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Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 20.

THE EUROPEAN SUNDAY
Earlier text: WHAT IS IT TO BE CONSECRATED?

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE IOWA AND NEB. CONFERENCE.

By George I. Butler

As the end of our Conference year is drawing near, I wish to say a few words concerning our financial condition. The beginning of the year found us quite largely in debt, both in the Tract and Missionary work and in the Conference. This has been a hindrance to us the whole year past; but, thanks to the liberality of some of our brethren, the debt of the T. and M. Society to the Offices has been considerably lessened in spite of the hard times. The Association generously forgave a part of our indebtedness, so that at the last quarter we were but a little behind. I have greatly desired that our debts should be all paid up this year, so that the Society could start out the coming year with a clear record. This is the more necessary because our Conference has been recently redistricted. This change in the districts will go into effect at the beginning of the new Conference year. So it is important the old districts should all stand square, and start out with a clear record. We hope our brethren and sisters will make one final effort to pay up the remaining indebtedness, so that our good Society may be clear of all hindrance.
We urge our brethren to pay up their pledges on S. B. before the camp-meeting. At our last Conference meeting, several of our ministers were unpaid, and remained so for a long time after. This ought not to be so this year. If all will pay up their solemn pledges to God, as they have vowed, it will not be so. Many of our preaching brethren have drawn little or nothing during the whole year thus far, doubtless because they have known our Conference fund was very low. These bills of course will be all the heavier at the close of the year. We hope our brethren will make a special effort to pay up all their pledges, so that the delegates can bring it to the treasurer at the camp-meeting, and we can settle up honorably with those who have labored under our employ. “Pay what thou hast vowed.”
Our tent and camp-meeting fund is also very low, when we consider the calls to be made upon it. After paying for the new tent already ordered for Nebraska, I know not where the funds will be found to pay camp-meeting expenses, unless our brethren help fill up this fund. This is probably my last appeal to you for means. Let us be faithful stewards of our Master.
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.

TENT SEASON IN NEW YORK.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THREE weeks more and it will be warm enough to pitch our tents in this State. We are very anxious to make the most of this season and use all our available forces. We have preachers enough so that we shall run six tents. We hope to make a stir somewhere.
Most all our churches, in this Conference have been visited and labored with this winter. Much valuable time has been spent with them. Our leading ministers in the State have given all their time to it since last fall. Now these churches ought to be in a good condition, so that they can live and grow and work during the summer without any more labor. They must make up their minds to do this so as to leave us all free to raise up new churches.
There will be perhaps a half dozen small churches who will receive little or no labor before tent season; but early in the fall we shall commence with these, and give them all the labor they need. I now expect to remain in the Conference, another year. Necessarily our expenses will be much larger this year than usual. We shall need every dollar of our S. B. promptly paid up. Brethren and sisters, let us lift, and work, and pray together.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

By A. S. Hutchins

The quarterly meetings of the T. and M. Society for districts No. 1 and No. 2 are in the past. We are encouraged as we call these meetings to mind. Yet they should have been better. And I am sure if all the members of the Society will observe the following rules that we will see better days in Vermont.
  1. Let every member do a liberal amount of T. and M. work each quarter.
  2. Make a full report of all labor done at the commencement of the succeeding quarter.
  3. Read the appointment for the quarterly meetings. This is quite necessary for every one, unless you can find out some other way when and where the meetings will be held.
  4. Come to the meeting, bringing quarterly dues if not previously paid, and hold yourselves in readiness to act the part that the Spirit of truth would have you.
  5. If the Holy Spirit comes into the meeting, believe it, receive it, and acknowledge it; and go home resolved to do more in the succeeding quarter than formerly.
With gratitude my mind reverts to the presence and operations of the Spirit of God in the meetings at Irasburgh and East Richford. Said a brother after the close of the latter meeting, “If we all do our duty others will be added to our numbers.” I believe it. But let our brethren settle down in inactivity, seldom going to meeting, and often neglecting duty when they do go, they are certain to backslide, if these things are not a sure indication that they already are backslidden.
Such painful neglects of duty usually begin by neglecting duty at home. Let the family altar go down, let men and women professing to be looking for the coming of the Saviour cease to watch and pray daily, let them indulge in light and trifling conversation, in mirth and frivolity, and they certainly are on the road to death, and happy will it be for them if they do not take others to ruin with them. “Spare thy people, O Lord.” A. S. Hutchins.

What We Might Do.

If we knew how often acquaintances who make no profession of interest in religious things are interested, and are hoping that we who profess to be Christians will broach the subject in personal conversation, we should not be so hesitant in talking to others about their salvation. All the pulpits and prayer-meetings in the land could not begin to convert sinners to Christ as could the men and women who are leading Christian lives, if they would catch for and improve the suitable opportunities for religious conversation.—Advance.

OHIO

Gilboa.

According to appointment, I left home on the morning of May 4 to endeavor again to hold meetings among our people. Although far from being in good health, I ventured out hoping and praying that, if it be the Lord’s will, I may have strength to do a little at least, by way of building up the good cause of the Lord. Thus far the Lord has sustained.
Meetings with the Gilboa church are now in the past. They have been attended with the blessing of God. We baptized two on Sunday, and they were added to the church. The ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated, some taking a part for the first time. Systematic benevolence and T. and M. work were considered. This church have already paid their pledge for the present Conference year. Promptness in the discharge of duty in these important matters is a source of great encouragement, and will insure the blessing. Read Malachi. H. A. St. John.

Quarterly Report of Ohio T. and M. Society.

District No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Total
Membership 21 21 21 79 62 29 244
No. Reports 21 12 30 40 42 9 156
Donors 21 10 41 35 69 41 213
Families Visited 1057 457 170 170 602 81 2393
New Members Written 32 49 71 71 74 16 313
New Members 81 81 25 13 287
New Subscribers 568 81 81 25 13 287
Periodicals Distributed 56 95 94 757 69 111 1171
Almanacs Distributed 916 800 201 199 722 160 4798
Pages Tracts & Pamphlets 11,100 3,576 3,576 3,840 8,653 5,083 35,828
Rec’d from Tracts $37.40 $18.33 $18.71 $34.71 $46.85 $40.22 $196.22
By Donation 40 14 14 60 39 9 176
From Book Sales 57 10 10 10 24 65 176
Periodicals 86 90 90 34.86 42.35 65.42 242.69
From each District 45 38 113 109.16 79.93 85.62 552.84
FINANCIAL STANDING. Cash on hand at the commencement of the quarter: $51 Receipts of the quarter: $26 Expenses of the quarter: $77 Present indebtedness: $35
The above is a table of the labors of the Ohio T. and M. Society for the second quarter of the year, quarter commencing with December and closing March 1, 1877. No state quarterly meeting was held. H. A. St. John, Pres. M. E. Underwood, Sec.

NEW YORK.

Ridgeway and Lancaster.

I was with the church at Ridgeway, the home of Eld. Cottrell, May 1 to 3. I spoke three evenings in a large school-house, which was crowded with hearers. The truth spoken seemed to be received with much interest. Some have lately embraced the Sabbath here; and what is unusual, they have more or less outsiders in at their Sabbath meetings every week.
Held a meeting of the church, in which we attended to the necessary business of the society. Bro. Gaskell was elected and ordained elder. There are about a dozen here. All, with a few exceptions, have been long in the truth.
It was near this place, eighteen years ago, that I embraced the Sabbath. Bro. Cottrell was the first man with whom I ever talked upon the present truth. We worked together planting corn; and after I embraced the truth, we were together several months, and he baptized me. I expect to see him in the kingdom. Albion Academy is where I first attended school away from home. Hence my visit to this place was of special interest to me.
I spent one week at Lancaster, but accomplished little or nothing. This is an old church; and there are a large number of Sabbath-keepers, scattered, a few here and a few there, for many miles around. It has been difficult to locate any place of meeting on this account; hence they have no meeting-house, and their meetings have been scattered and broken up. The brethren decided either to hire or build a house in a central place, and hold all their meetings together in that place in the future. D. M. CANRIGHT.

Parma.

HAVE closed my second course of lectures on account of failing health. The interest continued to the close. This has been a hard field, and I find myself worn down almost to prostration; but as I look upon the work that has been accomplished, I am led to exclaim, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
I remain with them another week, to visit, baptize, etc.; but must have some time to rest and recruit, or I shall be entirely unfitted for the summer campaign. S. B. WHITNEY.

East Randolph and Clear Creek.

MEETINGS at East Randolph still continue. I have just reached the Sabbath question. The last two Sabbaths, I met with the church at Clear Creek. The meetings were excellent, and the attendance was good. The Lord is blessing with increase of numbers. Sabbath, May 5, I baptized two. Subscription for building meeting house is making good headway. Truly the Lord is good. Let us trust him more and strive to serve him better. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.

Pine Meadows, Oswego Co.

We finished our public labors here last night, April 30. We had the largest audience of the series. We have spoken nineteen times, and have had a good interest throughout. One more has commenced to keep the Sabbath, and several more are very favorable to it. The Lord has given us freedom in presenting the truth, and we are of good courage to labor on as the Lord may direct. M. H. BROWN.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER.

THE following is from a letter received by one of our Battle Creek “Vigilants” from a man in Georgia. It tends to show how the Lord is preparing the minds of the people to hear his last warning message, and the joy of honest souls when the light beams upon their path:—
“I am fully persuaded that Saturday, the seventh day of the week, is the true and only Sabbath of the Lord our God. I have a wife and three children. We observe the seventh day as the Sabbath, and will raise our children to know no other, which we are obliged to do if we raise them in the ‘Bible truths.’ The way in which I came to know anything about you was, I saw a little notice of your Publishing Society in the Christian Index. I thought I would write to see what kind of a people you were; so I received the first books or tracts I ever saw on the subject. I then wrote you, and received the last lot, for which please accept my many thanks. I am much, yes, very much, pleased with them, my dear brother. Will be glad to get the paper, and will solicit subscribers for it.
“You ask if the people would be pleased to read your tracts. They most assuredly would. Many of them are very much exercised on the subjects treated upon by the tracts. I gave some of those I first received to the Methodist minister, who wrote a long article to our paper, the — Herald, on the subject, calling the attention of its readers to the consideration of the seventh day as the Sabbath. I think if he is not already, he soon will be converted to the faith. I also have talked to our pastor and several of the brethren. Such has been their eagerness to read the books sent me that I have not had an opportunity of reading them all myself. The minds of our community are very much agitated, and God being my helper, I intend to keep it before them, until there are very great changes, if these can be wrought in a lifetime. To this end, I ask your assistance, and that of your people.
“Bro. R. was here yesterday, and we discussed the books and tracts at great length. He has been preaching three and a half years, and is well educated and well informed. We differed very widely at first; but when he left, we were nearly together. He had to take three home with him, with a promise from me that when he had read them I would let him have more. I wish I had a great many to distribute—fully believing, as I do, that they could be made the instruments of accomplishing great good in our Master’s cause.”

TEXAS

By R. M. Kilgore

After leaving friends, and associations of thirty-two years in Iowa, and stopping a few days in Kansas, to visit relatives there, we were safely landed last night at midnight at Bro. A. B. Rust's, twelve miles west of Dallas. Myself and family are in the enjoyment of good health.
We left Iowa with underclothing and overcoats to keep us comfortable, the ground beneath the surface frozen, the farmers sowing their wheat, and the buds of flower and tree still folded and sleeping. In exchange, as we awoke this morning our eyes were greeted with the blooming flowers, while field and forest are arrayed in living green. Garden vegetables are ready for use; the farmers are ploughing their corn, some of which is more than a foot in height; the fields of wheat are waving in the wind, with the heads burdened and almost ready to whiten for the harvest. The temperature is such while I write that I am compelled to lay aside outer garments, and the children are running barefoot. The transition is so great that it makes us feel as though we had been translated to another world.
The brethren in Texas cordially greet us, and give us a hearty welcome among them. As we enter this vast State and new field of labor, the burden of the work is resting upon us; and our prayer is that God may baptize us anew for the work here, prepare us for true burdens, and prevent us from taking up any false ones. We seek the blessing and wisdom which God promises, and crave the counsel and advice of those leading in this glorious message. We are glad to meet with Bro. and Sr. Clark, and to find them of good courage in the Lord, and hopeful in the work connected with their mission. Their labor among the freedmen, standing, as it does, aloof and separate from party and political objects and influences, is sure to result in good, the fruit of which will be realized in the kingdom of God.
Most sincerely do we desire the prayers of God's people.
Our address will be Deckman, Dallas Co., Texas. R. M. KILGORE.

WISCONSIN

Thompson’s Valley.

I continued meetings in Thompson’s Valley till April 21. Opposition was kept up by the ministers of three denominations. I remained and defended the truth till the opposers left the field. April 22 eight were baptized in a beautiful pond six miles distant. Some two hundred people were present at the baptism. The Methodist minister of the place invited me to fill his appointment in the evening, which I did with pleasure. I left twenty-five keeping the Sabbath. Nineteen signed the covenant. One Methodist minister denied the second coming of Christ; said the law was done away, and that Christ gave a new law. The presiding elder in quarterly meeting one week after preached, in the same stand, the soon coming of Christ, and the law now binding on all. Thankful to God for his help. D. DOWNER.

Kickapoo Centre, Mt. Ida, and Mt. Hope.

At Kickapoo Centre, April 7, we had an excellent meeting. Some that had been on the background made very humble, tearful confessions. I began a series of meetings at Mount Ida, Grant Co., April 12. Quite a number had become interested by reading our publications. There was some opposition from Baptists and Methodists. I visited from house to house, and found that the Baptist minister had preceded me.
Next I held meetings at Mount Hope, six miles away. Baptized eleven, among whom were the wife, son, and two daughters of a man who had made bitter opposition at Mount Ida. Nine joined the Mount Hope church. After this, I attended the quarterly meeting at Waterloo. Two joined that church.
My courage is good in the Lord. I feel the importance of being humble, and living near him. JOHN ATKINSON.

MUSINGS WHILE ALONE.

By L. A. Ballou

Jesus, thou lover of my soul, Cleanse me from sin and make me whole; Free me from all my doubts and fears; Cheer my heart and dry my tears.
Help me to say thy will be done, Help me with faith my race to run, Let not temptation me ensnare, And ne’er forget my humble prayer.
O Father, give me strength to bear My share of toil, my share of care. Help me to lead some erring one To put his trust in thy dear Son.
And when the last great trump shall sound, To wake the nations under ground, In clouds thy Son will then appear And wipe away the mourner’s tear.
The New Jerusalem, we’re told, Will then descend with streets of gold. No earthly tongue can now explain That home where all is free from pain.
O may we walk the plains of light, Attired in robes of spotless white. Palms of victory we shall bear, And songs of praise will fill the air.
In that bright home where all is pure, The happy souls from sin secure Shall know no more of death or pain, When Jesus comes on earth to reign.
L. A. BALLOU.

SOUTH AMHERST, MASS.

By D. A. Robinson

I have lately spent two weeks in Amherst, Mass., where there is now a company of thirteen adults observing the Sabbath. Four years ago a course of lectures was given here, and one family of three embraced the truth. Within the last month, others have taken up the cross to obey God by keeping all of his commandments. The most determined opposition has been brought to bear against them from every quarter. One discourse was preached against the Sabbath, and a promise stands for its repetition.
Last Sabbath was a good day here. A Sabbath-school was organized with a membership of twenty-two. All seem very anxious to know the whole truth. The results of the distribution of the SIGNS are already being seen in arousing an interest in the truth. One man whom I recently met very earnestly pleads for a tent-meeting in his vicinity, a village of about 4000 inhabitants. He says, “If you will come you can have a home at my house.” God speed the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
D. A. ROBINSON.

KANSAS

By J. Lamont

Near Osage City.

Our meetings at the Kibbe school-house closed May 4. Sabbath-school has been maintained here since my first visit last December. Bro. Vincent has been lecturing at Peterson, four miles north of here. As a result, two men are keeping the Sabbath, one of whom with five of this neighborhood was baptized yesterday.
J. LAMONT.

MINNESOTA

By S. Fulton

Rock Creek.

I have been holding meetings at Rock Creek for the past few weeks. As the result of labor, eight have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Hill has come to help carry forward the work. Pray for us.
S. Fulton.

TENNESSEE

By Orlando Soule

Since my last report, I have delivered nine discourses at the Union Chapel where Bro. G. K. Owen gave lectures with good effect. Several more have begun keeping the Sabbath, and one more has signed the covenant.
I have now begun lecturing at the Sycamore Powdermills, two miles from the Chapel. Two nights in each week the house is occupied by a temperance organization. This affords a good opportunity for me to visit and labor with the brethren at the Chapel, which I improve. There are about thirty families at the Powdermills, who are day laborers. Brethren, pray that God may open their hearts to receive the truth. ORLANDO SOULE.

Osceola, Iowa.

By Daniel Glunt

At the close of a discourse upon baptism last Sabbath by Bro. Millard, three sisters expressed a desire to unite with the church. One of them was converted at the revival among the Methodists in February. For some time previous she had been investigating the doctrines held by our people, and as she was satisfied that the seventh day is the Sabbath, having decided to seek the Lord, she wished to identify herself with those who are keeping the commandments, and thus seek him aright. The others had been keeping the Sabbath for some time.
DANIEL GLUNT, Elder.

WINDHAM CO., CONN.

By J. S. Miller

Our monthly meeting at Abington, May 5, was one of profit. Every individual who usually meets with us was present, and had a mind to work. Several first-day Adventists living near came in, among them two preachers. Nearly all took part in the social exercises, and the Spirit of the Lord was with us to bless. The brethren in this county seem to be waking up to the importance of tract and missionary work, and there seems to be a growing desire in all directions to receive and read our publications when courteously presented. If one of the preachers could be spared to labor in this region for a season, there is no doubt that there would be an ingathering of precious souls. J. S. Miller.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, in Sutton, P. Q., April 25, 1877, of consumption, Bro. Eliezer McClaflin, aged 43 years. The deceased embraced the Bible Sabbath with his companion and mother, some sixteen years since. With the reception of light on this point, he commenced a life of prayer and devotion to God.
His daily life stamped the record upon the minds of those with whom he associated,—he is a good man. As he drew near his last moments, he was especially sustained by the “blessed hope” which enabled him to bear his last testimony for religion, and to bid adieu to a weeping companion and six children and a loved mother. Oh! that the words of counsel of a dying father, of an affectionate Christian parent, may sink deep into the hearts of the children, and manifest themselves in the lives of those he so earnestly prayed for.
Bro. McClaflin was a worthy member of the East Richford church. For the comfort of the afflicted family a sermon was preached at that place after the close of our quarterly meeting last first-day, from the words, “And there shall be no more death.” Rev. 21: 4. A. S. Hutchins.
Henry Keefer, after a brief illness, died in Hillsdale, Mich., April 26, 1877, aged 71 years and 6 months. His disease was erysipelas. Father Keefer received the truth nearly twenty-one years ago, and his life has been consistent with his faith. He was always in his place at the house of prayer when it seemed possible. His last testimony there, but a few days before his death, it is said, will ever be remembered. During his sickness he manifested great patience. Mother Keefer, in feeble health, most keenly feels her loss. Also a son and daughter, with other relatives, mourn, but not as those without hope, believing that the departed died in the Lord.
Words of wisdom and comfort by A. A. Smith, Baptist. Text, 1 Cor. 15: 19, 20. W. B. Castle.
Died, in Roscoe, Ill., April 9, 1877, Sr. Phebe Wood, aged 56 years, 4 months, and 27 days. Formerly she had been a member of the M. E. Church; but as she listened to the preaching of “present truth” by Eld. T. M. Steward, in Rockton, she gladly obeyed, and united with the Rockton church in May, 1871. In her last sickness she suffered from a complicated, lingering disease, terminating with paralysis. She endured with patience. Our sister was respected and loved in life, and lamented in death. At her funeral a large number of friends assembled to hear the word of God. Text, Num. 23: 10. G. W. Colcord.
Died, at Camden, N. J., April 18, 1877, Laura V., daughter of Geo. J. and A. M. Landsdown, aged 3 years and 5 months.
Bro. and Sr. Landsdown recently embraced the present truth, and are sustained and cheered by the hope of soon meeting their little daughter on the evergreen shore. Services by the writer. N. Orcutt.

AN APPEAL TO THE BAPTISTS.

By Carol Lou B. Aurner

What a wonderful book the Bible is! An epitome of eternal wisdom and love. Yet does it not seem as if it was a mistake to permit Matt. 3:16; Rom. 6:4, 5; and Col. 2:12; to go on record? For these make an immersionist volume out of it, altogether a one-sided affair, one which forces our pedobaptist friends into a world of trouble in explaining it away, and hunting church and secular history and the early fathers for proofs of their faith and practice. They say that Jesus was not buried in Jordan. He only knelt on the bank, and John poured a little water on his head from a long-necked pitcher with two handles; that to be buried with him in baptism does not mean to be placed in the semblance of the dead Christ in his sepulcher with the water covering one. That is not the meaning Paul meant to convey. The great apostle got things and ideas sadly mixed considering he was writing under inspiration. “To be risen with him” does not mean to be raised from this liquid grave as Christ was raised from his tomb; it means to arise from your knees from before the minister, and wipe a few drops of water from the forehead or perhaps a stray one from your glove. Christ’s great commission, Mark 16:16, “whosoever believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved,” does not signify that at all. It means a babe an hour old or a year, or indeed it means anybody who can say the Lord’s prayer and the apostle’s creed and the ten commandments without regard to age or faith.
What do two million regular Baptists in the United States say to this twaddle? Do they not from thousands of pulpits, by a score of papers, weekly brand it as a falsification of God’s Word? as unwarrantable deductions from plain teachings? as an outrage on philology and comparison? Do they not by faith and practice, as is evidenced by their communion, emphatically declare that they will not countenance such perversions and disobedience? All credit to these two million Baptists, whom God has raised up in the past two hundred years in America as witnesses of the glorious truths of regeneration and believers’ baptism. Step by step, shoulder to shoulder, have they fought their way from the hour that Roger Williams set out on his winter’s march to Providence, to the present—now locked in jail, fined, or paying a compulsory tax in support of a state church which they believed to be wholly of Satan, deprived of the right of suffrage, locked out of schoolhouses which they owned equally with others, branded as heretics, bigots, and fanatics, they have borne all this and much more undaunted, and prayed and fought till to-day they stand high among the Evangelical denominations as defenders of Bible truth, the chief of which among their tenets is believers’ baptism. What heroism do they display in this persistent, abiding defense?
Now, Baptists of America, you are as a sun among the galaxy of the great denominations of the day. Your light shines forth as a flaming beacon illuminating some of the darkest recesses of foggish error. Hear this appeal. Can not you see that you are trampling under foot a part of God’s law? Do you not know that you are violating two of the articles of your faith every week? These articles declare that the Bible contains God’s revealed will to man, that it is unchangeable and immortal, that his law is holy, just, and unchangeable, and that the only reason men do not obey it is because their hearts are full of sin. How do you justify yourselves in neglecting to observe his one holy rest-day? There is consistency in the Romish, the Episcopal, the Greek, and the Lutheran churches in making to themselves a day of worship. They acknowledge the validity of tradition, of church councils, of the writings and practices of the early fathers, as guides in this and kindred subjects, baptism for instance; but you do not nor will acknowledge that any one of these claimants has a shadow of authority to guide or dictate in matters of church faith and practice. The Bible, you declare, contains the sum total of all that is necessary and incumbent.
Now, where in that book do you find the sanctity removed from the seventh day? or the intention or desire so to do? Where do you find any sanctity put upon the first day? or any desire or intention so to honor it? Not in the Bible surely, for John in A. D. 96 did not know it. Still denying the only authority you have for first-day sanctity, you do as they do who build themselves upon it, appropriate God’s day to your own use, and make one for him of your own selection. Is this right? Is it Scriptural? O Baptists, ye who were supporters and upholders of a bright light in one age of spiritual darkness, is not this written for your benefit? “In vain do ye worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
CAROL LOU B. AURNER.
Swan Lake, Turner Co., Neb.

“THOU WICKED AND SLOTHFUL SERVANT.”

By A. M. Whitaker

IN Matt. 25: 26, we find the above words addressed to the slothful servant. Let the inquiry come right home to your heart and mine. Are we doing all we can by precept and example and by sending our publications to those who are not keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? Rev. 14: 12. Soon the Lord is coming to reckon with his servants. Jesus is our only correct pattern. He denied himself of the glories of Heaven for awhile, led a life of suffering here, and then gave his life a ransom for us, shall we withhold our influence and money, and let precious souls be lost?
May God in his mercy to us forbid that we should be so slothful and unprofitable. We do not want to hear this decision, “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 15: 30. Let us arouse, wake up, and gird on the whole armor, and work with a zeal according to knowledge. Let us try to save some precious soul. The harvest is great and the laborers are few. “Time is almost finished.” If we can do but little, let us do all we can, while the Lord “waits to be gracious,” Isa. 30: 18, while there is mercy for the sinner, before the decree goes forth, “He that is unjust let him be unjust still.” Rev. 22: 11.
The signs betoken the soon coming of our King. We should not place our affections on this world or on the things of the world. Let us work now each according to his ability, that we may hear the approval of Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” A. M. WHITAKER.

To the New England Tract Society.

By M. L. Huntley

The time of our general quarterly meeting is near at hand, and we are anxious to have a report from each member of the Tract Society. The time has fully arrived when a greater effort should be put forth than ever before.
The reports should embrace the work of each club, the number of SIGNS taken in the club, the number of letters written, and the number received; also the number of new copies ordered since the club was formed. It should also embrace the number of interested readers found, and tell where found.
State also if there are any copies of the SIGNS taken in this Conference that are unused, how many publications have been sent to foreign countries, where from, where to, whether sent to churches or individuals, how many copies you have distributed, how many interested readers you have found, and how many subscribers you have obtained. We wish also to have reported the number of pages of publications placed on board of vessels at different harbors in this Conference, and where those vessels were bound.
If any members living by themselves have not Blanks, I will supply them if they will inform me. Each librarian should have a supply. If you have not, apply to your director or district secretary.
All monthly installments should be paid up to the present time, also the added one-third, as our funds need replenishing. Already the SIGNS have cost the Tract Society over $700. A small portion of this has been received. There are openings for our reading matter beyond what we have ever seen before.
M. L. HUNTLEY, Sec.

GERMAN SABBATH-KEEPERS IN TENNESSEE.

By E. B. Lane

Last summer while laboring in Newport, Page Co., Va., a man entered the tent, sanctioned the discourse all the way through, and remained till after the congregation had broken up. While in conversation with him we learned that he had walked thirty miles to hear us preach, his home being in Madison Co., Va. He seemed to be acquainted with the general tenor of the Advent doctrine, Sabbath, &c. He said he was a Sabbath-keeper, that his wife, a German lady, now deceased, was raised a Sabbath-keeper in Tennessee, and that he had observed it with her since their marriage. He also stated that his wife's father, now living near Knoxville, Tenn., observed it, also that there was a church of forty or fifty members, who have a house of worship and regular Sabbath meetings.
We obtained the name and P. O. address of his father-in-law; and during the past quarter, one of the members of our T. and M. society has written to him, and received a reply from which we extract the following:—
“. . . I was born in Germany. Came to this country in 1833. Was taught to observe the Sabbath of the Lord when fifteen years of age by my parents, which I have endeavored to do since that time until the present; and I hope to continue to do so, until I shall be gathered home ‘where congregations ne’er break up and Sabbaths never end;’ and that will not be long, for I now am seventy-two years of age.”
The writer then expressed his desire to learn more of the doctrine of the Judgment. We give these items thinking that perhaps brethren laboring in Tennessee may learn more of this company, and open the way to find others in Germany, who keep the Sabbath, who may yet be unknown to Bro. Andrews and our brethren there.
E. B. LANE.

On Finding Pleasure in Others' Faults

If we had no fault ourselves, we should not have so much pleasure in discovering the faults of others.

WHY CHOOSE TO BE A GENTILE?

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Why prefer to be “strangers and foreigners,” when you might be “fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God”? Why choose to remain of that class that are “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world”? See Eph. 2: 11-20.
I am asked, “Where was the Sabbath given to the Gentiles?” The reply is, “The Sabbath was made for man.” All have the privilege to enjoy its blessings who will; but it never was given to the Gentiles as such. There are no special laws to the Gentiles; neither is there any covenant with them, or promise to them; only as they shall come and join themselves to the “Israel of God,” and submit themselves to the laws of God. The new covenant is made “with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.” Jer. 31: 31; Heb. 8: 8. Said Paul, speaking of his own people, “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, (plural), and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen!” And Jesus himself said, “Salvation is of the Jews.”
Why then desire to remain without? The middle wall is broken down, and you may come in. And I remember one precious promise to you. It is recorded in Isa. 56: 6, 7: “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain,” &c. Why remain without? Enter in, and receive the blessing. R. F. COTTRELL.

FAITH AND WORKS.

By L. S. Carpenter

In order to insure success in any enterprise, faith is always necessary as well as works. Especially in the service of God should faith be kept in lively exercise; and faith and works go hand in hand. Faith promotes works, and faith is very much strengthened by good works. We often see men of the world venturing something on their faith. They will sacrifice health, and sometimes almost peril their lives, in pursuit of a little paltry gold, their much-loved treasure.
Cannot we in view of the inestimable treasure laid up for the finally faithful, and soon to be given to them, afford to venture, and even sacrifice, something for the sake of securing eternal life to souls just as precious as our own? Says the Saviour, “Go labor in my vineyard.” Oh! for that faith which works by love, and purifies the heart, to prepare us to go forth and do that little the Master requires of us, with humble confidence, simple faith, and earnest zeal, that it may be accepted of him. Then may we well have hope to believe the Lord will answer our prayers for him to bless that tract or that paper, handed out with hands consecrated to the service of our Lord. May the Lord prepare us to work faithfully, and successfully, in his cause is my prayer.
L. S. CARPENTER.

DEATH

By Eliza H. Morton

A closing of the eyes On all beneath the skies. A folding of the hands, A shifting of life's sands— And all is still, Against our will.
A little mourning here, By some around our bier. A gathering of friends, A procession that wends To a cold bed, To leave its dead.
And is this all of life, The end of earthly strife? Ah! no, there comes a day, When sleep will break away, Graves open wide, None there abide.
Jesus, our King, will come, To take his jewels home. No sorrow there shall be. Through all eternity, We may dwell Where all is well.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
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