Earlier text: Delaying ObedienceIs It Right?
By Dudley Marvin Canright
TO THE T. AND M. SOCIETIES. Perhaps I do not understand the working of the Tract and Missionary Society well enough to make any suggestions about it; but I have observed in several places a matter which does not seem to me to be right, though no one has probably intended any wrong in it. If I understand the matter rightly, books are furnished to all our T. & M. Societies at one-half their wholesale price. The other half of their value is paid out of the book fund, which is raised by a general contribution all over the field for the T. & M. Society. Thus, one State receives 200 dollars’ worth of books for which the Society is charged $100. The other $100 is taken out of the book fund to pay the Office for these books. This is all right. Now, what I have observed is this: Some of the ministers in the different States, instead of buying their books at the Office, buy them of the T. & M. Society, paying that Society the same price which they would pay for books at the Office; that is to say, just twice as much as the T. & M. Society gave for them. It is true that the minister makes nothing in this transaction, but it is a decided speculation on the part of the T. & M. Society. A bill of books for which that Society paid $100 is sold for $200, thus making $100 clear. In order for them to do this, that $100 had to be taken out of the general book fund at the Office. A little reflection will show that this is virtually robbing the book fund of that amount. And then, further, I know of cases where the directors have sent to the Office for hymn books and other books for the brethren themselves. These books are sent to the director at Tract Society rates; that is, at one-half what the Office would sell to ministers, the other half being taken out of the book fund. Now, if the director sells these books to brethren at the regular retail price, his Society is making a very handsome profit—three dollars for every one dollar laid out. But in most cases the director sells these books to brethren at just the price the Society paid for them—for one-third or perhaps one-half the regular retail price. In this case, the one who buys the books makes a clear gain of that much on every book he buys. If he wants to buy three dollars’ worth of books he can afford to pay $1.00 to join the Society, as he would then save a half dollar. I do not believe our brethren have designed any wrong in this, as most of those with whom I have talked have supposed that the matter was all straight. What is the object of the T. & M. Society? It certainly is not to furnish books to our ministers or to our own brethren and sisters; but it is simply to furnish reading matter to the outside world, who are not sufficiently interested to buy for themselves, or at least to pay full price for it. But in a large number of cases our brethren avail themselves of this means to obtain our publications for themselves individually. This cuts off a large income to the Office on the retail trade, and makes a very heavy drain upon our book fund by diverting it from its proper channel into one for which it was never designed. I simply offer these suggestions for the consideration of those who have more knowledge and authority in the matter than I have. D. M. CANRIGHT. Jay, Mich., Nov. 21, 1875. Object of Missionary Work.
By S. N. Haskell
THE object of the missionary work should always be kept before the mind. It is to save souls for whom Christ died. It is not simply to see how many tracts can be distributed, but, with the distribution, to see how much good can be accomplished, how much prejudice can be removed, and how many may become interested in the truth. Efforts may be put forth even in tract distribution that will do more harm than good. If the individual that hands out the reading matter is uncourteous, this will tell against the truth. If the lives of those who visit from house to house are a disgrace to the cause, they cannot leave a proper influence. Those most successful in tract distribution will be, 1. Those who get the heart so imbued with the Spirit of God and love for souls that their own ease and comfort are cheerfully sacrificed for the good of others; 2. Those who, when in conversation upon the subject of truth and religion, are prepared to hand out that tract which is best adapted to the minds of those with whom they converse; 3. Those who understand that the object in conversation should not be to debate some doctrinal point, but to call the attention of the individual to the subject of religion, and who will then let the tract do the advocating of the doctrinal point. Be careful that all your deportment is unexceptionable. You should be of that class “in whose eyes a vile person is contemned,” and by kind acts with a tender heart you will be able to obtain access to the hearts and consciences of men. Then, upon the reputation thus obtained, you can recommend the truth. The heart should first be softened by the love of Christ before the person is fit to labor for others. We should first have an experience in the things of God. A stream will rise no higher than the fountain. And if our souls have never drawn draughts from salvation’s well, how can we impart that salvation to others? If the rays of light from Heaven do not shine into our own hearts, they cannot be reflected upon others’. Therefore the scattering of reading matter is a means to bring about a certain end, and not the end itself. A person might stand in the public highways and hand out a tract to every passer-by, without note or comment. We do not say but some might be reached in that manner; but we are not prepared to say that we think the time has come for a move of that kind to be made, unless it be at the close of discourses in which the word has made deep impressions upon the minds of those who have listened. It should ever be remembered that judicious labor is one object of the system of tract distribution and missionary work. Another object is to bring every true lover of the cause of truth into a position where he can do something to help forward the work of God. More important movements in the line of distributing reading matter are to be made in the future than have as yet been made, and the importance of a system whereby each Conference, and all parts of the same Conference, can make the same efforts at the same time will be more fully realized when these are undertaken. In fact, unity of action is indispensable. This cause is one, and it is the angel of God that is leading his people forward. Therefore, to understand his leading, and to take those steps that will tell for the general interest of the cause of God, is of the utmost importance. It is a bad position for a company in an army to be in to be exposed to the cross fire of the enemy. There is no danger of getting into this position when the whole army moves together. The danger arises when a company or small portion of the army becomes severed from the main body. It gives the enemy great advantage over a company to get them in range of “cross fire.” Were one company to start out alone, they might surprise the enemy, and for a time make quite an inroad upon them; but the enemy would soon gather up and take advantage of their isolated position. Even now important moves are being made in this work. This country is to be flooded with reading matter. There should be colporteurs in every city in this country. They should be men and women who fear God—those who feel the burden of souls upon them. They should be individuals of good judgment who will understand how to conduct themselves so as to leave a favorable impression, who will speak of points of difference in doctrine with discretion, and who will leave with families and individuals such reading matter as will be best adapted to their wants. There are other enterprises connected with this cause, all of which should be brought up together. If any branch of the Tract Society should take any one point and carry it to an extreme, and thus use their means and influence to carry one particular point to the exclusion of others, then a reaction would take place, and discouragement and confusion would be the result. It would be like getting under the cross fire of the enemy. The world must be warned; and we should take an equal interest in every branch of present truth. New enterprises should receive special attention until they occupy the same position as those which have been longer in operation. The entire body of Seventh-day Adventists should move together in the various steps taken. We appeal to all our brethren and sisters to take hold of this work in every department as never before. Reading rooms should have our periodicals. The standard of truth must be raised in all our cities and villages. The efforts we have made, such as placing the periodicals in twenty thousand families where they have reached not less than a hundred thousand readers, the distribution of from fifty to a hundred thousand almanacs a year, and the placing of our best bound books in a thousand public libraries and reading rooms, are only a field drill. We have thus tested the strength of systematic labor, and learned how we can work together. We are now being called upon to do something besides skirmish and drill. We have been in the preparatory work, just getting ready to do something. We can begin to form some idea of the nature of the battle which lies before us. The call of Bro. White in reference to the SIGNS should be promptly responded to by every Tract Society in the country. What are the officers of our Missionary Societies doing in response to this call? Are the presidents of the societies laying out their plans with the directors, that all our brethren may at once enter heartily upon this work of canvassing for the SIGNS? Do not wait when these calls are made, but immediately respond. There are a thousand men and women in this country who could procure fifty subscribers each for any of our periodicals within one month’s time if they would take hold of this work with the same persevering effort manifested by those who sell patent rights. Let the work be entered upon at once, and the names come in immediately. Do your business through your Society. But to every such call we want a hearty response. We believe that this will be given. There are hearts that are true to the cause of Christ wherever the truth has been received. Let it be understood that this does not exclude the individual efforts of those who may not be connected with the Tract Society. To all such we extend a cordial invitation to co-operate with us in this work. We recommend, to the careful consideration of all, Bro. White’s articles on this subject, which have recently appeared in the REVIEW. We should never forget that it is the object of the Tract and Missionary Societies to reach others outside of our numbers, and not to furnish ourselves with reading matter. Were an individual to join the Tract Society simply to furnish himself with reading matter, this act would show at once that he had not the right view of the nature and object of the Society. We do not say that if a person makes a little sacrifice of labor or means to-day in behalf of this work that this is to be the last of it. Far from it. He should sacrifice to-day, to-morrow, and all the way through, as long as there are souls to save. There should be one continued effort to save others. Life is of no account unless we can sow seeds in it that will bring forth fruit in the kingdom of God. England and the Eastern Question.
By Uriah Smith
ENGLAND has bought the Suez Canal. In reference to this transaction the two following paragraphs appeared in the Detroit Evening News, the first as a news item, the second as an editorial comment:— London, Nov. 26.—The purchase of the Suez Canal by Great Britain meets with general approval in government and commercial circles and from the people generally. The foreign powers, while weighing the political significance of the purchase, are understood to have offered no obstacle to Britain’s acquiring control of this great highway of commerce. That is a pretty noteworthy piece of business, the purchase of the Suez Canal by Britain. It is impossible not to regard it with reference to the Eastern question. It gives England apparently one of the keys to the situation; the Czar holds the other. It is not unlikely that the present generation will see the Sphinx enrolled as a British subject, and the British lion roaming up and down the hills and valleys of Palestine. Bible Translated Into Two Hundred Ten Languages
THE Bible is now printed in no fewer than two hundred and ten languages. In 1854 it was printed in only fifty. The Humble Remonstrance of Saturday
To say the very least, we were amused and pleased by reading an article in the Sabbath Memorial for July, published at London, England, under the caption, The Humble Remonstrance of Saturday. Well-instructed Sabbatarians after passing Mr. Punch, Mr. Spectator, Who, Which, and That, better understood at London, will see some fine points in the remonstrance, which the casual reader may not. Here is the article:— Mr. PUNCH: When Who, and Which made their celebrated complaint to your great ancestor, Mr. SPECTATOR, against That he was candid and courteous enough to hear both sides, and so let That speak for himself. Now, what I wish, is to be allowed simply to speak for myself; for I am unfortunately reduced to the condition of such a miserable drudge, that I am scarcely ever permitted to hold up my head and look about me as cheerfully as any other day of the week. All this, alas! dear sir, has been brought upon me by that upstart, whose “self-assertion” you have lately admitted into your pages. When I look back upon the early history of my life, I remember how I was born and nursed in paradise; and though last, I was not the least of all the seven brothers and sisters that then composed a happy family. I maintained an honorable position in society, beloved and respected above all my brothers and sisters, for more than two-thirds of my life, till at last my eldest brother, “Sunday,” pretended that there was an alteration made in our family settlement; and without ever producing any new deed in proof of his rival claims, he ventured to usurp all my inheritance, notwithstanding that the original deed remains enrolled in the most ancient record in the world, and the enrollment has never been cancelled or vacated. I have often demanded a fair hearing, but am so browbeaten by my brother and his adherents, that I should be driven to utter despair were it not that I have an office copy of my title deed and a few friends remaining who know the justice of my claim; and by their undiminished regard show that they are not ashamed of me in my present reduced condition. Indeed, sir, all this pother about the post-office would have been settled without difficulty if my brother could have produced (which I know he can’t) such an authentic document as might prove him, beyond all dispute, to be what I truly am, namely, the Patriarchal, the Jewish, and the Christian Sabbath. An Item for Tobacco-Users.
By J. O. Corliss
The great increase of cancers for the last few years has excited considerable inquiry in the minds of people as to the cause of their frequent appearance. Many suggestions have been made relative to their cause, but a few days ago some facts were related to me, which, to my mind, seemed to throw light upon the origin of this troublesome and often fatal disease. Dr. Lombard, of Standish, Maine, who has been very successful in the treatment and removal of cancers, says that within the last twenty years he has removed seven hundred cancers. One-half of this number were on the lip, and in every case but two the persons having them were either smokers or chewers. These facts should be thought of by every lover of the filthy weed, and in view of them, he should resolve to assert his independence. Why will people remain slaves to a perverted appetite, and sacrifice health and endanger life by such pernicious habits? Roman Catholic Testimony.
CATHOLICISM will one day rule America, and religious freedom will be at an end.—Roman Catholic Bishop of St. Louis. That the Catholic vote should be cast solely for the Democracy at the coming election is undoubtedly true. It is the only possible hope of breaking down the school system.—Toledo Catholic Review. It will be a glorious day for the Catholics in this country, when, under the laws of justice and morality, our school system shall be shivered in pieces.—Catholic Telegraph. If the school laws be modified to secure denominational education for all, Catholics will cheerfully pay their proportion of the school fund. If this wise amendment cannot be made, taxation for school purposes must cease.—Catholic Telegraph. Resolved, That the public schools, ignoring all supernatural authority, and making God the first, knowledge the last thing to be learned, are a curse to our country, and a floodgate of atheism, and of sensuality, and of evil, and of social and national corruption.—Resolutions passed by Irish Catholics at St. Louis, Oct. 17, 1875. Report from Germany.
By J. Ertzenberger
The opposition mentioned in my report of Sept. 29 is on the increase, and it has become pretty malignant. It is sad to say that this is not from indifferent and worldly people, but from those who profess to be the very best Christians; but however high their profession may be, their doings are evil. As friendly as were many at first, so bitter are they at present. As much as many liked to see and to know me at Solingen then, so much they wish me at the antipodes now. Although people have been warned from the pulpit not to attend my lectures; although prayers have been made concerning me in the public assemblies, to influence the people against me; although there are those who have gone from house to house to keep the people back; although false reports have been spread through the city and vicinity, the enemy has not been able to break up the lectures. And although the Social Democrats attempted to get possession of the lecture-room, the work has not been stopped. The lectures have been held regularly. I have also kept on visiting from house to house. I am astonished to see how disturbed the spirits of the people are. Many are very much in favor of what has been said in these lectures, and many are bitterly opposed. The other day as I visited a family, who should come in but the elder of the church to which this family belonged. As he had spoken of me in another family as a man who is teaching false doctrines and deceiving souls, I asked him to justify himself before this family in which we found ourselves. Although I spoke friendly to him, he became agitated, and, trembling, said, “I will have nothing to do with you.” But, said I, you spoke of me as teaching false doctrines, and deceiving the people by them. Please tell us in what way this has been done; and do not forget that if you cannot prove your words to be the truth, you will not only be guilty of calumniation, but also of hindering souls from hearing the truth. Do not forget that we must give account of our words. But he gave again the first answer. As I pressed him some, and as he saw that his friends were not satisfied with his course, he asked me, “Are you not keeping the Saturday?” Of course I am, was my reply. “Then you are keeping a Jewish day, and trying to bring others to do the same.” You mistake, sir, it is the Lord’s day, or the rest-day of God, said I. He went on: “We see that the first Christians kept Sunday, and we follow their example.” On this I asked him to justify his last assertion by the sure word of God. Again he took refuge in his first answer, but his friends urged him to speak. Then he said, “In Acts it is written that they met together on the first day to break bread.” Acts 20:7. Having explained the matter as it stands, I asked for another proof. He had none. “But,” he said, “you teach the sleep of the dead, although we read of souls crying under the altar. Thus your teaching is against the Scriptures.” As I tried to speak on this subject, setting before him the teaching of the Bible, he became much agitated, and hastily took his hat and left. His friends besought him to remain, but he replied, “No; I will no longer hear such a man, and if you like to hear him any farther, then go and hear him.” The whole family were sadly disappointed to see their elder act thus. And as they regarded him a very good Christian, they felt deeply for him. I, too, was sorry, but could not help his conduct. Such were his arguments against plain Bible facts, and such was the justification of one of the best of Christians, as he was regarded, for his words spoken against me in another family. At the close of a lecture which was held a few days later, a gentleman took me to his house. Being favorably impressed by the truths he heard, he was very friendly to me. After a while four men came in, members of the denomination to which he belonged. Among them was the elder. They inquired why he (the gentleman) had discontinued coming to their church. He stated his reasons: “Never have I heard the word of God plainer spoken, and at no place more clearly presented than in these lectures. The Bible never appeared more precious to me, than since I heard this man. At first my heart revolted against him, but I must say it is the plain Bible truth which he is teaching us. And since I have heard him speak on the practical life of a Christian, I feel the great necessity of coming up to it. Such truths I never heard among you.” This was too much for them; and, not without reason, I feared their anger would turn against me. I sought the Lord from the depths of my heart, to assist me, that I might stand the trial and glorify his name. My fears were realized. As they could not deny the facts which were placed before them, they resorted to means of a very low kind. According to the words of this elder, I am working for money and for nothing else. He dared to say, We have enough such vagabonds to-day, as you. Seeing that their assaults had no effect on me, he said: “You see that nothing affects his heart.” And in an agitated manner they left the room. The Lord assisted me greatly. I spoke but little. Seeing they acted thus, I left them the chance to show their bitterness and hatred against me. The words in Matt. 5:11, 12, were never more precious to me than on that occasion. Surely the Lord was a present help. To him be all the praise. The gentleman and his wife, although they have been members of that church for several years, have resigned their connection with it since this interview. May they walk in the light they have received. The pastor of the National church, who told me that the Bible contains many contradictions, and that St. Paul greatly erred when writing on the second coming of Christ, says now that I spoke thus. Thus he adds to his words of a fearful tendency a great lie. I could add still more to this list of facts; but these are enough. It is a most alarming thing, that leading men of the different denominations can act in such a way. What a pity for souls who are intrusted to such men! How needful to sound the alarm! May God’s Spirit work more. And may I be kept from the snares of the devil. Pray for me. Yours, with Christian love, Vohwinkel, near Elberfeld, Prussia, Oct. 26, 1875. Saginaw, Mich.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 17, we came to Saginaw, where we spent two days. I found a larger company than I expected. There are fourteen Seventh-day Adventists and three Seventh-day Baptists here. Three intelligent sisters have lately embraced the truth in this place simply by reading. The first sermon they ever heard on present truth was at this meeting. With a few hours’ notice of preaching, our brethren gathered together some thirty or forty in a private room. These persons listened with the very deepest attention to a sermon on the Sabbath. I had excellent freedom in preaching, and felt that the word took effect. It seems to me that a little labor in this place would be quite certain to bring out several. A church was organized two years ago, composed of members who had moved here from other churches. From the very beginning, they had difficulty and trial among themselves, which for a time entirely broke up their meetings. Their S. B. was wholly given up, so they have made no pledge for a year or two. Quite a number of them had even ceased to take the REVIEW. But of late their circumstances have somewhat changed. They have commenced their Sabbath meetings again, and things look more favorable. They appear to have a better understanding than formerly. I see no reason why they cannot take hold together and have good meetings. As usual, a few gossiping tale-bearers, who are more anxious to correct others’ faults than their own, were at the bottom of all their difficulties. We hope that they have made up their minds to attend to their own affairs, and let other peoples’ alone. We organized S. B. for 1876 to the amount of $31. This is not nearly what it ought to be. I expect to visit them two or three times in the course of a few weeks, as we shall have occasion to pass through this place. When they get fully into the light, and the spirit of the work, we expect they will at least double their pledges, subscribe for all our periodicals, and take hold of the tract work in earnest. If they will do this, a good work will probably soon be done in that city. Jay, Mich., Nov. 21, 1875. Illinois and France.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I HAVE been spending the last two weeks in Illinois. I felt it duty to come to this State to render the French brethren further assistance before leaving for Europe, and to prepare the way for, and give influence to, our labors in France, by obtaining letters of commendation and much-needed information concerning France as a field of labor, and by getting pledges from our France-French brethren in Illinois to aid in carrying the message to France. In this I have been quite successful. The following are the subscriptions and pledges for France, or to be applied on the European Fund as the General Conference Committee shall decide:— A few months since, France was in mourning in consequence of the suffering caused by a terrible inundation; and her children scattered in foreign lands showed her their sympathy by lending a helping hand to the unfortunate sufferers. This was truly patriotic and magnanimous. But France is in as much greater need of sympathy on account of her spiritual condition as heavenly things are of greater importance than the fleeting things of this short life; and feeling the miseries of our brethren in France and their need of present truth, we, the undersigned, promise to pay the sums affixed to our names, to aid in carrying the last message of mercy to France, whereby we may escape the calamities of the great day of God which hasteth greatly:— |
|
|---|
| Gustavus Bernard, |
$200.00 |
| Eugenie Hobbs, |
100.00 |
| D. T. Bourdeau, |
100.00 |
| Victor Fermond, |
100.00 |
| Alphonse Scheppler, |
25.00 |
| Louis Bloom, |
25.00 |
| Louis Scheppler, |
25.00 |
| Martin Devévres, |
25.00 |
| Total, |
$600.00 |
These brethren felt it a privilege to raise this sum, although paying their Systematic Benevolence, etc. Others came forward, feeling that they too must do something for their country, but, owing to their financial condition, we refused to receive pledges from them, referring them to the wants of the cause in their own State. We found the cause among the French in Illinois in quite a prosperous condition. The brethren and sisters generally are of good courage, and are trying to do what they can in the missionary work, in their State and in other fields, by personal effort, by correspondence, and by the distribution of tracts. They are anxious to take the French paper from Switzerland as soon as it is published, and will act their part in obtaining subscribers for it. Thus far, we have appointed four brethren and two sisters to write for this paper, and represent the cause among the French West. Since we came to this State last June, twenty-three French converts have been baptized, two churches of the French brethren have been organized, and a few have commenced to keep the Sabbath in four different townships. At our good, closing meeting in St. Anne yesterday (Sabbath), we insisted that it was necessary for the French brethren to prepare one or two of their own number for the missionary work. Here, as well as in Wisconsin, we could appreciate the remarks of Bro. White on the importance of raising a fund to aid in giving an education to worthy and tried young men and women who wish to devote their lives to the work of the ministry. There was a good deacon in our meeting who has an intelligent son seventeen years of age, and a noble daughter aged nineteen. As I talked on this subject, the tears fell freely from this good man's eyes. He said he had designed sending these children to our college, but as he had nearly lost two crops, one by the drouth, and the other by the excessive rains of the season, he could not carry out his plans unless he sold a part of his common-sized farm, which he was inclined to do. I here felt as though I must leave $100 of hard earnings to be applied to this precious fund. I shall say more on this point shortly. We now purpose starting for Switzerland as soon as we hear from Eld. J. N. Andrews. Our P. O. address is Burke, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Kankakee, Ill., Nov. 21, 1875. H. M. KENYON
By H. M. Kenyon
FROM Oct. 15 to Nov. 9, held meetings at Napoleon, Mattawan, Kendall, and Fennsville. At the three first-named places, I found the brethren of good courage, and our meetings were blessed of the Lord. These brethren have had but little help for the past year. I remained at Fennsville two weeks. Organized a class of fourteen members, some of whom have recently embraced the truth. Four were baptized, and Sabbath meetings were appointed. The first Sabbath in each month the brethren at Douglas will meet with them, and if some of the brethren from Allegan and Monterey could occasionally attend their meetings, it would be a help. Cannot the director of this district175 visit them and organize a Tract Society? As these brethren are somewhat scattered, a judicious circulation of our publications might be the means of doing much good. Nov. 13, 14, joined Bro. Miller at Bronson, Branch Co. There are about twenty-five intelligent Sabbath-keepers here, the result of the labors of Bro. Miller the past summer. A church was organized numbering eleven members, and Bro. W. H. Rampton was ordained elder. Nearly as many more are ready to unite with them, but on account of the storm and sickness were unable to get to the meeting. A few are yet held by their idols, but it is hoped they will soon get the victory and unite fully with us. Four were baptized, and S. B. was arranged amounting to $46.44. I go from here to Jefferson, Hillsdale Co., by the request of Bro. St. John, to follow the dedication of their new house of worship with a series of meetings. Quincy, Branch Co., Nov. 17, 1875. A PSALM OF TRUST.
By Rebecca M. Best
Help us, dear Lord, thy love to own,
And prove that we love God,
That to thy Spirit we have sown,
Shedding the light abroad. Help us to keep God's great commands,
Cleanse us from every sin;
For thou hast met the law's demands,
Thou'lt make us clean within. O, may we never cause reproach
Upon thy truth to fall;
But hail with joy thy soon approach,
As faithful stewards all. O, may we keep the precious trust
Thou hast in mercy given,
Till thou arouse the sleeping dust,
And take thy saints to Heaven. Then all thy mercies we will sing
With joy forevermore;
Shout praises to our Heavenly King—
God and the Lamb adore. Oh! what a blessed state is this—
From toil and suffering free,
Never a sin to spoil our bliss,
And with our Lord to be. [Extract from a letter written by a Swedish friend in Portland, Me.] DEAR FRIEND: I thank you for your letter and postal card of the 19th inst., which informed me that you sent the Harold to my father in Sweden as I desired you. I have also received the tracts. As soon as I can, I will send for five dollars’ worth; for it is my desire to give some to the American brethren in the church where I belong, to the pastor as well as to others. You ask if I can send tracts and papers to New Sweden in Maine. Certainly I can. I designed the last of my tracts for New Sweden; for I have acquaintances there. I have a comrade who sent the Harold to his father there, and afterwards asked him what he thought of such papers and such people. The man is meek and honest, and he answered his son by letter, and said: “I think well of them, according to their writings; but the Lord sees the heart. Purity is the adornment of the house.” He says there are many intelligent and pious brethren in New Sweden. I would gladly, if you wish, send a part of the publications there, and have them distributed. There are about two hundred Swedes in the city of Portland, and some more of the Danish and Norwegian nationalities. We are here a band of brethren, twenty-one in number—Baptists. Eleven are married and ten single. Two years ago, eight of us were brought under conviction at one time by the preaching of a Methodist minister. When you wish to have anything done in New Sweden, I am willing to act. Beloit, Kan., Nov. 17, 1875
By J. H. Cook
WE were at Bull City, Osborne Co., from the 5th to the 14th. During the last year, the church in this place, from the instruction and assistance rendered by Bro. J. H. Rogers, have made great improvement. We found them somewhat in difficulty, but by the blessing of God their difficulties were adjusted, and the prospects at present are that they will move forward in peace and harmony if they continue to realize the importance of watching over one another for good, and not for evil. This has been one of the sad mistakes of this church. Under the mistaken idea that they were thus raising the standard of godliness, each one appeared to feel burdened to watch others for the first deviation from what he thought the right path. But we are glad to report a better state of affairs, and that that state of feeling has given way to individual burdens and responsibility. We expect that in the future this church will compare favorably with others. J. H. Cook. Beloit, Kan., Nov. 17, 1875
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died, in Tompkins, Mich., April, 30, 1875, of consumption, Eliza S. Weed, wife of Calvin Weed, aged sixty-four years. She had long been a believer, and died in the consolations of the blessed hope. Died, of consumption, at Vassar, Tuscola Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1875, sister Eliza A. Malin, in the sixty-sixth year of her age. Sister Malin was converted when twenty-four years of age. She joined the Disciple church in the early part of her religious life. Ten years ago, when Bro. Van Horn and myself went to Tuscola Co., she and her family were among the very first to embrace present truth. She received the whole truth heartily, and has ever since been a zealous believer in it, and she lived it out faithfully till her death. All who knew her have the utmost confidence that she died a Christian. I attended her funeral, the first one held in our meeting-house there, taking 1 Cor. 15 as the basis of my remarks. She leaves an aged husband and three children to mourn her death. As we laid her in the grave, we felt that another subject was safely secured for the eternal kingdom. Wisconsin T. & M. Society.
By O. A. Olsen; E. R. Gillett
The quarterly meeting of the Wisconsin Tract and Missionary Society was held at Hundred Mile Grove, Columbia Co., Wis., Nov. 12, 1875. The president, O. A. Olsen, in the chair. Prayer by Bro. Olsen. Report of last quarter read and approved. Report of present quarter showed the following:— No. of families visited, 151; No. of letters written, 70; No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 2; Instructor, 8; Reformer, 5; VOICE OF TRUTH, 27; SIGNS, 11; pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away, 29,000; Received on membership, $21.00
“ by donations, 33.00
“ “ book sales, 9.00
Total, $63.00 Treasurer’s report read, which is as follows:— Total amount of money Rec’d, $91.40
Paid out, 00.00
On hand, 91.40 Interesting remarks were made by Brn. Olsen, Decker, Atkinson, Crandall, Jordan, and others. No business coming up, the meeting adjourned to call of Chair. Meeting called Nov. 14. Prayer by Bro. Jordan. The subject of camp-meetings coming up, several persons spoke with reference to them. All were agreed that there should be two held next summer. It was voted that Sparta and Ripon be recommended to the Camp-meeting Committee as suitable places for said meetings. Voted, That our brethren throughout the States be urged to procure family tents. The distribution of labor for the coming winter was considered, and it was recommended, owing to the backwardness of some of the districts in coming up to the work as fully as the cause demands, that Bro. Olsen visit the several districts as soon as possible. Bro. Decker will go to Green Bay. The attendance was small, but all were encouraged to engage more heartily in the tract and missionary work. Much good, no doubt, will result from this meeting. A supply of almanacs being on hand, the members availed themselves of the opportunity to obtain a quantity. The time and place for the next meeting were left for the president to choose. With much good cheer, the meeting adjourned, sine die. Organization of the Mo. T. & M. Society.
By J. H. Rogers; Wm. Evans
AFTER the division and adjournment of the Mo. & Kan. T. & M. Society, the members of said Society from Missouri met Sept. 13, 1875, and effected a permanent organization by electing the following officers: President, J. H. Rogers, Hamilton, Caldwell Co.; Vice President, J. M. Gallemore, Salisbury, Chariton Co.; Treasurer, J. A. O’Bryan, Holden, Johnson Co.; Secretary, Wm. Evans, Hamilton, Caldwell Co. Voted, That the district boundaries remain as before, that Dist. No. 9 be called No. 1, P. Deford, Winstonville, Davis Co., director; that a new district composed of Chariton and adjacent counties be called No. 2, J. M. Gallemore, Salisbury, Chariton Co., director; that No. 8 be called No. 3, J. A. O’Bryan, Holden, Johnson Co., director; that No. 7 be called No. 4, John Klostermyre, Rockville, Bates Co., director; and that No. 6 be called No. 5, Eli Wick, Avilla, Jasper Co., director.