The SIGNS OF THE TIMES of Dec. 14 has just come into my hands, although published about two weeks since. Under the above heading, over the signature of J. W., I find the following: “And we urge persons who are able, and churches, and officers of the T. and M. districts and State Societies, to take quantities (of the SIGNS) for distribution, and for permanent subscribers when they shall find them. Changes of names and addresses can be made at this Office at any time.”
“The Oakland church has raised $51.00 a few evenings since to pay for thirty-four copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to circulate in this city. Sums of not less than $12.00 can be paid in monthly installments during the coming year;” and the writer adds, “Let every church respond.” To this we say a hearty AMEN.
Now brethren and sisters, and especially those sisters who are anxious to earn something, and do not see how they can do much for want of means, here is an open door for you. You that live in the country and small villages, you need this paper to loan to your neighbors and to send to your friends. Twelve dollars will pay for eight copies. This is paid in installments of one dollar per month. There is no church in the country where there are not four or more who can club together and each pay twenty-five cents a month and have eight copies sent to one address in the church for this purpose. You can do this business through your Tract Society officers.
We appeal to the churches East, West, and everywhere, to small companies of brethren in every part of this civilized world where these lines may reach them, to subscribe at once for not less than eight copies, so that you can have the first numbers of next volume, while large places like Boston, Mass., Syracuse, N. Y., should take twenty-five copies or more. Can it be that there is a single church so destitute of the missionary spirit that they will not avail themselves of this liberal offer? We cannot believe that there is. Act, brethren, and act promptly. Not a moment to spare. And, sisters, don’t wait for the brethren, but let there be a response from every company of believers from Maine to California. Your orders for the paper and monthly payments can be made through the officers of the Tract Society. If not connected with any Tract Society, send directly to the SIGNS Office, Oakland, California.
We also appeal to the officers of the Tract Society to make a prompt and decided move. The cloud is arising; the battle cry is sounding. There is “the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees,” and blessed are they who can recognize the joyful sound, and “bestir” themselves, and prepare for the coming conflict.
S. N. Haskell.
GEO. I. BUTLER
By George I. Butler
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY, VOL. II.
I have just finished reading through this most remarkable book, and I can truly say it has been one of the most interesting volumes I ever read. It treats wholly upon the scenes connected with Christ’s first advent, the birth, early life, ministry, teachings, and miracles, of Jesus, unless the chapter concerning John the Baptist be an exception. The reader may think this is a subject upon which so much has been said and written that nothing further could be added. No candid person will say this after perusing this volume. The style and manner of presenting the great facts of the Messiah’s life in this book are in such striking contrast to the heavy histories and novelist methods of some other writers in treating this subject that its superiority is easily recognized.
What theme could be more opportune at the present time? When such selfishness everywhere prevails, and the coming of the Son of God is so near? How fitting that a vivid presentation of the character and life of our Saviour should be given us, that we may know how to become like him in spirit and be prepared to hail him with joy!
There is such a naturalness and clearness in the explanations of passages in the gospels somewhat obscure, that they carry conviction to the reader’s heart. Never before did the work of Christ seem so wonderful and beautiful as after reading this book. His character stands out in such striking contrast with that of every other teacher that the heart is imperceptibly drawn out to love and admire.
The terrible nature of sin, the beauty of humility, and obedience to God, the comprehensiveness of God’s plan for saving men, the deceptive work of Satan upon the human heart,—all stand out with a peculiar prominence before the mind after reading this book. The marriage at Cana, the turning of the water into wine, the driving of the buyers and sellers out of the temple, the night interview of Nicodemus with the Saviour, the new and spiritual birth when the heart is renovated by divine power, the cleansing of the leper, the healing of the paralytic, the resurrection of Lazarus, and the triumphant ride into Jerusalem,—are all of them of most absorbing interest.
But it seems useless to specify particular parts when all are so excellent. The only regret I could feel after reading it was that it continued no further. But this lack we may hope will be met hereafter in another volume portraying in the same vivid manner the scenes of Christ’s death and resurrection.
For one I feel to thank God for this excellent book, which I trust may be a means of grace to my heart to make me more like the blessed Saviour in character and life than ever before.
GEO. I. BUTLER
DID ABRAHAM HAVE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?
By S. B. Whitney
Some persons answer this question negatively, but without reason and positive evidence. In Deut. 4:13 Moses says, “And he declared unto you his covenant which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments: and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” At this time God was formally establishing the ten commandments as a law among the people of Israel. Now compare the above with 1 Chron. 16:12, 15-18. “Remember his marvelous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.” “Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; and hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance.” As David composed this psalm to be sung before the ark containing the tables of stone, the identity of the covenants in the two passages cannot be questioned; and in the latter it is expressly declared that the covenant which was confirmed to Jacob for a law was the same as that made with Abraham, and therefore he had the ten commandments.
It is also evident that a thing cannot be confirmed that did not previously exist, and this is evidence that the law given on Mt. Sinai was previously in existence and therefore did not originate then.
The sense in which those commandments were the covenant made with them is the same in both cases, and is clearly shown by reference to Gen. 26:5, when God says that he will perform the oath which he sware to Abraham, “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws.” They were incorporated into the covenant in both instances, as the conditions of the promises which the covenants respectively contained. S. B. WHITNEY.
“HE EXALTETH HIMSELF.” Yes, and Does Still “Think to Change Times and Laws.”
By A. C. Spicer
REV. N. WARDNER, S. D. B. missionary in Scotland, writes to the Sabbath Recorder from Glasgow, Nov. 6: “Last week I listened to a lecture by Dr. Cumming of London. He stated that he had ascertained by personal examinations, that in the Roman Catholic translation of the Scriptures into French, Italian, German, and Spanish, the fourth commandment is omitted entirely, and in its place they have substituted the command, ‘Remember the Festivals.’”
A. C. SPICER.
To Correspondents.
By C. W. S.
If a man gets a bill from his wife according to the Bible, can he marry again? G. BANKS.
In REVIEW No. 24, last vol., Eld. R. F. Cottrell says, “Inspiration is not infallibility.” If it be of God, it seems to me infallible. FAYETTE KINGSLEY.
“And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” This means simply that the Lord turned from that which he had purposed to bring upon the people, because of the pleading of Moses. Read Jer. 18: 7-11. “At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation . . . to destroy it, if that nation . . . turn from their will, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.” If the nation repent, God will be merciful and will not administer the threatened punishment, or evil.
Judges 1:19. “And the Lord was with Judah; and he [Judah] drove out the inhabitants of the Mountain; but [he, Judah,] could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.” The Lord was with Judah in many victories recorded in that chapter; but it seems that the Lord did not particularly work in this case, and Judah was not able to do it.
The expression, “Inspiration is not infallibility,” taken alone would give a wrong idea. Inspiration of God is infallible. What he reveals through his inspired servants is without fault. But that is not what Bro. Cottrell means, as you will see by reading again. He means that the instrument, the person whom God uses as his prophet, is not infallible, but is frail, subject to temptations, mistakes, sins, i. e., not in relating what God has revealed to him, but in his every-day life; and he is not, therefore, an infallibly perfect example. C. W. S.
IOWA
By George I. Butler
My meetings at State Center closed encouragingly. The church were benefitted, and a good interest was manifested among the outsiders, so much so that we prevailed on Bro. Kilgore, who happened to be there the last day of the meetings, to continue to follow up the interest, as I was necessarily called away to attend the State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society, at Knoxville. I shall be disappointed if several do not take their stand upon the truth.
Our quarterly meeting at Knoxville was quite well attended from abroad. Six directors were present. Some advance was made in paying up the debts of the Society in spite of the hard times. Still there is a great failure to realize the importance of the glorious T. and M. work. Our religious meetings were interesting and profitable. Six were taken into the church. Four were baptized after the quarterly meeting had closed. It was a season of interest. The church roll was pruned to some extent; yet after this the list of members stood at fifty-two. Our prayer meeting last night was a very interesting season. There are many young people who attend the church, and are looking on with interest. I never had more hopes that the Knoxville church would come up than at the present time; yet there is much to be done before a good result will be very manifest.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Knoxville, Iowa, Jan. 3.
LEON, WISCONSIN.
By H. W. Decker
Our general meeting at this place closed Sunday evening, Dec. 24. The weather was favorable, and the attendance from abroad was quite large. The brethren were very punctual to attend all of the meetings, and were careful to be on time. The meetings continued about a week. We tried to hold up before them the glorious prize and our nearness to the time when it will be given, also our duties in view of these things. Sabbath was a good day. Five made a public profession for the first time. The most of these commenced keeping the Sabbath as the result of the labors of Brn. Young and Snow at Fish Creek, six miles from Leon.
Some who had been under discouragements in the past renewed their vows, and stated their determination to start out with more energy than ever for the kingdom. One of these was a sister who embraced the truth when the tent was at Leon. She and her husband want a preacher sent into their vicinity. Their address is, B. F. Link, Marshall, Lyon Co., Minn.
Sunday, the time was given to business. The T. and M. work was talked up to quite an extent, especially in reference to increasing the circulation of the SIGNS and REFORMER. Several subscribed for the SIGNS, REFORMER, REVIEW, and INSTRUCTOR. The church and all of the district who were present voted to raise a sum for the T. and M. work, equal to one-third of their S. B. pledge.
This district will send out three or four canvassers for the SIGNS and REFORMER. They will also distribute 700 almanacs. Notwithstanding this is a new district, there are live workers in it, who are taking hold of the missionary work well. Systematic Benevolence was re-organized, and increased $57.36; $45.40 were pledged for the tent and camp meeting fund.
We have been holding meetings similar to these each week since the last session of the General Conference. We have usually commenced on Tuesday evening, and continued till Sunday evening. All of the churches where we have been, have adopted the plan of pledging a sum equal to one-third of their S. B. pledge for the use of the T. and M. Society. All of the districts are sending out canvassers for our periodicals, and although there is a general complaint of hard times throughout the State on account of the failure of the crops the past season, yet our people generally manifest a determination to push forward the good work.
In most places where we have been, there is an excellent outside interest. Especially was this the case at Waterloo. Their large house of worship was well filled each evening with attentive listeners. The brethren say the outside interest is the best it has been since they were organized. I shall visit them again as soon as possible. Bro. Atkinson has been with me. We now separate. Brethren of Wisconsin, we have a great work on our hands. Let us take hold of it in earnest. H. W. DECKER. Mackford, Dec. 26.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
ACCORDING to appointment, we met with the friends at Bear Wallow, Dec. 16 and 17. It was very cold and stormy at the commencement of the meeting, and the attendance was small; but the weather moderating a little the second day, the interest increased very much. Sickness prevented some of the Sabbath-keepers from attending. All are holding on to the truth, and others are very much interested, but very slow to act (as the Southern people generally are); therefore much labor is needed to perfect them in the work. I should have continued here longer, as the interest really demands it, but the teams to take us to the quarterly meeting at Powder Mills had to go on the 18th, so we had to go with them.
At this place, we met another snow storm. Storm has followed storm during this month, and it has been unusually cold. All the brethren and sisters were not able to attend. We think some should have made a greater effort. Surely they were the losers. There were a goodly number from Elizabethtown. They are truly workers. We were very much disappointed in not meeting brethren from Bear Wallow and Antioch. They lost much by not attending. This meeting was one of great profit to all who attended. The Lord gave much liberty in preaching on practical duties. Confessions were made for the past for their slackness and sinfulness, and resolutions were made for the future. Their broken accents and streaming eyes told they were in earnest.
We think the last meeting was the best we ever had. Considering the hard times, the brethren have done nobly this season in sustaining the cause. The Lord has given us the victory in this State. Over twenty-five new Sabbath-keepers are added to our number. We have sold over $150 worth of books, obtained a good many subscribers for our periodicals, and, above all, we are in perfect union in the truth and in practice. To God be all the glory. Bro. Robt. Garrett goes out to improve his gift in preaching, and will spend all the time he can spare.
We are in good health and courage in the Lord. We now go to Tennessee to labor for awhile. I want to visit Bro. Orlando Soule. Will he address me immediately at Edgefield Junction, informing me how to get to him. S. OSBORN.
Powder Mills, Dec. 25, 1876.
ST. LAWRENCE CO., N. Y.
By Jacob Wilbur
At the close of our interesting State quarterly meeting, held in connection with the dedication of the new meeting-house in Rome, I started for this county. I reached Gouverneur, Dec. 12, where I found the friends of present truth still alive, and ready to press the battle even to the gates of the enemy.
The next day in company with Bro. H. H. Wilcox, who is my yoke-fellow this winter, I went, by special request, to Hailesborough, in the town of Fowler. We obtained the Union meeting-house, and held a few meetings; but the house was large and cold, and the people had lately been duped by a popular preacher from the State of Maine, who had started an interest, got in debt, left his wife and children, and run away with the money obtained by fraud from the people, and, worse than all the rest, had tried to get a young lady to follow him to the West. So after sleeping in the meeting-house one cold night, we concluded that we would leave them for a short time, although some came to us afterward and made apologies for being so thoughtless as not to give us an invitation to go home with them. The attendance at these meetings was quite small.
In company with Bro. Blandin I attended the monthly meeting at Pierrepont. Dec. 15, we rode some twenty-five or thirty miles, in a buggy, over the rough, frozen ground, and through a cold wind, to reach the place of meeting. We staid over Sabbath and first-day. We spoke five times, and although the thermometer was from twenty to thirty degrees below zero, we had a good attendance of brethren and friends from the surrounding country. I think the close, practical truths of our message were well received, especially those in regard to Christian temperance. The members of this church are waking up. They are anxious to have Eld. D. M. Canright visit them this winter.
From Pierrepont I came to North Gouverneur, where Bro. Wilcox joined me again. We intended to hold some meetings with the people there, but as there were several cases of small-pox in the vicinity, we only visited from house to house one day. We found Bro. Hardie, and others who embraced present truth there last winter, still strong in the faith; and one well to do farmer is about to take up the cross and observe the Sabbath of the Lord.
From the above place we went to Rossie, and spent about four days, working very hard from house to house with prayers and tears. We held seven meetings during the four days that we were with them, and as the result eight new converts came out fully and took their stand with us on the third message. On Christmas day we had one of the best meetings I was ever in. The power and Spirit of God seemed to rest down upon us, and many were in tears.
We organized a class of fourteen. Nearly as many more have acknowledged the truth and are with us in heart, and have opened their doors for meetings. Some of these dear friends we hope will soon join this little band which has so recently started for the kingdom of glory. Pray for us.
JACOB WILBUR.
Gouverneur, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1876.
INDIANA
By Arthur W. Bartlett
Nearly two months ago, I commenced a series of meetings at Perrysburg, and secured the Presbyterian church for meeting purposes. We were permitted to occupy the building but a short time; for as soon as the cutting truths of God’s word were preached, Satan was stirred, and fierce and strong opposition arose. The church authorities ordered me to discontinue my meetings, and became quite abusive.
Not without some trouble, we obtained the school-house, which is located near the church, and continued our meetings. The trustee and director of the school were very kind, and through their influence we were permitted to occupy the building nearly two weeks. The Methodist and Presbyterian ministers soon lifted up their voices against the truth, and desiring to reply I found myself in a dilemma; for I had received a notice to quit the school-house and I was not permitted to occupy either of the churches. But a kind friend offered us the use of his barn which we gladly accepted. The attendance was large and I hope all present were convinced of the truthfulness of our position. I cannot help stating that it seems that there is no room among the professing Christians of Perrysburg for the truth, and like our blessed Saviour, it must go to the hospitable barn.
We then obtained a small school-house15at Deedsville, about three miles east, for the purpose of continuing our meetings. This house being somewhat uncomfortable, we secured a very large school-house nearby. The attendance steadily increased from the beginning until the house would scarcely hold the people; and at our closing discourse, I could get into the house only by being taken through the window. It is needless to say that many could not gain admittance. During the meetings, the best of order was observed, and the interest was excellent. The Spirit of God gave edge to the word, and the shafts of truth entered many hearts. Some who had not attended meeting for years began the journey toward the heavenly city. Skeptics were convinced, and the country was stirred for many miles around. Such is the mighty power of the word when preached in its purity.
About twenty-five have raised the white banner of truth, which has so long been trampled upon. I am persuaded that this company is composed of those who possess moral stamina and courage, men and women of God, who will, in his strength, fight a good fight. May the Lord abundantly bless each one.
Many kind people assisted in the singing, which was the sweetest I have heard for many a day. Levi Rains, a teacher of acknowledged ability, kindly opened the school-house for our use, and then opened his heart for the reception of the truth, which I hope has entered and taken full possession. We were assisted by Bro. and Sr. Woods, of Perrysburg, and Bro. and Sr. Webber, of Rochester. May the Lord reward them.
May I be remembered in your prayers.
ARTHUR W. BARTLETT.
Deedsville, Ind., Jan. 1, 1877.
THE MASTER’S TOUCH.
By Bonar
IN the still air the music lies unheard;
In the rough marble beauty hides unseen;
To make the music and the beauty, needs
The master’s touch, the sculptor’s chisel keen.
Great Master, touch us with thy skillful hand;
Let not the music that is in us die.
Great Sculptor, hew and polish us; nor let,
Hidden and lost, thy form within us lie.
Spare not the stroke. Do with us as thou wilt.
Let there be naught unfinished, broken, marred.
Complete thy purpose, that we may become
Thy perfect image, thou our God and Lord!
—Bonar.
FISH CREEK, WIS.
By John G. Matteson
WE are still holding meetings in this vicinity. The meetings have been well attended this week. A few have been convinced of the truth, and will try to obey. The members of the church are making some progress. We labor to get right on all points; yet this is a great work. Here are about fifty who have been baptized and signed the covenant. Like many others they thought that they had taken a great step; and so they had. But they did not feel any particular need of going further. Some were exceedingly self-righteous, others slack and careless, others vain.
We are trying to be purified from vanity, carelessness, pride, the use of tobacco, and all sinful practices. We labor to get life in Christ and a lively hope, to get that fellowship with the Father and the Son, which will enable us to walk in the light. The Lord has helped us so far, and we are making some advancement; yet with most it is a great struggle. We labor and pray for a decided and continued improvement in the character and conduct of all who name the name of Christ, that we may be ready for his appearing.
JOHN G. MATTESON.
Dec. 29.
CANADA
By A. C. Bourdeau
We continued our meetings near Dillonton, from Sunday, Dec. 10, till the Friday following. Though it was very cold and blustering, the people had an increasing interest to hear the truth. But Mrs. B. was taken very sick of typhoid fever, and I was obliged to discontinue holding meetings the 17th, after having given but ten lectures. The last two were upon the Sabbath question, and nearly all that heard, admitted we had the truth. We came to Waterloo, the distance of twelve miles, while Mrs. B. was in a burning fever. She is very low. We pray that the Lord may come to our help. Bro. Owen continues to lecture in Warden. Brethren, pray for us.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
Jan. 2.
POLK CO., NEBRASKA.
By Chas. L. Boyd
The meetings being held in this county at the time of my last report, closed last Sunday evening. My object in coming here was to help the church and to try to reach others not numbered with us. I trust the object of the meetings has been realized.
The church seems to be strengthened and encouraged; some have commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath; some who have long been slaves to the use of tobacco have laid it aside; and some, I trust, will date their religious experience from the time of these meetings. CHAS. L. BOYD.
Stromsburg, Polk Co., Neb., Jan. 2.
CHEROKEE, KANSAS.
By J. H. Cook
I COMMENCED meetings six miles northeast of this place, at Amity school-house, on the 28th of November. Have continued most of the time since up to the present. The interest has been steady, though the attendance has not been large. I think as the result about ten are keeping the Sabbath. The people here are very poor. I have not found as poor a settlement before in the State. They appear ready to hear and obey the truth, but they receive it slowly. Not being able to buy books, they as yet depend almost entirely on the preached word. Hence the work goes slowly, and requires patience and perseverance. But the poor have the gospel preached to them.
For three days I have been holding meetings at Monmouth. Here the Lord wrought for us with power. One sister came to attend our meetings for the first time, and was so strongly convicted of sin that she cried aloud for mercy in the midst of the meeting. The following evening she again pressed her suit. The Lord answered prayer. Her mourning was turned into joy and rejoicing. God gave her a bright evidence of his approval of her course. She goes home to-day (Friday), rejoicing in God with her husband, to prepare to keep their first Sabbath to-morrow. God appears to be at work in this church, as well as outside. There is a spirit of individual searching for, and putting away of, their sins that I have rarely witnessed, coupled with earnest groaning and agonizing with God for deliverance.
J. H. Cook.
MINNESOTA
By W. B. Hill
WEST PORT.
We closed our meetings at West Port, Dec. 13, having labored there about five weeks. The interest was good throughout. Six have commenced to keep the Sabbath with those who are already obeying the present truth in that place. Others are investigating, and we hope that God may give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.
FAIRHAVEN.
I have just closed an eight days' meeting at Fairhaven with the small company of Sabbath-keepers there, who are struggling against much opposition to hold on to, and live out, the precious truth. As the result, two more took a decided stand to keep the commandments, and the believers were encouraged and strengthened in the faith.
We were glad to see the union, love, and harmony, that prevail among them. Go on, brethren; hold up your light; be not afraid to let it shine; and soon the Chief Shepherd will bring your reward. Pray for us.
W. B. HILL.
Jan. 3.
STATE QUARTERLY MEETING OF MICH. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By J. Fargo; Mrs. S. H. Lane
This meeting convened as appointed at Alaiedon, Dec. 23, 24. The first session was held evening after the Sabbath, Dec. 23. Eld. Fargo, the president, occupied the chair. Prayer by Eld. Haskell.
In view of the nature of the work that has been going on in the various districts, the reports sent in were few, there being but six districts that reported and some of these reports coming from some individual churches to the district. These reports from districts Nos. 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, and 11, showed there had been 222 families visited; 154 letters written; 25 subscribers obtained for REVIEW; 34 for SIGNS; 38 for REFORMER; and 49 for the INSTRUCTOR. Number of periodicals distributed, 1780; tracts and pamphlets, 151,337; almanacs, 932. One library furnished with a set of bound books.
Elds. Haskell and Fargo reported that they had visited sixteen churches each, and that all these churches, except Rochester and Almont, unanimously voted to pay a sum equal to one-third their s. b. the coming year for the support of the missionary work. It is here proper to state that there were eight individuals who did not vote, though they expressed themselves in harmony with the plan, also with the resolutions which were recommended to the Mich. T. and M. Society at the late session of the General Conference, which were adopted by these various churches.
Much interest was manifested by these churches in the distribution of the Health Almanac, and in obtaining subscribers for the HEALTH REFORMER, and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Twelve thousand almanacs have been taken. There are some eighty-seven that can be depended upon to canvass for the SIGNS and REFORMER without a premium, besides a goodly number who are making arrangements to give their entire time to the work with a per cent. Seventy-five subscribers have been obtained for the SIGNS, mostly by our brethren, at two dollars each. About one thousand premiums have been ordered, which are being placed in the hands of canvassers, with which to obtain subscribers.
If the same degree of interest is taken in this work in the remaining portion of the State as has been in the thirty-two companies already visited, and doubtless there will be, and the brethren continue as they have commenced, the number of subscribers assigned us—six thousand, six hundred and sixty-eight—for the periodicals, and the fifty thousand almanacs to be judiciously distributed, will be a work easily accomplished by this Conference.
Systematic Benevolence was re-organized for the church at Alaiedon at this meeting, with an increase of about $25.00 over last year. When the question of adding an amount equal to one-third of their s. b. came up, it was adopted by a rising vote of all present. There were six districts and fourteen churches represented, and every brother and sister present arose.
The canvassers for our periodicals were appointed in the Alaiedon church, who cheerfully accepted the appointment, and resolved to work.
The following business was transacted at this meeting, some items of which are of especial interest to the work in Michigan:—
I. It was decided to give special agents who canvass for the SIGNS with either of the premiums offered (except “Life Sketches”), a premium of 50 cts. for every two dollar subscriber thus obtained, providing that the canvasser first obtain ten subscribers before receiving anything. (2) This canvassing shall be done outside of our brethren. (3) The business must be done through the Tract Society. For per cent. on REFORMER, see agents’ circular.
II. It was thought that it would be for the interest of district No. 10 to be divided; but in the absence of those especially interested in it, the dividing of the district and the appointing of a director were referred to the Armada meeting, Dec. 29 and 30.
III. It was voted by the director that Bro. Fargo be released as director in district No. 6, and Bro. Howe act in his stead.
IV. It was also voted to rescind the vote of adding 20 per cent. on pamphlets charged to the various districts. That each district shall receive a credit from the Tract Society of a sum equal to the 20 per cent. which has been added to the almanacs for 1877, and to the premiums sent to canvassers for this winter’s campaign.
V. The propriety of transferring the churches of Haselton and Flushing from district No. 8 to district No. 7, was considered, and it was left for the directors in those two districts to arrange as they judge proper.
VI. The following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted:— Resolved, That we recommend to all of the churches in this Conference where s. b. has not been re-organized for 1877 to postpone the organization of it until visited by those appointed by the Conference.
That which added much interest to the business matters relating to the church in Alaiedon was the commendable course pursued by some of the leading brethren of the church. When it was understood that we designed to re-organize the s. b., and take an expression whether the brethren would pay a sum into the Tract Society equal to one-third their s. b., the elders readily took in the nature of the case, and at once consulted together. Some of the brethren pledged liberally last year, and were now under embarrassing circumstances. One of the elders quietly passed among such and encouraged them to take hold liberally, and if they had not the ready means to meet the present emergency, he offered to loan them that which they needed, without interest, notwithstanding he was paying interest on hundreds of dollars at ten per cent. Such acts are silken cords of love which unite hearts, golden links which bind individuals to Him who died for us.
The officers of the Tract Society present were Eld. J. Fargo, I. A. Olmstead, F. Squire, F. Howe, Alex Carpenter, and the secretary.
Elds. Kenyon and Jones were present, and took part in preaching the word with freedom and acceptance. Eld. Haskell spoke much in reference to the nature of the work, the relation we sustain to the cause of God, and the importance that each act well his part, that he may be acquitted in the day of Judgment. His remarks Sunday afternoon, which time was devoted to business, upon the necessity of coming up in this work with our means, and keeping pace with every advance step taken with the same spirit of sacrifice and devotion that characterized the pioneers in this cause, reached the hearts of all present.
Sunday evening there was a crowded house of interested listeners to Eld. Haskell as he spoke with good freedom, of the contrast between the work of Christ and antichrist in reference to the law of God.
At the close of the discourse there was another session of the Tract Society of about two hours. The brethren returned home much encouraged, feeling that brighter days were dawning on the tract and missionary work in Michigan.
J. Fargo, Pres.
Mrs. S. H. Lane, Sec.
N. Y. & PA. TRACT MEETING.
By B. L. Whitney; E. H. Whitney
The N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society held its general quarterly meeting at Rome, N. Y., Dec. 11, in connection with the dedication of the new church. The meeting was called to order by the president.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. The report of labor for the quarter just closed was called for and read as follows:—
No. of families visited, 464; letters written, 112; pages of tracts distributed, 80,469; new subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 4; INSTRUCTOR, 19; REFORMER, 11; SIGNS, 9; periodicals distributed, 3,020.
Rec’d on membership, $6.00
“ “ donations, 99.10
“ “ book sales, 31.88
“ “ periodicals, 95.40
“ “ widow and orphan fund, 2.00
School, 20.00
Total, $254.38.
The general interests of the Society were then considered. Interesting remarks were made by Bro. D. M. Canright. The subject of canvassing was taken up, and canvassers were appointed from the members present to work in their respective localities. Nearly all the members pledged themselves to renewed effort in extending the circulation of our periodicals. The interest in the subject was evidenced by the numerous questions asked and answered.
The report of labor was the smallest that the records of the Society show for some time. This may be accounted for in part by the hard times, but one of the districts brought a larger report than usual, showing that something may be done even in hard times. The influence of the meeting seemed to be good, and the friends separated with renewed determination to work in the good cause.
B. L. WHITNEY, Pres.
E. H. WHITNEY, Sec.
SLASH, IND.
By Wm. Covert
I HAVE now given twenty-one discourses at this place. The minister who was so determined to protract his meeting in order to break off the interest that had been raised by our meetings gave up last Tuesday night, when he learned that he was ruining his own cause. I resumed meetings on the night following. I held a meeting on Sabbath. Some observed the day as their first Sabbath to the Lord. Others will follow. I hope to continue two weeks longer at this place. Pray for us. Wm. Covert.
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO.
By Wm. Cottrell
I came to this place yesterday, and commenced meetings last evening. Some thirty or forty were out. We have a meeting-house belonging to the Baptists. Bro. Nichols, who procured the use of the house, says that there are persons here who are desirous of hearing the present truth. We hope the Lord will bless his truth to the good of some souls. We desire to have the prayers of God’s people.
My address will be for the present, Butler, Richland Co., Ohio.
Wm. Cottrell.
WEST LIBERTY, MICH.
By E. P. Daniels; Albert Bather
By request, I went to Turkey Hall, in company with Bro. Bather, where we labored together for one week, speaking before a well filled house each evening. At the conclusion of our meetings, several avowed their belief in all the principal points of faith entertained by our people; yet there was but one that took a stand with the little church at this place to keep all of God’s commandments. Nevertheless, we have reason to believe that there are still others who will soon follow this dear brother.
This does not comprise all the good accomplished here; for by fireside labor two families have been persuaded to give up tea drinking, and are now adopting, as far as it is practicable, the principles of health reform. We gave Sr. Dancer her first lesson in baking graham bread, and she proved a very apt scholar. Heaven is a friend to health reform, and the right hand of God is stored with choice blessings for those who accept of it and cheerfully live it out.
One subscriber was obtained for the REVIEW and the REFORMER. The good work of trying to bring others into the fold here in this place will go on; for here the brethren and sisters are in earnest. May God bless them while laboring in this part of the great harvest field, and at last crown them his own in the harvest time, is our prayer.