The great event of earth’s history is at hand. The closing message of the everlasting gospel is being heard in many nations; and the watching, faithful ones are obeying its voice, by keeping, “the commandments of God,”—not excepting the one so long trodden under foot by almost the whole Christian world—“and the faith of Jesus,” a faith which embraces his coming again according to his promise. Rev. 14: 9–12.
And yet how few accept and appreciate this solemn truth! Said Jesus, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” The truth is being proclaimed with many infallible proofs from prophecy and history; and yet professed believers in the Bible look on “with brute unconscious gaze,” almost entirely destitute of that living faith which relies on the testimony of God’s word and providence as an infallible guide. Preachers still preach, ignoring, if not opposing, the present work of the Lord in fulfillment of his promises contained in prophecy; and souls are said to be converted, who are kept, if possible, as really ignorant of these thrilling truths as their teachers seem to be. I say seem to be; for it seems impossible that learned men of extensive travel and acquaintance, as these “revivalists” are, should really be ignorant of the great questions of the day concerning Bible truth. The Lord’s work, though it may appear small, is “not done in a corner;” and though they may avoid saying anything of it to the uninformed multitudes, when the subject is forced upon their attention they will be found armed and equipped with the traditions of men with which to oppose the truth of God.
Oh! the infidelity of the professed church! Yet the Heaven-sent message will be heard and obeyed by some. It is even now being widely spread among men. True hearts are responding to the call in many countries, and true faith shall be victorious. Those that believe and endure shall be saved. May Heaven speed on the work.
How is it with us who have for years accepted this closing message as the truth of God? Is our faith active and our zeal fervent? Have we a faith that works? Do we appreciate the sacred truth for our times, and the high and holy work to which we are called? Do earthly treasures look extremely small, and are our affections for them diminishing as rapidly as we are approaching the end? “Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”
Every heart will be tested. We who have long enjoyed the light are held responsible for the way in which we let our light shine. Is our interest increasing, or decreasing? Do we love the truth? Are we doing our best to advance it? It is well to think of these things; for the gospel net has always taken fishes of different kinds, but when it is brought to land, the good are put in vessels and the bad thrown away. Let us be co-workers with God, while he has a work to do. R. F. COTTRELL.
To the Churches of Minnesota.
By D. P. Curtis
DEAR BRETHREN: I wish to call your attention to the business to be attended to at our quarterly meetings, and especially at the April meeting, which is just at hand. Please read carefully Bro. Canright’s article on the subject in the REVIEW of March 21. In addition to this, remember that this is the last quarterly meeting before our Conference, and that you will need at that meeting to elect your delegates. Blanks for credentials and reports will be sent to each church clerk in time to be returned to the Conference. Let the S. B. be collected, as far as practicable, at that meeting, and forwarded to the treasurer, and in every case, a report thereof made to me at Hutchinson. If any of the treasurers have not blanks for reporting, let them notify me by postal card, and they will be supplied.
Let our churches, T. and M. societies, and ministers, read carefully the article by Bro. Ayers, under the heading of “Kansas Camp-meeting,” in the REVIEW of March 21. It is equally applicable to the latitude of Minnesota.
D. P. CURTIS, Conf. Sec.
To the S. B. Treasurers of N. Y. and Pa.
By S. B. Whitney
The reason I did not send you blanks for the last quarter was, that I did not have them. I ordered them in time, and have been expecting them ever since; but I do not get them, for the reason, I suppose, that there are none ready. If I get them for this quarter, I will send them. If not, you may report on postals, only be sure to make your report, and don't forget to give me your P. O. address, sure. Address,
S. B. WHITNEY,
Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y.
H. W. DECKER
By H. W. Decker
Brethren of Wisconsin, remember that your pledges to the general fund are due the first of April. Be sure to pay up. We need the money to buy tents and pay camp-meeting expenses.
H. W. DECKER
MICHIGAN
Partello.
Commenced meetings at this place, March 16; and up to present date (March 24) have given thirteen discourses. Am now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Many of the very best people in the community attend constantly, and give evidence of the deepest interest. We are encouraged with the prospect of good being accomplished. E. R. Jones.
Vergennes, March 27.
By request of the brethren at this place, I commenced meetings near them, in a Christian meeting-house, March 10. Continued meetings two weeks. A few became somewhat interested, when the house was closed against us. One took a decided stand for the truth. Bro. Van Deusen will follow up the work, and do what he can by111
Monterey, March 23.
By request of the brethren here, I commenced meetings at Monterey on the evening of March 5. Have given, up to date, eighteen discourses. Thus far the interest has been quite good, our congregations averaging one hundred and fifty. We have encouragement to believe that good will be accomplished. H. M. Kenyon.
GEO. I. BUTLER
By George I. Butler
on spiritualism were taken. The time is not far distant when a course of lectures should be given in Hamilton. We believe God will bless this little church. We stopped at Gallatin, and looked at a beautiful place for our camp-ground, in the edge of the town.
At Half Rock our meetings were well attended. The house was crowded most of the time, and those not members followed up the meetings Sabbath and Monday, as well as on Sunday. Our people need a meeting-house much. The church took a club of nineteen Signs, and seemed anxious to learn to work in the Lord’s vineyard. Bro. E. A. Dean was ordained elder. The Spirit of the Lord witnessed with us on this occasion. There is a foundation laid for a good church at Half Rock.
This meeting closed my trip of over three months, in Missouri. After taking a little rest at home and attending to necessary duties, it will be time for camp-meeting and tent labor. I never saw a worse time to get around and hold meetings than the past winter. Rain and mud have been the order of the day; but I have filled all my appointments, and good has been done. The T. and M. work has been started. Between three hundred and four hundred copies of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES are now taken for distribution, where probably there were not twenty before. Instruction has been given which we hope will result in good. Subscribers are being obtained, to some extent, for our periodicals, and more of a desire is felt to work for the Lord. In several churches where clubs were raised, they have been increased since I left, and meetings are more interesting. As the brethren go to work, they will prosper in the Lord. A better influence is working into many of the churches, and openings for labor in many places promise good results. On the whole, we are much encouraged for Missouri.
GEO. I. BUTLER
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, March 27, 1878.
IOWA
State Center.
Our meeting at this place has been one of great profit to the cause of God in this part of the field. We had a large attendance from Marshalltown, Nevada, and other places. The outside interest was good, especially toward the last, when our house was crowded every evening. Our meetings through the day were for the special benefit of our brethren; in the evening, for those without.
The rise, prosperity, and wants of the cause were largely dwelt upon. Sunday, Bro. Canright preached upon S. B., then we took pledges amounting to a little over $1,660 per year. Pledges for the European mission amounted to $1,558, and for new tents, $170. The pledges on the European mission and tent fund were liberal indeed; but we fear that on S. B. some did not pledge as much as they would if the Bible plan was carried out.
The most of Monday was spent in giving instruction on the way to keep our clerk and S. B. books. Many interesting items were discussed and explained. In the afternoon I baptized four who had lately received the truth. One very interesting feature of the meeting was, the number of young men present who had made up their minds to give themselves to the work of God. Eight young men of promise, who had preached but very little, if any, came to this meeting, not only with their minds made up to go and labor, but with their home affairs arranged to leave at once. If these young men all go out clothed with the armor of God, we shall expect good results in the future.
Tuesday we spent nearly all day in listening to Bro. Canright’s instruction in reference to the best method of presenting the truth. It was a day well spent. Our meeting has been a good one. The brethren have been strengthened and encouraged. We expect to see the cause move forward in Iowa.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
March 28.
Laporte City, March 27.
I have just closed a series of meetings at this place, which have been held with good results. The attendance was not large; but we had a good hearing and excellent attention.
This is an old “battle ground,” where those who retained not “the love of the truth,” but “ran greedily after error,” “who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit,” have made a record. Amidst all these trials and persecutions, a people have been developed who have a love for the truth. But while they had contended earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and rejoiced in it, they had forgotten “to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God,” and Satan had used his little “iron wedge” to some purpose. We brought the parties together, counseled and prayed with them; and the Lord wrought for us, and a full and complete reconciliation was made. We are happy to be able to say that they are in a condition now to labor and work for God and his truth.
Three good souls have lately embraced the truth, and are living it out. May the people of God seek to stand shoulder to shoulder in this work. We gave twenty-two discourses here; and felt the Lord a present help in time of need. We hope for some fruit by-and-by.
L. McCoy.
MISSOURI
From March 16 to 25 I was with the churches of Utica, Hamilton, and Half Rock. Spoke to them twenty times in all. At the former place, the church is small. It has been passing through some discouragements because of the apostasy of some of its members; but the most of them seem of good courage, and desirous of pressing forward. There is quite a good outside interest, and several are almost persuaded to obey God. Obtained a club of nine SIGNS. The church are young in the cause, and hardly realize, as yet, the importance of the T. and M. work.
At Hamilton our meeting was held in the middle of the week; but our stay there was pleasant. This little church sets a good example for many larger churches in the State, in its interest in the tract work and in S. S. I had not been here before this winter, yet they were taking a club of twenty SIGNS, which was increased to thirty-two; and not more than eight or ten members were present to take part in the work. They are much encouraged to work in the cause. I spoke once in the public hall, on spiritualism. For several evenings a lady had been speaking to crowded houses, not saying anything directly of spiritualism, but dressing up its doctrines in as beautiful a garb as possible, thereby captivating the hearts of many. The public mind, unsettled by skepticism, is in a condition to receive spiritualism, when cunningly presented, with its deformities kept in the background; and its doctrines are being received by many. The time is rapidly coming when it will be thought almost blasphemous to speak the truth concerning this monster deception. The evening was unpleasant and other meetings were being held, so that our congregation was not as large as it would have been; but some good was done, and quite a number of our books
J. O. CORLISS
By J. O. Corliss
visiting the interested ones. I now go to Smyrna, Ionia Co., which will be my address for a few weeks.
J. O. CORLISS
MY PRAYER.
By Mrs. T. W. H. Ames
“Jesus, lover of my soul,”
Then all others far more dear!
Faithful, though I faithless be,
Ever nigh, my heart to cheer.
Earthly friends forsake and slight;
Love is oftimes turned to hate;
But the soul that Jesus woos
Never can be desolate.
“Let me to thy bosom fly,”
Lover faithful, Lover true;
For the woes of life oppress,
And the cup is held anew
To my lips,—a bitter draught,—
Yet its dregs my soul must taste.
Blessed Jesus, quick to thee
Let my weary spirit haste!
“While the nearer waters roll”
Close to where my feet are led,
When the spray is o’er me dashed,
And the waters cold I tread,
With thy presence near to guide,
Naught can harm my trusting soul;
True to me, what’er betide,
As the needle to the pole.
“While the tempest still is high,”
Save me from its wasting power;
Human aid cannot avail
In this agonizing hour:
Thou alone canst whisper, “Peace!”
All its wrath to thee is naught;
Still the tempest with that word
Which with heavenly calm is fraught.
“Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,”
In thine arms, outstretched to me!
Safety, peace, and rest are there,
Mine to share eternally.
Foes surround me with their darts,
Gladly would they pierce and kill;
But to thee, blest Lover, Friend,
I am clinging, clinging still.
“Till the storm of life is past,”
And its fury ne’er shall cease
Till my soul is anchored fast
In the port of lasting peace.
Safe from ill I cannot be
While a pilgrim here I roam;
Only on the blessed shore
Shall I find a blessed home.
“Safe into thy haven guide,”
Jesus, now my soul would sing;
Every other wish aside
Gladly, joyfully would fling.
This of every wish the best;
Safe from peril, shipwreck, loss;
Every doubt and fear o’erthrown,
Clinging to thy saving cross!
“O, receive my soul at last!”
Glorious end of care and strife,
Endless rest for weary feet
In the land of new-born life!
O, to be received by thee.
Jesus, Lover, Saviour, Friend!
This my bliss in Heaven shall be,
Without measure, without end!
—Mrs. T. W. H. Ames.
GEORGE B. STARR
By George B. Starr
Oskaloosa, March 27.
I HAVE given seventeen lectures at Bluff Creek chapel, a union church ten miles south-east of Oskaloosa. We had been advertised two weeks ahead by a Presbyterian minister, who warned the people against us, giving the impression that all we desired to do was to get up a division on the Sabbath. Many decided not to come, as they did not wish to have their minds agitated on that subject. I urged them to come out and hear on the prophecies, promising before talking on the Sabbath to give them all notice, so they might remain at home if they desired. This only increased the interest to hear, and during the past week there has been an average attendance of over two hundred.
Sunday night a vote was taken, sixty persons voting on the side of the seventh day, and not one in favor of the first day. Seven or eight kept last Sabbath, and we hope for many more.
Closed meetings for a short time to attend quarterly meeting.
GEORGE B. STARR
TEXAS
By R. M. Kilgore
Peoria, March 18.
Since our last report, we have organized at Peoria a tract society consisting of eighteen members, quite a number of others will yet unite with us in this work. Our little room is crowded every Sabbath, and will soon be too small to accommodate even the believers. It is very manifest that there is a growth in grace and an increase in the knowledge of the truth on the part of the brethren here.
My father has just returned from Cleburne, and reports the same concerning the church there. He has just completed the foundation for the meeting-house which the church there is now building. This, with the one completed here, built of cut stone, makes two foundations for meeting-houses which he has constructed since he came to Texas.
On account of extremely muddy roads, we have not been able to get all the lumber for the meeting-house here. To-morrow we start for Dallas, with teams, to bring the remainder.
I now expect to be out with the tent by the first of April. R. M. KILGORE.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord; C. H. Bliss
Oakland, Greenup, and Martinsville.
Our meetings at Oakland, Greenup, and Martinsville are now past, and to-day (March 26) we leave for points farther south.
We have had more or less success at each of the above places. The S. B. pledge for 1878 has been increased. Old, unsettled difficulties, which had kept some away from the church for some time, have been righted up, and union has been restored. Sunday, March 24, one was baptized and received into the Martinsville church.
Many who were backslidden have made promises to serve God better in the future than they have done in the past. We are trying to deliver a plain testimony to our brethren and to maintain strict church discipline; and the Lord has given us a glorious victory at every point. Several new subscribers to our periodicals have been obtained, some members have been received into the church, and some have started in the service of the Lord. A good outside interest has been manifested at each place.
G. W. Colcord.
C. H. Bliss.
JAMES B. LOGAN
By James B. Logan
Mt. Vernon, March 25.
I HAVE been speaking in the country, at the Richards school-house. Spoke sixteen times. Two have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Several say we have the truth on the Sabbath; one of these is an aged man who professes to be an infidel. Two purpose joining the Webber Grove church, three miles distant. One is to be baptized soon.
The little church at Mt. Vernon continue Sabbath-school and prayer-meetings.
JAMES B. LOGAN
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
By S. B. Whitney
Covington, Pa., March 25.
The work here is progressing finely. Our congregations are still quite steady. Last Sabbath was a very solemn day in the community. The week before it had been remarked that such a quiet Saturday had never before been seen in Covington; but last Sabbath the streets were almost deserted and the merchants nearly idle. A barber who has commenced visiting the place Thursdays and Saturdays found no business, and said it was so dull he should have to change his day. In the evening a leading business man talked with me freely about his own and others’ feelings while engaged about their business when so many were going to church.
Over fifty were at the meeting, and the majority remained during the Bible-class. Our meeting was excellent. Strong men, with tearful eyes and trembling lips, spoke of the burden they had carried for days and even weeks, and expressed their determination to keep all the commandments. About twenty have made this decision since I came here, and we hope for more.
My health has improved some; and the meetings still continue.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Interest Grows at Smith's Corners, St. Lawrence County
By H. H. Wilcox
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 22.
THE interest at Smith’s Corners does not abate. Since my last report, some have commenced to keep the Sabbath. One of these is a man who has preached for the Methodists, and who, two weeks before we came here, spoke against our views on the nature of man. He is now with us on that subject, as also on that of the Sabbath. Next Sunday evening he is to speak to the people giving his reasons for changing his views.
Opposition begins to develop, but we trust in God. H. H. WILCOX.
Asheville, N. Y., March 27.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
HAVE held meetings at Asheville; Chautauqua Co., since the 10th inst. There are three churches in the place, in a deplorably dilapidated condition. Buildings and members correspond. The members are only earnest in maintaining a bitter feud among themselves. Our coming has produced harmony; they are now united in opposition to the truth.
The trustee of the school-house, a non-professor, but a liberal gentleman, gave us the use of the school-house. A number of church members, being unwilling that we should preach the commandments of God in the school-house, got up a protest and a petition. The trustee, anticipating their action, had written to the State superintendent, and had received a favorable reply. The interest has been increased by the opposition.
At Blockville work on the new meeting-house is being energetically pushed forward. The committee hope to have it dedicated by the time of the Aurora camp-meeting. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
PACIFIC COAST.
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
San Francisco, Cal.
Sabbath and Sunday, March 16 and 17, Eld. J. N. Loughborough held two interesting meetings at San Francisco. Several were present who are investigating the truth.
Oakland, Cal.
The meetings here closed March 17. The last meetings were in many respects the best of all. Sabbath, the 16th, about eighty Sabbath-keepers were present, and nearly all of them took part in the social meeting, following one another quite rapidly in short, pointed testimonies. The closing meeting was well attended. About forty came forward for prayers; and seven signed the covenant, making thirty-six, in all, who have signed it since Eld. W. M. Healey’s meetings commenced here.
Salem, Oregon.
Eld. I. D. Van Horn says the church in Salem was never more prosperous than now. Four have united with the church since the new year came in. Every Sabbath there are several strangers in the meeting, who seem to be interested. There is a good Sabbath-school here, which is well attended; and a lively interest is manifested by both teachers and scholars, making the school profitable to all.
Eld. Van Horn, at the time of writing (March 5), was laboring to build up the Eola church.
California.
At Pacheco, Bro. A. Brorsen has given six discourses. As a result, three have signed the covenant, and others are convinced, who, it is thought, will soon identify themselves with this church.
At Pleasant Valley, Tulare Co., Cal., Bro. J. L. Wood has been holding meetings since March 10. The interest is good. The spiritualists in this neighborhood are greatly perplexed, and seem to be astonished to think the Bible speaks in so decided terms against them.
March 17, Bro. B. A. Stephens writes from Lodi that ten kept the Sabbath previous, and seven signed the covenant.
Bro. J. D. Rice is holding meetings at the Locust Grove school-house, about four miles from Farmersville. The people are investigating, and seem anxious to know what is truth.
AN INTERESTING ITEM.
By Eliza H. Morton
A CORRESPONDING AGENT sent the V. M. society at Allen’s Corner, Me., the name of a lady in Massachusetts, with whom we opened a friendly correspondence, and to whom we sent some tracts and a few copies of the SIGNS. Accidentally, seemingly, her attention was called to the subject of the Sabbath. She became interested; and the following extract from a letter recently received shows how her interest is causing the agitation of the question in her neighborhood. She writes:—
“I read the tracts you sent; and for an opinion will say that their arguments certainly seem plausible, and I have found nothing in the Bible, as yet, to refute them. While at Sunday-school yesterday, having a good opportunity (as we were given liberty to ask any questions we pleased), I asked, ‘Can you tell me how it is that we are keeping the first day of the week for the Sabbath, instead of the seventh?’”
“The teacher, who, by the way, is a Baptist deacon, and is supposed to be well informed, said, ‘Because that is the Christian Sabbath.’”
“But does not the Bible say that God sanctified the seventh day as a day of rest?”
“Yes; that is the Jewish Sabbath, but we keep the Christian Sabbath.”
“I asked, ‘But what are we going to do with the commandment which says, “Six days shalt thou labor,” etc., but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God?’”
“He looked a little uneasy, I fancied, and said, ‘We keep Sunday because there are so many hallowed associations connected with that day, and that was the day upon which Christ arose from the dead.’”
“Said I, ‘It is supposed he was crucified on Friday, is it not?’”
“Yes.”
“I continued, ‘The Bible says, “Because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,” etc., doesn’t it?’”
“Said he, ‘I guess not, does it?’”
“I took the Bible and showed him the last chapter of Luke. He looked at it and said, ‘Well I have never had the subject agitated in my mind before, and I will look up the matter for you and let you know.’”
“Said I, ‘The subject is of much interest to me just now. How soon can you let me know?’”
“He replied, ‘Come up to my house next Saturday evening, to the teachers’ meeting, and I will bring up the subject and have it discussed for your benefit.’”
“I thanked him and promised to do so; and so I am going to follow it up, and find out, if possible, the truth of the matter. I am pretty well convinced that there can be but one right way; and, if so, the other must be wrong, unless a countermand (if I may use the word) was given afterwards to the order to keep the seventh day holy. It seems to me that all depends upon the answer to that question.”
Of course we feel anxious to receive another letter from the lady. Perhaps at some future time we shall be able to give the readers of the REVIEW an account of the teachers’ meeting.
The truth is finding its way among the people, and many hearts are being touched by its sacred influence. Let us sow the seed with patience, and “God will give the increase.” ELIZA H. MORTON. Allen’s Corner, Me.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE CREEK, MICH., MATERNAL ASSOCIATION.
By Susannah Sisley
We feel sure our dear sisters at a distance whose names are enrolled among those who compose our Maternal band, will be interested to hear that our Society held its anniversary meeting on the evening of the tenth of March. Eld. R. E. Andrews spoke to us on the occasion, taking for his text the words of the wise man: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” He first told us what we must teach our children,—the principles contained in the law of God, especially inculcating and requiring prompt obedience. He next set before us the manner in which they should be taught,—with great patience and perseverance, accommodating ourselves to their childish feelings, sharing with them their joys and sorrows to such a degree that they may ever be sure of our sympathy and interest, and feel no inclination to run off in quest of a more congenial friend, companion, or counselor. Then the manner of correction. We should never correct them with a passionate, hasty spirit; but with a calm, prayerful, sorrowful one, not sparing the rod and spoiling the child. This course of training, to insure success, must be commenced early, even in tender infancy.
Eld. J. H. Waggoner read the report, which, for the sake of brevity, and as it referred chiefly to those residing here, we think it best to omit. Nothing very remarkable has occurred in our experience since our last annual meeting. We have, with but few intermissions, kept up our weekly gatherings. Have formed some new and pleasing associations, which, like many others, have soon been severed;—such is the changing nature of this community, and of all things earthly. We have enjoyed some precious seasons while endeavoring to ease one another’s burdens, to soothe one another’s sorrows, and while unitedly pressing our petitions to the throne of grace.
Eld. Waggoner made some excellent and encouraging remarks in regard to the importance and utility of our work; as an aid to which, he urged the necessity of striving to gain and retain the confidence of our children, and on no account allowing them to suffer for lack of sympathy and attention. He had observed with regret the great want of respect for the aged and reverence for sacred things which prevails at the present day; and said he believed it to be the growing sin of the age, and one that ought to be especially guarded against.
Eld. A. S. Hutchins was also present. Owing to the lateness of the hour he could say but little, but that little was very effective and encouraging. He closed the meeting with earnest, fervent prayer, commending the Society, with all its members and all its interests, to the prospering care of our gracious Heavenly Father.
SUSANNAH SISLEY.
MINNESOTA
Report of Labor.
I left Pleasant Grove, March 4. The next evening spoke to the church at Grand Meadow, and had a good social meeting.
Held one meeting at Brownsdale. Baptized a brother and his wife who had lately embraced the truth; he was in declining health, apparently nearing his journey’s end. He received comfort and strength in obedience. Bro. Dimmick joined me, and we had two more meetings; but a heavy rain coming on, and seeding time being at hand, we decided to defer our work here till we could come with a tent, and meantime visit the churches.
I came to Otranto the 14th, and have been holding encouraging meetings with the brethren, with some outside interest. On Sabbath, a brother from Rose Creek, Mower Co., Minn., who has lately embraced the truth from reading, having learned that I was here, walked thirteen miles to attend our meeting. He is a strong man, and rejoices in the new light which God has shown him, though he is alone in his family and in the community. He has just left for home, expressing, as he did so, heartfelt thanks for the help received in the meetings attended, and in social converse, and a desire for help to be sent to his neighborhood. The brethren here are steadfast, and growing generally, and express a desire to keep pace with the advancing work. They are receiving some encouragement.
I go from here to Grand Meadow and Pleasant Grove, then home.
March 25. D. P. CURTIS.
Union Lakes, March 21.
THE Lord has blessed our labors at Union Lakes beyond our expectations. Seven have signed the covenant, and two more have promised to keep the Sabbath. They all express a determination to overcome and go through to the kingdom.
Bro. Burch will remain in the vicinity, and help them organize their Sabbath-school and get into working order. I shall go home for a few days.
E. A. CURTIS.
KANSAS
By J. Lamont; G. H. Rogers
Cherokee Co., March 26.
Clarion, Sedgwick Co., March 26.
We began meetings at Clarion a week ago. The interest is good. The congregations have more than doubled. We are now speaking on the subject of the Sabbath. We have received and accepted a challenge from a Disciple minister to debate the Sabbath question.
J. Lamont.
G. H. Rogers.
NEBRASKA
Waco, York Co., March 24.
At Waco, fourteen signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Two of the above were Sabbath-keepers before. A Sabbath-school was organized. Bro. Meehan was chosen superintendent and Bible-class teacher. May the Lord bless this little flock, and may they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
H. Shultz.
Otoe Co., March 25.
I closed meetings in the Corbin school-house last night. This is an infidel settlement. They acknowledge that we have the most consistent views they have ever heard. Five have decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are convinced. May the Lord speed on the work.