The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-09-09

and not for the day Of the Lord. as broupht to
view in the text. Therefore we conclude that
the prophecy only met a partial fulfillment in
the person of John the Baptist, and that
similar work must take place before the second
advent OF Christ We believe that this work
will be movement that will be accompanied
with the spirit and power of Elias, and will
prepare people for Christ's appearing. We
believe that that warning is now being given,
not by any one individual, but by class of peo
pie. The statutes and judgments of Moses were
brought to view in the connection. Therefore
we conclude that those who give the warning
will have something to say concerning the law
of God.
The discourse was shortened somewhat on
account of the rain, which still continued to
fall. During the entire sermon all nature SEEM
ed weeping over earth's final doom, which the
speaker pictured in striking language.
The views taken by this people concerning
certain points of doctrine may be somewhat
radical, yet Notwithstanding their peculiar
views they seem to understand and practice the
fundamental, vital principles of Christianity.
The people were made glad, after the services
by the arrival of Mrs. White. AS one hour and
then another drew on, the people repaired to
the tabernacle to welcome in the hours of the
seventh day Sabbath, which they commence
and close according to the ancient method of
reckoning time. 1t is the custom of this peo-
pie to all kneel and usher in the Sabbath with
prayer.
The lanterns cast fit III shadows over the
kneelng people and strange stiffness settled
around, broken by the voice of the ''holy man.
who breathed ''the prayer of faith" so earnest
ly that it sent thrill through every heart.
The scene and hour were grandly solemn and
impressive and seemed to foreshadow the time
when "all nations will bow before Gods
throne" and Gall flesh worship the Lord of
hosts.''
In the evening Elder Farnsworth preached
from John xii, 50, &c. The theme of his dis
course was the cause Of spiritual darkness.
Why some men and some nations enjoy more
of Gods blessings than others, is because they
walk in the light as God reveals it to them.
God Is not a respecter of persons but blesses
men in proportion to their faithfulness. The
light will Shine more and more until the per-
feet day." aud our knowledge is increased by
walking in it. Ignorance is the result of wick
edness; Eph. 4, II, Is. There was time when
all men knew God, and why heather nations
exist today is because they forsook God and he
slet them alone
Neglect to do duty hardens the heart and
brings darkness; I'd Cor, 4, A. 1t makes the
heart lost to impressions from God 1t takes
more power to start q man in the service of
God the second time than the first God with
draws His spirit from the hearts of men by de.
grees, and when he takes it away entirely
then they become little better than demons.
The spirit is long-sufferipg and will work
around mans heart for years and prompt
him to do right, bat the time will come, if the
man resists its influences, when the weeping
angels will fold their wings and the spirit de-
part forever. God save us from that depar-
ture
Through the darkness, mud and rain the peo-
ple wendell their way homeward and the
jewellers in tents sought their beds of straw
with the oft repeated wish II hope it will be
pleasant tomorrow
The weather continued heavy all night, but
this morning there is every prospect of fair
day, although the air is cold and surrounding
objects wet and uncomfortable The people
comfort themselves with the hope that coming
hours will be brighter, and all repaired at an
early hour to the canvas church to worship
Him who ''hath His way in the Storm
Everything is very still and quiet on the
grounds this morning, for this is the day
which this people respect as holy; and outsd
ers almost catch the spirit and find themselves
well-nigh regarding its hours as sacred. Such
is the power of influence.
The morning worship in the tents was gener-
ally participated in, and spirit of untiring de-
votion seems to characterize the church.
The forenoon services were conducted by e.
der Smith, who spoke in regard to the rise and
progress of the cause as represented by Seventh
Day Adventists He showed that from a very
small beginning q little over quarter of a
century ago the work had increased aud gone
with mighty power, until today churches of
this denomination are found on every continent
and in nearly every state in the Union. The
tract and missionary work was referred to as
being powerful agency in bringing about this
state of things. Words of enc engagement we're
given the church end an appeal made for them
to continue their well-begun efforts.
REPORTER.