The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. The Association has now a large and well-furnished Office of publication, established in Battle Creek, Mich., and employs two steam power presses in carrying on its business. A meeting of the stockholders is held each year, at which a board of trustees is elected to manage its business, and editors chosen to conduct its periodicals, till the ensuing meeting. All persons employed in the publishing department, are engaged at stipulated wages, and all profits accruing from the business, are strictly applied by the Association to the carrying out of the object of its formation, and to its charitable uses and purposes. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
Is a large sixteen-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Pub. Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $3.00 per year, or $1.50 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worldly poor—free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth’s Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. Those who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the95Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
The Second Advent.
The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.
Immortality through Christ Alone.
We call the special attention of the reader to the subjects of the nature of man, his condition in death, and the destiny of the wicked. More than ordinary importance attaches to these subjects, at the present time. We would confidently recommend to all a thorough reading of the work by H. H. Dobney entitled, Future Punishment, as advertised in our book list. The reader will find it a work exhaustive in its investigations, and remarkable for its candor, and the strength and clearness of its reasoning. Which? Mortal or Immortal? is a lower-priced and more-condensed work on the same subjects. While “The End of the Wicked,” and the one, two and three cent tracts may be found sufficient to awaken interest with those who would not commence with larger works.
Packages of Tracts.
For the convenience of those who may wish to purchase books for general circulation, we have put up assorted packages of tracts in two sizes, which we will send post-paid at 50c., and $1.00, respectively.
The 50c. package contains Sabbath Tracts Nos. 1, 2, and 3, End of Wicked, Mark of Beast, Sin of Witchcraft, Objections to Second Advent, answered, Death and Burial, Positive Institutions, Much in Little, Truth, Preach the Word, Law by Wesley, and Miscellany.
The $1.00 package contains The Three Messages, Which, Mortal or Immortal? Prophecy of Daniel, Saints Inheritance, Signs of Times, Seven Trumpets, Celestial R. R., Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, Scripture References, Wicked Dead, Sabbath by Elihu, Infidelity and Spiritualism, War and Sealing, Who Changed Sabbath, Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined, Institution of Sabbath, Thoughts for the Candid, Appeal to men of reason, Personality of God, Seven Seals, and Time Lost.
Those who order these packages, save their postage. We cannot too strongly urge upon all the circulation of our publications, books and papers. Many, now rejoicing in the truth, can attribute their first interest in these things to these silent preachers; while in some instances they have opened the way for the formation of well established and flourishing churches.
Our Book List.
—THOUGHTS ON THE REVELATION, a volume of 328 pages, containing the entire text of the book of Revelation, with Thoughts Critical and Practical on the same. A new and harmonious interpretation of the prophecy. Cloth, $1.00, weight 12 oz.
—THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 342. Cloth, 80c., weight 12 oz.
—FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 16 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or the Experience and Views of E. G. White, with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
—SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 50c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
—HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.
—APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. N. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without likeness, 10c., 2 oz.
—THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidence of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
—BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
—SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
—THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
—THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
—WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition. 15c., 4 oz.
—MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendency. The Heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 5 oz.
—THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.
—MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
—APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral, ruin of many of the Children of our time. 10c., 2 oz.
—REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question, Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
—SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
—VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
—REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
—BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.
—THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 3 oz.
—KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
—THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
—THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
—THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
—THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
—MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
—MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God, showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
—THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was Instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
—BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
—AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
—REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
—MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
—EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
—SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
—THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 4c., 1 oz.
—SAMUEL AND THE WITCH OF ENDOR; an exposition of this remarkable portion of Scripture, showing the state of the dead, and the sin of witchcraft. 4c., 1 oz.
Tracts in Other Languages.
—LIV OG DØD: “Life and Death;” a work in Danish, on the Nature of Man, the Saints’ Inheritance, and the Destiny of the Wicked. 280 pp., paper cover, 40c., weight 12 oz.
—THE BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT, in Danish. A work on the plan of the Assistant in English, containing Scripture references on a variety of subjects, adapted to the Danish Bible. 5c., 1 oz.
—FORTY QUESTIONS ON IMMORTALITY, in Danish. 2c., 1 oz.
—THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French. 5c., 1 oz. In Danish 10c., 1 oz.
—AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.
—WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
—PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
—DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.
—MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts on eternal misery.
—TRUTH.
—POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.
Three-Cent Tracts.
—THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, popular objections to this scriptural doctrine briefly considered. This thorough little treatise removes in a masterly manner the difficulties supposed to lie in the way of the resurrection of the identical matter that goes into the grave.
—THE LAW of God, By H. H. Dobney, England.
—JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.
—SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
—MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, &c., were to continue to the end of time.
—THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Charts.
—THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.
—THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $4.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.
—SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c. by mail, postpaid.
Postage.
The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind and so on.
Address.
All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to J. M. Aldrich, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
Form of Bequest.
Important bequests are frequently lost to the Association through informality. Those who wish to will property to the Association to be devoted to the spread of the truth, should adopt the following form of bequest:
“I bequeath to my executor (or executors) the sum of———dollars in trust, to pay the same in———days after my decease, to the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, located in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, to be applied by the Trustees of that Corporation, to its charitable uses and purposes.”
Three witnesses should state that the testator declared this to be his last will and testament, and that they signed it at his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other.
The Roman Pageant.
The Eternal City has recently been the scene of one of those gorgeous and imposing ceremonial displays with which the Church of Rome delights to captivate the senses of the multitude. The martyrdom of St. Peter, just eighteen centuries ago, and the canonization of twenty-five servants of the Church who laid down their lives in Japan for the sake of their religion, furnished the occasion for the glittering pageant. Previous to the grand exhibition of religious pomp beneath the dome of St. Peter’s, a public consistory was held by the Holy Father, at which were gathered, in their pontifical robes, more than four hundred Roman Catholic bishops, coming from every part of the world. The Pope addressed the assembled clergy in a formal allocution. Their presence was interpreted as a testimony to their zeal and devotedness in the cause of the Church. It was held up to the faithful as an illustration of their fidelity to the Holy See, and as an example to the enemies of Rome of the universal power which is still exercised by the chair of St. Peter.
The Roman Catholic clergy of this country were largely represented on the occasion. They came, like the wise men of the East to Bethlehem, with costly gifts in their hands. A quarter of a million of dollars in gold coin, and a silver model of one of the famous American yachts, which was the contribution of the faithful in the United States, placed His Holiness in excellent good humor, and drew from his lips a specimen of the pleasantries with which reverend ecclesiastics are wont to edify their docile listeners. This diversion of the hard earnings of American labor from the cause of the Fenians to the objects of the Church, was doubtless regarded as an omen of happy import. The Pope spoke of the devotion and generosity of his American children in terms of gracious approval, and was profuse in compliments to all who represented the interests of this country.
But the grand object of attraction was on a subsequent day, when all the resources of St. Peter’s were combined to give dramatic effect to the canonization of the martyrs. The first scene was the illumination of the whole city on the previous evening, bathing the towers and steeples of Rome as in a sea of liquid fire. With the earliest rays of the morning sun, a procession of prelates, priests, monks, and soldiers passed in shining apparel and solemn array from the Vatican to St. Peter’s, while the dazzled multitude that swarmed in the streets and on the house-tops rent the air with their acclamations. The Pope was borne in triumph on his jeweled throne by the shoulders of men. The interior of St. Peter’s presented a spectacle of bewildering grandeur. Every foot of space in that vast area was occupied by a promiscuous crowd of all nations and languages. The church was decorated in a manner surpassing the temple of Solomon in all its glory. Its massive columns and graceful arches were hung with cloth of gold, silver tapestries, crimson silks in endless profusion, and works of religious art by the greatest masters. The dim religious light of the ancient sanctuary yielded to the intolerable blaze of many millions of wax candles. The Gregorian mass in Latin and Greek was celebrated by the Pope. The magnetism of the immense audience, which included the loftiest dignitaries of church and state, the solemn music, the display of military arms and banners, the religious associations of the scene, kindled a fervid enthusiasm, and held the strongest heads as by a spell of enchantment. One bewildered worshiper was so excited by the occasion that he even lost his senses, and committed suicide on the spot.
The immediate motive of such a gorgeous exhibition at this time has not been expressly declared; but it is in perfect accordance with the usual policy of the Church of Rome to appeal to the imagination through the medium of the senses. It presented the influence and power of the Church in a visible, spectacular form. More than any arguments addressed to the understanding, more than all the cold deductions of logic, more than the most impressive suggestions of passionless and serene wisdom, was that holiday pageant adapted to gain possession of the hearts of the multitude. The impressible Italian nature is roused to its highest possibilities in such an atmosphere; while less ardent temperaments are fired by example and sympathy. The Roman Church has always understood the secret of bringing this element of human nature to bear on the promotion of its interests. It looks upon men and women not as beings of pure contemplation, not as endowed by their Creator with exclusively spiritual attributes, not indeed as capable of high intellectual advancement; but rather as children of a larger growth, who are to be tempted, as if by sweetmeats, and cakes, and fine clothes, to the pursuit of virtue and the attainment of salvation.
The Church makes great account of the power of association. If it makes provision for the indulgence of ascetic tendencies, and the gratification of a taste for solitary life, it presents innumerable points of contact for persons of a contrary disposition. It finds an effective agency in the aggregate of numbers. A crowd assembled in the midst of architectural splendors, in an atmosphere perfumed with the odors of incense, and soothed with the strains of the grand ecclesiastical music of the middle ages, presents all the conditions for a profound religious influence. It is not necessary to believe that this is a mere illusion of the imagination and the senses. The spiritual truth, of which every form of religious worship is to a greater or less degree the symbol, is brought out of the sphere of abstraction, held in solution, so to speak, and presented in a state to be assimilated by the individual.
Still we do not look upon the late scenic exhibitions at Rome as any proof of the increasing power of the Church over the most advanced life of the community. The best minds at the present day which bow at the Catholic altar utter an inward protest against the pretensions of the Pope and the dogmas of the creed. Many who are more faithful than Mazzini in the visible allegiance to its authority agree with him in the opinion that death has seized upon its vitals, and that a worthier manifestation of truth is in reserve for humanity.—Independent.
Richer than Gold
Though the settlement of California was expedited by the wonderful gold discoveries, it now appears that gold is by no means the most valuable of its productions. A recent lecture in New York, by Dr. E. S. Holden of Stockton, presented facts showing the rapid increase of its wealth, and its capabilities, if rightly developed, for becoming the richest state in the Union. It has 70,000,000 acres, suitable for agricultural and grazing purposes, of which 6,000,000 are now under cultivation. Instead of importing her breadstuffs, it sent to New York in the six months ending March 1, 1867, 48,000 barrels of flour and 5,500 bushels of wheat, besides freighting 23 ships with wheat for Liverpool. The estimated value of its agricultural crop for 1866 was $54,000,000, exceeding its gold crop by several million. The product of its manufactures for that year was $30,000,000. Its agricultural and horticultural capacities are said to be unparalleled on the globe. Over 300 varieties of grapes have been successfully cultivated, and fruits of every variety, those peculiar to northern and southern climates, are raised within its borders. Cotton is grown and manufactured there, and woolen and silk culture will be among the most profitable of its industrial arts. Besides the inexhaustible gold mines, which embrace 44,000 square miles, almost every kind of valuable minerals and metals is found. The state has every variety of climate, and is everywhere salubrious and healthy.
Former Annexations
The recent purchase of Russian America is the sixth acquisition of territory since the formation of our Union. Louisiana and the Mississippi Valley were purchased from France in 1803 for $15,000,000; Florida from Spain in 1819, for $3,000,000; Texas was annexed in 1845; California, New Mexico, and Utah were purchased from Mexico in 1848, for $15,000,000; and Arizona in 1854, for $10,000,000.
The Intolerant Spirit
The New York Tablet, a Catholic paper, in defending the action of the church in excluding Protestant churches from the city of Rome, makes use of strange language for a public journal of a free country, where every one is allowed to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. It says: “As Protestants have no divine authority to teach or govern, they have no right to send missionaries or to open places of worship where the national authority forbids it. They have from God no right of propagandism, and religious liberty is in no sense violated when the national authority, whether Catholic or Pagan, closes their mouths and their places of holding forth. They are of those of whom our Lord says, and will say, ‘I never knew you.’”
A Terrible Revelation
Not long since a young girl of fifteen was brought before a Police court in London for insubordination in a workhouse, where she had been for several weeks in the “casual ward.” The report of the case brought letters from “a host of persons” in all parts of the kingdom, whose daughters of the same age were missing, each hoping that the prisoner was their lost daughter. A London paper referring to this sorrowful fact, says, “The publication of a single case brings to light the fact that there are at this moment numerous persons—‘a host’ of mothers in this country, mourning the loss of daughters of the age of fifteen who have been kidnapped or enticed from home.”
An Iron-clad for Prussia
The King of Prussia is having an iron-clad built in England which is expected to be the finest thing afloat. She is to be 365 feet in length, with a width of 60 feet, and will measure about 5,000 tons. She will be cased in iron eight inches thick; will have two iron turrets, each to carry two heavy guns, and will mount twenty guns on deck, of the heaviest calibre, protected by shields.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
GENERAL MEETINGS.
We will, Providence permitting, hold General Meetings as follows:
Fairplains Aug. 10 and 11, Wright Sept. 7 and 8, Gratiot Co. Oct. 5 and 6, in the most central place, to be appointed by the brethren of that County through the Review. These are designed for general gatherings of the brethren in Northern Michigan. Baptism and the other ordinances can be attended to at all these meetings.
JAMES WHITE.
ELLEN G. WHITE.
QUARTERLY MEETINGS IN MINN.
AUGUST 10 and 11, at Bro. Crandall's, Pleasant Grove. Aug. 17 and 18, at Greenwood Prairie. Aug. 24 and 25, where Bro. Ingraham may appoint. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, at Deerfield. Sept. 7 and 8, at Bass Lake. Sept. 14 and 15 at Brush Creek.
STEPHEN PIERCE, for Committee.Stewartville, July 12, 1867.
VERMONT STATE CONFERENCE.
THE Vermont State Conference of S. D. Adventists will hold its next annual session at West Enosburg, Franklin Co., Vt., Friday, Sept. 13, 1867, at 9 o'clock A. M. All the churches in the State and Canada East should have a faithful representation by delegates or letters at this meeting. The delegates and ministers should also come prepared to make the various reports to the Conference that the Constitution requires.
A. C. BOURDEAU, } Vermont
D. T. BOURDEAU, } Conf. Com.
CONVOCATION MEETING IN VERMONT.
As there has been no Conference held in this State for more than two years, and the brethren and sisters in Vermont and Canada East greatly desire that a general meeting of several days be held for the Sabbath-keepers and friends within the limits of the Vermont State Conference; therefore I take the liberty of appointing a General Convocation Meeting to be held at West Enosburgh, Vt., commencing on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 9 o'clock, A. M. and continuing till the Sunday evening following, excepting the 13th when the Vermont Conference will be held. It is expected that there will be a general attendance of brethren and sisters in this State. Those also that can come from adjoining States are cordially invited to attend.
The church of Enosburgh are favorably situated to entertain a large gathering, and they are willing to do their part in this direction; yet in order that they may enjoy the benefit of the meeting with others, it is expected that the brethren will come prepared to take care of themselves as far as possible. Those coming by rail-road will come to St. Albans, and at 1 P. M. take the stage to Bakersfield where teams will meet them the 10th. The object of this meeting will be our mutual religious interest, and advancement in holiness. Let us be much in prayer that God's blessing may rest upon this Convocation Meeting.
It is expected that Elder J. N. Andrews will be present.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren and sisters of Brodtville and Tafton, at Tafton, Wis., as Bro. Lewis may arrange, August 3 and 4. Will have prayer-meeting Sabbath morning at nine, preaching at 10 A. M., and at 3 P. M. Also, preaching first-day morning at half past ten, and at three. We hope all the Sabbath-keepers in that section of the country will be there both days if possible, especially Bro. Thompson from Cassville. Let all come hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and we shall be blessed.
ISAAC SANBORN.
THE NEXT Quarterly Meeting of the churches in Gratiot Co., Mich.,
will be held at Ithaca, Sabbath and first-day, August 3 and 4. A general gathering is expected. Will Bro. and sister White please attend?
P. P. ALLEN, Church Clerk.Ithaca, Mich., July 16, 1867.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will hold meetings in Berkshire, Vt., Sabbath, Aug. 3. A general turn out of the brethren and sisters in Enosburgh will be expected at this meeting.
At Stowe, Aug. 10 and 11, also at Bro. Loveland's in Johnson, the 17th and 18th. At Johnson we will endeavor to re-arrange Systematic Benevolence, and to set things in order in the church. Bro. Stone is invited to be present.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
THE Lord willing, we will meet with the church at Monroe, Wis., Sabbath and first-day, July 27 and 28. And in Quarterly Meeting with the church at Sand Prairie, Wis., Aug. 3 and 4, to be held in their new meeting-house. We hope to see a general gathering of the friends of the cause at this meeting.
H. C. BLANCHARD.
R. F. ANDREWS.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren in Windsor, Mich., Sabbath, July 27, 1867. Sabbath and first-day, August, 3 and 4, with the church in Hillsdale. Aug. 10 and 11, with the church in Ransom Center. Sabbath, Aug. 17, at Burr Oak.
JOHN BYINGTON.
THE next Monthly Meeting of the Anamosa, Lisbon and Marion churches will be held at Marion, Iowa, on the first Sabbath and first-day, 3d and 4th of August next.
A. W. CUMMINGS, Ch. Clerk.
We are happy to learn by private letters from Bro. White that he is progressing favorably in the direction of health and strength. He is so that he performs without undue fatigue, the various duties pertaining to farm life, making out quite a day's work, then getting from six to nine hours' sleep, and waking in the morning free from pain. From his published reports, the brethren understand what he is able to do in the line of preaching. May the good work of restoration go rapidly forward. Latest advices also contain the gratifying intelligence that sister White is in excellent health. The church in Battle Creek hope to receive a visit from them, as soon as they can make it convenient.
ABRAHAM A SABBATH-KEEPER.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
DID Abraham keep the Sabbath? He did. God worked six days and rested on the seventh. He then “blessed the seventh day and sanctified it.” To sanctify is to set apart for a sacred use. Thus we see that God set apart the Sabbath in the garden of Eden, and thus it became a part of his law to observe that day. In confirmation of this fact, we find that the command to keep the seventh day was a part of God’s law before the ten commandments were given on Sinai. Then said the Lord unto Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you;” and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no.” Ex. xvi, 4. Here the Lord will test them whether or not they will keep his law. How does he do it? He rains bread from heaven for them. But “it came to pass that there went out some of the people on the seventh day to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?” Vs. 27, 28.
By this we see that, 1, God had a law, and 2, The Sabbath was a part of that law. Hence, whoever did not keep the seventh day, did not keep his law and his commandments.
But of Abraham, I read thus: “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Gen. xxvi, 5.
Then according to the above testimony he must have kept the Sabbath. I see not how this can be consistently denied. Abraham was a Sabbath-keeper.
D. M. CANRIGHT.