p. 197 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 25. (4/29/1875)

Tithes and Offerings.

By Ellen G. White

The foundation of the plan of salvation was laid in a sacrifice. Jesus left the royal courts, and became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. Every one who will share this salvation, purchased for them by such an infinite sacrifice by the Son of God, will follow the example of the true pattern. Jesus Christ was the chief corner stone, and we must build upon this foundation. Each must have a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. The life of Christ upon earth was unselfish, marked with humiliation and sacrifice. And shall men, partakers of the great salvation which Jesus came from Heaven to bring them, refuse to follow their Lord, and to share in his self-denial and sacrifice? Says Christ, “I am the vine, ye are the branches. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away. And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” The very vital principle, the sap, which flows through the vine, nourishes the branches, that they may flourish and bear fruit. Is the servant greater than his Lord? Shall the world’s Redeemer practice self-denial and sacrifice on our account, and the members of Christ’s body practice self-indulgence? Self-denial is an essential condition of discipleship.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” I lead the way in the path of self-denial. I require nothing of you my followers but that of which I your Lord give you an example in my own life.

The Saviour of the world conquered Satan in the wilderness of temptation. He overcame to show man how he may overcome. He announced in the synagogue of Nazareth, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The great work which Jesus announced that he came to do was intrusted to his followers upon the earth. Christ as our head led out in the great work of salvation, and bids us follow his example. He has given us a world-wide message. This truth must be extended to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Satan’s power was to be contested, and he was to be overcome by Christ and also by his followers.

An extensive war was to be maintained against the powers of darkness. And in order to do this work successfully, means were required. God does not propose to send means direct from Heaven, but he gives into the hands of his followers talents of means to use for the very purpose of sustaining this warfare.

He has given his people a plan for raising sums sufficient to make the enterprise self-sustaining. God’s plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality. All may take hold of it in faith and courage, for it is divine in its origin. Here are simplicity and utility combined, which it requires not depth of learning to understand and execute. All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, and woman, and youth, may become a treasurer for the Lord. They may be agents to meet the demands upon the treasury. Says the apostle, “Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.”

Great objects are accomplished by this system; for if one and all accept it, each is made a vigilant and faithful treasurer for God; and there would be no want of means to carry forward the great work of sounding the last message of warning to the world. The treasury will be full if all adopt this system, and the contributors will not be left the poorer. Through every investment made, they will become more wedded to the cause of present truth. They will be “laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

As the persevering, systematic workers see that the tendency of their benevolent efforts is to nourish love to God and their fellow-men, and that their personal efforts are extending their sphere of usefulness, they will realize that it is a great blessing to be co-workers with Jesus Christ. The Christian church as a general thing are disowning the claims of God upon them to give alms of the things which they possess to support the warfare against the moral darkness which is flooding the world. Never can the work of God advance as it should until he has the followers of Christ become active, zealous workers.

Every individual of the church should feel that the truth which they profess is a reality, and they should be disinterested workers. Some rich men feel like murmuring because the work of God is extending, and there is a demand for money. They say there is no end of the calls for means. One object after another is continually rising demanding help. We would say to such that we hope the cause of God will so extend that there will be greater occasions, and more frequent and urgent calls for supplies from the treasury to prosecute the work.

If the plan of systematic benevolence was fully adopted, and carried out to a man, there would be a constant supply in the treasury. The income would flow in like a steady stream constantly supplied by overflowing springs of benevolence.

Almsgiving is a part of gospel religion. Does not the consideration of the infinite price paid for our redemption leave upon us solemn obligations peculiarly, as well as lay claim upon all our power to be devoted to the work of the Master?

We shall have a debt to settle with the Master by-and-by, when he shall say, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” If men prefer to set aside the claims of God, and grasp and selfishly retain all that he gives them, he will hold his peace at present, and continue frequently to test them by increasing his bounties, and by letting his blessings flow on, and these men pass on receiving honor of men, and without censure in the church, but by-and-by he will say: “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Says Christ, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price,” and are under obligation to glorify God with your means as well as in your body, and in your spirit, which are his.

“Ye are bought with a price,” not “with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” He asks the return of the gifts, he has intrusted to us, to aid in the salvation of souls. He has given his blood; he asks our silver.

It is through his poverty that we are made rich, and yet, will we refuse to give back to him his own gifts?

God is not dependent upon man for the support of his cause. He could have sent means direct from Heaven to supply his treasury, if his providence had seen that this was the best for man. He might have devised means whereby angels would have been sent to publish the truth to the world without the agency of men. He might have written the truth upon the heavens, and let that declare to the world his requirements in living characters. God is not dependent upon any man’s gold or silver. He says, “Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” Whatever necessity there is for our agency in the advancement of the cause of God, he has purposely arranged for our good. He has honored us by making us co-workers with him. He has ordained that there should be a necessity for the co-operation of men, that they may keep in exercise their benevolent affections.

God has, in his wise providence, placed the poor always with us, that while we shall witness the various forms of suffering and of necessity in the world, we should be tested and proved, and brought into positions to develop Christian character. The poor, God has placed among us to call out from us Christian sympathy and love.

Sinners, who are perishing for lack of knowledge, must be left in ignorance and darkness, unless men shall carry to them the light of truth. God will not send angels from Heaven to do the work which he has left for man. He has given all a work to do, for the very reason that he might prove them, and that they might reveal their true character. Christ places the poor in our midst as his representatives. “I was an hungered,” he says, “and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink.” Christ identifies himself with suffering humanity in the persons of the suffering children of men. He makes their necessities his own, and takes to his bosom the woes of the children of men.

The moral darkness of a ruined world pleads to Christian men and women to put forth individual effort, to give of their means and of their influence, that they may be assimilated into the image of Him who, though he possessed infinite riches, yet for our sakes became poor. The Spirit of God cannot abide with those to whom the message of his truth, who need to be urged before they can have any sense of their duty to be co-workers with Christ. The apostle enforces the duty of giving from higher grounds than merely human sympathy, because the feelings are moved. He enforces the principle that we should labor unselfishly with an eye single to the glory of God.

Christians are required by the Scriptures to enter upon a plan of active benevolence which will keep in constant exercise an interest in the salvation of their fellow-men. The moral law enjoined the observance of the Sabbath which was not a burden, except when that law was transgressed, and they were bound by the penalties involved in breaking it. The tithing system was no burden to those who did not depart from the plan. The system enjoined upon the Hebrews has not been repealed or relaxed by the One who originated this plan. Far from its being of no force now, it was to be more fully carried out and more extended, as salvation through Christ alone should be more fully brought to light in the Christian age.

Jesus made known to the lawyer that the condition of his having eternal life was to carry out in his life the special requirement of the law which consisted in his loving God with all his heart and all his soul, and all his mind and strength, and his neighbor as himself. When the typical sacrifices ceased at the death of Christ, the original law, engraved in tables of stone, stood immutable, holding its claims upon man in all ages. And in the Christian age the duty of man was not limited, but more especially defined and simply expressed.

The gospel, extending and widening, required greater provisions to sustain the warfare since the death of Christ, and this made the law of alms-giving a more urgent necessity than under the Hebrew government. Now God requires, not less gifts, but greater than at any other period of the world. The principle laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should be in proportion to the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.”

The blessings of the Christian age were responded to by the first disciples in works of charity and benevolence. The outpouring of the Spirit of God, after Christ left his disciples and ascended to Heaven, led to self-denial and self-sacrifice for the salvation of others. When the poor saints at Jerusalem were in distress, Paul writes to the Gentile Christians in regard to works of benevolence, and says, “Therefore, as ye abound in every-thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” Here benevolence is placed by the side of faith, love, and Christian diligence. Those who think that they can be good Christians, and close their ears and hearts to the calls of God for their liberalities, are in a fearful deception. There are those who abound in a profession of great love for the truth, and as far as words are concerned, have an interest to see the truth advanced, but do nothing for its advancement. The faith of such is dead, not being made perfect by works. The Lord never made such a mistake as to convert a soul and leave it under the power of covetousness.

The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were required to offer to God gifts for religious purposes, before the definite system was given to Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In complying with God’s requirements they were to manifest in offerings their appreciation of his mercies and blessings to them. This was continued through successive generations, and was carried out by Abraham who gave tithes to Melchisedek, the priest of the most high God. The same principle existed in the days of Job. Jacob, when at Bethel an exile and penniless wanderer, lay down at night solitary and alone with a rock for his pillow, and there promised the Lord, “Of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” God does not compel men to give. All that they give must be voluntary. He will not have his treasury replenished with unwilling offerings.

God designed to bring man into close relationship with himself, and in sympathy and love with his fellow-men, by placing upon him responsibilities in deeds that would counteract selfishness, and strengthen his love for God and man. The plan of system in benevolence, God designed for the good of man, who was inclined to be selfish, and to close his heart to generous deeds and actions. The Lord required gifts to be made at stated times, being so arranged that giving would become a habit, and benevolence felt to be a Christian duty. The heart opened by one gift was not to have time to become selfishly

cold, and to close, before it bestowed the next. The stream was to be continually flowing, thus keeping open the channel by acts of benevolence.

As to the amount required God has specified one-tenth of the increase. This is left to the conscience and benevolence of men, whose judgment in this tithing system should have free play. And while it is left free to the conscience, a plan has been laid out definite enough for all. No compulsion is required. E. G. W.

What We Have Done.

By James White

TO-MORROW we take the Overland train for Chicago, accompanied by Mrs. W. We design to return to our Oakland, Cal., home before the cold of another eastern winter. And as we are about to leave this desirable field of labor for the present, we take a hasty glance at the past three months.

We reached Oakland from the East, Feb. 2, 1875, very much rested by our six days' journey, and were ready for immediate active service. We were very happy to find in Oakland and San Francisco two active and well united churches of about seventy-five members each. In our younger days Mrs. W. always attended the same services with us, at which we would take turns in speaking; but the situation of things in the two cities seemed to demand that we should divide our efforts, so that we have generally occupied both stands, alternating, when not laboring in other churches. We have both labored at Petaluma, Napa, and Santa Clara, and Mrs. W., with our son W. C. W., has spent one week with the church at Woodland. It is with great pleasure that we state that our efforts, also Mrs. W.'s, at Oakland and San Francisco the last Sabbath, and evening after first-day, were marked with great freedom in the Lord.

Besides speaking we have had the general care of the Signs Office, and have written considerable for our papers. Add to this the labors of the principal duties which called us to this coast last winter, to assist in forming a Publishing Association and locating and putting up a publishing house—and one can see at a glance how our time could be well employed.

The Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association is complete, a body corporate, according to the laws of the State of California, that can sue and be sued, and its officers entered upon their duties with flattering prospects. The site, 80 feet front by 100 feet deep, on west side of Castro, between eleventh and twelfth, is purchased and paid for. Part of the lumber for the publishing house is on the ground, and Bro. O. B. Jones commences to build about the middle of May. He would be very glad to employ every good carpenter among our people in the State if means could be furnished immediately to purchase all the material and push the job to a speedy completion.

But it is feared that for want of means the work will have to be delayed with few hands upon it. A very strong effort should be made to get the new press moving in the new building by the first of October. But we fear that it will be delayed. If pledges are paid sufficient to pay for material, a dozen men could work on the job, or at least all those good carpenters who wish to pay pledges in work on the building.

Having seen this enterprise in good working condition, we leave the work of building and of managing the affairs of the Association in able hands, and make a tour East to attend to more urgent and arduous labors. In every measure we have taken, we believe that we are fully sustained by the California Conference Committee, and now, with the consent of the Committee that called us to the State, we take our departure, and leave the special workings of the cause we have tried to serve in their hands.

Our plans have been to return to the California Camp-meeting, and assist in an effort with the big tent in San Francisco during the months of October and November, and advertise largely from our own press in Oakland. It will require great promptness on the part of the friends in California to carry forward all these plans, so dependent one upon another. A failure of any one might affect the whole, so that we might not see duty to leave important meetings in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas to return in early fall. We have paid $1,000 to the Pacific Publishing Association, and will advance another $1,000 without interest until our poorer brethren can pay their pledges, if brethren and sisters who can command means will pay their pledges, and advance an amount equal to their pledge without interest. If the friends will come right up to the work it can move forward without delay, and plans which have been laid well may be executed to greatly advance the cause.

J. W.

Signs of the Times.

By Uriah Smith

So common has this expression become, that men use it almost without thought, and let it pass as without meaning. But if it means anything it means a great deal. A sign, in the sense here used, is that which foretells or gives evidence of coming events. A sign of the times is that which marks any particular time, as showing its relation to times past or future.

In order that we may have signs there must be a prediction of future events, the approach of which is to be from time to time foretokened or indicated by other events. But these other events must also be foretold, or they could not be signs. For instance, we might have the most startling phenomena in nature; but they would be without significance respecting what is before us, unless it had been foretold that certain events were to occur, and that their approach should be marked by these abnormal exhibitions. But these signs, being thus foretold, became themselves predictions, and their accomplishment a fulfillment of prophecy.

The signs of the times, therefore, are simply those prophecies which are fulfilling in our own day, which show that the time has come, or is at hand for the fulfillment of other predictions which stand in the same chain of events. Signs of the times are themselves prophecies of what is before us, and they are the seal which God sets to what has been declared in the past. They are the solemn voice of God to us as if he were himself now walking through the land, reiterating the declaration of his prophets of old, and proclaiming the truthfulness of his word to all the inhabitants thereof.

Therefore one well-defined, clearly-established, sign of the times, is an event of immense importance. It ought to arrest the attention of all mankind, and be with them the chief topic of interest. Neglect of this will be no less a subject of censure in this generation than it was with the Jews, whom Christ rebuked for not discerning the signs of their day. Nor will such neglect result less fatally now than then. And is there such a sign existing in our day? Every student of prophecy knows that there is not merely one but a whole array of them, not ambiguous and indistinct, but clear, prominent, and startling. Yet the mass of mankind shut their eyes to these things; professed Christians ignore them; and all immediately set about the work of trying to account for, and explain away any unusual occurrence, instead of considering what lessons of instruction they are to draw from it. They would fain persuade themselves that the moral darkness and gloom, which they are constrained to admit is everywhere spreading and deepening, is but the blackness of the transient cloud which will soon give way to the clear blaze of millennial glory. And thus they blind their eyes to the view as it really is; and wait for that sudden destruction, which the apostle declared should come upon men just when they had yielded themselves to the fast embrace of fatal delusion.

The signs of these times are events which are laid down in the prophetic word as tokens of the near approach of the great consummation, and the opening of eternal scenes. To forewarn mankind of the coming of this eventful day, the world was to exhibit remarkable phases, and witness remarkable scenes. These may be classified under four general heads:

Unusual occurrences and phases in the religious and moral world.
Remarkable advancement and discoveries in the scientific world.
Unprecedented activity and threatening movements in the political world; and
Strange and startling phenomena in the natural world.

That the state of things here indicated does exist in all these divisions, no one will deny, who is ordinarily well-read in reference to passing events. Wherever we may look there is no lack of occurrences calculated to excite wonder and elicit comment. Every literary vehicle is loaded with them; every mouth is full of them. Why all do not look upon them in the same light as the student of prophecy, is because they are either ignorant of the fact that these things are pointed out in prophecy as tokens of the coming end, or are unwilling to admit the application of the prophetic declarations to them. The former, however, is largely the prevailing cause; for when a person will candidly compare the words of prophecy with the present state of the world in all its divisions, he can but see such a faithful correspondence between them, as to be convinced that these are verily the things which the prophets have said should come to pass. No, the masses are not aware of what the prophets have spoken; and hence, although they are struck with wonder at the unusual occurrences and strange events of this time, they fail to see their significance, and realize their importance. But it is not sufficient merely to have attention aroused and wonder excited; for men may wonder at the remarkable works of God, and view with astonishment the stately march of fulfilling prophecy, and knowing not its significance, may, with all their wonder and amazement, perish at last.

U. S.

The Patience of the Saints.

By J. H. W.

REV. 14 : 12, the closing verse of the third angel’s message, says, “Here is the patience of the saints.” By reference to chap. 13 : 11-17 we find there will be persecution raised against those who refuse to worship the beast and his image. The third message threatens with the wrath of God all who do worship the beast and his image.

So we see that the world will be divided into two classes before the Lord comes on the white cloud to reap the harvest of the earth: one class worship the beast and his image, and they will be caused to drink of the wine of the wrath of God, or suffer the seven last plagues. The other class keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They are kept from evil in the day of wrath,—they will stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.

They who worship the beast and his image persecute those who keep the commandments of God. They deprive them of the privileges of citizenship; just what they now avow to be their intention when they secure the Religious Amendment to the Constitution. This persecution will call for the exercise of patience. Hence this declaration of the message, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

The same is again brought to view in Rev. 12 : 17. “The remnant” is composed of those who stand for the truth of God in the last days; who are prepared to meet the Lord at his appearing. And war is made against the remnant, because they keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

There is no mistaking the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy. The apostle Paul says, “Tribulation worketh patience.” As we are endeavoring to develop the characters of the remnant, and preparing to meet the Lord when he appears, we should not only consider this expression of the apostle with care, but with equal care examine ourselves in the light of it.

Many complain of their trials as being greater than they can bear, and often say their patience is worn out or exhausted by so much trouble. This is not Christian experience according to the words of Paul. Does tribulation destroy patience? No; it “worketh patience;” it strengthens and perfects it. If tribulation or trial renders us more fretful, more selfish, more irritable and impatient, we may rest assured that our experience is that of the worldling, not of the Christian. This proposition is so plain that we need not deceive ourselves. The decision is plainly written, and by inspiration; “Tribulation worketh patience.”

In harmony with Rev. 14 : 9-14, many scriptures connect patience with the near coming of the Lord. This gives us an idea that the tribulations or war upon the saints will be specially bitter and malignant. In Rev. 3 : 10, 11, the Son of God says: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

Here they are exhorted to hold fast that which they have, and this is doubtless the word of his patience which they have kept. There is an “hour of temptation” coming on all the world; a fearful hour, from which the faithful will be kept. And they are assured that their Deliverer will “come quickly.” There is no

In Heb. 9 : 28 it is said Christ will come unto salvation unto them that look for him. Chap. 10 : 25 says we should be more diligent in our duty as we see the day approaching. Verses 36, 37 say, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”

James, in a striking manner, connects patience with the hope of the Lord’s coming. “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Thus do different writers in Scripture point out the connection of patience with the expectation of the Lord’s coming.

Of the importance of this grace James testifies when he says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Not that patience will make any one perfect without other graces of the Spirit, but no grace is perfect without patience. It should be inwrought into every action and every thought. When patience tempers and perfects the other graces in the character of a saint, then, indeed, is he “wanting nothing.”

While the Scriptures point out the special necessity of patience in the last days because the saints will suffer persecution, and show that it is the perfection of Christian character, there are reasons why it is difficult to maintain our patience in these times. This is a restless age. Everybody is in haste; steam and electricity are alone sufficient to meet the demands of the hour. The whole race have become nervous, and subject to unhallowed influences. The world seems to be well prepared for the last and greatest deception of the enemy as manifested in Spiritualism. Mediums are easily developed, and there are multitudes ready to be “led captive by Satan at his will.”

There is no lack of reasons for this State of things. The habits of the people are so contrary to law and reason that a constant nervous irritation is kept up. The apostle Peter, in giving the order in which the graces are to be added in the formation of Christian character, places temperance before patience. This is evidently just, for an intemperate person can hardly be a patient one. But intemperance is the all-prevailing sin of the age. Eating and drinking at all hours, and of articles the most pernicious and irritating, has become common. And professed Christians, who ought to set an example to the world as being temperate in all things, are foremost in violating the law of their being. Late suppers of indigestible things are even carried into the houses consecrated to the worship of God. Children, from their very infancy, are pampered with highly-spiced food, or fed on alcoholic drinks till their whole system is inflamed and their nerves strained to the highest pitch, and when the result is manifested in irritability and fretfulness, they are quieted with stupefying drugs as opium, in the form of paregoric or soothing syrups. Thus are their tastes early formed for stimulants, and habits contracted, to overcome which they have no sufficient moral force.

Now, in view of the fact that patience is so strongly enjoined, so imperatively necessary in the last days, and also that temperance is the only sure foundation for patience, every one can see that Christian temperance becomes one of the most important subjects claiming our attention at the present time. Reform in habits,—known as health reform—becomes indispensable—to “the remnant.” Without it patience will never “have her perfect work.” An impressive admonition to those who are watching for the coming of the Lord, was given by Jesus himself: “And take heed to yourselves, 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.” Luke 21 : 34.

“Here is the patience of the saints.” Who will be embraced in this number when Jesus comes? Who is striving to perfect this grace, and to lay its foundation strong and sure in Christian temperance? Reader, where do you stand on this matter? J. H. W.

Christ Comes to Sinners

CHRIST comes to sinners with a blessing in each hand, forgiveness in the one and holiness in the other; and he never gives either to any who will not take both.

News from the Field.

By J. H. W.

Bro. E. B. Lane reports his meetings closed in Lapeer, Mich. They continued about twelve weeks, though sometimes hindered by storms. Fifteen have taken their stand for the truth.

Bro. Matteson from Cedar Falls, Iowa, reports that during the winter nine were converted to the truth by reading, and four more by his recent labor there. Others are yet expected to obey.

Bro. Chas. L. Boyd writes from Seward, Neb., that a few Sabbath-keepers there invited him to visit the place and give lectures. A company of fourteen have signed the covenant, who will now keep up meetings and a Sabbath school.

Bro. C. B. Reynolds reports from Glenwood, Erie Co., N. Y., that he has labored some time there against fierce opposition. Sixteen are keeping the Sabbath.

Bro. D. Downer writes that fifteen have promised to keep the Sabbath in Hurricane Grove, Wis., and two more united at Mt. Hope, and two at Waterloo.

Bro. H. W. Decker also reports from Knight's Creek, Dunn Co., Wis., after laboring a while, bad roads, extreme cold weather, and the prejudice of the people, discouraged him, and he was about to leave; but remembering the advice given at the Biblical Institute, not to leave a field too soon, he renewed the work holding meetings in a private house. The Lord blessed and twenty commenced to keep the Sabbath. When the roads become passable he intends to return and complete the work.

Bro. Chaffee reports a good work in Civil Bend, Mo. Thirty-five covenanted to keep the commandments, and twenty-eight were baptized.

Bro. Ayres, from Kansas, gives news that will cheer the hearts of those who have aided the laborers in that Conference. He writes:— “The cause is prospering in this Conference. The money sent to the Conference enables the ministers to keep in the field. Brn. Chaffee and Long are having good success in Daviess Co., Mo. Bro. Rogers reports a good interest in Johnson Co. He has sent for Bro. Cook to come and help him. Bro. Wood reports good results from Barton County. Bro. Lamont is having a good interest in Labette and Howard Counties, Kansas.”

“Bro. Smith Sharp is having good success in Miami County. He has been holding meetings three miles west of Osawatomie. The house is crowded every night. About twenty take part in the Sabbath meetings. He is now holding meetings in Osawatomie. Calls come in from every side. The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few.” J. H. W.

D. M. CANRIGHT

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Stockton.

We pitched our tent and began our meetings here Friday April 23. This is said to be the fourth city in the state in size. It is 90 miles east of San Francisco and about 40 miles south of Sacramento, in the San Joaquin Valley. It is a rich valley for grain when they have rain enough. Frequent droughts are the great drawbacks. This season there will not be half a crop; in many places none at all.

The city abounds in churches and schools. The Spiritualists are numerous and strong. All the churches united for a revival which they continued for ten weeks without much fruit, I believe. Now they have sent for Mr. Hammond who is expected to be here next week. Then I have learned that this is just the time that all the schools have their picnics. From one to three are advertised for about every day. Also a great circus is to be here in a few days.

Whether under these circumstances, we shall be able to obtain and retain the attention of a fair audience remains to be seen. Our tent is centrally and beautifully located. We have advertised extensively. About 250 to 300 came out the first four meetings. Then we got up new bills and put one in every house in the city. This appears to have helped us. The last two evenings we have had a good audience and a deep interest. Last night I sold $4.00 worth of books. We have several callers through the day.

If nothing uncommon comes up we now hope for a good interest. God is able to control the elements and to move upon souls to obey the truth. I feel very weak and small. Hope the friends will remember us in their prayers. Bro. Howard of Vallejo is with me as tent master. Bro. Morrison and Bro. Trickey have helped us much. We shall hope in God and do all we can.

D. M. CANRIGHT

April 28.

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