This Institute was held with the Medford church, March 25 to 31. The season of the year was unfavorable to a general attendance, and but few were expected from other parts of the Conference. All were agreeably surprised, and perhaps none more so than our President, when forty-five reported from the churches outside of Medford. Among the number present were twelve of the fifteen ministers of the Conference, three of the directors, the State Secretary, three district secretaries, and six librarians. The whole number enrolled was seventy-six.
A part of the time the weather was very unfavorable and the roads exceedingly bad, but the attendance was quite regular, few feeling that they could afford to lose the opportunity for gaining all the instruction possible in the time allotted. All regretted that the time that Bro. Whitney could tarry with us was so short.
The T. and M. work occupied the larger portion of the time; but the Sabbath-school, Conference, H. and T. work, and parliamentary practice, each received a reasonable share of attention. The claims of the General T. and M. Society were presented, and an opportunity was given to invest in life-memberships. Twenty-five names were secured as life-members of the society.
On the subject of the sale of books and publications, the ministers adopted this resolution:—
Resolved, That we, the ministers of the Minnesota Conference, heartily approve the action of the General Conference in relation to ministers acting as agents in selling books and254other publications; and we hereby pledge ourselves to help sustain the T. and M. society by giving it the profits of such sales.
On the H. and T. question the following resolution was adopted:—
Resolved, That, as the H. and T. Association is one of the important branches of the work in which we as a people are engaged, we therefore recommend that all the ministers of our Conference introduce this work, and that they organize H. and T. clubs wherever practicable, in their respective fields of labor, upon the plan adopted and recommended by the General H. and T. Association.
A committee appointed to prepare resolutions expressive of the sense of the members in regard to the Institute, reported the following, which were unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Institute that such a school of instruction was greatly needed in our Conference; and that we are grateful to the General Conference for affording us the efficient labors of our brother, B. L. Whitney, in our Institute.
Resolved, That we hereby tender to Bro. Whitney our warmest thanks for his patient and untiring efforts to make the Institute a success.
Resolved, That we deem it very desirable that a similar Institute be held in our Conference next autumn, to continue two or three weeks; and that we extend to Bro. Whitney a hearty invitation to conduct such Institute, at such time and place as may be designated by the President of the Conference. Also that we deem it important that a suitable instructor be employed in practical elocution.
Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt thanks to the brethren and sisters of the Medford church for the kind and hospitable entertainment which they have extended to their brethren from abroad.
It was unanimously voted that a copy of these resolutions, with a summary report of the proceedings of the Institute, be sent to the REVIEW AND HERALD for publication.
D. P. CURTIS, Sec.
Hutchinson, Minn., April 5.
A TEMPERANCE MEETING IN OHIO.
By Wm. Beebe
HELD a temperance meeting in Milan, Ohio, Sunday evening, March 28. The people began coming in at an early hour, having a curiosity to see how S. D. Adventists would handle the temperance question, and at half past seven, the time appointed for meeting, the house was well filled. Conspicuously seated on the anxious-seat in the front part of the house, was a row of snuff-takers, chatting and snuffing. After speaking one and a half hours, I invited all to come up and sign the pledge. After a little counsel among the snuffers, one of them said she was going to sign the pledge, remarking that if her nose had been designed for a dust-box, it would have been set the other side up. So one after another signed the pledge, and then emptied their snuff-boxes on the floor, saying they would have nothing more to do with the filthy stuff. Several signed the anti-rum pledge. Heard many friendly remarks; nearly all seemed well pleased. The writer was the only S. D. Adventist present. Hoping that some good was accomplished, I take courage and go forward. WM. BEEBE.
A DIFFICULTY REMOVED.
By S. N. Haskell
BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.
The Publishing Associations have tried from time to time to remove the various hindrances which have stood in the way of our missionary workers. An objection to obtaining subscribers for the Signs of the Times has often arisen upon the ground that it requires a long time for the papers to reach their destination. If it takes one week for the State Secretary to receive the business from the canvasser, through the proper officers, one week for it to reach the Signs Office (the time required from the East), and another week for the paper to reach the subscriber, three weeks, at least, will elapse, and often a longer time, after the subscription is taken, before the paper will be received. Not infrequently this gives rise to complaint and dissatisfaction on the part of the subscriber, which is a source of annoyance, at least, to the canvasser.
We are exceedingly anxious that our ministers, colporters, and brethren and sisters throughout this country and the Canadas, should obtain subscriptions for the Signs; and that the above-mentioned difficulty may be removed, the Publishing Association will send to each State Secretary a club of ten copies, so that they can furnish the paper to subscribers immediately, and continue to do so, weekly, until they can receive a return from the Office. In those Conferences where the individual subscriptions exceed ten copies per week, a larger number will be sent free, if desired.
It is expected that a general effort to obtain subscribers for the Signs, in new fields, will be made by all.
The Medford, Minn., Institute.
By B. L. Whitney
This Institute, to which brief reference was made in report of last week, proved a decided success. In fact, we have not seen a better interest in any Institute held thus far, nor do we think the same length of time has been spent to greater profit in any of these meetings.
The meeting was much larger than any one anticipated, the class numbering seventy-five; and the brethren came together to learn and to work. All the active ministers but one were present, and an excellent spirit of love and unity prevailed in the deliberations and discussions of the meeting. The questions pertaining to the work in its various departments were discussed with the utmost freedom, but always with brotherly love and unanimous votes at the conclusion.
In no Conference have the ministers adopted the recommendations of the late General Conference with more heartiness than here; and the result of this action on their part will, we are sure, be of great advantage to the society, as well as of great service to them in their regular work.
Having enjoyed the benefit of this meeting, these brethren are also fully awake to the importance of holding a more general and longer Institute this fall, as will be seen by the resolutions adopted at the closing meeting.
We have left the States of Wisconsin and Minnesota, feeling a deep interest in the success of the cause in these Conferences. Surely the Lord has given us tokens for good in these meetings, for which we ought to thank him, and take courage. These States will prove excellent fields for the sale of our publications, though perhaps for local reasons it may be somewhat difficult to sell at this season of the year. B. L. WHITNEY.
Sigourney, Iowa, April 2.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
WHITCOMB.—Nancy Whitcomb died of consumption in Bethany, Gratiot Co., Mich., March 19, 1880, aged 30 years. She embraced the third angel’s message two years ago last September, by reading, and till her death was a faithful Christian. Her last words were, “Meet me in the first resurrection.” A husband and one child are left to mourn. Funeral discourse by the writer; text, 2 Kings 4:26. J. M. NICHOLS.
FRANCIS.—Died of consumption, in Albany, Wis., March 4, 1880, Edward A., son of Wm. and Jane Francis, aged 21 years and 6 months. He received some light on the claims of God’s holy law while with a brother near Whitewater, but never practically accepted it until the last few weeks of his life, when he sought the Lord earnestly. We expect him to awake in the morning of the first resurrection. Funeral discourse by E. T. Briggs (Methodist). THOS. FRANCIS.
BAIRD.—Died near Cedar Creek, Mich., April 2, 1880, Sister C. A., wife of Bro. Matthew Baird, aged 28 years and 3 months. A note signed “A Neighbor,” was read at the time of the funeral services, which stated that “she gave her heart to God at the age of twelve years, and has lived an exemplary Christian ever since, as known by all her neighbors.” She leaves a husband and three sons (one adopted) to mourn her loss. Funeral services were performed on the 3d inst. Many listened to the words, “Let me die the death of the righteous.” G. W. COLCORD.
CARLETON.—Died of consumption, in Norridgewock, Maine, March 8, 1880, Ellen M., wife of J. F. Carleton, aged 38 years, 11 months, and 20 days. She embraced present truth thirteen years ago, under the labors of Elds. J. N. Andrews and M. E. Cornell, and was faithful to the cause which she espoused. She was elected secretary of the V. M. society when it was first organized in this place, and was a faithful worker. A husband and three children mourn their loss, but not as those who have no hope. She sleeps, but not forever. “Jesus died and rose again,” and “even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” A prayer was offered on the day of her burial by Eld. Clark; and on the 21st of March the writer spoke to a large and attentive audience, from Rev. 14:13. J. B. GOODRICH.
BOOTH.—Died of lingering consumption and general debility of the nervous system, in Hancock, Waushara Co., Wis., Feb. 25, 1880, my dear companion, Hannah Booth, aged 71 years, 2 months, and 25 days. For thirty years she had been a great sufferer, but she bore it all with patience, until about two years ago, when her mind became unbalanced and gradually failed. She gave her heart to the Saviour when she was twelve years old, and joined the Disciple church. About eleven years ago she embraced the third angel’s message, under the labors of Eld. Sanborn. She leaves six sons, twenty grandchildren, and twenty-four great-grandchildren. While we mourn, we have a hope that she will rise in the first resurrection, and be one of that happy number that shall meet the Saviour in the air. Funeral discourse by Eld. Page, a United Brethren minister, from Heb. 4:9. ISAIAH BOOTH.
Notes of News.
—Parnell is elected to Parliament from the city of Cork.
—Switzerland is to have an agricultural exhibition in 1881.
—Paris is now said to be the principal center of Nihilism.
—Manchester, N. H., manufactures 148¼ miles of cloth daily.
—The King of Siam proposes to visit this country the coming summer.
—Rear-Admiral Thatcher, of the U. S. navy, died April 5, aged 74 years.
—An Arctic expedition is to sail from Washington about the middle of May.
—The Peru-Chilian war is still in progress; a recent Peruvian victory is reported.
—The German government is endeavoring to prevent immigration to this country.
—China is to have a complete system of telegraphing, established by the government.
—The recent rise in the price of white paper has resulted in the failure of many journals.
—It is said there are not far from 60 newspapers in this country edited by colored men.
—It is said that there is in Congress a growing feeling in favor of a national bankrupt law.
—The French Minister of Finance says that the Cabinet unanimously approve the anti-Jesuit decrees.
—April 7, the centennial anniversary of Wm. Ellery Channing, the theologian and statesman, was celebrated in Chicago.
—A dispatch from London dated April 9, reports a strike of 1,800 pitmen in the South Hetton and Murton collieries, Durham.
—Five churches of the Ningpo Presbytery, China, are self-supporting, and three are doing missionary work for their countrymen.
—In Austria children from seven to fourteen years of age are not allowed to attend with their parents unrecognized places of public worship.
—The oldest house in New England stands in Newbury, Mass. It was built in 1642, and has been occupied by one family for eight generations.
—In consequence of the prevalence of the potato bug, Norway has prohibited the importation of potatoes from this country, the prohibition to continue to 1885.
—The clearing-house returns for the last three months, as compared with the corresponding period last year, show an increase of 55 per cent in the volume of business.
—All Europe is arming and watching and waiting. Scarcely a monarch is happy, or devoting his time and energies to the pursuits of peace and the happiness of his subjects.
—Before embarking for Zululand, to visit the spot where her son was killed, the ex-Empress Eugenia presented her very valuable crown to the church of Notre Dame of Victories, Paris.
—Roumania refuses to sign the commercial treaty between that country and the United States, because the United States, instead of sending it by the hands of a special envoy, drew up the treaty, and forwarded it by mail.
—The Maine Beet-sugar Company at Portland manufactured 900 tons of sugar and molasses last year, at an expense of $107,000. The selling price was $110,000, leaving $3,000 toward the $60,000 that the machinery cost.
—It is said that the English and American Bible Revision Committees have decided to print the revised Bible in paragraphs, according to the sense, rather than in chapters and verses, and the poetic parts in poetic measure.
—“The demon of Militarism,” is Mr. Gladstone’s phrase, which, to one at all familiar with the European war-system, needs no explanation. “Everywhere,” he says, “east and west, north and south, the demon of Militarism makes progress.”
—A dispatch from Copenhagen, Denmark, states that Baron Gedalia, the head of a banking house, late Consul-General to Portugal, etc., has been sentenced to 30 days imprisonment for the using, on bills and stocks, of stamps already canceled.
—The Secretary of War has transmitted to the Senate a report from General Sherman urging the importance of the construction of a fort near the junction of the Gunnison and Grand Rivers in Colorado. It is estimated that $100,000 will be required for that purpose.
—Wm. H. Vanderbilt is said to be next to the Rothschilds the richest man in the world. His income from government bonds is $3,450 per day; and this is only one of several sources of revenue. Mr. Vanderbilt’s property is estimated to be worth more than $130,000,000.
—The Governor-General of East Siberia has telegraphed to St. Petersburg that no regular Chinese troops have invaded Russian territory. The raiders were irregular Tartars, and will be sharply punished by the Chinese government. However, Russian troops have been ordered to the Chinese frontier.
—During the first week of March the steamers sailing from New York to English ports carried 1,221 head of cattle, 650 sheep, and 300 hogs, alive; also 2,408 quarters of beef, 850 carcasses of sheep, and 605 tons of fresh meat, several steamers reporting the dead meat carried only by weight. This is the largest shipment in one week for several months.
—About the middle of February, some fishermen on the western coast of Norway, not far from Bergen, discovered a smashed and dismantled railway carriage, with the words “Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway” painted on it. There was a portmanteau inside, containing clothing. It is supposed that this is one of the relics of the Tay-bridge disaster, separated from the other carriages, and floated out to sea by the tide.
—On the occasion of the celebration of his birthday, the Emperor William, in replying to the congratulations of his generals, said he believed he was able to assure them that they would probably have no more opportunity of putting in practice their military knowledge, all fear of war having apparently, for the present, been dispelled. The Inter-Ocean thinks this confidence was inspired by the belief that the German military establishment is so vast that none dare oppose it.
—The Imperial Constitution of Germany gives to Prussia 17—a little less than one-third—of the 58 votes distributed among the members of the Bundesrath; while her proportion of the imperial population is about five-eighths of the whole. It is thought that Prince Bismarck’s object in recently proffering his resignation of the Chancellorship was to call attention to this defect in the Constitution. The Emperor wishes him to remain in office, and help remove it.
—It appears that many of the columns used in the construction of the Tay bridge were defective. They were made of inferior material, and cracks and holes were patched up with cement. Not a few testify to the habitual recklessness of the drivers on the bridge; other travelers gave up the bridge on account of its oscillations, and took to the ferry. “Altogether, the evidence thus far taken,” says the Scientific American, “seems to indicate such ‘scamping’ in fitting up the bridge, and such recklessness in using it, as our British brethren have been accustomed to depict as exclusively and characteristically American.” From the above we infer that running Sunday trains was not the exclusive cause of the Tay-bridge disaster.
—On the 9th of April the Times estimates on the Parliamentary election were that the new House would stand as follows: Liberals, about 340; Home Rulers, 60 to 65; Conservatives, not more than 250. It is not decided who will be the new Premier, but it is said that Beaconsfield will advise the Queen to send for Gladstone. It is understood that the Liberal policy will be to withdraw British troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible. Hence the Liberal triumph creates great disappointment in India, where it is everywhere believed that the effect of a premature withdrawal of the troops will be to throw away all the objects attained with so much sacrifice of blood and treasure, to dishearten the British troops, puff the Afghans with the idea of their own invincibility, encourage sedition among the subjects of Great Britain, and give a serious shock to her prestige among the princes and people of India.
BATTLE CREEK MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
By Jennie Thayer
THIS society has, during the past quarter, made a specialty of the home missionary work, and, as the result, quite an interest has been awakened in the vicinity to investigate our views. Several have subscribed for our periodicals, and some have already embraced the truth. The members who have engaged in the work have realized the divine blessing resting upon them in an unusual degree while in the performance of this duty, and are encouraged to still continue.
The quarterly meeting, held on the evening of April 7, was well attended, and it was the general testimony that the interest is on the increase.
The society voted to change the two hundred copies of the eight-page Signs which it has been taking to the twelve-page edition; and, to meet the increasing demand for papers, to add three hundred to the number, making in all five hundred copies of the twelve-page edition for weekly distribution.
Thirty minutes were spent in giving instruction relative to the use of the pass-book, and on convenient forms for keeping the memoranda, in order to report more readily at the close of the quarter.
The following is the summary of quarterly reports collected:—
No. of reports, 139; No. of missionary visits, 1,186; No. of letters written, 896; pages of tracts loaned, 87,926; pages of tracts given away, 34,102; pages of tracts sold, 924; No. of periodicals distributed, 8,832; No. of Annuals sold, 26; No. of Annuals given away, 2,135; No. of subscribers obtained, 76; No. of subscribers on trial, 31.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
Received on book-sales, etc., $12.96
“ “ membership, 39.00
“ “ donations, 291.80
Total. $343.76
Eld. Smith exhorted those present to labor with greater zeal during the coming quarter than they had done in the past, and the members dispersed feeling that this is indeed a great and glorious work.
JENNIE THAYER, Sec.
TO V. M. SOCIETIES.
By John Collie
We desire to secure as many copies of the Signs, Advent Herald, Tidende, and Stimme der Wahrheit as possible, to circulate in this city, Minneapolis, Minn. This is the largest city in the State of Minnesota, and contains nearly 60,000 inhabitants, 12,000 of whom are Scandinavians, and several thousand Germans. We would suggest that our brethren make a specialty of sending us the Scandinavian papers. Our camp-meeting is to be held here. We have a small church. Elds. J. W. Moore and J. E. Norstrom are now doing missionary work in the city, and we appeal to our V. M. workers everywhere for help, as above suggested. All requests for names sent to Mrs. Louisa Collie and Mrs. Jennie Norstrom will receive prompt attention.
All the above-named papers please copy.
JOHN COLLIE.
Minneapolis, Minn., April 6, 1880.
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.
REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING HOUSE.
BOOK AND JOB PRINTING,
BOOK BINDING,
Electrotyping, Stereotyping, Paper Ruling, Blank Book Manufacturing, Etc.
The largest and best equipped printing office in the State. Orders by mail promptly attended to.
Address REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SANITARIUM,
By John Harvey Kellogg
Battle Creek, Michigan.
This institution, beautifully located in one of the most healthful cities of Michigan, is everywhere recognized as the
GREAT SANITARIUM OF THE WEST.
More than 4,000 patients successfully treated. The erection of new buildings and the addition of all the most approved remedial appliances known to the profession, have made it The Most Complete Institution of the Kind in America. All modern hotel conveniences furnished. Terms very reasonable.
J. H. KELLOGG, M. D., Medical Superintendent.
Address, SANITARIUM, Battle Creek, Mich.
GOOD HEALTH.
By Editor
J. H. KELLOGG, M. D., EDITOR.
This popular health journal enters upon its fifteenth volume with the most flattering prospects for a continuation of the prosperity that has attended its publication in the past. It has for several years enjoyed the
LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY HEALTH JOURNAL IN AMERICA,
and its publishers are determined, not only to maintain the high position already attained, but to greatly increase its circulation the coming year, and thus enlarge its field of usefulness.
During the year each number will contain a large amount of valuable and interesting matter on the subjects of Health, Temperance, Popular Science, General Literature, and other topics of interest. The practical information in its pages on Sanitary Science, Public and Domestic Hygiene, and topics of kindred nature, gives it a scope and field of usefulness peculiar to itself, and unoccupied by any other journal.
AN ILLUSTRATED ARTICLE
on practical hygiene, or some other topic of general interest, will appear in each number, as a new and permanent feature of the journal in the future. In addition to this the Department of Questions and Answers, which has contributed so much to the success of the journal in the past, will be revived in a practically useful form, and made more valuable than ever before.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 A YEAR.
PREMIUM FOR NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS.—The “Household Manual,” a work of great value as a book of ready reference, packed full of practical information, and sold at retail for 75 cents, is offered to new subscribers with GOOD HEALTH for one year, for $1.25. We regard this as the best premium offer ever made, as the book alone is well worth the subscription price of the journal, and 25 cents extra secures both.
Specimen copies of the journal will be sent free to any address on application.
Address GOOD HEALTH, Battle Creek, Mich.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Editor
A RELIGIOUS PROPHETIC JOURNAL.
This is the pioneer sheet of eight pages (the size of the REVIEW page), circulated everywhere by our Tract and Missionary workers, at the low price of one dollar a year to the T. and M. societies only.
The conductors of the SIGNS have laid their plans to make this pioneer sheet for 1880 a power in the land. Live writers are engaged for the work. Elder Smith will give a series of articles under the significant heading, Synopsis of Present Truth. Elder White will occupy several pages of each number with sermons on Redemption through Christ, and other subjects of like importance. And besides the regular articles on Old Testament history, Mrs. White will furnish other matter in her usual forcible style.
There will be a special edition of the SIGNS of twelve pages, for old subscribers, who are generally members of our churches on the Pacific coast. This will contain the eight pages of the pioneer sheet, with four pages of church matters, reports and appointments inserted, making twelve pages, which will contain nearly three hundred square inches more than the old size of eight pages. Price, invariably, $2.00 a year.
Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California.
THE YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR.
WEEKLY AND MONTHLY.
AN ILLUSTRATED PAPER FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN, DEVOTED TO MORAL, MENTAL, AND RELIGIOUS CULTURE.
This paper is not devoted to insipid stories and religious fiction, but is filled with a great variety of that kind of reading which tends to the healthful development of the youthful mind. Its pages are made bright by the choicest illustrative pictures, and its columns are always full of useful information.
WEEKLY EDITION.—FOUR PAGES, WITH SABBATH-SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
As a Sabbath-school and Lesson paper, it is suited to the wants of scholars and teachers, and is calculated to increase the interest of all who read it, in thorough Bible study.
The Sabbath-school Department will contain two series of lessons, one for children and one for youth. Lessons on Prophecy for Bible Classes will also be furnished with the Weekly Instructor in the form of a monthly supplement.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 75 CENTS A YEAR.
All new subscribers paying the above price will receive the “Child’s Poems” as a premium without extra charge.
TERMS TO CLUBS, PAID IN ADVANCE.
Price per Copy, Post-paid.
5 to 10 copies ........................................ 55 cents a year.
10 copies and upwards .................................. 50 cents a year.
10 copies and upwards, without supplement
containing Lessons on Prophecy ......................... 45 cents a year.
Subscriptions for 5 to 10 copies will be taken for six months. Larger clubs may be paid for quarterly.
MONTHLY EDITION.—EIGHT PAGES.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 50 CENTS A YEAR.
The publishers are determined to increase their already large subscription list, and therefore offer, as a special inducement to new subscribers,
THE “CHILD’S POEMS” AS A PREMIUM,
at the price of the paper alone (50 cents). This beautifully bound and illustrated little book has 128 pages of choicest poems for children, price 30 cents. Six thousand have been sold during the past year, and the children call it a treasure.
