Almost daily my feelings are stirred with reference to the circulation of the REVIEW and REFORMER among our people. Could I reach those not taking these periodicals by this appeal, I would address them directly; but as I cannot, I appeal to our ministers and missionary workers everywhere.
My opinion, from what I constantly see as I visit among our brethren, is, that a spiritual stupor is over our people in this respect. The surest evidence of the immediate coming of the Just One is the spread of the last message of mercy. God's angels are holding the elements of war for this purpose. The Eastern question, and the smouldering fires of internal difficulties among the nations, which are ready to involve the world in the last fatal conflict, are exciting in their nature; but these elements are under the control of higher powers, waiting for “many peoples, nations, and tongues” to hear the warning of the third angel. The REVIEW is the only periodical published that contains the facts that weekly show the spread of the truth all over the world. It contains extracts from letters showing the progress of the truth in every civilized nation. These things kindle in the souls of true believers a most lively faith in the soon-coming of our Redeemer, and impress them with the necessity of a speedy preparation to meet him. The REVIEW is our church paper. Its publication was commenced under God's special providence. It is designed to enlighten believers upon these things, and gives no uncertain sound. It also points out the particular dangers of the church at the present time.
Notwithstanding all this, I find brethren and sisters everywhere dying spiritually for want of a realizing sense of these things. The REVIEW should go into every English speaking family of Seventh-day Adventists. Where they are too poor to pay for it themselves, the church with which they are connected should pay for it for them. If churches are not able, let the district pay for all those too poor to pay for themselves. I know the times are hard; but not unfrequently I find families that complain of poverty, so poor they cannot pay for the paper, that are using tea, coffee, and other injurious things, which cost them more than the price of both the REVIEW and REFORMER. Some, when they embraced the truth saw force in the health reform. They partially embraced it, and subscribed for the REFORMER and the REVIEW; but they soon dropped one or both, and shortly went back to their old habits.
We have a special message and are engaged in a special work, and our strength lies in looking upon our work in this light. As soon as we lose sight of this fact, we lose the power of God from our souls. We become formal in our profession, and can see no necessity for being so particular about keeping the Sabbath, living the health reform, etc., etc. Then we wonder that our children are so unruly, and do not feel more the necessity of being converted. The spirit of sacrifice has leaked out of the heart, and there is a disposition to become like the world.
Each minister should see that those who embrace the truth subscribe for the periodicals. Tract workers, elders of churches, yes, every one whose soul is stirred with these solemn truths, investigate the matter. Is there a family in your church that does not take these periodicals? If so, steps should be taken at once to see that they have them and read them. If they cannot pay two dollars at once, let them pay twenty-five cents a month to the librarian of the tract society. This will pay for both REVIEW and REFORMER, and that society will advance the money for them to the Office of publication. Perhaps some will say, “There is one that comes into the neighborhood, and I can have that to read.” I have heard this many times, but never found one of these individuals who could tell a single article he had read. There are families that say they had rather be deprived of one meal a day than go without these papers. They know what the papers contain. “Well,” says one, “I have not much faith in the REFORMER; it is too radical,” and yet these individuals will yearly pay ten times the cost of the REFORMER which they would have saved by taking it and giving heed to its instructions. Many a run of fever and doctor's fee would have been avoided had they been better informed upon the subject of health. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” says God. This is as true in a physical sense as in a moral one.
Let our tract societies and vigilant societies take hold of this matter at once, and a reform will take place which will be the means of saving scores in the kingdom of God. I have known churches to become extinct where we have reason to believe, that, had they continued to take our periodicals, they would have been prospering to-day, and many more will become extinct, unless an interest is speedily taken in this matter. Satan is gaining a march upon many of our brethren and churches upon this point; and who will arouse themselves as they read this article, and be one of those who will defeat the enemy, and rescue at least one family from this snare of the devil? Rout him, my brethren, from the churches where you live. We wait for a practical response.
S. N. HASKELL.
VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
This society was first started April 8, 1877, as an experiment, and was permanently organized Nov. 28, 1877. It now numbers 171 members. Not all of these are workers, yet we are encouraged by the amount of work that has been done by the society, and the good results that are seen from this work. We hope for a still larger membership the coming quarter, and more of the true missionary spirit in all our members.
From 399 reports handed in at the meetings during the last quarter, a summary has been made out as follows: 4,561 periodicals and 29,301 pages of tracts sent away, and distributed in Battle Creek; 690 Annuals sold and given away; 722 letters and cards written; 460 families visited; 25 subscribers obtained for the INSTRUCTOR, 2 for the REFORMER, and 3 for the SIGNS.
Since the society was first organized, three hundred and thirty-two letters and cards have been read in our meetings. In these, with but very few exceptions, the writers have expressed a willingness to read, and a desire for more reading matter; and some have been brought to rejoice in the truths of the third angel’s message by reading papers sent from this society. We cannot weary of the work when we see such glorious results from our efforts.
We give extracts from a few of the letters that have been received by members of the society, hoping that they may encourage others to engage in the same good work.
A year ago last February, sister H. E. Sawyer sent a copy of the SIGNS to Jacksonville, Florida. About three months after she received a card from the gentleman stating that he had decided to keep the Sabbath and wanted tracts on that subject for his friends. The following is from a letter received by one of our members from the same person:—
“There are thirty-two Sabbath-keeping families here. I first received a copy of the SIGNS through sister H. E. Sawyer, and it was laid by until I returned from camp-meeting in Rockland, Me., in 1876. There were two brethren there in private discussion about the Sabbath. It began to stir me up about the matter, and as soon as I returned home I sent to sister Sawyer for tracts on the Sabbath, and by diligently searching the word, I found, to my joy, what it was to serve God in spirit and in truth. Since that time, I have not shunned to declare the matter to the church. There were only a few that would accept the truth. . . There may be forty Sabbath-keepers here, as there are some I have not seen lately.
“The people are very poor, depending on small crops for a living, hence have but little money. I have been laboring at my own expense for two or three years. Circumstances compel me to labor with my hands. I would like to work more in the field, but the Lord’s will be done. He has blessed my labors thus far.
“The people are great tobacco-consumers, so I have to contend against this very hard, in the cases of most that start to serve God. With some, tobacco is the choice against everything else. . . . There is much to do here for the truth. I am going to start on a mission, as soon as the Lord wills, in new fields. As the time is short, I hope the Lord will open the way for a few more before it is too late.”
The following is from a lady who has recently commenced to keep the Sabbath in Texas. The finding of one individual who is hungering for the truth, will richly pay for much labor in the missionary cause:—
“I received your kind and most welcome letter a few days since, and have waited the arrival of the tracts before answering it. Accept my most sincere thanks for your kindness. God will indeed bless you for the many kind words spoken in due season. Never did I realize the genuine beauty of true religion until I received the truth. When I was converted, I thought the truth beautiful. It seemed a new world; but now there is something more beautiful still. I cannot explain it. I do long for the coming of our blessed Lord. I hope his coming may not be many years hence.”
In speaking of her experience she says: “I had often wondered at the doctrines that were taught us, not only in regard to the Sabbath, but other false doctrines. I felt that they were not true, but came to the conclusion that there were many people better qualified to judge than myself, and that if they were wrong, these individuals would find it out. I was convinced that the churches were corrupted, and became disgusted with the folly and fashion I saw in them.”
She then speaks of having heard one discourse in which the Sabbath was presented. She says: “I was so rejoiced to find the dear old Sabbath, the very thing I had been looking for, that I forgot everything else. I grasped at this blessed truth, and I have taken it to my heart. I do thank God for it, and wonder that he should send it to me. I formerly kept Sunday very strictly, although I felt that it was not the Sabbath, but could not tell why. I often wonder now that I could not have seen the light. My two daughters and son have received the truth. My son (fifteen years of age) says, if God spares him he intends to preach the truth.”
The following is from a gentleman in Tennessee whose attention has been directed to the SIGNS:—
“Will you be kind enough to send me a few copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES? I am a seeker after truth, and have been satisfied, in my own mind, that transpiring events, especially in the Eastern countries, are very indicative; and if you can give me any light, you will confer a favor.”
Other extracts equally interesting might be added. We give these simply as a sample of the matter that is read every week in our meetings.
SECRETARY.
JETSMARK, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
We had a prayer-meeting Sabbath afternoon in the meeting-house at Alstrup. It seems difficult for those who have just begun to serve the Lord to begin to pray with one another, but our little meeting was, nevertheless, encouraging. In the afternoon I spoke on the subject of baptism to an audience of more than one hundred persons. There are twenty-five here who have commenced to observe the Sabbath and to serve the Lord; and many others are convinced of the truth.
Sunday, I held two meetings in Kaas, in the parish of Jetsmark, about nine miles from this place. We visited the church first. The service there began about an hour after the appointed time. There was to be a funeral service. The minister came out of the church clad in his ministerial robes and smoking a cigar; and he continued to smoke at the grave, even while the deacon sang several hymns. At last he was obliged to take the cigar out of his mouth while he spoke a few words at the grave. His sermon in the church lasted eighteen minutes, and consisted mainly in praises of the benefits and pleasures of married life.
There were at least one hundred and fifty present at my lectures in Kaas. The rooms were so crowded that I was obliged to stand on a stool, in order to get my head above the others. My head thus reached the ceiling, and I had to lean against those around me, as they crowded me on all sides. The truths spoken about the second coming of Christ were thankfully received by many. To-day I go to Sulsted, the Lord willing.
We need a faithful helper here in Vendsyssel. I can labor best by staying in this vicinity. There is work enough here for several years. It is easiest to labor where the people have a desire to hear; but there are other places farther away that should be visited also. Who is able and willing to help us?
JOHN G. MATTESON.
Jan. 21, 1878.
The Prayer-Meeting.
They were anxious for the prosperity of the cause of Christ. No one could doubt it who visited their little prayer-meetings week after week.
Bro. —— would rise with a heart heavily burdened. Little Johnnie G. said he always looked “so sanctimonious.” There were lines all over his face where the lash of conscience had left deep furrows. He told of the fierce conflicts he had had with the enemy, much like those of Christian and Apollyon, and the terrible darkness that had surrounded him. Occasionally there had been a gleam of light; but for the most part it was woe, woe, woe. No one doubted his sincerity. His neighbors all testified that his walk was circumspect. But the light-hearted young man, with all his pulses bounding with life and vigor, said, “I would like to be a Christian, but if it is to be such a life as this, I never can.”
Week after week sister —— arose to relate her experience (always the same), and exhort the young to seek the Saviour. There was a fretwork of gloom over the features God had made fair, as in dolorous tones she told of the light and joy of early Christian experience. It was evident we had lost our first estate, and Ichabod was written on all below. A timid, shrinking girl had often thought of the pathway of the just that was to be as “a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,” and felt how sweet it would be to be a Christian; but wasn’t there a mistake somewhere? She must wait to see.
Occasionally a young theological student arose to tell them in faultless rhetoric of the uncertain present and the dim “beyond.” His words were beautiful as the ice palace of the Russian princes, and just as cold. But there came a man with bowed form and tottering step. He arose to say that it had been “nigh onto fifty years” since he had been in the service of his Master, and he could say, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” He spoke of his Saviour as though he were indeed his “elder brother,” saying, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth,” and “in my flesh shall I see God.” The young man’s heart is reached. Here is the narrow pathway, and the gate stands invitingly open. He enters it trustingly; for He is faithful that has promised, “I will hold thine hand, and will keep thee.” The language of his heart is, “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
An aged lady expressed briefly her faith in the precious promises of God, and her hope of the life which comes through Christ. The waves of silver hair lay on a brow where time had left his impress, but the sweet serenity of countenance caused the casual observer to say, “She is one with whom Heaven has dealt very kindly.” There were lines that deep anguish had drawn; but they were so delicately veiled by light and glory, that the beholder’s thoughts instinctively reverted to the mount of transfiguration. Those who knew her well were aware that the daisies had bloomed and faded many a year over a hallowed spot in a distant country churchyard, where slept the one who had hoped to smooth all life’s pathway for her. Her fatherless children were scattered, some she might never see till ——; should they clasp hands in the final glad reunion? The words were plain and sweet, rich and beautiful, and she closed her tribute to a Saviour’s love, saying, “I shall be satisfied when I awake in his likeness.” Yes, Heaven had dealt kindly with her. Her faith had taken hold upon the Rock of Ages, and through all life’s storms she had been unmoved. The timid girl thought it must be a safer pathway than she had ever known, and her willing heart responded, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.”
Reasoning With the Dyspeptic
Dyspepsia is a most unreasoning disease. If you would admonish a drunken man, you must wait till he is sober; so, if you would reason with a dyspeptic, you must take him when the fit of blues is off.
IOWA
Fremont, Feb. 3.
Since my last report, I have had strong opposition from the Disciples. They became alarmed for their craft, and sent for one of their “big guns,” Eld. Connell, who came before I had finished on the law and Sabbath questions, and before I had tested the people on these things; and of course I was compelled to give way, and submit to a sharp review. If I could have had three or four more meetings, I would have been glad to have him follow me. He gave four discourses and I was permitted to follow him, using alternate evenings, speaking three times, when he suddenly left; not, however, without arrangements being made to have a protracted meeting thrown in, in the same house I had used. By Eld. Johnson, who also gave a series of discourses on the law and Sabbath, refusing all privilege of reply, I have closed my meetings for one week, and will then use the Baptist church.55
These Disciple elders seem to have no objection to any of our positions except on the law and Sabbath. It seems to be the height of their ambition to fight the law of God. The people generally are well pleased with the result of the discussion. Two Disciples are keeping the Sabbath. I hope for a small company here. A majority of the people admit we have the truth of the Bible.
The Lord is good, and his truth shines brighter each day. Praise his holy name.
L. McCoy.
State Center, Feb. 4.
Last Wednesday Bro. J. D. Pegg and myself began a series of meetings twelve miles south of State Center. We began with only a few hearers; but the audience has increased so that last night, although wagon seats were brought in, all could not be seated, and some were outside, listening at the windows.
We borrowed an organ. Bro. Pegg plays and sings well, and also speaks some. He is good help. The people come earlier on account of the singing, and we have many invitations to visit them at their homes.
Our address is State Center, Iowa.
G. V. KILGORE.
Oskaloosa, Feb. 7.
At “Hook” school-house, near this place, twenty-one lectures have been given, and the meetings have closed. I found this a hard place to get a very deep hold with present truth, as all seem given up to the pursuit of wealth; but God has given me some precious seasons here, and I am satisfied has helped to sow some seed so deep that it will yet bring forth fruit. The attendance throughout has been good and upon Sundays more have been present than the house would hold. Bro. Eli Robinson, of Beacon, has rendered acceptable service here and at Union, furnishing extra seats and freely purchasing whatever else was needed. May the Lord reward him a hundred-fold.
Eld. E. W. Farnsworth has been with us at Oskaloosa and Union, laboring faithfully day and night. A church has been organized and the cause much strengthened, for which we feel grateful to God.
GEORGE. B. STARR.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Clear Creek and Jamestown, N. Y., Jan. 31.
Spent Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 26, 27, with the church at Clear Creek. This was in some respects a very encouraging meeting. As the brethren were expecting us, they had deferred their quarterly meeting till this time, and there was a good attendance of the members. The friends here are many of them young in the cause; but they love the truth and seem willing to work for its advancement. One feature of the work here we were much pleased with. The S. B. and one-third for the entire church were promptly paid. This has been the case during the entire year, so that they commence the new year with a clean record. This is as it should be, and in this respect this young church has set an example that many of our older ones would do well to imitate.
Monday evening and Tuesday, held three meetings with the friends at Jamestown. There is but a small company here,—only ten in number,—but we have never seen a company that seemed to be more in union and harmony, or to have more faith and love for the truth than these young brethren and sisters. It seems necessary that this should be the case, as they have a great work before them to hold up the truth in this town of twelve thousand inhabitants. They all became members of the tract society, and will immediately be furnished with publications. We have never seen a better field than this for missionary labor, and we pray that God may especially bless in this work.
B. L. WHITNEY.
A. H. HALL.
Later, Brn. Whitney and Hall write from Port Allegheny, Mc Kean Co., Pa.:—
Our meeting commenced Thursday eve, Jan. 31, and continued till Sunday eve, Feb. 3. During this time nine discourses were given, mostly on practical subjects; and several prayer and social meetings were held, in which the brethren took part with much promptness. Twenty-one new members were added to their tract society, which now numbers over thirty. Five members were also added to the church, making their present number thirty-two.
Two subscriptions were received for the REVIEW, six for the INSTRUCTOR, and over thirty dollars' worth of books were sold. A large share of these were Spirit of Prophecy Vols. 1 and 2, which contain just the instruction these brethren need. Several copies of the Child's Poems were placed in the hands of those who will canvass for the INSTRUCTOR. Systematic benevolence was re-organized, and the one-third voted to the tract society.
Scattered as they are in so many localities, the church at this place have a splendid field in which to do missionary work, and we are especially pleased to see the interest manifested by them to engage in this work. If these brethren will recommend the truth by living it out consistently before their friends and neighbors, and will be faithful in the missionary work, they will see the cause rise among them. We believe the time has come for the cause to rise in Pennsylvania, and we trust this church will do its share to help on the good work.
Blakeman School-house, N. Y., Feb. 4.
Commenced meetings here Jan. 20. The interest has increased from the first. We have had only nine meetings. Other meetings have been crowded in, in order to hinder our work, yet it has helped the interest. We have strong opposition, but thus far the Lord has been our helper. We expect some fruit here, as things now look. Last Sabbath and first-day we visited the friends at the Haight school-house. Found them nearly all firm, and a goodly number attended the four meetings we held. The brethren and sisters from Mannsville attended, which was a source of encouragement. M. H. BROWN.
Yorkshire Center, N. Y.
Our meetings near this place closed Jan. 27. I had to battle with that unanswerable objection, prejudice from the first to the last. A few would not attend the meetings, and used all their influence to keep others away; but in spite of this we gained many friends, and left the truth in good standing in the community. Only two began to keep the Sabbath, but we have reason to believe that others will do so soon.
LITTLE VALLEY CENTER.
Began meetings here Jan. 29. On account of a severe storm and cold weather which followed, it has been hard work to get the people out; but a few are now getting interested, and there is a prospect that some good will be done.
My address is Little Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Care of A. Chase.
GEO. D. BALLOU.
MAINE
Woodland.
We labored here nearly three weeks, speaking mostly on the prophecies, and distributing tracts. Spoke four times in Swedish. The hearers were many of them Union Covenanters, a people who hold views on the prophecies very much like those of the Seventh-day Adventists. They have a conference, and hold quarterly and monthly meetings. There are six ministers belonging to this body, three of whom believe in the Lord’s Sabbath, yet do not preach it. Some of this body have accepted the Sabbath, and are anxious to receive more light.
Last week we attended their monthly meeting at Woodland Center. Five of their ministers were present, and some of our Swedish brethren from New Sweden. Among the Union Covenanters present, eight claimed to be observing the Lord’s Sabbath. The Sabbath question was often the topic of conversation, and many in their testimonies spoke of keeping all of God’s commandments. A good degree of harmony prevailed. One man and his wife walked fourteen miles to attend this meeting. We expect to speak to the people in Woodland next Sunday, on the Sabbath question.
We went to New Sweden by the way of Caribou, distributing tracts and selling Annuals. We have obtained four subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR and two for the HAROLD. A way seems to be opening for some to hear the truth at this village. We have another invitation from a place eighteen miles from here where two are already keeping the Sabbath. The Union Covenanters also invite us to meet with them at their next quarterly meeting.
We most cordially acknowledge the kindness and favors of our Adventist friends in Woodland.
JAMES SAWYER.
Littleton, Aroostook Co., Jan. 31.
Commenced meetings in Littleton, Jan. 18, at a school-house on what is called the North Ridge. Seven have taken a stand on the Sabbath. The interest was very much hindered by sickness in the neighborhood and drifting snows. Shall return next week Wednesday, and continue meetings if the state of the roads will permit.
Calls for labor come from nearly every quarter, and there is no one to fill them. If there was ever a time when the words of our Saviour as found in Luke 10:2, were applicable, that time is the present. Oh, that we might all feel the burden of this work and the importance of the present time! We are fast approaching the time when this message will have accomplished its work, and the question with every one of us should be, What am I doing to save precious souls?
SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord; C. H. Bliss
Rutland, Feb. 4.
We met here on Friday, Jan. 25, and commenced our labors the same evening. To date we have spoken fourteen times, besides attending seven prayer-meetings and one business session. Also, we listened twice yesterday to Eld. C. W. Smith, first-day Adventist.
Here is where Eld. T. M. Steward fought a hard battle in the summer of 1875; and, thank the Lord! we may say, Here is a victory gained. Those who once were bitter, are, with some exceptions, learning our views more fully, and are now more friendly. We hold our meetings—as did Bro. Steward—in the first-day Adventist meeting-house, and have a fair hearing. Yesterday morning Eld. Smith publicly opposed us. He is the same man that so unwisely withstood Bro. Steward, crying, “Visions! visions!” Even at the beginning, he thus greatly crippled his influence. Yesterday afternoon, Bro. Bliss reviewed the forenoon discourse (as we saw last evening), with good effect. Last night Eld. Smith was very mild, and avoided all controversy. Why cannot the opposers see their folly ere they decapitate themselves? Answer: 2 Thess. 2:9-12.
Yesterday we organized a church of nine members. Wednesday evening shall celebrate the ordinances. Three or four have embraced the Sabbath since we came here, and we hope for several others. The S. B. pledge amounts to about $100, and this will likely soon be increased.
G. W. COLCORD.
C. H. BLISS.
THE SOWERS.
By Sel.
“All seed is in the sower’s hands.”—Rossetti.
Ten thousand sowers through the land
Passed heedless on their way;
Ten thousand seeds in either hand
Of every sort had they.
They cast seed here, they cast seed there,
They cast seed everywhere.
The land a forest straightway grew,
With plants of every kind;
And kindly fruits, and poisonous too,
In that wood could you find;
And trees grew here, and trees grew there,
And trees grew everywhere.
Anon, as many a year went by,
Those sowers came once more,
And wandered ’neath the leaf-clad sky,
And wondered at the store;
For fruit hung here, and fruit hung there,
And fruit hung everywhere.
Then plucked they many a berry bright,
None could their right deny;
Some ate to their unfeigned delight,
And some ate but to die;
While some plucked here, and some plucked there,
And some plucked everywhere.
Nor knew they in that tangled wood
The trees that were their own;
Yet as they plucked, as each one should,
Each plucked what he had sown.
So do men here, so do men there,
So do men everywhere.
—Sel.
MISSOURI
By George I. Butler
Since my last report have held meetings in Holden, Index, Rockville, and Nevada City. The mud embargo has hindered our meetings from being largely attended; but the brethren have generally attended well. Have labored mostly to help the Sabbath-keepers, giving instruction on practical subjects, and especially concerning the T. and M. work. Our meetings have been profitable, and the preaching well received. Clubs for the Signs are being formed in every church we have visited, to be paid for mostly on the monthly-installment plan. There are now ordered for the Prairie Valley church 62 numbers; Lincoln, 50; Index, 19; Rockville, 26; and Nevada City, 35. We are also getting some subscriptions for a permanent fund to aid our T. and M. society in paying past indebtedness, and to supply ourselves with tracts; also some additions to our tent and camp-meeting fund. Quite a number have promised to lay aside tobacco, tea, and coffee, and the sentiment in favor of health reform is strengthening. And best of all, many are feeling more the importance of seeking God and being alive in his work.
I feel certain there is a healthy change taking place in the spiritual atmosphere where I have been, which I trust may continue till there is a radical change for the better. The work is laborious, and not so encouraging as I could wish; still I feel of good hope. Our business is to sow the seed. It is the Lord’s work to make it grow. It is for us to sow in faith, labor in courage and hope, and trust him always. I expect to see better days in Missouri. There is a disposition kindling up here to go to work for the Lord. We hope to see it continue till the cloud is lifted.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Nevada City, Mo., Feb. 7, 1878.
BLADEN SPRINGS, ALABAMA.
By A. O. Burrill
Yesterday (Sunday, the 27th) was a good day for us. After the sermon in the morning, nineteen were baptized. The day was fine, and a large number gathered to witness the scene. Meetings are held in Bro. S. J. Rogers' house, which is well filled with attentive listeners. The people are becoming very friendly, and we are receiving invitations to visit them at their homes.
Wheat does not grow so far south as we now are by eighty or ninety miles. Snow seldom falls here. Many of our northern brethren desire a warmer climate; we can say to these persons that if they know when they are well off, they will remain where they are.
Shall be pleased to furnish readers for the Signs to any who may desire to send papers. Please address us, stating how many.
A. O. BURRILL.
Feb. 4, Bro. Burrill adds:—
During the past week several have decided to obey the truth. The interest is increasing. People come from a greater distance, and express a lively interest in the doctrines advocated. To-day we commence erecting a church, in the place of the one burned down two months ago. Have a Sabbath-school of forty members.
Mrs. B. is to open a day school on Wednesday. The school system is very defective here; but the people, though ignorant, are very anxious to learn.
KANSAS
Rock Creek, Osage Co.
I HAVE just enjoyed a good meeting with the church at this place. Two joined by baptism. A club of eight copies of the SIGNS was subscribed for. The Sabbath-school adopted Bible Lessons for Youth, and supplied themselves with this book. J. LAMONT.
Limestone.
We have held meetings at Limestone about two weeks. As the result, eight more are observing the Sabbath. The interest is deep, and those taking hold are substantial. L. D. SANTEE.
YORKTOWN, INDIANA.
By W. W. Sharp
We have the old church repaired. The expense was about $25, and was met by the people. The house has been literally packed each evening, notwithstanding the Methodists are going on with their meeting, and keeping away several of their leading members who tell me they want to come, but fear to do so.
Have just introduced the Sabbath question. Some are taking books and investigating. W. W. SHARP.
WESTMORELAND, N. H.
By D. A. Robinson
I have just spent two Sabbaths with the friends here, holding meetings through the week also. We find them holding on to the truth and making advancement in the Christian life. These meetings have been a source of much encouragement to all. Cold weather and plenty of snow did not keep the friends from attending meeting nearly every night and three times on Sabbath and first-day.
Last Sabbath was a precious season with this company. One brother who has had a severe conflict with tobacco resolved to lay it aside, and be a free man. It is such steps as these that bring us near to God. The man who can stand up squarely and say “No” to appetite on this point, God will bless.
The prediction was made when the tent left that in a little while those who came out would all “come back again.” But this truth, received with the love of it, will hold men. Instead of their giving up, we find more real workers in a prayer-meeting with this little company than there are in the church here whose organization, it is said by way of boasting, took place in 1780.
Yesterday we organized S. B. to the amount of $70.40 for 1878. I now go to Amherst, Mass. D. A. ROBINSON.
MINNESOTA
Paynesville, Jan. 31.
We began meetings at Paynesville, Jan. 29. About fifty were out the first evening; the next about ninety, and to-night the hall is already well filled, and services have not yet begun. As we look over the large audience, we pray that God will lead the honest into the truth.
W. B. HILL.
H. W. BABCOCK.
Pleasant Grove.
Bro. Dimmick commenced a course of lectures here Jan. 11, engaging the Disciple church for the course. Congregations and interest were good from the beginning. Bro. Grant, finding so great an interest and Bro. D. alone, came for help to Hayward, where Bro. Ellis, my son, and I were engaged, with a good interest. I came with him on the 25th.
The Disciples became alarmed, and brought in their champion, Mr. Burns, from Ohio, to break up the interest. He presented Bro. D. seven propositions to discuss, but Bro. D. did not want a discussion, and refused to accept his challenge. That evening I gave a discourse on the Sabbath, and he announced a review the next day (Sunday). His style was such that we concluded it would be better to confine him to the rules of debate than to let him run loose; so we concluded to discuss five of his propositions, after changing the form of some of them; viz., the Sabbath, the kingdom, spiritual gifts, immortality, and the destruction of the wicked, holding one session in the day and one in the evening. Commenced Monday evening, on the Sabbath question, Bro. D. affirming. At the end of the eighth session, during which time the truth did not suffer in the hands of its defender, the discussion of this question closed, and the people rose up and demanded that the discussion stop, on account of the ungentlemanly and unchristian manner in which Mr. Burns treated both the subject and Bro. Dimmick.
On such a demand we were willing to close, feeling satisfied that we had the judgment and sympathy of the candid with us. That evening Mr. B. gave notice that he would preach on Sunday, on “the Lord’s Day” and in the evening on “the Gifts.”
We held meeting on the Sabbath, with a good congregation, some brethren coming twenty and thirty miles to attend; and the Lord gave us a season of refreshing. Thirty-five testimonies were given, several by those who were keeping their first Sabbath, and some their second. We do not know how many are keeping it, but think there are some ten or twelve new ones.
Last night they refused us the church to continue our meetings in, and the Methodists also refused theirs; but, believing that the Lord would open a place somewhere, I announced a review of Mr. B.’s Lord’s-day sermon, on Tuesday evening, the Lord willing. A large hall has been engaged, and we expect to continue the work as long as the Lord is pleased to help us to do good. We have felt that it was a blessed privilege to draw near to him, and feel our dependence upon him.
D. P. CURTIS.
Oak Grove, Anoka Co., Feb. 3.
We commenced labors at this place, Jan. 13. Twelve have covenanted to keep the commandments, and sustain Sabbath meetings. They are free from tobacco and are taking hold of the health reform in earnest. Twenty or more are keeping the Lord’s Sabbath. We now go to Corinna, Wright Co.
JOHN W. MOORE.
WARREN WALKER.
Greenwood.
Met with the brethren at Greenwood in their last quarterly meeting. Considering the weather, there was a good attendance. There has been a steady growth in this church. The president of this Conference tells me there are now forty-two churches in this State. The cause is moving.
R. HOAG.
MICHIGAN
Twin Lakes.
I have now been at Twin Lakes almost three weeks, and have lectured nearly every evening and sometimes twice in the day.
Four have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are convinced of the truth and will probably obey it. One Irish Catholic has embraced the truth. Her husband was a drinking man, but now both rejoice in Christ and in the truth. The leading grocer promises to keep the Sabbath and shut up his store on that day. A few Sabbath-keepers were living here before, and we shall have a class of about eighteen members. I have been trying to induce them to take hold of the health reform, and some are doing so. Some are ready for baptism. I have sold books and tracts in almost all the houses, and obtained three subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR.
I am going out to a settlement five miles from here, to hold meetings during the week.
GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT.
Deerfield, Lenawee Co., Feb. 7.
We are now holding an interesting series of meetings in the Logan school-house, near Deerfield. Our congregations number from one hundred to one hundred and fifty. This is the second week, and the interest is on the increase. So far, we have been able to answer all inquiries, and the prospects are fair for good results.
We also have a good interest at Ottawa Lake, where we have a Sunday appointment, and shall go when our meetings close here. Two have taken a firm stand for the Sabbath there. We have taken sixteen subscriptions for our periodicals and sold several books.