The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 21.
THE MOLLY MAGUIRESPage 1
Earlier text: THE MOLLY MAGUIRESThe human mind has always been prolific in the invention and application of substitutes. Making one thing serve the place or purpose of another is not, in and of itself, wrong; on the contrary, it is right and highly beneficial in many cases, such as the substitution of machinery for hand labor and of railway cars and steamboats for the old-fashioned means of travel. But substitution is carried too far when one party makes a change in a business or an institution, in which others are equally interested, without consulting those persons or securing their consent to such change. This same disposition finds its way into things pertaining to the life to come, and meddles with them almost, perhaps altogether, as much as in the concerns of the present life. Here it is only evil. Look a moment. God has provided a way of salvation for poor, fallen, lost humanity. They agree to it, accepting the conditions, and thus enter into a contract with the Lord, putting themselves under solemn obligations to keep the conditions of that contract inviolate. And it would seem that a puny mortal would hardly presume to improve on the plan of the Infinite; or even make another “just as good,” that will do “just as well,” etc. This defense of substituting human ordinances and institutions for those of the unchangeable Jehovah seems to be nothing short of blasphemy. A few examples from sacred history will the more clearly show us that God does regard this work as a great sin. Cain offered the fruits of the ground instead of a lamb. God could not accept the substitute; but said to the presumptuous worshiper, “Sin lieth at the door.” Perhaps his fruit had more intrinsic value than his brother’s lamb; yet it did not “do just as well”—did not do at all. Neither would the golden calf do as a substitute for the God of the Hebrews. Ex. 32. A few hundred years later the image of Baal was set up, by or through which to worship. This new way soon became so popular that from the prince to the beggar all were ready to accept the substitute. And it was next to impossible to get the people to go back to the old-fashioned way—the keeping of God’s commandments. The prophet who in the name and by the authority of God urged this reform was regarded as a disturber of the peace—a troubler of the commonwealth. 1 Kings 18. Another instance of this nefarious work is recorded in Matt. 15. The Lord’s people had substituted the gift of a sum of money to the sacred treasury for obedience and honor to parents, insisting that it would “do just as well.” But would it? did it? No; hear the withering rebuke that fell from the lips of our Lord, not upon this substitute only, but equally upon all others: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Verses 7–9. Unless men can get the Lord to see that their ways are better than his, or, at least, just as good, they need not expect him to accept them instead of his ways. But in the face of all this, the multitude move on, holding, cherishing, venerating the traditions which their fathers substituted for the commandments of God. History repeats itself. Every age, every century, every generation, tells the same old story—the blind lead the blind. The struggling, seething mass rush madly on. They have no time, no disposition, to hear the still small voice saying, “The foolishness of God is wiser than men.” “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” There have always been a few who would hear. It will be so now. Who will be one of that few? J. LAMONT. TO THE REVIEW.
By M. E. McKee
DEAR REVIEW, most welcome guest, Thus my words are oft addressed When, from overflowing heart, Tears will unforbidden start, Tears of joy for news I hear Of the progress everywhere, East and West, and South and North. News to me of greatest worth Is to know the cause is moving, And good souls all things are proving. The dear REVIEW from week to week Brings food my weary soul doth seek. It is my pastor, teacher, friend; I’ll read it, then will gladly lend. My precious Bible much I prize; It clears the mist before my eyes; It shows me clearly wisdom’s path, How to escape Jehovah’s wrath. It tells what God for man hath done, In giving his beloved Son To die that man in Heaven might live, If he the gift would but receive. It speaks of threatenings, dangers, blessings, Of pardoning love, of sins confessing; It tells what in these latter days God’s people all should heed; it says The wicked shall not understand, But wise men over all the land Shall see, and shall discern the signs That mark Christ’s coming; and the times In which we live adown the stream Of prophecy are clearly seen. If we believe God’s word is true, Like Noah we’ve a work to do. This is your mission, dear REVIEW. God speed the cause and bless it too, Till every nation, kindred, tongue, Shall hear the message loud and long. And this is why my heart is stirred To deepest depths at every word That tells of those who for the truth Forsake the errors of their youth, Because I see your friends and mine As idle spectators recline; Because I long for every soul Who sees a part to embrace the whole; Because I too would bear a part In bringing joy to others’ heart. I can conceive no greater joy, No higher theme my tongue employ, Than bringing souls to see the truth Who, seeing, shall obey, forsooth; The harvest field is large and wide, It lies about on every side; The errors of the Church of Rome with Protestants have found a home; God’s word has quite perverted been, As Paul says, by the man of sin. The pastors teach for greed and gain, And have not sought the blind and lame; While many from them turn away Because they’re quite as good, say they, As those who serve both loud and long With false hearts underneath their tongue. “Come out of her, my people,” come, Is God’s command, and still they come; For “Babylon is fallen,” and “Be separate” is God’s command. God speed your mission, dear REVIEW; May all who bear a part with you, Be Heaven inspired in heart and pen To warn and bless their fellow-men. God bless the laborers everywhere Shall ever be my earnest prayer. M. E. McKEE. Saginaw, Mich., April 27, 1876. THE SABBATH.
By C. O. Taylor
[I do not send the following, which I clip from the Courier and Freeman, of Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., for the truth as it respects the first day of the week, but for the sentiment in favor of the weekly rest. C. O. TAYLOR.] Gladstone, the English statesman, says: “Believing in the authority of the Lord’s day as a religious institution, I must, as a matter of course, desire the recognition of that authority by others. But, over and above this, I have myself in the course of a laborious life signally experienced both its mental and its physical benefits. I can hardly overrate its value in this view; and for the interest of the working men of this country, alike in this and other yet higher respects, there is nothing I more anxiously desire than that they should more and more highly appreciate the Christian day of rest.” After giving his experience with his first cigar in boyhood, Mr. Talmage speaks thus of his deliverance from the vile habit: “But how about my last cigar? It was three o’clock Sabbath morning in my western home. I had smoked three or four cigars since tea. I thought I was getting the inspiration from above, but was getting much of it from beneath. My hand trembled along the line, and, strung up to the last tension of nerves, I finished my work and started from the room. A book standing on the table fell over, and, although it was not a large book, its fall sounded to my system like the crack of a pistol. As I went down the stairs their creaking made my hair stand on end. As I flung myself on a sleepless pillow, I resolved, God helping, that I had smoked my last cigar, and committed my last sin of night study. I kept my promise. With the same resolution went overboard tea and coffee.” “That night I was born into a new physical, mental, and moral life. Perhaps it may be better for some to smoke, and study nights, and take exciting temperance beverages; but I am persuaded that if thousands of people who now go moping, and nervous, and half exhausted, through life, down with ‘sick headaches,’ and rasped by irritabilities, would try a good dose of abstinence, they would thank God for this paragraph of personal experience, and make the world the same bright place I find it, a place so attractive that nothing short of Heaven would be good enough to exchange for it. The first cigar made me desperately sick; the throwing away of my last made me gloriously well. For me the creaking of the midnight owl has ceased, and the time of the singing of the birds has come.” OUR INFLUENCE.
By M. E. S.
Did we realize that one with whom we associate to-day will in a very little while be crowned king, enter upon a life of unbounded glory, filled with eternally expanding privileges and blessings and bliss, while the Creator, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will gird himself and come forth and serve him,—with what respect would we involuntarily treat such a person. And further—did we feel that it is in our power to help any one toward receiving such a life, what importance, what glory, would this privilege attach to our earthly existence, and how earnestly and untiringly would we seek to improve it. Were we fully conscious, as we pass indifferently among our fellow-beings, that one here and one there will shortly pass the limit of probation, having neglected to perfect character; that some must surely drink the wrath of God in the seven last plagues, and finally be utterly consumed in the lake of fire—oh, what carefulness would seize us in all our intercourse with them, especially if we realized that we could have anything to do in averting such a doom. Dear brethren and sisters, we are momentarily having to do with things of stupendous importance. We are constantly forming character for ourselves, good or bad, and our influence is helping to do the same for all we meet. Oh, how shall we bear this fearful responsibility but by maintaining so close a walk with God, that we will be led by and filled with his Holy Spirit! Twenty-first Paper.—The Sanctuary Offered by Ezekiel.
Jerusalem, the temple, and the sanctuary, were destroyed in the eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah, B. C. 588. Fourteen years after this, B. C. 574, Ezekiel, himself among the captives of Israel, was moved to describe a very remarkable sanctuary, into possession of which they were to come, if on their part they would comply with certain conditions. This is recorded in chapters 40 to 48, of his prophecy. It is certain that this sanctuary has never been built. It becomes therefore a matter of interest to inquire why. Is it because the conditions were not complied with on the part of the people? or, is it because, as some of late years have claimed, this prophecy pertains to the future, and the time has not yet come for its fulfillment? Let us then see if we can ascertain from the specifications of the prophecy itself, in what dispensation it was to be fulfilled. The conclusion is very easily reached, that it was designed to be fulfilled, not in the future dispensation, which is the immortal state; not even in the present dispensation; but in the past. This will appear evident from a few of its statements. 1. It was to be fulfilled while circumcision was in force. Eze. 44:9. But circumcision was abolished at the first advent. Gal. 5:2; 6:12. 4. Sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, and sin offerings, of bulls and goats, were then in force. Eze. 46. But they are not now acceptable to God. Heb. 10. 6. The Levitical priesthood was then in force. Eze. 40:46; 44:15. But the priesthood of Melchisedec, which passeth not to another, has taken its place. Heb. 5:9. 7. It was to be while “the middle wall of partition” existed, as all these ordinances prove, as well as the acknowledged distinction between “the seed of the house of Israel,” and the stranger. But this wall of partition is now broken down, and this distinction no longer exists. Eph. 2. These facts point out with sufficient distinctness the time when this sanctuary was to be built, if it should be built at all. Why, then, was it not built? The answer is clear: The people did not comply with the conditions on which it was offered. It was to be established with them on the condition that they were ashamed of their iniquities, and put them away. Eze. 43:11. But Jeremiah, speaking prophetically of what would be, says, 6:15, that they were not ashamed when they had committed abomination. And this the event proved; for when the offer was made by Cyrus to all in the captivity to return to their own land, only a few availed themselves of the privilege to go back to Jerusalem. Thus they slighted the inestimable blessings offered them; and the sanctuary set before them in their captivity, which they might have had, was never erected. What then shall we say of those who make this a prophecy to be fulfilled in the future age? A few considerations will show the folly of such an application. 1. In the future state, Christ is to be the Prince over Israel; and there is to be but one. Luke 1:32, 33. But the prince brought to view by Ezekiel is a poor, frail mortal, as is shown by the following representations made concerning him. 2. He is commanded to offer a bullock, as a sin-offering for himself. Eze. 45:22. But Christ, the Prince of the future state, is himself the great sin-offering for the world. 1 John 2:1, 2. 3. He was to offer all manner of offerings for himself. Eze. 46:1–8. But Christ caused all this to cease at his death. Dan. 9:27. 4. God says to the princes mentioned by Ezekiel, “Take away your exactions from my people. Eze. 45:9. But when Christ reigns there will be nothing oppressive; for the officers will be peace, and the exactors, righteousness. Isa. 60:17–19. 5. Ezekiel’s prince was to have sons and servants to whom he might, if he chose, give an inheritance; but it was to return to him in the year of Jubilee; and he was forbidden to oppress the people. Eze. 46:16–18. Surely it would be blasphemous to apply this to Christ, to whom it must apply if this prophecy has reference to the future state. 6. And finally, in the state of things Ezekiel brings to view, there are marriages, divorces, and deaths. Eze. 44:22, 24–27. But in the future state, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are equal unto the angels, and can die no more. Luke 20:36. Thus it is demonstrated, First. That Ezekiel has no reference to the world or age to come. Secondly. That he has no reference to the present dispensation. Thirdly. That his prophecy refers wholly to the past or Mosaic dispensation. Fourthly. That the prophecy was conditional, and the time having passed and the conditions never having been complied with, it never has been, and never is to be, fulfilled. To the building offered by Ezekiel, the word sanctuary is eighteen times applied in the following instances: Eze. 41:21, 23; 42:20; 43:21; 44:1, 5 (verses 7, 8, refer to Solomon’s temple), 6, 11, 15, 16, 27; 45:2, 3, 4, 18; 47:12; 48:8, 10, 21. GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
The work of God in these countries still makes progress. I have spoken of our effort to prepare tracts and pamphlets for publication in Europe. When the work on the Three Messages was finished, I thought to take time for some other matters of great importance preparatory to the commencement of our work in Bâle. But just then came a call from Bro. Ertzenberger of so urgent a character that I could not refuse the request. He wished my assistance in his field of labor. It was necessary to choose between matters of serious importance, some of which must be neglected, and it gave me much distress to be thus straitened. But after much prayer, I set out for Germany. I found that some of those who received us joyfully last year are now embittered toward us. The cause of estrangement is the doctrine that Christ when he comes will gather his people to old Jerusalem instead of the new, and that in particular he will gather there all the natural Jews, and that men will be converted after Christ comes. Those who hold these views have never been pressed to renounce them, and could make no complaint in this respect. But they cannot tolerate those who think that old Jerusalem and her children are not the subjects of promise, and that sin can only be pardoned while Christ serves as priest in the temple in Heaven. It therefore became necessary to meet this issue thus forced upon us, and this, with God's help, has been done. Though bitter words have been spoken against us by a few, no such words were returned. But the doctrine that the Jews are the heirs of the kingdom of God by virtue of their descent from Abraham was shown to be without foundation in the Bible, and to be plainly contradicted by its teaching. Should time and strength hereafter permit, I mean to write out the subject as I presented it in this series of meetings. I am happy to say that nearly every person who has been proved by acquaintance to be of moral worth still remains in union with our work. Bro. Ertzenberger has pursued a wise and noble Christian course, and our friends in Germany have great confidence in him. Some of those who are at present alienated will, without doubt, return after a time. Perhaps some others will not. But if they do not, they can never complain that they have been driven off, nor say that on any occasion harsh words have been spoken to them. On the whole, I do not regret that the sieve has been shaken, though it has been the occasion of pain to us. It gave me great pleasure to visit Solingen, the city where Bro. Ertzenberger has given a course of lectures. Here I found a church of sixteen good, substantial, intelligent Christian Sabbath-keepers. I was very favorably impressed with what I saw in this little company. Probably several others in that vicinity will soon unite with them. Three of those who have embraced the commandments through the labors of Bro. E. were baptized while I was there. It was a very interesting baptism. At Essen there are seven Sabbath-keepers who came from the company who keep the Sabbath in Eastern Prussia. In company with Bro. E., I twice visited these friends, and I think our visits were very profitable. At first they were distant, and seemed afraid of us. But two of them, by our invitation, were present at the baptism, and the Spirit of God touched their hearts. At our second visit, I had the privilege of speaking to a company of their neighbors on the commandments and the Sabbath. God gave much freedom in speaking, and the word took hold of all present. In particular these Sabbath-keepers were much affected and most heartily thanked us for the visit, and for what they had heard. I remained in Germany a little more than three weeks, but the time was used with diligence, to make it count all that it was possible. I greatly regretted to leave so soon, but could not avoid making my stay thus brief. My interview with Bro. Ertzenberger was a precious one to me, and I believe was a source of encouragement to him. He has labored faithfully, and God has made his labors a great blessing to the cause in that region. My heart is of good courage as to Germany. Immediately after my departure for Germany, circumstances indicated the propriety of making a public effort at Locle. Bro. Bourdeau therefore advertised in the paper, and by the distribution of hand-bills called out quite a congregation. He put forth a very earnest effort to reach the people. As the result, twelve persons are now keeping the Sabbath. One of these is a gentleman who has stood high as a teacher in a position he has filled for twelve years. He is well educated in the French and German languages, and as he seems to be a humble Christian, and is in the prime of life, and in good health, we hope that he will be able to render us important assistance. He has resigned his position that he may take hold with us in the work in Bâle. I was sorry to be absent during the most important part of these meetings, but as it seemed to be duty, I could not do otherwise. On my return to Locle, we held our first quarterly tract and missionary meeting for Switzerland. The reports showed the distribution of about 26,000 pages of tracts. These have gone to nearly all the countries of Europe. One sister, who has a relative that is a servant in the household of the emperor of Russia, sent publications to that relative for the benefit of his Imperial Majesty. Important publications have been sent to a missionary in the interior of Africa. Moreover, it was the distribution of reading matter in Locle which created the first interest in that place, and caused our friends to desire a special public effort. Under the circumstances, the amount of pages distributed, though not large, is a matter of encouragement to me. It has not been possible for me to visit our friends to urge forward this work since first starting it, but we shall, with God's blessing, do greater things hereafter. The past week, myself and children removed to Bâle to get our hired house in order, and Bre. Bourdeau remained to close up the work in Locle and to baptize. He will join us with his family the coming week. After some further preparatory labor, we shall enter upon our public effort in this city. We hope to move in the counsel of God; for we well know that everything depends upon his help. We are grateful for the prayers of the people of God. We still ask them. Hitherto the Lord has helped us. I would gladly write much for the REVIEW, but with the burden now upon my spirit it is not possible. When I have fully surmounted the difficulties which now hinder me, I hope for time and strength to write freely for the REVIEW. I have a heart to do, but I find a limit to my strength. Our residence is 68 Müllerweg, Bâle, Switzerland, which is now our post-office address. J. N. ANDREWS.
Bâle, Switzerland, April 16, 1876. PROPHECY CONDITIONAL.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
God’s decrees concerning the destiny of men are conditional, because to men are given the liberty and power of choice; and therefore the conduct of men can change the decrees of the Almighty. This doctrine is plainly declared in Jer. 18: 6–10. A familiar example of the working out of this principle is found in the preaching of Jonah. The Lord said by Jonah, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown;” but the repentance of the Ninevites changed this decree. “God repented of the evil that he had said he would do unto them; and he did it not.” Another example is found in 1 Sam. 23: 10–13: “Then said David unto the Lord, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbore to go forth.” Though God had said, He will come down, and, They will deliver thee up, yet neither of these predictions came to pass. The decree was conditional. The act of David changed it. Though some have held that the doctrine of unchangeable decrees, or predestination, is a “wholesome doctrine, and full of comfort,” and have folded their hands in idleness, I deem it truly a comfort that, though God may have spoken against us, we may, by repentance and zealous and persistent reformation, avert the threatened evil, and have the favor of God, and life everlasting. Let those who have displeased the Lord and brought his frown, change the decree and enjoy his approbation. THE GOOD CONFESSION.
By John G. Matteson
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6: 11, 12. If we desire to be numbered with the people of God we must flee from the love of money, discontentment, strife, and selfishness. By the grace of God we can obtain treasures in this life which are far more valuable than all the treasures of earth. They are righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. These characteristics are more precious in the sight of God than precious stones and much fine gold. They are a reflection of the holy character of Jesus, a fruit of his bitter sufferings and death, an effect of his ministration in the heavenly sanctuary. They are produced in willing hearts who open the door to sup with the heavenly guest. They are often developed slowly, and mostly ripened through storms and dark days, when troubled souls buy oil for their lamps from the store-house of grace. This is the good fight of faith whereby we can lay hold of eternal life: To flee from sin and corrupt companions, and bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Unto this, God had called us, and we have professed a good profession before many witnesses. But we are living in a time when this good profession too often is forgotten, and the high and holy calling of the Christian too much degraded. The best of all professions is to confess Christ before men. When we have made the promise or covenant (eperoetema) of a good conscience with God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and are raised up from the baptismal waters to walk with our Saviour in newness of life, we have made a good confession. Having begun in the Spirit it is blessed to also finish in the Spirit. But it is a sad fact that many fall through unbelief like the children of Israel in the wilderness. “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Verses 13, 14. Our Saviour witnessed a good confession (teen kaleein homologian: the good confession—the very same words which are rendered a good profession in verse 12) before Pontius Pilate. He said: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37. Jesus was not ashamed of the truth. He testified of the truth unto his death—not in words only but also in his life. He never departed from the way of truth to the right or left. He never forgot to do the will of his Heavenly Father in small or great things. And he did not only witness the good confession in the hour of prosperity, when everything went well, but in the darkest moments, when tribulation and anguish filled his soul—yes, even when the sins of the world fell upon him with the terrible curse—he held fast the principles of heavenly truth, trusting only in “God, who quickeneth all things.”165The apostles, as well as thousands of holy martyrs, witnessed the good confession before many witnesses, and were faithful unto death. Yet they wavered sometimes, and some did even deny their Lord in the hour of temptation, when the spirit was willing, but the flesh weak. They commenced resolutely to follow the Master, but found that they had more of earthly and less of heavenly disposition than he had. Afterward they repented of their mistakes, and turned to the Lord to serve him with renewed diligence and greater caution. Some did even acknowledge the authority of antichrist through the weakness of the flesh, when they were cruelly tortured. But many of these repented afterward of their own weakness, and returned to the good confession, in which they continued unto death. Henceforth a crown of righteousness is laid up for them unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of us have also witnessed the good confession. Then the truth shone brightly before us, and the love of Christ burned warm in our hearts. It was sweet to hear the voice of our Heavenly Shepherd: They are mine; “my Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” This created a strong desire and gave courage to follow Jesus. But afterward we have often made mistakes in the hour of temptation. This was wrong. It was a great evil. The recollection thereof causes sadness. We had fully given ourselves to serve the Lord, and had witnessed the good confession before many witnesses. In sorrow we exclaim: How great is the corruption of the human heart! How poor our judgment, how weak our spirit! Yet the Lord is long-suffering. Still the way of salvation is open before us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” May the Lord help us to fight the good fight of faith, to lay hold on eternal life, and be living witnesses for Jesus and his truth unto the end. To those who are turned out of the way, we extend a kind invitation to return. And those who never have commenced to serve the Lord, we invite to witness the good confession before God and man, that they may learn to keep the commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. THE WISCONSIN CAMP-MEETINGS.
By O. A. Olsen
We would like to call the special attention of our people in this State to these meetings. The time is now near, and we hope that a general preparation is being made to attend. In looking over the wants of the State it was decided that two camp-meetings were needed, that all might have the privilege of attending. The General Conference has favored us in this respect, and provision has been made, so that all can attend a camp-meeting by going a reasonable distance. The first one will be held June 15-19, at Sparta, on the Chicago & North-western and Milwaukee & St. Paul railroads, a very accessible place for all our people in the western part of the State. The second meeting will be held at Ripon, Fondulac Co., June 29 to July 3. This meeting will accommodate our people in the eastern part of the State. Those coming from the south by rail will come on the Chicago and North-western R. R., to Burnet Junction, where they will change and take the Milwaukee and St. Paul R. R. to Ripon. Those coming from the north will come on the Chicago and North-western R. R. to Oshkosh, where they will change and take a branch of the Milwaukee and St. Paul R. R. to Ripon. At both places (Sparta and Ripon) passengers will be met at the depot and conveyed to the camp-ground. Bro. and Sr. White and other laborers are expected to attend both of these meetings. Now, brethren and sisters, shall we be disappointed in our expectation of seeing a general turnout of all our people at these yearly gatherings? Never was there a time so full of interest to the cause of present truth as the present one. We see the message rising in power and strength. “The Lord has gone out before us,” and the way is being prepared for the truth to be proclaimed with power, not only in this country, but in the different countries of the world. The time has come for us to be aroused to the importance of the work, and these camp-meetings afford a most excellent opportunity to learn the nature of our work and get into the spirit of the message. You cannot afford the loss that you will realize if you stay away; therefore we would advise you not to let any trifling hindrance keep you from the meeting. There are many of you, especially in the northern and north-eastern part of the State, that have never had the privilege of a camp-meeting, and this season the locations (especially Ripon) are chosen for your benefit; and we hope that not one of you will neglect this opportunity. We do not invite those only who can go as well as not, but others who may have to make some sacrifice. Be willing to make some sacrifice, and in making it you will have the blessing of the Lord. We therefore say, Come, one and all. Bring your children and your unconverted friends with you, and come to seek the Lord and obtain his blessing. All who can bring tents, and those who cannot, come, and we will find tent-homes for you. Do not fail to bring empty ticks, and bedding. Those who are engaged in making the preparations will spare no pains to make the meetings the best ever held in the State. We confidently expect them to be the best. The servants of the Lord will come with the burden of the message, and with a testimony for our good, adapted to this time. What say you? Will you let some trifling matter keep you away? We hope for better things. Some have had experience in neglecting these meetings in the past. We hope you will not try it over again. You know there is no blessing in it; and we hope others will not venture to neglect duty. The Sparta meeting will commence June 15; therefore you should be on the ground the 14th, have your tent pitched, and all arrangements made, so as to be ready to attend the meetings from their very commencement. Much of the good of the meeting is lost to yourself and to others when you come in just before the Sabbath. The Ripon meeting will commence June 29. You should therefore make preparations to arrive on the 28th, so that, as far as possible, we may be all ready at the commencement of the meeting. At both places the meetings will continue over the following Monday and break up Tuesday morning. O. A. OLSEN. Ft. Howard, Wis., May 19, 1876. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ME. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By J. B. Goodrich
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As the time is drawing near for our next quarterly meeting, which is to be held at Hartland, June 16, 17, I wish to remind you of your duty. We want a report from each member at our next meeting. Shall we have it? We shall if all do their duty. It will take only a few minutes to fill out the blank and hand (or send) it to the church librarian, and he will report to the district secretary, A. T. Hilton, Cornville, Me. There is no reasonable excuse that any one can make for not reporting. Do you say that you have not given away one tract during the past three months? Then I fear you have not watched as you should for opportunities to do good. When you visit your friends take some tracts with you, and give them one. It may be the means of their conversion. For your encouragement let me state a circumstance that transpired in this State. A young lady who was teaching school attended some of our meetings, became convinced that we had the truth on the Sabbath question, and returned home, taking with her some of our tracts for her friends to read. Among them was the tract, “Sabbath by Elihu.” Her mother was some stirred, and at first was tempted to burn them, but as they did not belong to her, she thought she would not. She read Elihu, and went to the Bible to overthrow it, but failed. Then she went to the ministers for help, but they could not remove her doubts. She next came to our meetings about sixteen miles, and the first one she attended she took her stand for the truth, and returned home to work for others. She distributed tracts and REVIEWS; others became interested, and a request came for meetings. Meetings were held, and, as the result, there are now in that vicinity some over forty who are trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. So, “cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.” All can engage in the tract and missionary work if they will. Let each one send in his report in season. Do not be too late. I have no doubt but many will mourn at last, because they have put off doing present duty until it was too late. Be in time. Be in earnest. Attend to the work of God first, and he will bless. Livermore, Me., May 17, 1876. “IT DIVIDES FAMILIES.”
By Roswell F. Cottrell
By very many, including professors of the religion of Jesus Christ, it is thought an all-sufficient objection against the truth, that it divides families and communities; as if it were better for all to be united in sin and go to perdition together than that a portion should obey the truth and be saved. The Lord thought otherwise. He gave his life that believers in him might be saved. He knew that the gospel would cause division, that some would accept it and be saved, while others would reject it and be lost; but still he judged it better that some should be saved, though others should be lost, and so he sent forth the truth of the gospel to purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, “to take out of them a people for his name.” Said he, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division; for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.” Again, “A man’s foe shall be they of his own household.” Now, if communities and families are divided and set at variance by the preaching of God’s word, where is the fault? The carnal mind charges it all upon the truth. It hates the truth, and thinks it a sufficient reason to reject and detest it because it divides kindred and friends. If all would receive and obey the gospel, it would not cause division. The division and enmity and hatred is on the part of those who reject it. The blame lies at the door of those who oppose the truth, who will not receive it and be saved themselves, and think to forbid others from embracing it and to drag them down to death. My friends, the fault is not in the truth, nor in those who receive it, but in yourselves who will not receive it, but persecute those who do. R. F. COTTRELL.