Order is necessary in the work of God. To suppose otherwise is to deny his word. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” Order equalizes, and thereby lightens our burdens. It unites effort, and cements hearts; and in union there is strength. “But every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” Therefore to unite disorganizing spirits in an organized effort weakens the whole structure, and if continued or persisted in will bring the whole to ruin.
Some have appeared to have a feeling of delicacy about filling out the blank reports, for fear their works may become known, out of regard for these words, “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” There are two classes that use this text: one, of those who never do anything. Their left hand never knows what their right hand does. The other class may use the text conscientiously, but a careful examination of the context will convince any person that performing certain religious duties to be seen of men was the sin that the Saviour designed to rebuke. Therefore to array these words against systematic action is wresting them from their design and turning them to the service of Satan.
How can we more successfully “provoke unto love and good works,” than to have works known as an incentive to others? Paul mentioned the systematic giving of the Corinthians to stimulate the Macedonians to giving. 2 Cor. 9:1–5, and 8:1–11. The Saviour commands us to let our light so shine that others may see our good works, and so glorify our Father who is in Heaven. Are we so weak that we cannot do the will of our Lord without being puffed up, and seeking glory of men? If so, what then? Shall we cease to do? Shall we not rather humble ourselves, and seek grace that we may work to His glory? May God pity us, and lead us in the way of his commandments, that we may rejoice in his service, and count it a privilege and not a task to work for him who suffered and died for us.
The object of this article is to set forth our Constitution and methods of action whereby we may unitedly and successfully spread the knowledge of the truth, and so carry out the principles of the religion of the Bible. It is only by being living, active members of the body of Christ that we can expect to hear him say to us, “Well done, thou 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.”
In carrying out this work, let each State Conference Committee take this matter in hand by appointing a general meeting in which all the churches can be represented; and organize by choosing the required officers and adopting the Constitution. The Executive Committee may consist of three or five, according to the size of the Conference. Let the Executive Committee be so scattered that they may readily and at all times ascertain the general working of the Society in all parts of the field, and see that the wants and objects of the Society are kept before the minds of the brethren, and act as agents to collect funds for the Society. At this general meeting, where the brethren may be consulted in districting the Conference, quarterly meetings may be arranged, not to exceed thirteen, that one man may, if necessary, attend them all. At each of the quarterly meetings let there be a report from each member of the Society within the district wherein the meeting is held. Where there are churches of sufficient size there may be local Societies or sub-organizations at the discretion of the Executive Committee, having meetings monthly, semi-monthly, or weekly, and a verbal report should be made by each member, of which a record is to be kept, after the manner of the blanks furnished. Where there are church organizations, it shall be the duty of the President (who may or may not be the Elder or leader,) to see that all the members are trying to do something, encouraging them and furnishing them suitable tracts for distribution. A small deposit of tracts should be made with every church thus organized, and larger deposits should be in every district, where they may be accessible to the churches during the quarter. These deposits of tracts and pamphlets should not be so large as to become stale, but should be changed from time to time, and such reading left as the community requires.
A special interest should be taken to remove prejudice which individuals may hold against the truth, and tracts should not be forced upon any to make them distasteful; but by visiting and conversing endeavor to leave a good impression. Remember the sick and afflicted, and make them especial subjects of attention, doing all in your power to relieve suffering, and seeking in all things to imitate the character of Christ.
It would be well for the Executive Committee to appoint a general agent to take special charge of the work. It is not necessary that he be a minister, but he should be a man of good judgment, generous hearted, hating covetousness. In fact, no covetous person is fit to hold any office in the Society. Having the quarterly meetings come in succession, a report from every individual throughout the entire Conference may be obtained each quarter.
At all the Tract Society meetings it is proper that personal experiences should be related, and any interesting incidents which may tend to awaken an interest in the work.
Each member should keep a memorandum of the number of tracts or pamphlets they give away, lend, or sell, and of their respective value.
They should also keep a record of such incidents as they may consider of interest to the Society; and at the quarterly meetings the Secretary should select out of all, such as shall be best calculated to encourage others, and read them. Keeping such a record will be found an excellent discipline to the mind, and those who keep them will find great benefit to be derived therefrom.
But if there be members who cannot keep such a record, as may be the case, let such members report verbally in the church or district meetings, and the Secretary keep a minute of the report, and fill out blanks in their stead.
Thus a report may be had from all the members of the Society. But those who can report in writing should not throw this work upon the Secretary, but do their own duty according to their ability.
Let the object of the Society be thoroughly understood by all. It is not merely to scatter tracts and other reading matter, but also to visit, and pray with individuals and families. Let the object in our minds be to awaken an interest in divine things, and so bring souls to Christ; to prepare a people for the solemn realities of the Judgment. Earnestly seek God in this work, that your own hearts may be prepared to understand and appreciate the opening providence of God, endeavoring to leave a good impression in every effort.
Where a duty seems to be presented to find a home for the destitute, great care should be taken that justice be done to all, and that we be not imposed upon. In doing for the worthy poor we are doing for Christ, and we should do this according to the rule laid down in Isaiah 58. If we see the naked we are to cover him, or relieve present distress; and when they are cast out bring them to our houses. If we attempt to take all who say they would keep the Sabbath if we would provide homes for them, we open a door for imposition against which we should constantly guard. But if we wait until they are “cast out” for the truth’s sake we shall be likely to learn who are the Lord’s poor. A careful study of Isaiah 58 will indicate our duty in this respect.
Let no one be discouraged by lack of ability or opportunity to do a great deal; but let each obtain, if possible, at least one subscriber for each of our periodicals quarterly. Children can obtain subscribers for the Youth’s Instructor, and they are invited to join the Society and labor to advance the cause of our Lord, who loved the children and called them to himself.
In the various organizations where it is proper, it is recommended that reading matter be selected from moral and religious books and papers, especially on the subject of health, and the choicest of this to be forwarded to the Office of publication at Battle Creek, Mich.
It is recommended that, where a church is so situated that the sisters can meet every week on some week day, a Vigilant Missionary Society be organized to carry out the object of Article II of the Constitution, in regard to corresponding, visiting the sick, &c., to act as auxiliary to the Tract Society, and to report to the quarterly meetings. The corresponding Agents of these Societies should be women of judgment, of consecration, and activity, in the work of God. And when any of the members learn of individuals becoming discouraged, or of any to whom it may be desirable to write, they shall report the address and the circumstances of such individuals to the Secretary of the V. M. Society, and a discreet and proper person shall write to them. It is not necessary that the Corresponding Agents be known as such in the communities where they live. This work may extend all over the country. There appears to be no reason why Conference lines should bound this work, and it is recommended that the officers of this Society resolve themselves into a Health Committee, to make an especial effort to inform themselves, and to bring up all within their influence to the light that has been presented on the subjects of the Health and Dress Reforms, as taught in our publications.
It will be understood that all members of the Tract Society are agents to obtain subscribers for our periodicals. Those obtaining subscribers for the Health Reformer will be furnished with directed envelops; also a “statement” to aid them in canvassing. If any wish to devote their time as agents to canvass for a premium, they will notify the Executive Committee and are recommended by the Society to the Office of publication.
COLLECTING ARREARAGES ON PERIODICALS.
The Executive Committee shall appoint agents, men or women of candor and Christian courtesy, more or less in number, as the case may demand, in different parts of the Conference. To each shall be assigned a certain part of the Conference. And each one shall be furnished with the names of subscribers living in that district, by the President of the Tract Society. These agents shall, by visiting or writing, ascertain the circumstances of those in arrears; if they are poor and unable to pay, learn whether they have or have not an interest in the paper they are receiving; and at the end of the quarter they shall report their entire labor, making such suggestions as will aid the Executive Committee in deciding whether or not to discontinue any papers; but the agents will stop no papers, nor pay for any, at the expense of the Society. Where the agents collect arrearages they shall forward the money to the Office.
When letters are written to delinquents it should be distinctly understood, 1. That they are written at the request of the Conference. 2. That if they are poor and unable to pay, they can have the paper free if they are interested in it and desire to read. 3. If they have no interest in them, that they should let it be known that they may be stopped.
In all cases they are requested to pay, not the arrearages only, but one year in advance. And the agents are expected to see that advance payment is kept up on all the periodicals.
PROMPTNESS AND CHEERFULNESS, is our motto. Let none be disheartened in this work. Discouragements we shall have to encounter, but faith and consecration will overcome mountains of difficulty. When the battle goes hard, pray much.
Those who receive letters from agents are expected and urged to co-operate in this work by giving a prompt reply. It is only just that they do so. The agent must labor under some disadvantage, not knowing but the person to whom he writes may have forwarded to the Office since he (the agent) received the account. All persons who send papers to their friends should see to their paper themselves, and thus save their friends the mortification of receiving letters of this kind from strangers. Those who order papers for the worthy poor, or who order papers stopped, should give their own names also.
FURNISHING LIBRARIES, &C.
It is recommended to furnish all public libraries with Life Incidents, Bible Sabbath, Autobiography of Eld. Joseph Bates, and such other bound books as may seem proper from time to time. This work should be committed to suitable persons, and not left to every one. A notice of the Tract Society should be pasted in every book so furnished.
Also, a special effort should be made to place the Reformer in reading rooms, hotels, and all respectable places of resort. Scatter rays of light in every nook and corner of the land. There is not a higher-toned health journal in the country. Taking the Bible for a standard, yet not at all sectarian, it shows that the science of life and health and the word of God are in perfect harmony. Health tracts will be published which should have a wide circulation. Energetic and systematic effort is all that is required to accomplish great results.
VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
To assist in carrying out the recommendation to form Vigilant Missionary Societies wherever it may be deemed advisable, the following Constitution is presented, being substantially that adopted by the Society of New England.
ART. I. This Society shall be called the S. D. A. Vigilant Missionary Society of —.
ART. II. The object of this Society shall be to awaken and increase an interest in pure and undefiled religion, 1. By corresponding with all who we may have reason to believe will be benefited thereby, especially lonely commandment-keepers. 2. By visiting, conversing, and praying with families which we might suppose our Saviour would visit were he here upon the earth. 3. By circulating tracts.
ART. III. The officers of this Society shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Corresponding Agents. And they shall be elected by a two-thirds vote, and shall hold their offices six months.
ART. IV. Any sister who keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus may become a member, by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting, on the payment of fifty cents.
ART. V. The duties of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, shall be the same that is common to such officers. And the duties of the Corresponding Agents shall be to visit the sick, circulate tracts, and to send in the names of those who they think would be benefited by receiving letters from the Society. Also to report their labors once in six weeks, and if they fail to report, they are no longer to be considered corresponding agents, unless they give a sufficient reason for the failure. The Corresponding Agents may be appointed in any place, without regard to Conference lines.
ART. VI. When the name of any person is reported to the Society, according to Art. V, it shall be the duty of the President to appoint a member to correspond with such person. And it is especially required of all members who may be designated to write or visit, that they should first seek the blessing of God upon the effort. All members of the Society are expected to state convictions that they may have concerning writing to, or visiting, any particular individual. But nothing in these articles shall prevent any calls being made where the way may open, where appointments have not been made. Also, it is expected that all absent members will unite with the Society in seeking the special blessing of God upon the Society and its efforts, every Wednesday afternoon at the hour of 3, wherever they may be.
ART. VII. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any regular meeting.
Almost Saved.
By Roswell Fenner Cottrell
THAT is, lost—utterly and irretrievably lost! and lost under circumstances to most deeply aggravate and intensify the woe! To have heard Christ’s teachings in our streets—to have known the truth—to have professed the faith—to have prophesied in his name, and in his name cast out devils, and in his name done many wonderful works—only adds to the affliction, and deepens the sorrow and anguish into unutterable wailing at the sound of the heart piercing word, “Depart.” To have indulged the hope, and to have seen the crown of life almost within the grasp, must intensify grief and add to the keenness and bitterness of disappointment, which the careless non-professor, who never had enough faith to inspire a hope, will never know.
We are not talking of false professors who lived in the days of Christ; nor of those only who flood our popular, nominal christendom of the present day. Many who read these words, and who have professed faith in the gospel messages which were prepared in prophecy for, and have been proclaimed in, our day, will doubtless swell the number of the almost saved. These will be among the saddest in that disappointed throng. They might have been saved. Their advantages were great, but with all their light they failed to be fully converted to God. They loved the world and its applause; they loved riches; they loved to follow their own depraved appetites, and their proud hearts refused to submit to God. They murmured at the leading of God, they complained of the way, they turned back and fell.
My brother, this need not be your fate or mine. We may be saved. But if we are, we must be fully converted to God. And we must hasten and be in earnest in the work, or it will be too late. Will we do it? and will we attend to it now? R. F. COTTRELL.
Lives Like the Day and Seasons
MEN'S lives should be like the day, more beautiful in the evening; or like the summer, aglow with promise; and like the autumn, rich with golden sheaves, where good works and deeds have ripened on the field.
Missionary and Tract Society.
By J. H. W.
The General Conference appointed a committee to consider the subject of organizing Tract Societies, and to report a plan, for publication. The following is the plan they recommend; the constitution, with the accompanying remarks and directions. J. H. W.
CONSTITUTION.
ART. I. This Society shall be called the Missionary and Tract Society of the Seventh-day Adventists of the Conference of ______.
ART. II. The objects of this Society shall be, 1. The proper distribution of our Tracts, Pamphlets, and Books. 2. To obtain subscribers for our periodicals; to collect dues and renew subscriptions; and to pay subscriptions for the worthy poor; and for this purpose agents shall be appointed annually, who shall report quarterly to the Executive Committee. 3. To visit, and to labor (by correspondence or otherwise), for the encouragement and help of the scattered ones of like precious faith; for those who are falling back because of discouragements; and to interest all within the reach of our influence in the great truths connected with the last message of mercy to the world. 4. To find homes for worthy widows and orphans.
ART. III. The officers of this society shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of ______, of which the President shall be one, and they shall be elected annually.
ART. IV. Any person may become a member of this Society who may be recommended by a church of Seventh-day Adventists, by the payment of one dollar.
ART. V. Quarterly meetings shall be held under the direction of the Executive Committee; and each member shall keep a record of his or her labor, and report the same at said quarterly meetings.
ART. VI. The funds to be employed by this Society shall consist of the money paid for membership, and free-will offerings.
ART. VII. The Executive Committee shall have the general management and oversight of the work of this Society, both in disbursing funds and in counseling in regard to labor; and shall act as agents in collecting funds for this Society.
ART. VIII. This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the members present.
Kentucky.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SINCE coming to this State we have tried to improve our time to the best advantage, talking the truth several hours each day in Dr. Combs' family and seeking for favorable openings to give public lectures. Dr. Combs is deeply interested in our views, and is earnestly seeking for truth. May he soon embrace it, and give his whole influence and energies in its favor.
Last Sabbath was a pleasant and profitable day to us. Besides enjoying the privilege of talking on our views most of the day, in the evening, unexpectedly, quite a number of colored people came in to hear us sing. Of course we could not sing much after speaking all day, yet we talked half an hour on the Signs of the Times. They seemed interested, and by request closed the interview by singing us two hymns in their simple, native style.
Last Sunday it rained nearly all day, and the roads being almost impassable, we had but few out to Glendale to hear us. The village being on low ground, making the roads very muddy, and the meeting-house being on one side of the village, we concluded to hold no more meetings in that place at present. We returned to Nolin on foot on the railroad to have a two hours' talk on the truth, while Mrs. B. and others stayed behind to come on the night train.
Last Tuesday, Dr. Combs, Bro. Brown, and myself, went to Sonora, a thriving little village situated on the railroad three miles south of this place, for the purpose of finding a house to hold meetings in. Prof. Vincent, a Presbyterian clergyman, offered us the use of his large school-house for only one night, expressing doubts as to the propriety of our occupying it any longer. We accepted this kind offer, and spoke to over one hundred last night on the subject of Spiritualism, introducing our prophetic chart at the close of our remarks. The interest was good. Prof. Vincent arose and said he claimed that they were an intelligent people, that their place was chartered, and that if they had lectures, they would be carried forward on an organized and high-toned plan, and that the stranger would not be permitted to drag his own way, lighting up his own lamps, ringing the bells, etc. About $5 were at once raised to meet these expenses. We have appointments out for to-night and onward. What the results will be of course, we cannot tell. We will do duty, and if compelled to leave, there are places enough where the people will hear and obey the truth. There are already two openings for tent-meetings next summer, if the tent should run in this State. The Lord directs. In him we trust, and he does bless and strengthen.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Nolin, Ky., Jan. 12, 1872.
Pennsylvania.
By S. A. H. Lindsey; John Lindsey
THE quarterly meeting at Ulysses, Pa., Dec. 22 to 24, was one of the most excellent that it has ever been our pleasure to enjoy. From the commencement to the close, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the church in an unusual manner. Wicked spirits were chained, the saints were edified and encouraged, and powerful impressions were made upon the minds of some in favor of the truth, according to their own confession. But of one thing we are reminded, our Heavenly Father does not bless his people without a purpose. The good cheer with which he has favored us has been given to strengthen us for the deepening conflict. May it inspire courage and faith in all our hearts.
The enemy has been hard at work, and still manifests an unwillingness to leave the ground. Were it not that “God is our shield, and guards our way,” we might as well make no further effort; but since we have the strong arm of the mighty One to lean upon and to ward off the fiery darts of the wicked, we cheerfully go forward. One sister who had long since given up keeping the Sabbath in discouragement, expressed her determination to start anew. May the Lord help.
S. A. H. LINDSEY,
JOHN LINDSEY.
San Francisco, Cal.
By M. J. Sala
As Elds. Loughborough and Cornell have been laboring so perseveringly and faithfully for several months in this city, to win souls for Heaven, I have felt it the duty of some of us, who have been so bountifully fed from our Father’s table, to let the brethren and sisters of the home States know, through the columns of the REVIEW, a little of the progress of the labor here, without leaving all to the pens of our beloved instructors.
I do not take the task upon myself, feeling that I can do it justice; but I feel too thankful for the blessings we have received, to remain longer silent.
There is, as yet, but a little band, compared to the population of this great city. But the work is not yet completed; others are being added to our numbers, while others still are becoming interested, and reading. And as we meet from time to time to bear our testimonies, or listen to the voice of our beloved ministers, pleading, exhorting, instructing and encouraging us betimes, we have not only learned to love the “Author of all good gifts” as we have never loved him before, and to have our hearts beat in unison with those that have sacrificed so much to lead us into the light of the precious gospel truths, but we have learned to love our fellow-men, not only those who love us (“for if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye?”), but also those that would persecute and despitefully use us. We pray for them, and fain would lead them from darkness into light. For are we not all creatures of the same Creator?
Though they have become so dear to us, our Saviour is still more dear; and when they feel it their duty, in serving him, to go on their heavenly mission, I trust that not a selfish motive will remain in the heart of one of us to retain them from their duty, wherever God may guide them. But rather may we feel so truly thankful for the good they have done us, that we will bid them “Godspeed” on their errand of mercy, that they may carry the “glad tidings” to others who are slumbering in darkness, as we were a few months ago, and whose souls are as precious in the sight of our Maker as ours.
Pray for us, brethren and sisters, that we may remain faithful to our trust, “keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” leaning upon his all-supporting arm, that we may be prepared to pass through the perils and conflicts just before us, and finally with the redeemed receive the glorious invitation, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” M. J. SALA.
Wm. Kinkade.
By C. O. Taylor
WILLIAM KINKADE, who signs himself as “a companion of all them that fear God and keep his commandments,” commenced his religious life in 1802. While he was not an observer of the Bible Sabbath, he said some good things of the law of God as a whole. On page 196 he writes:
“Many professors of religion say that Christ became the surety of sinners, and as such fulfilled the law of God in their room and stead, and so redeemed them from under the law.
“I do not think that Christ redeemed us from under any law of God. He could not have redeemed us from under the ceremonial law, because we were never under it. None but the Jews were under that law; and it was abolished long before we came into existence.”
“The moral law consists of ten commandments written on two tables, the first of which teaches our duty to God, and the second teaches our duty to man. Christ sums them all up under two general commandments: ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ Matt. 22: 37–40.
“Now if Christ redeemed us from under this law, he has redeemed us from under obligation to love God and one another; and47if he has done so, he must be the minister of sin and the enemy of all righteousness.
“The moral law is a copy of God’s will and a transcript of his nature; therefore, if Christ redeemed us from under the moral law, he has redeemed us from the will and nature of God. The moral law is the principle, yea the very system of the divine government. It is that eternal, unchangeable rule of righteousness, by which he governs all his obedient, rational creatures. And if Christ has redeemed us from under it, he has redeemed us from under the government of God; and has done us more injury than ever the devil did. The devil has induced us to rebel against the government of our Heavenly Father; but, thank God, he never got us clear from under it.”
On page 202 he writes: “There is not one text in the Bible that says Christ fulfilled the law for us. But the Scriptures say that he fulfilled the law in us: ‘For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ Rom. 8: 3, 4. From this text we learn two things: First, that the law of Moses was too weak to keep human nature under proper subordination to God; and, secondly, that Christ has come into the world to establish a religion by which the righteousness of God’s law may be fulfilled in us.” C. O. TAYLOR.
CONFLICT AND CONQUEST.
COURAGE, brother, do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There's a star to guide the humble;
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight,
Foot it bravely—strong or weary,
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
Perish “policy” and “cunning!”
Perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
Trust no party, sect, or fashion;
Trust no “leaders” in the fight;
But in every word and action,
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
Trust no lovely forms of passion;
Friends may look like angels bright;
Trust no custom, school, or fashion,
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
Simple rule, and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward might,
Star upon our path abiding;
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man, and look above thee,
“Trust in God, and do the right.”
MY GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED MOTHER.
By Mrs. S. T. Perry
They brought home the portrait last night to me;
On the parlor walls it is hung.
I gave to the artist a picture small,
Which was taken when she was young.
It's true to life—and there's a look in the eyes
I never saw in another,
And the same sweet smile that she always wore—
'Tis my good, old-fashioned mother.
The hair in the picture is wavy and dark,
'Twas taken before she was gray,
And the same short curls, at the side, hang down,
For she always wore it that way.
Her hand on the Bible easily rests,
As when with sisters and brother,
I knelt at her knee, reciting my verse,
To my good, old-fashioned mother.
Her dress it is plain and quite out of style,
Not a puff or ruffle is there;
And no jewels or gold glitter and shine—
She never had any to wear.
Ambition for wealth, or love of display,
We could not even discover,
For poor in spirit and humble in heart,
Was my good, old-fashioned mother.
Her life was crowded with work and with care—
How did she accomplish it all!
I do not remember she ever complained,
And yet she was slender and small.
Motives of life that were selfish or wrong,
With Christian grace did she smother,
And lived for her God, and the loved ones at home—
My true, good, old-fashioned mother.
The years of her life were only threescore,
When the messenger whispered, low,
“The Master has come and calleth for thee,”
She answered “I'm ready to go.”
I gaze alone on her portrait to-night,
And more than ever I love her,
And I thank the Lord that he gave to me
Such a good, old-fashioned mother.
—Mrs. S. T. Perry, in N. Y. Evangelist.
Progress of the Cause.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Sandyville, Iowa, Meeting.
This meeting was held Jan. 6 and 7. We were favored with fine weather and good sleighing. Had a full meeting, friends being present from nine different churches in this section. The outside attendance was the largest it ever has been here. Indeed, our meeting-house was crowded to its utmost capacity. This was quite encouraging to the church. A good number of books and papers were distributed among the audience.
Our meetings were very good and encouraging. The Tract Society engaged our principal attention. Several members were added to it, and all the arrangements were perfected for active and thorough work. Only four churches are included in this Society, as we shall organize similar societies in the other churches. It now numbers fifty-five members. Without much effort, we have already raised a fund of $127, and have on hand $100 worth of books at wholesale price. Our brethren and sisters have taken hold of this work with zeal and faith, and we hope to see good fruits of it.
The past few years the Lord has greatly blessed the cause in Iowa, for which all feel thankful and willing to sacrifice of their time and means to keep the work moving on. Southern Iowa, particularly, has proved to be a fruitful field. With Sandyville for a center, there are nine counties lying in a body nearly square, in each of which there is one church, and in some of them two, and several of these churches are quite large. Several meeting-houses are already built; and, with a little encouragement, others are ready to build soon. These churches are so well located as to distance from each other, that we can readily gather from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers at almost any point, at a monthly meeting. The tent has been pitched in the county seats of most of these counties, and thousands have heard the truth either in the tent, or in school-houses and halls. A good many hundred dollars' worth of our books have been sold and distributed all over this section, besides all the REVIEWS which are taken. So that there are many thousands of people who have heard or read on the present truth, and many who have not embraced it are favorable to it.
What a good field is open here now for the operation of our tract society. We appeal to our brethren and sisters to go immediately about the work with energy and perseverance. Our next meeting will be held at Knoxville, in about two months. I now go to Osceola, and then to Decatur, &c. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Meetings in Michigan.
By Joseph Bates
SABBATH and first-day, Dec. 2 and 3, met with the Allegan Co. quarterly meeting at Otsego. This was a good, cheering, heavenly meeting. Brethren from Allegan and Monterey were there. Services closed with the celebration of the ordinances.
The Otsego church organized a Christian Philanthropic Society as suggested by Bro. White in REVIEW for Oct. 17, 1871, Allegan and Monterey churches having previously organized.
Dec. 7–12, held six meetings with the church at St. Charles, and celebrated the ordinances. The neat, clean, and orderly arrangements in the interior of their new meeting-house made it a very interesting place for the worship of God. The Lord blessed and strengthened his people.
We were called to Fremont, seven miles distant, to visit and pray with the sick and dying. The Lord blessed sister Elenor Overton who is now asleep in Jesus.
The 13th and 14th, visited and held meetings with the church in Chesaning.
The 15th, called to St. Charles to attend the funeral of sister E. Overton. From thence, Bro. Ezra Griggs took me in his cutter to Tittabawassa, sixteen miles. Here we held eight meetings on the Sabbath and first-day. A deep interest to hear was manifested by those outside of the message. The church was encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.
Dec. 18, in company with Bro. and sister Marsh, who paid my fare, I went some forty miles to Edenville, where we held some interesting meetings with a company of Sabbath-keepers, some of whom had recently decided to keep the Sabbath.
The 20th, came to Saginaw. Here, in answer to prayer, the Lord strengthened and raised up sister Bartholomew who had not borne her weight for some six months.
The 21st, held one meeting in Owasso. Bro. J. M. Avery met me here and took me to Locke, twenty miles, where we held eight meetings Sabbath and first-day, and the church organized a Christian Philanthropic Society for the dissemination of tracts, etc. Blessed Lord, still strengthen, cheer, and bless, thy waiting people, to get ready for the soon coming of our dear Lord and Saviour.
Dec. 28 to Jan. 3, 1872, at Battle Creek, at the annual General Conference of the S. D. Adventists, and meeting of the Publishing Association, also preaching and praying seasons which were deeply interesting, where almost the entire body of ministers, Office-hands, and people, covenanted with God by a rising vote that they would commence the year 1872 and labor to serve and obey him as never before. O Lord, in Jesus' dear name, help us, with this dear people, to fulfill our sacred promise, and may all thy remnant, waiting people also enter into covenant with thee.