The camp-meeting season is near at hand, and it may be proper to offer a few hints in reference to the selection of grounds and other items of importance respecting them. When the first camp-meeting was held among our people under the direct supervision of Eld. White, in Mich., a new and glorious era dawned in the history of this cause. Our camp-meetings have yearly increased in importance and interest since that time.
During the first years of our camp-meeting experience, it was thought by some that the object of the camp-meeting was principally to benefit our brethren. This is an important consideration. Our brethren are very much scattered, and many of them have but little if any ministerial help during the year. All our brethren, therefore, should be on hand a day at least in advance, that they may be prepared to commence with the first meeting; and they should not leave until the last meeting breaks up. But the idea that this is the only object of the camp-meeting is altogether too narrow for these times.
Our past experience, especially that of last camp-meeting season, should be a lesson long to be remembered by every lover of present truth. God by his providence has given us at least an inkling of what he is willing to do, and will do, at our camp-meetings if we move in his fear and order. The problem, How are the masses of the people, crowding our cities, filling our villages, and thickly populating our country, to come under the solemn warning? is fast being solved.
The efforts of our brethren and sisters in placing our periodicals, which are especially designed to arouse the people upon these solemn truths, into more than one hundred thousand families yearly, and the general advertisement of our camp-meetings in all the leading public journals in the country, are preparing the way for thousands to hear and be converted at these large gatherings, who otherwise would not come under the sound of present truth.
No doubt many of those converted on the day of Pentecost had previously heard of John's mission and the teachings of Christ. He taught his disciples at public gatherings and in those cities that were visited by people from all parts of the world, and impressions had been made upon thousands of minds. This prepared them fully to commit themselves when brought under the more direct influence of God's Holy Spirit and the power of the truth as preached by the apostles. It is in this manner that our missionary efforts are preparing the way for far greater results to be seen at our camp-meetings than have ever yet been witnessed by Seventh-day Adventists. Therefore our camp-meetings are becoming more and more important, and the cause cannot afford a failure in a single instance.
In selecting a place for the camp-meeting, it should be done with a view to reach the masses of the people. It should be in a thickly populated country, or near some large city, at some point easy of access by public conveyance. A suitable grove should be selected, on or very near an enterprising railroad, where our people and the public generally can be brought from different parts of the country. These are advantages that should be considered. The more attractive the location, the better effect it will have in bringing the people together. Water cannot be dispensed with; and a grove seems to be necessary, especially if the meeting be held in July or August. Sometimes a fair ground near the city can be secured all fitted. It may be a rare chance in some of our western Conferences, to have all these advantages combined. People will go out a few miles from a city if a desirable spot is secured, and there be a good, traveled road leading to it, and a railroad running directly to the ground for those who have no teams. In this case there would be no objection to having the ground a few miles from the city.
The ground should be well cleared, smooth, and sufficiently large for the tents to be arranged in an orderly manner. In short, the entire ground should present a tasty and tidy appearance. The private walks of the ladies and gentlemen should be in opposite directions, and of easy access. The buildings erected should be so constructed that they can be moved daily, or that by the frequent use of earth no offensive odor may be realized. God regardeth these things. See Deut. 23:12–14.
Advertising is among the most important items if we would have a successful camp-meeting. If the notice of the meeting be inserted as a report of news, it will be of no expense to our people, and will have ten times the effect upon the public mind than simply to have it noticed as an advertisement. There are brethren in every Conference that can furnish a readable report. We therefore recommend: 1. Not to go to the editor, or call upon a reporter, and tell him the news, and have him report it in his own words and manner; for they do not and cannot appreciate our position. This point should be well guarded.
2. Each State Conference Committee should take charge of this matter, and appoint a suitable person, who is a ready penman, who can express himself in a brief and distinct manner.
3. When a site is secured for the meeting, before it becomes known, let the selected person make a report of it for the printer. It should be written in plain handwriting, one that can be read as easily as print.
4. Take it to the editor of the most influential newspaper in that section of the country. Assure him that he shall have all important, reliable news as soon as any other paper from time to time, as preparations go on for the meeting. Always the first-class daily and weekly papers should thus be furnished.
5. When thus arranged, be prompt, and have all items of news break upon the people as news at least twenty-four hours earlier than any reporter can get them. Where this plan has been promptly acted upon, I have known of a regular reporter who always found his reports one mail behind, and finally was notified by the editor that he need not send any more, for he was not in season.
6. The printed posters should be thoroughly scattered, not over a week in advance of the meeting. The nearer to the time of the camp-meeting, if it be thoroughly done then, the better.
7. If Bro. and Sr. White should attend, it should always appear in the report. Great care should be exercised, if they do attend any of the meetings this season, that no unnecessary burden come upon them. Have a spot secured for their tent, arrangements made for their bedding, boarding, etc.; in short, have arrangements so made that no burden come upon them concerning general arrangements of camp-ground and looking after the mails, etc. We mention their names in particular, not but that there is a willingness to do for them on the part of our brethren, but because all do not fully realize their incessant, wearing labor, and the importance of making things as convenient for them as possible.
In order to secure success, it is very necessary that the location and time of the meetings should be permanently settled many weeks beforehand. Uncertainty or a change in time or place generally works much confusion. Hence we request that the president of each Conference immediately fill out a blank like the following, and send it to Eld. S. N. Haskell, Battle Creek, Mich.:—
SIGNED, ............ President.
Put in the name of your state, then the place where the meeting will be held, or both places if you have two, then state the very best time for it to be held, next the earliest possible date, and then the latest possible date, at which you might have it. Don't delay this matter; attend to it now. Then the best will be done that can be to accommodate all.
We hope Bro. and Sr. White will attend the most important of these at least. Due notice will be given if they do. Don't give a course of lectures where you are to have the camp-meeting. This always hurts the interest in the camp-meeting. Neither follow a camp-meeting immediately with a course of lectures. But if you can make a good impression with a camp-meeting this season, and go there with a tent next season, do so. That generally works well. Then you can close up your tent meeting with a camp-meeting. The more subscribers that can be obtained for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and the REFORMER before a camp-meeting, the better; and the earlier the better.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
S. N. HASKELL.
An Important Text.
By G. W. A.
During the past few years the question of secret societies has been frequently discussed and ably refuted in the columns of the REVIEW. Particularly have the pernicious tendencies of Masonry and Grangerism been shown up from a Bible stand-point. But in all that has been written I do not remember to have seen used one particular passage, which, to my mind, has an important bearing on this subject; and which as by one judicial sentence pronounces an eternal ban against all secret societies. It is the words of our Saviour in John 18: 20, “In secret have I said nothing.” The whole verse reads, “Jesus answered him [Caiaphas], I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and IN SECRET HAVE I SAID NOTHING,”
This, to the writer, is conclusive on the subject of secret societies. G. W. A.
NEW YORK.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Canasaraga and Chittenango Falls.
THURSDAY, March 8, I came to Canasaraga to help Bro. Reynolds. I gave two lectures at Chittenango; but the weather was so very bad that it was a failure. I held meetings in the meeting-house at Canasaraga Sabbath and first-day. Quite a number of friends were present from other places. I had some freedom in speaking. We also had a good social meeting. A few outsiders were in in the evening; but there is bitter and mean opposition here. However, some eighteen or twenty good, substantial souls, mostly all men, have embraced the truth.
Sunday, Bro. R. baptized four in a pleasant place. Bro. Hall will remain two weeks to confirm them in the truth. They have the use of the church, from which they cannot be shut out. Bro. Reynolds now goes with me a few weeks.
Monday, March 12, I spent with the Chittenango Falls church. It was raised up about one year ago by Bro. Reynolds, and numbers about twenty members. Nearly all were present. After arranging for regular quarterly meetings and reviewing the condition of the cause in the State, we rearranged S. B. They took hold well, raising their pledge from about $60 to about $150. Then they also voted a third as much more for the T. and M. work. This was good, and God will bless them.
Quite a severe trial had just come up among them. So we spent some four hours examining that. It was very plain where the trouble was. Our decision and reproof was accepted by all. Then they made very humble and hearty confessions. I think they felt it deeply, as indeed they should. They wept like children. All alienation was settled, and we parted with many kind words, and better hopes.
This is a beautiful country, and there are so many promising openings that it makes one discouraged to know that we can do so little of what ought to be done.
D. M. Canright.
KOMSTAD, CLAY CO., DAK. TER.
The following is an extract from a letter to the SVENSK ADVENT HEROLD from a member of the last legislature in Dakota95Territory, who is now keeping the Sabbath:
“I may first thank you for your instructive paper, which I have read for over two years. . . . I am fully convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath, as well of the New Testament as of the Old.
“Here are a few Sabbath-keepers. I am yet unknown to the most of them. They are Danes, and some are Swedes. The Scandinavian population here are mostly Lutherans, with a few Baptists. Here is a great field of labor for a preacher. Six counties here are more or less settled with Scandinavians, and all of the three Scandinavian nations are pretty well represented.
“In our legislature this winter, the day for holding school-meetings was changed from Saturday to Tuesday, that those who observe the seventh day may have the privilege of attending.”
TEXAS
We are having much of the blessing of the Lord in our meetings here. There are good openings all around to hear the truth. Truly the harvest is ripening, but where are the laborers? A. B. RUST.
Deckman, Dallas Co.
We are making our stay here at the hospitable home of Bro. A. B. Rust, who has a fine place of 200 acres, mostly under fence, and some 80 acres ploughed. We have pitched our tent (12x16), and find it quite a pleasant home. The freedmen, of whom there is quite a colony near by, are getting the lumber together for a school-house, which they intend to erect within one month, and they have engaged Mrs. Clarke to teach for three months. They are confident of having some twenty-five pupils.
The white citizens are helping to raise means for the house, and quite a number have subscribed towards it. There is a favorable sentiment in this direction. Bro. and Sr. Rust have been here some over a year, and have done much to enlighten the public mind upon the views of S. D. Adventists; and the people know that we are not politicians nor fortune hunters.
Some five families of S. D. Adventists are here now, and the meetings and Sabbath-school are very interesting and impressive. We are under many obligations to Bro. and Sr. Rust for their kindness, and to all our brethren here. We ask the prayers of God's people. J. AND S. CLARKE.
MINNESOTA
Preston Lake, Renville Co.
I left Hutchinson the 21st of Feb., and went to Round Grove, and with Bro. Babcock assisted the church in the settlement of some difficulties which Satan had introduced among them. Tarried with them over Sabbath, preaching six times, which greatly strengthened them. Bro. B. went on to New Auburn to spend Sabbath with the company there. On Monday, the 26th, I came to this place, twelve miles southwest from Hutchinson. It is an open prairie country, and not very thickly settled. There is one family here belonging to the Hutchinson church, and there are a few others who are keeping the Sabbath not connected with any church. Have spoken now ten times. There has been quite an interest to hear upon the part of a goodly number. I can but hope that there are some honest ones who will see and embrace the truth. Shall remain for a time if the interest continues as good as at present. I ask the prayers of the brethren for me, and for the work here. D. P. CURTIS.
Brockway.
We have continued our labors here with considerable interest and some success. After giving a few discourses, the opposition became quite strong. Yet, notwithstanding the ire of the dragon, fourteen have begun to keep all of God’s commandments. The Lord has never given us better liberty in presenting the truth than here; and we bless God for a truth before which all opposition trembles, as did Dragon before the ark of God.
My health has been quite poor most of the time, hence the greater portion of the work has fallen upon Bro. Dimmick. He has now commenced in a new field a few miles from here with considerable interest. I shall remain here, and follow this interest as my health shall permit. N. BATTIN.
KANSAS
Elk Falls and Canola.
We attended quarterly meeting with the church at Elk Falls, March 2 to 4, and were glad to witness a commendable degree of Christian love and fellowship in their midst. The ordinances were celebrated, and S. B. reorganized, amounting to $152. Some that were not present, will raise it to about $175. Most of the members added the one-third of the amount of their S. B. pledge for T. and M. fund. We attended the quarterly meeting at Canola, March 9 to 11. This church was brought out by Bro. Lamont and the writer over two years ago. Here for the last year they have had nothing to interrupt their fellowship and love for each other. Communion season was one of the best that we have enjoyed for the past season. We reorganized S. B. amounting to $53.50. The brethren raised by subscription $12 for one package of the SIGNS, to be paid in installments. J. H. Cook.
Cherokee.
There is a forward movement all along the line here in Kansas. I have been visiting some of the churches, and I find a good state of affairs among them. They are nearly all having Bible-class every Sabbath, and following the Scripture references in their lessons. This posts them upon the different points of our faith. For the past three weeks, I have been assisting Bro. Cook in the vicinity of Cherokee. A Mormon minister of more than ordinary ability tried to destroy our work, and he and Bro. Cook held a discussion on the Sabbath question. The truth stands firm. Yesterday, three more kept their first Sabbath. There are now around Cherokee thirty who are near enough to attend monthly meetings. L. D. Santee.
S. B. WHITNEY
By S. B. Whitney
Parma.
The interest here is really wonderful. Although we have the Sabbath out prominently before the people, and the weather during a portion of the past week has been extremely bad, still our congregations have increased, and last evening every seat in our large room was filled. The whole community is stirred. The truth is the common topic of conversation in public places, questions are being proposed freely, and the Bible is being read by those who have not been in the habit of looking into it, while some are so deeply convicted that they are affected to tears when conversing on the subject. Bro. B. L. Whitney is with me.
S. B. WHITNEY
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
I remained at Union Hill in all a little over three weeks. A few began keeping the Sabbath. January 26, I started for the mountains; and after a journey of nearly five days, sometimes riding and sometimes going on foot, to rest my horse, I reached the Mt. Gilead church, where warm greetings from those who love the truth refreshed me much.
Here I held nine meetings, which were well attended by the brethren and sisters. Outside attendance was small but increasing. The church here is in earnest. Seven of them formed a Tract Society, while others promise to join it soon. I left them $5.50 worth of tracts, many pages of which are already many miles away upon their mission. Best of all, Bro. P. D. Moyers is laying his plans to give himself entirely to the work as soon as possible.
Near Glade Creek, I believe there are seven holding on to the truth yet, but they are much scattered. I spoke four times to them, and obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW. Bro. Moyers will visit this company once a month for a while. I am now en route for Edgefield Junction, which will be my address. ORLANDO SOULE.
THE PACIFIC COAST.
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
Sonoma Co., Cal.
The quarterly meeting at Santa Rosa, says Eld. J. N. Loughborough, was an interesting occasion. There was quite a fair representation of the five churches in the district; and, even on the Sabbath, more than a score of those who had become interested to know of these truths by reading the SIGNS and other publications distributed by the missionary workers, came into the meeting. Five attached their names to the covenant to keep the Sabbath.
Eola, Polk Co. Oregon.
Bro. A. T. Jones reports as follows: “Feb. 17, I went to Eola, where I held meetings Sabbath and Sunday, also Tuesday and Thursday evenings. On Friday Bro. Van Horn joined me, and continued meetings till Sunday night, Feb. 25.
The meetings throughout were excellent, and the brethren and friends were greatly encouraged. Sunday Bro. Van Horn organized s. b. amounting to $119.
BEHOLD I KNOCK!
Behold I knock! ’Tis piercing cold abroad
This bitter winter-time;
The ice upon the dark panes has not thawed,
The earth is white with rime:
O human hearts! are ye all frozen too,
That at closed doors I vainly call to you?
Is there not one will open to his Lord?
Behold I knock!
Behold I knock! The evening shadows lie
So peaceful near and far;
Earth sleepeth—but in yonder cloudless sky
Glimmers the evening star;
’Tis in such holy twilight time that oft
Full many a stony heart hath waxed soft,
Like Nicodemus, in the dark drawn night.
Behold I knock!
Behold I knock! O soul, art thou at home,
For thy Beloved’s here?
Hast thou made ready flowers ere He should come?
Is thy lamp burning clear?
Know’st thou how such a Friend received should be?
Art thou in bridal garments dressed for Me?
Decked with thy jewels as for guests most dear?
Behold I knock!
Behold I knock! Say not, “’Tis zephyr mild
Which rustles the dead leaf;”
It is thy Saviour, ’tis thy God, my child,
Let not thine ear be deaf;
If I come now in breezes soft and warm,
I may return again upon the storm:
’Tis no light fancy—firm be thy belief;
Behold I knock!
Behold I knock! As yet I am thy guest,
Waiting without for thee;
The time shall come when homeless and distressed,
Thou, soul, shalt knock for me;
To those who heard my voice ere ’twas too late,
I open, in that hour, my peaceful gate;
To those who scorned, a closed door will it be.
Behold I knock!
—Christian Weekly.
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.
By A. C. Bourdeau
FROM the 15th of last December till the 10th of February ult., on account of almost incessant snow storms with cold and blustering winds, and of the severe sickness of Mrs. B., we could hold only our weekly Sabbath meetings with our brethren, preach Sundays near Dillonton, where there was a good interest to hear, and give from two to four lectures per week in Warden. Since then we have tried to push forward the work as the way has opened. It is evident that there are many persons all around us, who are fully satisfied that we have the truth, and who are gradually drawing towards us, some of whom seem to be on the very point of deciding to keep the Sabbath. The Lord gives us the field in every place—nearly all admit that our position is scriptural, that our people are sincere and honest Christians, and that it is no use for other ministers to try to oppose us; and though it is only by long persevering and earnest efforts that we succeed to lead any to obey, yet the cause is onward in this Province, and a few here and there are embracing the Sabbath.
Bro. Owen has had good success in canvassing for periodicals, selling almanacs, etc.; and last Sunday he enjoyed unusual freedom at Warden in speaking on the two laws. On the same day I gave two discourses to a full congregation in a large school-house near Dillonton. I dwelt on the change of the Sabbath. All seemed persuaded that “the seventh day is the Sabbath.” We are invited to give lectures in meeting houses in two places, and in several school-houses; but till we have settled going we shall confine our labors to the four places where we are now holding meetings. A. C. BOURDEAU.
Waterloo, P. Q., March 14, 1877.
VIRGINIA
By J. O. Corliss
I commenced meetings at Mt. Zion, near Alma, Page Co., Feb. 17, and have given thirty discourses. The influence of the tent-meetings held at Leaksville last summer had extended here. One had embraced the truth, and others had become interested. Now, twenty-five keep the Sabbath, and quite a number bear testimony in the social meetings.
We have obtained three subscribers for the SIGNS, and others will take it soon. Just now, however, times are very hard, and scarcely any money is in circulation.
J. O. CORLISS.
WISCONSIN
By I. Sanborn
We commenced meetings at Loyal, Clark Co., Feb. 22, and continued till March 6. In connection with the quarterly meeting, dedication services were held according to appointment. This church has been working faithfully as missionaries. They were living in harmony, and letting their light shine, as the Saviour commanded his people to do. Their example in this is worthy of imitation by older churches, some of whom require our entire time to get them united and in working order.
Our meetings commenced with full congregations, and the interest increased to the close. Thirteen united with the church, and others commenced the service of God, who will unite hereafter.
The church adopted the tithing system as taught in the Bible. Their S. B. for 1877 is $146; and when all who have moved away have been heard from, it will probably amount to $175. They also agreed to give one-third as much to the Tract Society. They pledged $30 for the tent fund. We left this church strengthened and encouraged to renewed zeal in the work of the Lord. We have decided to hold a tent meeting at Greenwood, Clark Co., ten miles from Loyal, as soon as the weather will permit.
We have now commenced meetings at Maple Works. Pray for us that God may bless. I. SANBORN.
NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd.
I ATTENDED the quarterly meeting at Blue Valley. The church there are making some progress. May God guide them. The following Sabbath I met with the Farmer’s Valley church, with whom those who came out at Seeley’s unite. I spoke to them on the perpetuity of spiritual gifts. All here seem in perfect harmony with the message.
Mar. 3 and 4, I spent with the friends in Dodge Co. Here are a few Danish brethren, the fruits of Bro. Hanson’s labors. I trust these with the scattered few of the Americans will soon be in a condition to enjoy the privileges of a church organization. In company with Bro. Myers, the 10th and 11th, I met with the Valparaiso church. The spirit of slumber seems to be affecting some here. Dear brethren, we are on enchanted ground. We have no time to slumber here—no time to rest till we find it in the “sweet by and by.”
CHAS. L. BOYD.
ANTRIM, MICH.
Bro. H. E. Olmstead says of the church at Antrim that it was organized by Eld. J. O. Corliss in Sept. 1873, with six members, that they have struggled on against opposition, trusting in the Lord, who has added to their numbers so that they now have a strong church of thirty-two members all working in union.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, in Battle Creek, Mich., March 12, 1877, after an illness of eight days, of typhoid pneumonia, Bro. Lewis G. Morrison, aged 20 years. Bro. Morrison, in company with his elder brother, came from his home in California, to attend the Battle Creek College, at the commencement of the present term, designing to spend some over a year in this place. This was his first experience with the cold climate of these eastern States. The disease took a firm hold from the start and progressed with great rapidity, baffling the earnest efforts put forth to arrest its progress. Bro. M. expressed the most complete resignation at the prospect of death. He embraced the truth some years since, with all his father's family, in California, and has fallen asleep in bright hope. At the funeral, the 14th, which was attended by a large and sympathizing congregation, the following resolutions were presented, expressive of the feeling of the teachers and students of the College in reference to this sad bereavement:—
A TOKEN OF SYMPATHY.
Whereas, Our beloved brother and fellow student, Lewis C. Morrison, has been so suddenly removed from our midst, and called to lie down in the grave while in the bloom of youth and strength of manhood,
Resolved, That, while we feel that our loss has been very great, and while we mourn for the one whom we have learned to respect and love on account of his genuine modesty and the true Christian spirit which he manifested while among us, yet we recognize the fact, that the most severe affliction has come to the parents and relatives of the deceased; therefore,
Resolved, That we extend to them our heartfelt sympathies in this their hour of special sorrow and bereavement.
The above resolutions were adopted by a unanimous vote of nearly two hundred students assembled in the College chapel, Thursday morning, March 15, 1877.
Remarks at the funeral by the writer, from the words, “And there shall be no more death,”
U. S.
FELL asleep in Jesus, Mar. 6, 1877, Sr. Lucretia Gardner, wife of Bro. Samuel Gardner, in her 55th year. She embraced present truth about two years ago, under the labors of Bro. S. Osborn, and was one of the number to compose the church at Powder Mills, Ky., when it was organized. She leaves a husband and several children. Discourse by the writer. Text Rev. 14: 13.
R. G. Garrett.
DIED, at Cambria, Hillsdale Co., Mich., Jan. 12, 1877, of liver complaint and heart disease, Mrs. Elizabeth Boardman, aged 50 years, 5 months, and 24 days. She died in hope of awaking in the first resurrection morn. She leaves a large family. Funeral discourse by the pastor of the M. E. church.
D. Boardman.
DIED, near Rockville, Bates Co., Mo., March 7, 1877, of pneumonia, Bro. Samuel Leach, aged 71 years, 9 months, and 2 days. He embraced present truth under the labors of Eld. R. J. Lawrence in 1870, he was a humble Christian, and respected by all who knew him. Funeral discourse by R. A. Jeffries.
J. T. Klostermyer.
THE WEEKLY DISTRIBUTION OF THE SIGNS.
By Maria L. Huntley
The plan of clubbing the SIGNS OF THE TIMES being quite extensively adopted, perhaps a few words relative to the experience of those who have been interested in this branch of the work for sometime may not be uninteresting, especially to those just commencing the work.
The question of obtaining interested readers for from five to fifty copies of the SIGNS, coming weekly, has been a serious one to many. And while the methods for accomplishing this are almost inexhaustible, it is nevertheless a question that demands careful and prayerful consideration. It will be necessary to reach out beyond personal friends, although they may aid us greatly by informing us of those whom we may benefit. The world is full of people, and it will be found that every interested reader that is obtained, will open the way for many others, and thus the work can be carried on and become more and more extensive. The only question of its success is involved in the manner of carrying it forward, and the devotion and self-sacrificing labor that is bestowed upon it, by those who engage in it. It must receive their constant attention, and their best effort, and so far as it falls short of this, it will prove a failure. In short, the heart should be in it, that the labor be faithfully performed; and a responsibility felt, that no copy should remain unused.
When our denominational periodicals were first issued, before the first number had been sent forth to the world, they were dedicated with earnest, heartfelt prayer. God’s blessing was invoked upon them, and tears of gratitude were shed over them, in view of the fact that God had provided this means of presenting the precious light of truth to the world. It is most highly appropriate, and important also, that the same spirit should be felt by those who take these consecrated sheets as they come from the office of publication, and distribute them to those for whom they were intended.
It is for this reason that it has been recommended that a Missionary meeting should be held each week, where practicable, in each company where a club has been formed. The friends in Lancaster have ever adopted this course. Each meeting is opened with a season of prayer, in which the blessing of God is earnestly sought to rest upon the feeble efforts put forth. After this, letters received during the week are read, and the sisters consult together with reference to matters that may come before the Society. It is no less important that those living alone, who engage in this work, should also seek God’s blessing upon their efforts.
After a few numbers of the SIGNS have been sent to individuals a brief letter should be written to them, inquiring if they are interested in reading the paper, and stating that if they are, more will be sent. At a proper time they should also be invited to subscribe for it. Much can be accomplished in villages by visiting from house to house and leaving a paper wherever people will accept of it. The next week, visit the same individuals again, and carry the next number, and continue so to do until an interest is awakened or it is evident that they cannot be reached in this way. It is often well to call attention to some particular article in the paper, which will, at least, secure the reading of a portion of it. Those who thus become interested in the SIGNS, are almost invariably much pleased with the Way of Life, and are therefore disposed to subscribe and receive that as a premium.
Let the same skill and aptness displayed in matters of worldly interest be devoted to this work, with true humility, and there is no possibility of a failure. The secret of our success in this, as in all enterprises connected with the cause of God, lies in being the humble instruments in his hands, and in carefully and patiently performing the work that is allotted to us by his providence. If this work is patiently continued, thousands of names will be collected, and as many individuals will have the opportunity of receiving the light of truth, this present year. It will be sowing the good seed that will spring up and bear fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold. And this is not all: it will bring an infinite reward to the faithful laborers, however humble their sphere of action, and add stars to their crown of rejoicing. Of whom shall it not be said with respect to this work, “she hath done what she could”?
MARIA L. HUNTLEY.
NO CROSS, NO CROWN.
By J. M.
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” —JESUS.
By the cross is signified religious duties of every kind. Self-denial, self-discipline, and self-conquest, are made indispensable prerequisites for the kingdom of Heaven. The cross stands in the path of duty. To proceed as a Christian it must be embraced. Christ is the only way to God. By his atonement, example, doctrine, and commandments, we may enter in at the narrow gate. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” John 10:1. There is no other way, there can be no other way, than by Christ.
Religious duties are irksome and disagreeable to the carnal mind. Of all who present themselves as candidates for Heaven, it is required that they become humble as a little child, penitent for sin, and pure as he is pure, that they deny self, crucify the flesh, subdue inordinate desire, set the affections on things above, hunger and thirst after righteousness, forgive enemies, submit to persecutions for Christ’s sake, exercise a constant watchfulness over themselves and against the world and the devil.
Religious duties are imposed, not that by performing them we may earn a title to Heaven, but because they are necessary to the purification of our moral nature. Through the grace of God we may be made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. To neglect the cross is to neglect all. It is to go forth to meet the bridegroom without your lamps trimmed, and without oil in your vessels; it is to go to the feast without the wedding garment on.
They that put their hands to the plow, and look back, become unfit for the kingdom of God. This is why we have so many deformed Christians to-day, ignorant of the great principles of religion, of its power to save. They wear it as a cloak to hide the deformity within. So inadequate are their conceptions of its excellency that they will not sacrifice a single lust, a momentary gratification, or one darling idol, to insure the eternal weight of glory which it promises.
This is the conclusion of the whole matter. When Christ comes to judge the world, all who will not now take up the cross will be regarded as enemies. Instead of the crown, they will have the curse. Instead of Heaven, they will have everlasting destruction in that lake that burns with fire and brimstone, that is prepared for the devil and his angels. J. M.
TEXAS
By Jos. Clarke
As many are looking to this State as a kind of earthly paradise, and as many efforts are being made by land agents, to bring in emigrants without making any provision for contingencies, we would say to all who contemplate coming here, to make a large margin in their plans for contingencies.
There is a great deal of waste land in Texas, a great deal of poor land, a great deal of worthless land; and no country in the world is so good but it has its disadvantages.
Many come here, to be most sadly disappointed and return, or to pine because they cannot return. We feel contented because we feel that we are in the way of duty. This country has a very desirable soil and climate. We are pleased with it, but have no idea, at this time of the closing up of earth’s history and, in this solemn season of the Judgment, of laying up a fortune for the future. Only a few years of probation remain; then, when probation shall close, and mercy cease to plead for the sinner, how valueless will be the treasures of earth! The smiling face of nature will seem to wear an aspect of gloom, and lands and farms will be as worthless as the dust. No money, or influence, will then be able to produce help or aid in coming to God. No one will then be found to proclaim the tidings of salvation to dying men.
It is folly to think of laying up treasures upon the earth at any time, but now we are nearing the close of all things, we should be careful of changes; yet if we feel that our motives are pure, and God is willing, we may even now be scattered about upon the earth wherever we can do most good. Jos. Clarke.
