p. 93 | Review and Herald, Vol. 38, No. 12. (9/5/1871)

Did the Apostles Preach the Law to the Gentiles?

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Those who claim that the law of God, the ten commandments, was abolished at the cross, often and loudly assert that the apostles were not required by their commission to preach the law to the Gentiles. In proof of this, the great commission of Matt. 28:19, 20, is quoted: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Or, as Mark says, “Preach the gospel to every creature.” Here, it is asserted, they were commissioned to preach the gospel, but nothing was said about their preaching the law. But let us look a little closer. How particular is this commission? “Go and teach all nations.” This certainly includes the Gentiles, so that whatever is in this commission must apply to the Gentiles. Notice still farther: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” What were they to teach? All things that he had commanded them.

In the early part of his ministry Christ chose his twelve apostles, keeping them with him during his whole ministry, carefully instructing them and preparing them to go out on their great mission of teaching the nations. He showed them how to preach, and what to preach, and what not to teach. In Matt. 5:1, 2, we read as follows: “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him; and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying.” Here are Peter, James, John, &c., seated around him; and the Master now proceeds to teach them what they shall teach others as they go out with the gospel. Says he, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” Verses 3, 4, 7. These are good observations, and we find the apostles in their ministry everywhere teaching them. He continues: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Verse 17. Now says he: James and John, do not get a wrong idea of my mission, I have not come to destroy the law of God, nor the prophets, but to fulfil them, that is, to do what they require. To fulfil a law, means to obey it, as may be seen by Gal. 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ;” that is, do what the law requires. Now he proceeds to tell them why he did not come to destroy the law. “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Verse 18. That is, not one jot or tittle should pass from the law till all the law and all the prophets were fulfilled; for these are the things of which he was speaking. All the prophets will not be fulfilled

till after heaven and earth pass; so the law will stand till that time.

He continues: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.” Verse 19. Now, John, as you are going out to teach others, be careful to keep every one of these commandments yourself, and then teach others to do it; for whosoever shall break one of these least commandments, and teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of Heaven. Nothing could be plainer than that.

And now to farther prepare them to properly keep and teach this law, he takes up two of the commandments to illustrate what he means: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the Judgment. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the Judgment; verses 21, 23; that is, the Pharisees had taught that, in order to break this commandment, Thou shalt not kill, they must actually take life; but Christ shows them that if they even have anger in their hearts, they have violated the commandment. Then he takes up another commandment, verses 27, 28, Thou shalt not commit adultery; and says that it may be broken by an impure desire of the heart. When the young man came to him to inquire what he should do to have eternal life, Jesus said to him in the presence of his disciples: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19:17. Thus he always taught them, during his whole ministry of several years. In his last great charge to them he carefully admonishes them to go and teach all things that he had taught them.

Now let us follow them in their ministry, and see if they did teach the law of God as he did. James was one of those disciples who sat at his feet and learned of him. About thirty years after this, he wrote an epistle to his Christian brethren scattered abroad. In chap. 2:8 he says to them: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.” He has the same subject up that his Master did—the law. He commences just as Jesus did. Christ said, I have come to fulfil the law. Now James says, If ye fulfil the law ye do well. Thus far he is in perfect harmony with his Master.

He proceeds: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Verses 9, 10. Here again he reiterates almost the very words of Jesus. Christ had said if a man should break one of the least commandments he should be least in the kingdom of Heaven. James says, “Whosoever shall offend in one point is guilty of all.” How exactly he followed his instructions.

But he proceeds: “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” Verse 11. To illustrate his meaning, he takes up the two commandments, Thou shalt not kill, and Thou shalt not commit adultery, and shows that, if you break any one of the commandments, you have broken the law. Here again he carefully follows the lesson he learned of his Master in Matt. 5.

Who can look these through and not plainly see that James is simply reiterating what Christ taught with regard to the law, in his sermon on the mountain. This shows that he did teach the ten commandments to the Gentiles.

Notice John, another apostle who learned of Jesus. He also went forth under the great commission to preach to the Gentiles. In his first epistle to the church, chap. 5:2, 3, he says: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” This was written sixty years after the death of Christ, and was addressed to the Gentiles. Does he instruct them to keep the commandments of God, or does he not? Most emphatically he does. He says, “This is the love of God that we keep his commandments.” But how do we know that these are God’s commandments? Because, first, it is not the law of Christ, but the commandments of God, that he is enforcing; second, the ceremonial law was abolished at the cross, sixty years before this. “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.” Eph. 2:15. So this leaves only the law of ten commandments.

Take another minister, the apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Gentile church at Corinth. He says, “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” 1 Cor. 7:19. How exactly this harmonizes with what Christ said to the young man, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” But it is in the book of Romans that we have the clearest evidence on this point. This book was written by the great apostle Paul. He was a Christian minister, and wrote in the Christian dispensation to the Christians. He penned this letter nearly thirty years after the death of Christ; hence as many years down in the Christian dispensation. It was addressed to the church at Rome, which was mostly composed of Gentile converts. That this letter was written to the Gentiles is unquestionable, as will be seen by the following quotations:

“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (but was let hitherto), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” Rom. 1:13–15.

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” Rom. 11:13.

Not only was this letter written to the Gentiles, but the chief subject under consideration is the law of God and its relation to faith in Christ. In the first chapter, Paul shows how the heathen world once had the knowledge of the true God, and how God gave them over to ignorance on account of their wickedness, so that now they are inexcusable. Chap. 2:1. In chapter two he goes on to say that every man will be judged according to the light he has. He tells the Jew that the simple fact of his having the law, and reading it, and teaching it to others, will not save him unless he keeps that law. Then he declares that the Jew breaks that very law in which they trust, that this makes their circumcision and all their professions null and void, and that really they are no better than the Gentiles, because they do not keep the law; but that if the Gentiles will keep that law they shall be accepted, even though they be not circumcised. “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law; but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.” “And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?” Verses 25, 27.

Here are some important facts: 1. Circumcision amounts to nothing unless it leads them to keep the law. 2. If those who are uncircumcised, that is, the Gentiles, will keep that law, they shall be accounted the same as if they were circumcised, that is, they shall be accepted as the people of God. 3. If the uncircumcised keep that law, they will condemn the Jews who do not keep it. In no stronger terms could the apostle exalt the law of God, before his Gentile converts than in this language. He teaches them the same as he did the Gentiles at Corinth that circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 1 Cor. 7:19. 4. It shows the falsity of the position always taken by opponents of the law; viz., that none could keep the law of God unless they were circumcised.

Having taken this position, the question with which he opens chapter 3 naturally arises; viz., “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?” Verse 1. Other translations say because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. An oracle is that spoken by the living voice. The oracles of God were the ten commandments, which he spoke with his own voice. The great advantage, then, which the Jews had, consisted in the fact that God intrusted his holy law unto them. But now, as they had all betrayed that trust, despised his law and broken his commandments, it brings the Jews down on a level with the Gentile world, both sinners together in the sight of God. Thus he says, in verse 9: “We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” The Jew is a sinner, and the Gentile is a sinner; or as he says again in verse 23: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Hence in verse 19 he draws the sad picture of the whole world, both Jew and Gentile, standing before God, condemned by his holy law. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to those who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Hence in the next verse he draws this legitimate conclusion: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Verse 20. Why can no man be justified by the law? Answer. Because all have transgressed that law; and a law once broken can never justify the transgressor.

To illustrate: A. kills B., but the crime is not discovered. He lives on in the same community for fifteen years, and never breaks the law again. Then his crime being discovered, he is arrested and found guilty; but he pleads that, after breaking the law in that one instance, he carefully kept it ever afterward, and intends never to break it again. Would the judge therefore acquit him? No, indeed; he might keep the law in every particular, till his head was gray, and yet the law would condemn him for that single transgression. So it is with the law of God. After we once transgress it, we can never be justified by it, however strictly we keep it afterward.

But all have violated the law of God. There is not a man but what has broken it, whether Jew or Gentile. This is Paul’s argument. Now what use does he make of it? A very important one indeed. He shows by this that all men are in great need of a Saviour to atone for their past sins, and thus save them from the penalty of God’s violated law. Then he brings forward Christ, and says that he has died for that very purpose, so that through him all men may have forgiveness for their past sins. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Verses 24, 25. Then the inquiry naturally arises, If we are justified through Christ, and not by the deeds of the law, is not the law then set aside, abolished, and are we under no further obligation to keep it? Paul, with a zealous care for the holy law of God, anticipates this conclusion and meets it thus: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Verse 31. How emphatically he denies this doctrine of faith in Christ making void the law of God. Not only does he deny this, but he says that he establishes the law, confirms it, strengthens it, makes it stand. Remember this is what he says to the Gentiles. How can a man with these facts, and this language before him, state that Paul never preached this law to the Gentiles?

In chapter 7 he shows the important part which the law performs in every man’s conversion. In conclusion, he says on that subject: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” “For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin.” “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.” Verses 12, 14, 22.

This, dear reader, is but a small part, a mere sample, of what all the apostles taught the Gentiles respecting the law of God, as they went out under the great commission to preach the gospel to all nations, to teach them as they themselves had been taught by the great Teacher. We therefore conclude that good ministers of Jesus Christ in preaching the gospel will follow the example of the apostles, and teach the Gentiles to keep the whole law of God, the Sabbath not excepted. D. M. CANRIGHT.

This Week's Review.

By Editor

IN our failing state of health, and the absence of Eld. Waggoner, and the great scarcity of matter from our preaching brethren, we set as good a table this week as we can, and there leave the matter in hope that the readers of the REVIEW will be better served for time to come. The physicians at our Institute forbid our writing at present; but violation of their orders, to some extent, seems a matter of necessity this week.

We very much regret that we cannot give reports from the New York, Vermont, and New England Camp-meetings this week. We have simply heard from them since the New England Camp-meeting closed, and that they were good meetings; but as yet we have nothing further to publish.

We need a first class reporter at all of our camp-meetings, imbued with the spirit of such grand occasions, who will pour into the minds and hearts of all our people, fresh in each week's REVIEW, the good that is said, seen, felt, and done, at these annual solemn feasts. In the absence of a reporter, let some brother, best qualified for the work, and who is not burdened with other matters, write the important things of each day's meeting.

The Law of God Was Ordained to Life before Man Sinned.

By John Matteson

“Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments; which if a man do, he shall live in them; I am the Lord.” Lev. 18:5. “And many times didst Thou deliver them according to thy mercies; and testified against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments (which if a man do, he shall live in them).” Neh. 9:28, 29. “And I gave them My statutes, and showed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.” Eze. 20:11. “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. . . . And the commandment which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.” Rom. 7:7–10.

When was the law of God originally ordained to life? Not in Paul’s day, for he found it “to be unto death.” Nor even as far back as the day of Adam, after he left paradise, was this law ordained to life; for by the strength of it Adam died, and death has come upon all his posterity. 1 Cor. 15:56. The moral law could not be ordained to life by an all-wise God, after man had become a fallen being, for “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” God knew that the moral law would bring death upon the transgressor, and that all men would be transgressors, therefore he could not introduce the moral law as a life-giving remedy after man had sinned.

There remains consequently but one reasonable answer to the question, When was the law of God originally ordained to life? In the garden of Eden, before Adam sinned. And if Adam had continued to obey the law of God he would never have died. Gen. 2:17; 3:22.

God has in great mercy introduced another remedy for sin and death, the death and resurrection of his only begotten Son, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1. Thus being brought again into favor with God, through Christ, the law is no more against us. Gal. 5:23. The law itself now being written in our hearts, Heb. 8:10, we “delight in the law of God.” Rom. 7:22. And gladly endeavoring to fulfill its precepts, Rom. 8:4, as our great Master has done before us, 1 Pet. 2:22, “leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps;” we do even now experience some of the life-giving power of the law, which still does work mightily, when our relation to the law is placed on the right foundation by the gospel. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

JOHN MATTESON.

“Appoint a Prayer-Meeting?”

By R. F. Cottrell

At a church meeting it was proposed by some of the members that committees should be appointed to visit and labor with some that were supposed to be backsliding or becoming alienated from the church. To this an aged brother replied, Would it not be better to appoint a prayer-meeting?

The suggestion was certainly a good one. If that church was not maintaining a prayer-meeting, the best means of keeping the members in a growing condition and preventing backsliding and apostasy were being neglected. In that case, to appoint a prayer-meeting was better than to appoint a committee. By all means appoint the prayer-meeting first, and invite all the members to attend. If this fails, then appoint the committee.

Again, it sometimes happens, and perhaps it was so in that church, that some members take no part in the meetings for prayer and social converse. If they appear at all at these meetings, it is only as silent spectators. And yet at meetings for church discipline they are forward and active to appoint committees to deal with, or give their voices to expel, those they deem delinquents. Such should be especially invited to the prayer-meeting, and to take an active part there, as a necessary preparation and qualification to engage in the discipline of those that are out of the way. And if they do not come up to this work, let them be charged to keep silent in church meetings till their cases are called up, and they are given the opportunity to answer for themselves. R. F. COTTRELL.

Charlotte, Mich., Camp-Meeting.

By Editor

THIS will be a meeting of very great importance. We shall be glad to give room in our grand circle of tents, for tent companies from other States.

Charlotte is at the junction of the Peninsular and Grand River Valley railroads. It is the seat of Eaton County.

Those coming from the south-east, should take the Valley road at Jackson; from the north-west, the Valley road at Grand Rapids; from the south-west, the Peninsular road at Battle Creek; from the north-east, the Saginaw, and Ionia roads, to Lansing; and from thence, the Peninsular, to Charlotte.

The Committee are not able to obtain reduction of fare. But the roads will take all baggage cheerfully, if every piece is distinctly marked, to save confusion.—ED.

TIME TABLE.

MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD.

GOING WEST.

LEAVE.	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	PACIF. EX.
Detroit,.....	7:00 A.M.	9:00 A.M.	5:25 P.M.	9:50 P.M.
Battle Creek,....	12:50 P.M.	1:25 P.M.	11:15 A.M.
Chicago, Arr.	8:05 P.M.	7:05 P.M.	6:30 A.M.	8:00 A.M.

GOING EAST.

	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	PACIF. EX.
Chicago,....	6:00 A.M.	9:00 A.M.	5:15 P.M.	9:00 P.M.
Battle Creek,....	12:50 P.M.	2:52 P.M.	11:15 P.M.	2:55 A.M.
Detroit, Arr.	6:30 P.M.	6:45 P.M.	8:35 A.M.	7:25 A.M.

Palace sleeping cars on all night trains. Trains connect at Detroit with the Great Western Road, for all points East.

GRAND RIVER VALLEY DIVISION

By Q. H. Heurd; H. E. Sargent; C. B. Bush

at Detroit with the Great Western Road, for all points East.

GRAND RIVER VALLEY DIVISION.

	Mail.	Mixed.	Eve. Express.
JACKSON,	12:15 P.M.	7:00 A.M.	5:10 P.M.
Eaton Rapids,	1:15 “	9:00 A.M.	6:15 “
Charlotte,	1:45 “	10:00 “	6:45 “
Grand Rapids,	4:25 “	3:15 P.M.	9:15 A.M.

	Mixed.	Eve. Exp.	Day Exp.
Grand Rapids,	6:30 A.M.	7:15 P.M.	12:45 P.M.
Charlotte,	12:00 M.	7:30 A.M.	3:07 “
Eaton Rapids,	1:15 P.M.	8:00 “	3:30 “
JACKSON,	3:05 “	9:10 “	4:30 “

Trains on G. R. V. Division are run by Jackson time, which is 15 minutes faster than Chicago time.

Q. H. HEURD, H. E. SARGENT, Ass’t Gen. Supt., DETROIT. Gen’l Supt. CHICAGO, C. B. BUSH, Ass’t Supt’, Grand Rapids.

Peninsular Railway.

By L. D. Dibble

Until otherwise ordered, trains will be run as follows:

GOING EAST.	Morn. Exp.	Eve. Exp.	Mixed.
Chicago,	6.00 A. M.	—	—
Michigan City,	8.12 “	—	—
Niles,	9.50 “	—	—
Cassopolis,	10.50 “	4.20 P. M.	—
Schoolcraft,	11.56 “	5.30 “	12.30 P. M.
Brady,	12.13 P. M.	5.48 “	1.20 “
Battle Creek,	1.15 “	4.45 A. M.	4.00 “
Charlotte,	2.30 “	6.00 “	6.30 “
Lansing,	3.25 “	6.55 “	7.40 “
Owosso,	6.37 “	9.07 “	—
East Saginaw,	8.40 “	11.05 “	—

GOING WEST.	Morn. Exp.	Eve. Exp.	Mixed.
East Saginaw,	6.50 A. M.	3.50 P. M.	—
Owosso,	8.35 “	5.45 “	—
Lansing,	10.10 “	7.40 “	4.45 A. M.
Charlotte,	11.05 “	8.35 “	6.20 “
Battle Creek,	12.15 P. M.	6.00 A. M.	8.45 “
Brady,	1.17 “	7.10 “	10.40 “
Schoolcraft,	1.34 “	7.28 “	11.05 “
Cassopolis,	2.40 “	8.40 “	—
Niles,	3.30 “	—	—
Michigan City,	4.50 “	—	—
Chicago,	7.05 “	—	—

L. D. DIBBLE, Pres’t and Gen. Supt., Battle Creek.

Ionia and Lansing Railway.

By R. Laughlin

GOING EAST.	Express.	Mixed.
Greenville, dep.	6:30 A. M.	9:00 P. M.
Ionia, arr.	7:30 “	10:45 “
Ionia, dep.	7:35 “	12:30 “
Portland,	8:18 “	2:50 “
Grand Lodge,	9:00 “	3:55 “
Lansing,	9:40 “	5:30 “

GOING WEST.	Express.	Mixed.
Lansing,	5:25 P. M.	8:00 A. M.
Grand Lodge,	6:08 “	10:45 “
Portland,	6:45 “	12:05 P. M.
Ionia,	7:35 “	3:00 “
Greenville,	8:40 “	4:45 “

R. LAUGHLIN, Supt., Lansing.

Hidden Religion Must Shine

A HIDDEN light soon becomes dim, and if it be entirely covered up will expire for want of air. So it is with hidden religion. It must go out. There cannot be a Christian whose light in some aspect does not shine.

Decatur City, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright; George Ide Butler

SUNDAY, Aug. 27, we closed our meetings in this place, after a stay of three weeks. We gave in all twenty-four discourses. The weather was fine most of the time, and the interest and attendance were much better than we expected. Moses Hull commenced his career in this section some thirteen years ago. About twenty-five came out under his preaching, but he soon left them; and after various trials and difficulties some of them went back, several moved away, and others died, so that their number was reduced to eight. No minister had visited them for years. Of course the cause was in a low condition. However, the few kept up their Sabbath meetings as best they could. During the past year, several embraced the truth here.

Our meetings at Leon, five miles distant, seemed to awaken a new interest here, so we came, expecting to stay but a few days only. We have had good freedom preaching the word usually, and on the whole, feel glad we came. Eighteen more have taken a decided stand upon the Sabbath, making a company of about thirty. Most of these are in whole families. We sold some books, and obtained several subscribers for our periodicals.

It was soon apparent that we needed a meeting-house. A subscription was started; and in a very short time, enough was raised to build a small house of worship, about 24x32. Work has already commenced upon it, and we expect to have it up and finished in a very short time. This encourages us much. We think it will give permanency to the cause here.

We do not remember to ever have met so bitter and unkind treatment from ministers in any place as we have here. It seems as though they would thoroughly exhaust the English language in finding epithets bad enough for us, and the spirit they manifested was full as bad as their words. They have preached against us several times, and we have reviewed them every time. As is usual, they have only hurt their own cause. Their lack of usual ability was made up of strong assertions, and a very free use of smut and blacking.

Our expenses thus far this summer have been comparatively nothing. Bro. Caldwell of this place moved to Leon, boarded us while there, met all our expenses; then brought us home with him, and he and others did the same thing by us here. We are glad for their sakes that God has raised up brethren here to encourage them in this field, where they have held on so long alone. As soon as we can have time, we hope to raise up other churches near by here, as there are very promising openings.

To-morrow we move our tent twenty miles north to Osceola on the railroad. The people of that place have repeatedly sent not only urgent calls, but petitions with hundreds of names signed, for us to come there. This is in the center of some six or seven churches, and only a day's drive from the farthest, hence it is an important point for us to establish a church. We go, hoping in the Lord and the prayers of our brethren.

D. M. CANRIGHT, GEO. I. BUTLER.

Harrison County, Iowa.

By R. A. Jays

Bro. J. Bartlett came to this place on Friday, August 4, and on Sunday afternoon commenced a course of lectures at the Wakefield school-house. He lectured every night until Sabbath evening. On Sunday afternoon he gave a lecture on the subject of the Mark of the Beast, to a large and attentive congregation. He continued his lectures evenings, through the week, until Thursday, having given in all thirteen discourses.

He was then obliged to close, and attend the monthly meeting. On the last evening he took a vote on the Sabbath question, when fifteen adult persons arose to their feet in favor of the Sabbath (two who were not present having acknowledged it before, there were in all seventeen); while in favor of Sunday, only two adults and a few boys arose. The people are very much interested to hear more of these truths, which are all new to many of them. A Universalist minister gave one discourse on the evening Bro. Bartlett did not lecture, trying to prove that the second coming of Christ was at the destruction of Jerusalem. Bro. Bartlett reviewed him on Sunday night, and showed clearly that long after the destruction of Jerusalem the second coming of Christ was spoken of as being still in the future.

A young minister in the church known as the Christian Union, came out on the Sabbath. We feel to thank God and take courage that the cause of truth is gaining ground in this western country.

R. A. Jays.

PROFIT OF PRAYER.

After prayer is not the heart lighter, and the soul happier? Prayer renders affliction less sorrowful, and joy more pure. It mingles with the one an unspeakable sweetness, and adds to the other a celestial perfume. Sometimes there passes over the fields a wind which parches the plants, and then their withered stems will droop toward the earth; but watered by the dew, they regain their freshness, and lift up their languishing heads. So there are always burning winds, which pass over the soul and wither it. Prayer is the dew which refreshes it again.

J. L. WOOD

By J. L. Wood

Anticipations.

AFTER spending a few weeks in connection with the tent in San Francisco, I am happy to meet once more with the dear friends of like precious faith in Santa Rosa. My heart is made glad, on seeing them, notwithstanding all the opposition that is brought against them, still firm in the truth. As we meet here in our social meetings from Sabbath to Sabbath to tell of our determinations, and to unite our prayers, I feel joyful in God while looking forward

in contemplation of that happy meeting, at which all of God's people will be present. Oh! what a glorious thought! How I love to meditate upon it! I want to be there, and am determined that, through the assistance of God's grace, I will.

I have dear friends now sleeping in Jesus, whom I expect to meet there; and, dear friends, I want to meet you there. “The time seems long to wait,” but we have one thing to cheer us, the waiting time will soon be over. “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10 : 37. Let us improve the time now while Christ is pleading his blood in the most holy place, and make sure work for eternal life.

J. L. WOOD

Santa Rosa, Cal.

THE MORNING COMET.

By Mary Martin

The day with untold record now is closing; The last bright ray of sunlight has just gone; The twilight shadows gathering dark and somber, Tell that the long, drear night is coming on. O Saviour, lead me, for how oft I stumble, Though thou hast made the way all right for me, And said I ever must be very humble If I would walk the narrow way with thee.

Saviour, the road is rough and darker growing, O, let me nestle nearer to thy side, And cleanse me with the precious blood that's flowing, So freely from the body crucified. The first watch, and the second, all are ending— The last preceding day-dawn is now here; The danger's great, for all around is tending To bring discouragement, and doubt, and fear.

But, oh! I'll keep so close to Him who, leading, Takes of the narrow way the thorniest part; He hears and answers all my earnest pleading, And will with his own blood cleanse my poor heart. The first faint streaks foretell the coming morning, Though all the way with danger is beset; Yet still he holds my hand, and every warning, I'll ask for strength to help, that I may not forget.

And when it bursts in glory and in splendor, The faithful ones will have their rich rewards; Oh! what account shall I then have to render, To Him who comes to reign, the Lord of lords? How many times I've wept o'er sins committed; I must forsake as well as to confess; And if I faithful prove, I'll stand acquitted, And all that heart could wish I shall possess.

There's nothing here that's in itself worth having, Were there not life beyond the dreary tomb; Nothing that ever could repay the loving, Were there no hope of an eternal home. How often here my lips unopened quiver, With music that they have no power to speak, But utterance will be given in His forever, The better new-earth land that I so fondly seek.

Unrealized hopes and unfulfilled desires, Around us withered lie on every side; But in the land to which our faith aspires, 'Twill not be heard, 'mid weeping, that "they died." My Father, help me that my lamp be burning, That all the work thou'st left me be well done; And may I ever long for the returning Of Him who leads me, even thy dear Son.

Mary Martin.

Blakeville, N. H.

Wisconsin Tent.

By David Downer

SINCE the time of our last report, we continued meetings in the tent at Wautoma, till August 20. Our meetings were a success, notwithstanding the bitter opposition which was constantly kept up. Since our discussion, the attendance has, with few exceptions, been small. We have divided our labor, one of us laboring in the tent, the other in a school-house some miles distant. Our labors have been blessed at both places.

We held our last meeting at Wautoma, Sunday, August 20. It was a very interesting meeting. More so, on account of some of its peculiar features. We had given out word one week beforehand that our meetings would close Sunday night, when we would attend to the ordinances of the Lord’s house. This attracted a large concourse of people to see what has to them now ceased to be a wonder—a peculiar people attend to the ordinances of the Lord’s house. The Lord was with us in the meeting.

Nine were buried with Christ in baptism, and, we hope, have arisen to walk in newness of life. Others will be baptized soon. About thirty have commenced keeping the Sabbath. Many more are convinced. We have organized two classes for prayer and social meetings. I am now laboring in the school-house. Brn. Sanborn and Olson have gone to Plainfield with the tent. I intend to join them soon. Everything bids fair for a prosperous work being done in this vicinity. A large field is being opened up here. Oh! for laborers to gather in the ripening grain, before the tares are bound in bundles.

We unite in saying, We heartily indorse Bro. Canright’s view on discussions. We shall continue our meetings at Plainfield till tent-meeting season closes. Pray for us.

DAVID DOWNER.

Wautoma, Wis., Aug. 24, 1871.

Patten, Maine.

By S. B. Goodrich

The work moves slowly in this place. Bro. Barnes, not being well, left me, and returned home July 17. Since that time I have been alone; but the Lord has helped me, for which I feel thankful. Twelve have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Others are convinced on the truth, and I hope they will take up the cross soon; but Satan is doing all he can to hinder the work and destroy souls.

The argument used by some of the ministers and church members is, Keep away; do not go to those Millerite meetings. May the Lord have mercy on the blind watchmen, and they recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who have been taken captive by him at his will. S. B. Goodrich.

Report from Bro. Ingraham.

By Wm. S. Ingraham

AFTER leaving the camp-meeting at Medford, we went to Blue Earth City, where we pitched our tent and commenced our labors. The interest to hear was good, and our congregations large. We rejoiced in view of great success. I had preached four times and Bro. Van Horn only three before he was prostrated with a fever. Being anxious to keep up the interest, I labored hard; but the work with my poor health was too great for me. My voice failing, I had to close my meetings; but our labor was not lost. A letter from there states that some have decided to obey the truth.

I expect to visit the people in the vicinity of Blue Earth City and Jo Daviess soon after the hurry of wheat stacking is over. We are glad to say that Bro. Van Horn is fast recovering from his sickness.

Wm. S. Ingraham.

Wasioja, Aug. 19, 1871.

Report from Bro. Matteson.

By John Matteson

Our meetings in this place still continue, although the interest among outsiders is not great. Yet there are some honest souls who inquire after the old paths. The brethren are all firm in the truth, and are growing in the love of it. Peace and union prevail. I feel at home among these brethren. They are striving to overcome their sins, and are getting a Christian experience, which, if they continue in it, will certainly lead them in the way of everlasting life. They have more difficulties from outside to contend with than any other church which I know, yet the Lord has wonderfully directed their ways, and blessed them so far. Yesterday we celebrated the ordinance of baptism, and three dear souls were buried with their Lord, and rose to walk in newness of life. They have all given good evidence that their hearts are in this matter, and that they have commenced to love their Saviour and his truth.

The influence against us from the churches is very strong. Hundreds of people would listen to the truth if these scores of divines did not continually fasten the creed-bands about them. They talk against us in private, preach against us from the pulpit, and write against us in their religious periodicals, and sometimes in their political papers, too. We have no means of defending ourselves, but to walk humbly before God. We believe that he will bring us help in due time.

To give you an idea of the field among the Scandinavians, I will notice that, in this city alone, there are 8 Norwegian papers, two political, one with nine thousand, and the other with three thousand, subscribers; one infidel paper; one Methodist, one Baptist, and three or four Lutheran, religious papers. Of Swedish papers, there are probably as many more. The Swedish Lutherans have a weekly, religious periodical, as large as the REVIEW. They have just finished a new, brick church edifice at the cost of $10,000. There is no lack of intelligence, education, or means, among this people.

The Methodists are having a large camp-meeting which continues about a week and a half. This has drawn away some of our congregation. I have thought some of closing my efforts here; but the brethren urge me to remain. I yield to their earnest entreaties, and trust in the Lord that some more good may be done. Last night our hall was pretty well filled. May the Lord direct in this important work for the glory of his own great name, and the salvation of precious souls. JOHN MATTESON.

Elston Road 21, Chicago, Ill.

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