p. 61 | Review and Herald, Vol. 36, No. 8. (8/9/1870)

Earlier text: Review of Wellcome and Goud

Thoughts on the Book of Daniel.

CHAPTER VIII. (CONTINUED.)

VERSE 15. And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 16. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

We now enter upon an interpretation of the vision. And first of all we have mention of Daniel's solicitude, and his efforts to understand these things. He sought for the meaning. Those who have had most experience in reference to prophetic subjects, are not the ones who are unconcerned in such matters. They only can tread with indifference over a mine of gold, who do not know that a bed of the precious metal lies beneath their feet. Immediately there stood before the prophet as the appearance of a man. It does not say it was a man, as some would fain have us think, who wish to prove that angels are dead men, and who resort to such texts as this for their evidence. It says, the appearance of a man, from which we are evidently to understand an angel in human form. And he heard a man's voice; that is, the voice of an angel as of a man, speaking. The commandment given was, to make this man, Daniel, understand the vision. It was addressed to Gabriel, a name that signifies, “the mighty one.” He continues his instruction to Daniel in chapter 9; and under the new dispensation he was commissioned to announce the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zacharias, Luke 1:11, and that of the Messiah to the virgin Mary, verse 26. To Zacharias, he introduced himself with these words: “I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God.” From this it appears that he was an angel of a high order and superior dignity; but the one who addressed him was evidently above him in rank, and had power to command and control his actions. This was probably no other than the archangel, Michael, or Christ, between whom and Gabriel, alone, a knowledge of the matters communicated to Daniel existed. See chap. 10:21.

VERSE 17. So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face; but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man; for at the time of the end shall be the vision. 18. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright. 19. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation; for at the time appointed the end shall be.

Under similar circumstances to the ones here narrated, John fell down before the feet of an angel; but it was for the purpose of worship; Rev. 19:10; 21:8. Daniel seems to have been completely overcome by the majesty of the heavenly messenger. He prostrated himself with his face to the ground, probably as though in a deep sleep, but not really so. Sorrow, it is true, caused the disciples to sleep; but fear as in this case, would hardly seem to have that effect. The angel gently laid his hand upon him, to give him assurance (how many times have mortals been told by heavenly beings to “fear not”), and from his helpless and prostrate condition set him upright. With a general statement that at the time appointed the end shall be, and that he will make him know what shall be in the last end of the indignation, he enters upon an interpretation of the vision. We understand that the indignation covers a period of time. What time? God told his people Israel that he would pour upon them his indignation for their wickedness; and thus he gave directions concerning the “profane wicked prince of Israel:” “Remove the diadem, and take off the crown. . . . I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is, and I will give it him.” Eze. 21:25-27, 31.

Here is the period of God's indignation against his covenant people; the period during which the sanctuary and host are to be trodden under foot. The diadem was removed and the crown taken off when Israel was subjected to the kingdom of Babylon. It was overturned again by the Medes and Persians, again by the Grecians, again by the Romans, corresponding to the three times the word is repeated by the prophet. And the Jews are now scattered abroad over the face of the earth; and the throne of David is no more, till he who is its rightful heir, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, shall come, and it will be given him. Then the indignation will have ceased. What shall take place in the last end of this period, the prophet is to make known to Daniel.

VERSE 20. The ram which thou sawest, having two horns, are the kings of Media and Persia. 21. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia; and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

As the disciples said to the Lord, so we may here say of the angel who spoke to Daniel, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no parable. This is an explanation of the vision in language as plain as need be given. See on verses 3-8. The distinguishing feature of the Persian empire, the union of the two nationalities which composed it, is represented by the two horns of the goat. Grecia attained its greatest glory as a unit, under the leadership of as vile a man and as great a king as the world has ever seen. This part of her history is represented by the first phase of the goat, the one notable horn, symbolizing Alexander the Great. Upon his death, the kingdom fell into fragments, but almost immediately consolidated into four grand divisions, represented by the second phase of the goat, the four horns, which came up in the place of the first which was broken. These divisions did not stand in his power. None of them possessed the strength of the original kingdom. These great waymarks in history, on which the historian bestows volumes, the inspired penman here gives us in sharp outline, with a few strokes of the pencil and a few dashes of the pen.

VERSE 23. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many; he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

This power succeeds to the four divisions of the goat kingdom in the latter time of their kingdom, that is, toward the termination of their career. It is, of course, the same as the little horn of verse 9, and onward. Apply it to Rome, as set forth in remarks on verse 9, and all is harmonious and clear. A king of fierce countenance. Moses, in predicting punishment to come upon the Jews from this same power, calls it “a nation of fierce countenance.” Deut. 28:49, 50. No people made a more formidable appearance in warlike array than the Romans. “Understanding dark sentences.” Moses, in the scripture just referred to, says, “Whose tongue thou shalt not understand.” This could not be said of the Babylonians, Persians, or Greeks, in reference to the Jews; for the Chaldean and Greek languages were used to a greater or less extent in Palestine. This was not the case, however, with the Latin.

“When the transgressors are come to the full.” All along the connection between God's people and their oppressors is kept in view. It was on account of the transgressions of his people that they were sold into captivity. And their continuance in sin brought more and more severe punishment. At no time were the Jews more corrupt, morally, as a nation, than at the time they came under the jurisdiction of the Romans.

“Mighty but not by his own power.” The success of the Romans was owing largely to the aid of their allies, and divisions among their enemies, of which they were ever ready to take advantage. “He shall destroy wonderfully.” The Lord told the Jews by the prophet Ezekiel that he would deliver them to men who were “skillful to destroy.” How full of meaning is such a description, and how applicable to the Romans! In taking Jerusalem they slew eleven hundred thousand Jews, and made ninety-seven thousand captives. So wonderfully did they destroy this once mighty and holy people.

And what they could not accomplish by force they secured by artifice. Their flatteries, fraud and corruption, were as fatal as their thunderbolts of war. And Rome, finally, in the person of one of its governors, stood up against the Prince of princes, by giving sentence of death against Jesus Christ. But it shall be broken without hand; an expression which identifies the destruction of this power with the smiting of the image of chapter 2.

VERSE 26. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true; wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. 27. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

The vision of the evening and the morning, the 2300 days. In view of the long period of oppression, and the calamities which were to come upon his people, Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days. He was astonished at the vision but did not understand it. Why did not Gabriel at this time carry out fully his instructions and cause Daniel to understand the vision? Because Daniel had received all that he could then bear. Further instruction is therefore deferred to a future time.

The Hebrews to whom Paul Wrote were Sabbath-Keepers.

By John Nevins Andrews

This is a fact which none will deny. Even ecclesiastical history, much of which seems to be written with a single eye to maintaining the Sunday institution, makes no denial of the fact that the Hebrew church not only observed the Sabbath in apostolic times, but continued to do this for centuries, even as long as we can trace the existence of a church of this nationality. When Paul wrote the epistle to the Hebrews, Jerusalem was still standing, and that church was praying in obedience to their Lord’s direction that their flight out of Judea might not be upon the Sabbath-day. Matt. 24:20. If the Hebrew church did not understand the teaching of the apostles, what church did or could? If the Sabbath was changed to Sunday, what portion of the early church would stand the best chance to know it? Certainly that part whose nationality furnished all the apostles. But it may be replied that the Hebrews had so strong an attachment to the ancient Sabbath that they would not change to Sunday though such was the instruction of the apostles; but that the Gentiles having no such partiality for the seventh day were quite ready to accept the first-day observance.

But it should be observed, 1. That there is no evidence that the apostles ever taught the change of the Sabbath. 2. That even in this epistle which is addressed to a church which did retain the original Sabbath, and did not recognize this alleged apostolic change of the day, not one word is uttered by way of reproving them or setting them right. 3. That in the early ages no one supposed Sunday to be a Sabbath. It was simply a festival voluntarily observed as a day for more or less of religious meetings, and as being of the same rank with holy Thursday and good Friday. 4. And there is another way to account for the Gentiles observing Sunday as a festival so much more readily than the Hebrews. Sunday was the good day of Gentile observance while yet under the worship of false gods, as the sun and moon and stars. It was no very difficult thing for them to make a festival of such a day. It was no very strange thing that such a day should on the score of convenience have great advantage over the rest-day of the Creator.

It is worthy of observation that the apostle Paul in writing to a church that did not deviate from the ancient Sabbath, should not say one word exhorting them to such change. Certainly the observance of Sunday was no matter of obedience to God when Paul could thus lightly pass over it in the case of those still clinging

with steadfast observance to the ancient rest day of the Lord.

If the Sabbath had been changed in honor of the resurrection, then it was positive disobedience in the Hebrews not to recognize that change. But Paul does not thus treat their case.

J. N. A.

The Illinois Tent.

By R. F. Andrews; T. M. Steward

As we made up our minds not to remain longer in the vicinity of the camp-meeting, we thought best to go south, to some new field. We accordingly shipped our tent to Mendota. We then went to Homer, seven miles south of Mendota, but saw no light in that direction; so we came to Earlville, sixteen miles east of Mendota. As the opening seemed favorable, we sent for our tent, and pitched it in this place, and commenced our meetings July 1. Our congregations were small, and we soon found that the first-day Adventists were our bitterest opposers, bracing themselves, and all their influence, against us; reporting that we were more Spiritualists than anything else. But with all their efforts, the congregation increased, and the interest rose until evening after first-day, July 10, we had about 400 hearers, who gave good attention while the subject of the perpetuity of God’s law was presented. It was very evident that quite a number were interested. The interest increased, and we had quite an audience through the week, until the next first-day, the 17th, just at the time of our afternoon meeting, 2 P. M., while some were coming to meeting, but before any had entered the tent, there suddenly came upon us a terrible gale of wind, with rain, unroofing houses, overturning chimneys, uprooting trees, &c., &c. Some unruly boys had been cutting our ropes on the side where the wind struck it, and they gave way, and left our tent to the mercy of the wind. It soon raised, and unhooked from the center ring, and burst two rents, from circle rope to top, and tore it some besides. The wall was also damaged considerably, so that we thought best to take it to Chicago, to get it repaired. This damage cost about thirty dollars, and delayed our meetings nearly one week. But it is well repaired, and is as good as ever again.

While our meetings were delayed, somebody’s agent heard that we were here, and sent a package of Wm. Sheldon’s tracts against the visions, to this place, to circulate, to prejudice the minds of the people against the law and Sabbath. The first we knew of it, one who was interested, who knew nothing of our views before, inquired about it. They have tried to raise prejudice among the people; and have succeeded in keeping some from meeting; and they have been to our meeting and tried to raise prejudice here. The interest decreased while our tent was down, so that since we pitched it the last time, our congregations have been small, but the interest is now increasing again some. We have hope of some good souls here; but unless we can see a change for the better, we shall have to leave here soon. We have quite a good many calls for our labor, but have not decided where we shall go yet. Sickness in the place has been against us. There were three funerals in the place, Sunday the 24th. It is exceedingly warm weather.

R. F. ANDREWS. T. M. STEWARD.

Earlville, July 27, 1870.

Report from Bro. Kellogg.

By M. G. Kellogg

Since April 27th I have been laboring in connection with Bro. J. N. Loughborough, with the California tent, making an occasional visit on the Sabbath to the churches already established.

As reported by Bro. L., we had a good congregation, and good interest was manifested, as we lectured in the tent in Bloomfield, until our meetings were broken up by the appearance of the small-pox in the place. Some twenty-five or thirty persons had been exposed before it was known what the disease was. A drug M. D. was called in to treat five cases, and in less than two weeks four of them were in their graves. A terrible state of excitement followed. Nearly one half of the inhabitants fled from the town. Both the ministers in charge here, fled in terror, leaving members of their flocks prostrate with the disease, with none to care for them but unbelievers. Two men were hired, at $4.00 each per day, to care for one who had no family, and who was able to pay the bills. Two other families had the disease, but there were well ones enough to care for the sick. Another family of six persons, three adults and three children, were all down except two girls, eight and eleven years of age. For this family a nurse could not be procured, and the neighbors dare not go in to see them, except one man whose wife had varioloid, and duty seemed to require him to stay at home.

Under these circumstances, we felt it to be our duty to preach by works, as well as by words. Therefore we took down the tent, and took our position by the bedside as nurse and physician to those who were smitten by this most loathsome disease. We treated eleven cases, giving no medicine whatever, but using only hygienic agencies—quiet, ventilation, cool, cold, warm, or hot, bathing, as the condition of the patient indicated, with proper attention to diet, and to the temperature of the body. Of these eleven cases, two had the disease quite light; four broke out pretty thoroughly, and were very sick, yet were not considered in danger; four were completely covered with pustules, and their lives were quite despaired of by all who saw them, except myself. These ten cases came immediately under my eye and direction, and my prescriptions were strictly followed; and, with the blessing of God, all recovered. The other case was visited and prescribed for by the writer, but with no hope, from the first, of its recovery, as it was a child but two years old, and its system was quite gross. It died on the ninth day.

Our success in treating eleven cases, and losing but one, while the other physician lost four out of the five cases which he treated, is considered, by the friends and neighbors of those we treated, as a perfect triumph for the system of hygienic medication; and we find that the cause has not suffered by our course in standing by the sick. As we watched the progress of disease under our mode of treatment, we became more confirmed in the belief that the health-reform movement among our people is of God.

After the small-pox had abated, we resumed our meetings and gave sixteen discourses; but as the disease was still raging a few miles in the country, but few came out to hear. We therefore concluded to postpone further labor in that place until the close of the tent season, as we can have a hall at that time. We gave fifty lectures, all told, in Bloomfield before leaving. Ten adult persons embraced the truth as the result of our labors there, and many others are interested, and are investigating; some of whom we hope to reach in our next effort. We established a Sabbath-meeting, also a Bible-class and Sabbath-school, before leaving.

There were sold at these meetings $100.00 worth of our religious publications, five subscribed for the Review, and twenty-four for the Reformer. There were also sold twelve copies of “How to Treat the Sick without Medicine,” and twenty copies of “Physiology and Hygiene.” Of this last work, twelve were sold in one evening at the close of the first lecture on health. I fear our people do not generally know that we have a work on physiology and hygiene. If it be so, I would like the privilege of recommending it to them, as I consider it a very good work on the subject of which it treats, viz., the organization of the body, and how to keep it in health. I also think it well worth the price asked for it by the S. D. A. Publishing Association. I am anxious to see this work sold, for two reasons: first, that the people may have the benefit of what good it contains, and, secondly, that the means now locked up in it may be set free to be used in publishing other works.

We have for many months felt the need of cheap works on the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Signs of the Times. There are many here who listen to our lectures on these subjects, and ask for the same in print; and we find that the best way to get the truth before such ones, is, to have a ten, fifteen, or twenty-five cent work to hand to them on each subject that we present, as many will buy a little at a time who will not buy a full set, or a bound volume at once; yet these very ones afterwards have come and bought two or three copies of such works as interested them, to hand to their friends.

We have our tent pitched, at present, in the heart of the city of Petaluma. Have given seven lectures to audiences varying from seventy-five to two hundred and fifty. A deep interest is manifested.

Pray for us. M. G. KELLOGG, M. D.

Petaluma, July 26, 1870.

Our Time.

By R. F. Cottrell

TO-DAY is passing. We intend to do our work. We hope to hear the well done. But are we doing? Past moments and hours cannot be recalled. To-morrow may not be ours. The present is all we have, and all that we can claim. Are we filling the present moment well? Are we doing duty now? If we are not employing the present moment, how can we hope to accomplish our work? Let us at once heed the call to labor. It will soon be too late. Every lost day is increasing the probability that all our time will be wasted, and we shall have to take up the sad lamentation.—Too late! too late! The harvest is past and the summer is ended! Our time has been wasted, and we are lost!

If we would have any reasonable hope that it will not be so with us, upon what can it be founded but upon the fact that now we are doing our duty; drawing near to God; actively engaged in filling up the present time in the performance of duty?

A great work is to be done. Our sins must be overcome, and we must have a preparation from God to labor in his cause. We must have Christ within, that we may confess him to others. We must be living examples of what the grace of God in Christ can do for men. We must have the Spirit’s power to accompany our testimony and bear it to the hearts of others. We must have the refreshing, and not always live in hope of it. The wrestling, agonizing ones will obtain it. It will not come unasked. It must come in a way to be prized. And it will come as soon as we are ready.

Let us then get ready. Let us seek God with the whole heart. Let us consider that the time we have, though exceeding short, is of immense value to us, since eternity depends upon our improvement of it. Let us be wise. Let us improve to-day.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Report from Ohio.

By I. D. Van Horn

In my last report I stated that we had just pitched our tent and begun meetings in the little village of Rochester, Lorain Co., Ohio. We remained there a few days over five weeks. We gave forty-three discourses. In the commencement of the meeting the interest was good, but harvest and haying coming on, our congregations became quite small.

We had good freedom in presenting the truth, but the people were too much engaged in their worldly pursuits to follow out their convictions of duty. But I think our labor in that place has not been wholly lost. There are about ten now keeping the Sabbath, and nearly the whole community are convinced of their duty in this respect.

We closed our tent-meeting there on Sunday evening, the 17th. We have it now pitched in Troy Center, a little village about seven miles south of Rochester. What the interest will be here, we cannot now tell. Yesterday, Sabbath, I held meeting with the few in Rochester.

The Free Will Baptists cheerfully gave us the privilege of holding our meetings in their house of worship. For this they have our thanks. There were twenty at the meeting. The blessing of the Lord was with us, and I think good was done. We shall meet with them again next Sabbath.

Our P. O. address remains the same as before, Rochester Depot, Lorain Co., O.

I. D. VAN HORN,

Troy, O., July 24, 1870.

Truth Whispered Versus Nonsense Thundered

TRUTH whispered is more effective than nonsense thundered.

Report from Bro. Matteson.

By John Matteson

IN Hamilton, Mo., I remained about three weeks, and enjoyed many interesting and profitable seasons with the dear brethren in that place. I was called upon to defend our views, and consequently engaged in a discussion with Elder Lockheart of the Christian church. We debated the subject of the Sabbath, Kingdom of God, State of the Dead, and Punishment of the Wicked, in thirteen sessions of two hours each. The Disciples collected together their most influential ministers, and some of them remained all through. They numbered as high as thirteen. So I had quite a host to contend with. Outsiders were generally satisfied that our side was best sustained by the Bible; and a leading Disciple minister stated that they were beaten on the two last propositions. May the Lord help those who see the truth to obey it. Three more have united with the church, which now numbers thirteen. Bro. McAllaster was ordained as Elder. W. W. Jilz is Clerk. Their s. b. pledges amount to $68.00 a year. July 15, I commenced tent-meeting at Civil Bend, and continued till the 25th. Sabbaths and Sundays we had five meetings a day. About 30 S. D. Adventists on the ground, and Sundays nearly 400 hearers who came from a distance of from three to fifteen miles. The interest to hear was good. Our meetings were solemn and heart-searching. Five were baptized. We had six miles to go to baptism, but over two hundred people attended. And as they lined the high banks on both sides of the river among the trees, it reminded me of the people of Judea coming out to Jordan to the baptism of John. After this we had an excellent ordinance meeting. Five united with the church. Their s. b. pledges are about $150.00 a year. Many good resolutions were passed, which may the Lord help every brother and sister to carry out. May we all so live that we can meet in the kingdom.

JOHN MATTESON.

Battle Creek, Mich., July 31, 1870.

Meetings in Michigan.

By Joseph Bates

My last report was from Holly, where I spent five days visiting the church members. I held eight meetings, celebrated the ordinances, and baptized two. Three were added to the church. July 11 and 12, I held three meetings in Owosso. Here I found some of the tried friends of the cause struggling to overcome, while some of their brethren who gladly received and embraced the precious saving truth in the third angel's message were, through discouragements and snares of the enemy, turning back again to the world.

The Lord arouse them to see the wretched state they are approaching, that they may without delay flee to the strong-hold, with the patient waiting “saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

July 13, Bro. R. Griggs brought me some twenty miles to Locke, where I stayed two days and held three interesting meetings, sustained by some persevering brethren who have been holding on in the message of the third angel some eighteen or twenty years.

Bro. T. T. Stowe brought me back to Owosso. At Muir Station, Bro. T. Howe was waiting, and conveyed me to his home in Orange. Here I held meetings on Sabbath and first-day July 16, 17. Sabbath morning I was much interested with their orderly and well-managed Sabbath-school and Bible-class. Three were baptized and received into the church. The celebration of the ordinances, and the baptizing in the living shady stream near Bro. Howe's, were seasons to be remembered with thanksgiving and praise to the Father and the Son who delight to encourage, bless, and strengthen, the patient, waiting saints. JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Mich., July 25, 1870.

Report from Bro. Hutchins.

By A. S. Hutchins

SINCE my last report, some four months ago, my health, a portion of the time, has been unusually poor; yet I have been able generally to meet with the brethren on the Sabbath, and to visit some in different counties. Have spent several Sabbaths with the church in Wolcott, speaking to them as I had strength. Some of our meetings have been encouraging, and we trust, profitable. One Sabbath I met with the Brn. in Stowe, and spoke to them. Spent one Sabbath in Sutton, and two with the Irasburgh and Charleston church, one at Johnson, one at Roxbury, and one at Middlesex.

In this time I have also attended several meetings on first-day and preached two funeral sermons. Though my efforts have been in weakness, I hope the great Head of the church has given increase to the word spoken, and that some little good has been done.

At Roxbury, I found myself able to do but little by reason of extreme exhaustion, yet it was a great encouragement to see the brethren generally so free. They sought a blessing of the Lord, and found it. May these lonely and scattered brethren be of good courage. And may all give diligence, to make our calling and election sure. Rest will be sweet to those who toil for it; victory, sure to those who overcome; the reward of eternal life, certain to those who faithfully and perseveringly labor to the end for it. Eternal life! oh, how blessed the sound!

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Meetings in Maine.

By J. B. Goodrich

MAY 14 and 15, held meetings at Allens Corner, Westbrook, Me. Found some interested to hear. May 21 and 22, attended monthly meeting with Brn. Cornell and Howard at Richmond. Sabbath morning Bro. C. gave us a timely and interesting discourse on the subject of murmuring. I hope I shall never forget it; for I feel that it is a sin against God to be controlled by such a spirit. We need more faith in the third angel’s message in Maine, and then we should have more confidence in those whom God has called and placed at the head of the work.

On first-day a goodly number came in, and we had a very interesting meeting; and may the Lord bless the word that was spoken to the good of all.

The 28th and 29th, attended the monthly meeting at Woodstock. But few out, which evidently was a token that the cause was low; but there are some who are trying to live and overcome. May the Lord bless and send them help in due time. I re-organized Systematic Benevolence, and visited from house to house, and tried to encourage them all that I could, and returned to Westbrook. June 4-12, held meetings in this place. Bro. Howard was with me, the 11th and 12th, and spoke with good freedom. Two new converts have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested.

June 19 commenced meetings at South Windham, Me. They have built them a new house of worship this spring, called the South Windham union meeting-house. I gave twenty-two discourses. Five decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are convinced. I hope to see them take up the cross soon. This is the place where Bro. White preached the first angel’s message in 1843-4. The house where they held their meetings is within one hundred rods of the new house of worship. May the Lord bless this people with a heart to obey the truth and have a shield in the time of trouble. I returned home and attended the monthly meeting at Norridgewock the 16th and 17th. I was very glad to meet Brn. Cornell and Stratton at this meeting. For two reasons there were but few out from the different churches: 1. For the lack of interest and spirit of sacrifice; and 2. It was right in the midst of haying, and good weather.

The subject of a Maine camp-meeting was talked over, a committee appointed, and $155.00 pledged by the few present. May the Lord bless the donors, and help others to follow their worthy example in that direction. I hope to see the cause take a rise in Maine.

Pray for us. J. B. GOODRICH.

Hartland, July 21, 1870.

Fleeing Temptation Before It Drowns You

If you have been tempted to evil, fly from it; it is not falling into the water, but lying in it, that drowns.

The Ohio Camp-Meeting.

By I. D. Van Horn

CAMP-MEETINGS among S. D. Adventists are proving a success, and a means of strength and encouragement to many. The interest taken in these meetings, not only by our people, but by others, and the almost perfect silence in which the crowd is held while the servants of God declare his truth, and the good order that prevails generally, all go to show that the Lord approves, yea, blesses these efforts of his people to advance his cause. None, therefore need to hesitate to make the sacrifice necessary to attend and sustain these meetings, for God will accept it. Time is short, and we must work in earnest.

The camp-meeting in Ohio last year was a success. It proved to be better than was expected for the first one. We are satisfied that the Lord attended with his blessing. The time has nearly come for another to be held. The appointment is already made. There should be a general rally, and none should make excuse and stay at home. All should come and bring as many of their unconverted friends and neighbors as they can with them. Our people should sanctify themselves, and make thorough preparations for the meeting beforehand. Come not to the meeting to visit, or to eat and drink, but to work for the Lord and the good of others. Remember, this is a solemn work, and the Lord wants sanctified hands to do it. Come up to the meeting with your hearts full of love to God, and then the influence of the heavenly angels will pervade the camp. With such an influence as this, what a favorable place for lasting impressions for good to be made on the minds of our unconverted friends! May the Lord help us, that the coming meeting may prove of even greater benefit than the one last year.

Bro. and Sr. White are expected to be at the meeting. We extend them our cordial invitation. We will try to make them comfortable while they are among us, and pray that the Lord may work through them for our good.

Dear brethren and sisters, I appeal to you to make every effort in your power to attend this meeting. Come with your armor on, and gain new strength to fight the good fight of faith. Oh, that the cause in Ohio may receive a new impetus at this meeting!

Let us all resolve to be workers in the vineyard of the Lord. Pray much that our camp-meeting may be conducted to the glory of God. Seek for higher attainments in the divine life, and get ready for a home in Heaven.

I. D. VAN HORN.

To the Danish Brethren.

By John Matteson

THE Lord willing, I intend to devote my time in the future chiefly to the advancement of the cause among those who understand our language. I am now translating several small tracts, which will soon be printed.

I remain here about a week longer, and then return to Wisconsin to labor some there till the Michigan camp-meeting, which I intend to attend. After that I will try to get the hymn book printed. I will try to labor as fast and as far as the Lord will give me strength. Dear brethren be patient, and live near to the Lord. Pray much in secret, and be sure every day to obtain spiritual blessings from the Lord. He sends away none empty, who seek him aright. Your advancement in the Christian life does not depend upon the help of man, but upon God.

If you are living branches upon Christ, the true vine, then you will also bear fruit, and live for his glory. If any among you are becoming lukewarm or cold, it is not because you have no preaching, but because you spend too little time in devotion and communion with your Saviour. And if you will not daily live near to God, preaching will do you but little good. In Christ is life and peace and heavenly joy; out of Christ all in darkness and death. Be dead to the world, and alive to Christ.

Let those brethren who can, translate and read this and other articles from the paper, to those who cannot read English. Letters addressed to me at Busseyville, Jefferson Co., Wis. will always find me.

JOHN MATTESON.

Battle Creek, Mich. Aug. 7, 1870.

Obituary Notices.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, in Oasis, Wis., June 13, 1870, Helen Axtell, daughter of P. S. and R. M. Thurston. One year ago she became convicted of sin, and sought the Lord with all her heart. Her last days were passed in the full enjoyment of religion, and she fell asleep in bright hope of eternal life at the coming of Christ. She leaves a husband and two little girls, the youngest but three weeks old at the time of her death. We ask the prayers of the brethren and sisters in this time of our great bereavement.

P. S. AND R. M. THURSTON.

DIED, in Yates, Orleans Co., N. Y., July 18, 1870, Sr. Clara, wife of Bro. Miles Stockwell, aged 32 years, 1 month, and 3 days. In resignation, and in hope of a part in the first resurrection, she fell asleep, after having selected and marked in her Testament the text of scripture (Rom. 8: 11), which she desired used at her funeral. The funeral was held in the house of the M. E. church at Lyndonville. Discourse by the writer. She leaves a husband, two children, a father, mother, and an only sister, (the only child left to these stricken parents,) to mourn their loss. May they all seek a preparation to meet her in immortality.

R. F. COTTRELL.

DIED, in South Norridgewock, Maine, July 24, 1870, of consumption, Laurinda Holt, aged 24 years, 8 months, 27 days. She embraced the truth about three years ago, and has ever tried to live a life of obedience to God and his truth. She died with a heavenly smile upon her face, and rests in hope. May the Lord bless the mourning friends, and grant them grace to do his will, and at last meet where parting will be no more.

“And thus shall faith’s consoling power The tears of love restrain. Oh! who that saw thy parting hour Could wish thee back again?”

J. B. GOODRICH.

From Bro. Macomber.

By E. Macomber

ONCE more, through the mercy of God, I am permitted to pen a few words to the friends of Jesus. Are you tempted, and tried, and weary? Be often at the feet of Him who knows how to succor those who are tempted, and will care for such as are tried.

Oh! how much we need his help now, while Satan is seeking an opportunity to overthrow us by every possible way and means in his power. But the Saviour overcame, and so can we, the Lord helping us.

I am strengthened day by day when I cast my longing eyes heavenward, and by faith behold our great High Priest in the holy of holies, doing up his last work for the salvation of man, and behold the heavenly host interested for fallen man, so much so as to come to help us in every time of need.

I adopt the language of the poet:

“Bound every heart, And every bosom burn.”

The hour of Judgment is swiftly passing away. Our destiny will soon be sealed up forever. Jesus will soon come, the saints be crowned with immortal crowns, the everlasting gates of the New Jerusalem be thrown open for the weary and the tried ones to enter in, the King of glory to lead them through, the heavenly host to welcome them to the tree of life, and to sit at the table abundantly supplied with heavenly fruit.

And when we eat, we know that eternal life is before us. We know that we are free from all the evils which we have had to pass through. We are no more to be scoffed at and ridiculed, because we love the word of God, and stand up for Jesus.

I will try, the Lord helping me, to endure till Jesus comes, the few light afflictions which are but for a moment. I must be with my Lord when it shall be said, “Who is this King of glory?” The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. I want to hear it said, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.”

Dear brethren and sisters, a few more struggles, a few more scoffs, and the victory is ours. So let it be.

E. MACOMBER.

Lancaster, Mass., July 24, 1870.

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