth. For though the cases of all are to be decided before that time, it is not till then that the bodily, final, and public separation between the righteous and the wicked takes place.

S. W. RANDALL: Paul, in Rom. 7, gives, as we view it, his experience. When fully converted, he was in the condition described in Rom. 8. There is where we want to be.

A “subscriber” asks how we prove the sin of common swearing in which the name of God is not used, by the third commandment.

We answer that any language which would imply irreverence toward God would come under that commandment; and no profane oath can be used without implying this.

A. BACHELDER: Answers to your queries on the Sabbath question, you will find in the excellent work of Eld. Andrews on the History of the Sabbath.

Is it improper to apply the title “Rev.” to man?

L. H. D.

ANS. We think it is. The word, though occurring but once in the English Bible, occurs many times in the original, and is rendered fear, afraid, fearful, and terrible. It is applied to things; but when it is applied to a person, it belongs only to God.

W. BRIGHAM: In high northern latitudes the sun for a portion of the year does not appear above the horizon, and during another corresponding portion it is above the horizon continuously; but in both these periods the revolution of the earth, and the hours corresponding to morning, noon, evening, and midnight can be marked just as accurately as in our own latitude. And this is all that is necessary in order to know when the Sabbath comes. For a person to say on this ground that it is impossible to keep the law of God is just as foolish as it would be for one to sit before a well-furnished table and starve to death on the plea that it was impossible for him to eat.

ANSWERED BY LETTER. I. D. Van Horn, O. M. Olds, E. J. Waggoner, S. B. Whitney, Elen L. Morse, E. P. Daniels, E. Lee, D. M. Canright, C. P. Whitford, D. Alway, A. M. Oyer.

OUR LATE CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK.

By R. F. Cottrell

This meeting, held at Rome, was excellent. As we tried to draw near to the Lord, he evidently drew near to us. His guidance was earnestly sought, not only in the meetings of worship, but in all the business of the meeting. The several committees sought the Guiding Hand at every step, uniting in seasons of prayer in which all took part, in their several sessions, earnestly beseeching God that they might do the work assigned to them in a way to meet the mind of the Spirit, and tend to the advancement of the cause. And there was great unanimity in the business sessions of the Conference.

We have reason to believe that the closing work of the message is at hand. To those who prepare their hearts and open the door, the Faithful Witness will come in, and they will sup together. This signifies no small blessing. It will be given to those who work and pray.

The tithing system, as now so clearly understood and set forth among us, was unanimously adopted by the Conference and all present, and recommended to all. This I regard as significant of good about to be realized. When all the tithes and offerings are brought in, the blessing will be poured out in such abundance that there will hardly be room to receive it. Let all who would share in the fulfillment of the promise comply with the conditions. We have repeated warnings against covetousness. This is our greatest danger. If we fear to sacrifice to God, because of the fear of coming to want, we may expect to be found at last with “the fearful and unbelieving,” Rev. 21 : 8. The voice of God to his people at the present time is, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.” Luke 12 : 32–36.

Our work is rapidly spreading over the world. Money is needed to send out missionaries, and sustain the work everywhere. And the means will be had. The Lord is not straitened in his work; but blessed are they who in faith and love labor for the advancement of the cause of God and for the salvation of souls. Let all covet a part in this glorious work.

R. F. Cottrell.

SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

The Sabbath-school is a nursery for the youth and children. It is also a place where all can receive much instruction and benefit. Where parents and teachers heartily co-operate, and the proper efforts are put forth, the probabilities are that the children will be converted to God. The mold given to a person's character in youth grows with his growth, and strengthens with his strength. If the early education is irreligious and detrimental to vital piety, the probabilities that that person will be converted and become useful in the cause of Christ rapidly decrease as he grows in years. “As the twig is bent, the tree inclines.” “If the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” The wise man truthfully says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” The opposite is equally true. If a child is permitted to grow up without training, or is instructed in the way he should not go, in after years he will not depart from it.

There are instances where individuals who have not had a religious education in their youth give their hearts to God, and grace triumphs in their salvation; but men with whom there has been a marked failure in this respect, rarely fill important positions in the work of God. So important is the early training of men who fill important positions that angels have often been sent to give special instruction to their parents respecting the course they should pursue with their children in infancy and childhood. Especially is this the case where children have been given in answer to prayer. See Luke 1:13-15; Judges 13:3-7. Moses, a man whom God honored as he has honored no other man, notwithstanding he was brought up in the Egyptian court, received his earliest instructions from his godly mother.

Of Timothy, who was a valuable help to him, the apostle Paul said, “I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.” He also writes to Timothy, “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The second time Paul was brought before Nero, just before his execution, his soul seemed to be drawn out for some one who could impart spiritual joy to him. This hero of faith writes in the following strain to his son Timothy: “Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.” He then gives the reason why Timothy could be such a comfort to him,—“when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

No fact is more evident than that the foundation of a correct religious experience is laid in the earliest years of an individual's life, and the neglect of this work is a grievous sin on the part of parents and guardians, which they will have to answer for in the day of Judgment. The death of Eli was a special judgment of God, because he neglected to restrain his sons, notwithstanding he was in other respects an acceptable priest. This sin was so great in the sight of Heaven that God said to him: “I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me forever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm

of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.” Another expression reads: “All the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.” 1 Sam. 2:30, 31, 33. The effect of Eli's sin was felt for many generations; and one hundred and fifty years later a portion of this wonderful prophecy was fulfilled in judgments against his house in consequence of it. 1 Kings 2:27.

At the present time, many fail to realize that they have any special responsibility in teaching the children the Scriptures, and filling their minds with those principles which should govern them in future life. Hundreds of parents have unconsciously slept while the enemy has sowed tares. Suddenly they have aroused to find a crop of tares, thorns, and briers fully ripened. Then, with sorrow of heart, they call for help, but it is too late. The bad seed has taken root, evil habits have been formed, and the parents go down in sorrow to the grave. What can be said to arouse parents and guardians to the importance of this subject, especially those who believe that the day of wrath is pending?

The advantages of the Sabbath-school cannot be overestimated as a means of educating the youth in the Scriptures, and laying a foundation for a genuine Christian experience. A great responsibility rests upon the teacher, and no less upon those who have the care of the youth at their homes. There must be a hearty co-operation in this work on the part of all connected with it. Children should be taught at home that there is an importance to this matter. They should be assisted in thoroughly learning their lessons. The teacher should not only labor to interest the pupils in the school, but to make the lessons instructive, and especially should he labor for the salvation of their souls.

In conclusion, let every company of S. D. Adventists see, first, that they have an organized Sabbath-school; second, that all, from the oldest to the youngest, who can comprehend a Bible story, attend it; and, third, that there is a hearty co-operation on the part of all connected with it. And they should never rest until every member is soundly converted to God.

S. N. Haskell.

FALLEN ASLEEP.

It becomes our painful duty to record the death of Mary F. Andrews, only daughter of Eld. J. N. Andrews, who departed this life at 4:30 A. M., Nov. 27, 1878, aged 17 years, 1 month, and 29 days. Her disease, tuberculous consumption, made constant and rapid progress, terminating in death as above stated. She was brought here with the hope that medical skill at the Sanitarium or the prayer of faith might rescue her from this threatening malady; but the physicians from the first pronounced her case beyond the reach of human remedies; and it has not proved to be the will of God to raise her up. We bow in submission to his providence, knowing that at last it will be seen to be both wise and merciful. She is now safely shielded from the evils to come, and rests in bright hope of immortality. The providence of God is seen in bringing her to this place, where she could receive the care and attention that could not well have been bestowed elsewhere. Faithfully her father watched over her, bearing her, as it were, in his own arms gently down to the grave. His presence and attentions were a great comfort to her, and a sad but appropriate privilege for him.

The funeral, Nov. 30, was attended by the largest congregation that has ever attempted to gain an entrance to our house of worship. After a few remarks by the writer on Eccl. 12:1, Bro. Andrews himself made a very earnest and touching appeal to the youth in behalf of the silent sleeper before them, urging them, by her unselfish consecration and faithfulness in her youthful years, to devote themselves to the service of God, and to his work which so much needs their help. It was a most impressive occasion, the effects of which, we trust, will not be lost.

The following lines by Sister Mary Martin, written in reference to this bereavement, will fitly conclude this brief tribute to her memory:—

“Mournfully, tenderly”—only One knows All the strange emptiness, greater than pain,— How much our life has been blended, and goes Down to the grave with the funeral train.

Blest be the hand that in kindness hath given Treasure our clinging hearts gladly would keep; Equally blest, that the tie is now riven; So gently, “He giveth his loved one sleep.”

Free from the blighting of sorrow or pain, Coming, redeemed, from the Enemy’s land; Joyfully, soon shall we meet her again, Radiant with youth ’mid the glorified band.

Norway and Denmark.

By John G. Matteson

The Lord has been good to us, and has favored us, in our feeble efforts, with some success. Our house has been filled with hearers during the week. I hired a hall for Sunday evening, so as to accommodate more people. It was a place where no meetings had been held before, yet some over five hundred were present. They listened with the best of attention to an exposition of Dan. 7. It is a good feature that most of the people that commenced to attend the meetings at first continue to come. I have quite heavy expenses here, but it seems that the people of Christiana ought to have an opportunity to hear the last message. They have contributed 25 kroner ($6.66) toward expenses during the two weeks in which I have held meetings. I have sold books this week for 26 kroner, and obtained three subscribers for the TIDENDE. Some are very fanatical in their unreasonable opposition, but many seem to have a desire to hear the truth.

Bro. A. Brorsen has held meetings in Verup, Sjælland, with some success. The house has been filled with people. One family has commenced to obey the truth. Others are searching the Scriptures for light. He has obtained one subscriber for the paper and sold a number of tracts. Our brethren in Denmark are growing in grace and are becoming confirmed in the truth. They write very encouraging letters to me.

JOHN G. MATTESON.

Osterhausgaden 12, Christiana, Norway, Nov. 11.

A DREAM.

We are not much of a believer in modern dreams, but the following clipped from an exchange, contains a lesson too valuable to be lost:—

It is said that a minister who lived in the time of Wesley, being wearied of his morning sermon, lay down to rest, and had a dream. He saw a man coming into the garden, a special friend of his, a minister of the gospel, a man of great gifts, and a successful preacher. He went toward him and was not a little surprised that the face of his friend appeared very sad, which was something unusual with him.

After saluting each other, he asked his friend what time it was, and it was just twenty-five minutes after four o’clock. The friend said: “It is just one hour after my death, and I am condemned forever—not because I did not preach the gospel; not that I was not successful, for there are now many sheaves which through me have been gathered into the store-house of God, that will bear witness to my success; but I am lost because I did not give God the honor, but sought to win the applause of the people to myself. Now I have my reward.”

The minister adds:—

“As he said this, he withdrew quickly, and I saw him no more. I then awakened, and the dream lay heavily on my mind. It was now time that I should again go to church to preach, and on my way thither a friend came to me and asked me if I had heard that Rev. — had died. I answered no! and upon further inquiry as to when he had died, I received the answer, ‘To-day, this afternoon, at twenty-five minutes after three o’clock.’ To preach to others and to be one’s self a castaway, is, according to the Holy Scriptures, possible.”—Selected.

A WORD FOR THE BRUTES.

By ALBERT STONE

Domestic animals have claims upon man, as creatures committed to his care, to be used for his benefit. In the order of Providence, these animals depend on the lords of creation for food, protection, and kind treatment. The cattle upon a thousand hills are the Lord’s, and every owner of a brute is God’s steward, with instruction, “Occupy till I come.” Then the account will be settled according to the law of God, and the testimony of angels who have been eye-witnesses.

The rights of animals are protected by the Bible, by legislative enactments, and by organized benevolent associations; yet abuse of animals by cruel treatment is a crying sin in the land. The poor, patient horse, whose faithful labor could not well be dispensed with, comes in for a large share of cruel treatment. To-day he draws the plow, breaking up the heavy sward; to-morrow he is driven, at tiresome speed, upon the road; next day, hitched up to the cushioned carriage he draws his master with wife and children to the house of God, waits quietly at the post, while his master enters the sanctuary to offer confession, prayer, and praise to the God of all comfort.

The next day he is placed before a load too heavy for his strength. Patiently he tugs away till he reaches the foot of the hill, and attempts to rise; but it is impossible. His repeated attempts are only failures. He is still urged with whip and voice to do a thing he cannot do. What next? Oh! the master’s patience has fled, and he balks; so does the horse, and there is a mutual alienation of affection. The whip is demolished, the stake from the fence is used up, and the man has yielded to insane madness.

He now disgorges his quid, seizes the noble animal with his teeth, biting his ear and nose. The poor horse, though better able to play at this game than his master, seems to despise such petty meanness and ignoble warfare, and patiently he bears the infliction without resistance. It has been the painful experience of the writer to witness scenes like the above.

Let humanity blush that such things can be.

Dear brethren, let us, who are of the day, walk circumspectly before the brutes; for in the day of Judgment they will speak, through recording angels, in tones of thunder, and a just God will avenge their wrongs.

ALBERT STONE.

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