Valence, France, and Pius VI: Testimony on the 1260 Years
By D. T. Bourdeau
VALENCE, FRANCE, AND PIUS VI., Or Important Testimony Marking the Ending of the 1260 Years of Papal Supremacy.
From a history of the department of La Drome, France, first published in 1817, and from monuments of long standing and inscriptions written thereon in Latin, Gallic, and French languages, it is very apparent that Valence has acted a prominent part in the events that make up the history of France. It is one of the most ancient cities of this country. It has monuments with inscriptions of respect to Julius Cæsar, and to Cæsar Augustus, who was emperor of Rome at the time of our Saviour’s birth. See Luke 2:1. It became a Roman colony under Cæsar Augustus, and its inhabitants added to its name that of Julia, in grateful remembrance of the protection they had recently received from Julius Cæsar during his stay among them.
The gospel was first preached in this city by Felix, Fortunat, and Achillie, disciples of Irenæus, bishop of Lyons, at the opening of the third century. Five councils have been held in this city. The cathedral of this city was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the latter part of the eleventh century, as appears from the following translation of a Latin inscription preserved by Mr. de Catelin, in his Antiquities of the Church of Valence:—
“The year of our Lord one thousand ninety-five, second indiction, and the fifth day of the month of August, the Pope Urban II., assisted by twelve bishops, dedicated this church to the honor of the blessed Virgin Mary.”
It will be observed that the spirit of this inscription comports well with the testimony in Eld. J. N. Andrews’ History of the Sabbath, which states that this same pope dedicated the ancient Sabbath to the worship of the Virgin Mary.
It was in this city that Napoleon Bonaparte spent the first years of his military life. But the most interesting fact of all is that it was also in this city that Pope Pius VI. died in captivity in 1799, at the end of the 1260 years of papal supremacy, in fulfillment of the sure word of prophecy. Dan. 7:25, 26; Rev. 13:5, 10. In the history of this department mentioned above, pp. 628–630, which was written by a Catholic, I find the following testimony:—
“Pius VI. dwelt in this ancient Government Hall, which to-day is so dilapidated, during his captivity of 1799. The garden in the form of a terrace may be seen from a part of the city and from the valley of the Rhone. The scenery is magnificent, and it is said that when Pius VI. appeared on this terrace for the first time, he exclaimed, ‘Oh! che bella vista!’ He died in this hall the 29th of August of the same year, 1799, aged 82 years.
“There exists in the cathedral a monument of white marble, that was reared in 1811, by order, and at the expense, of the imperial government, in memory of this pontiff, whose heart and entrails it contains.
“The body of Pius VI. was embalmed, and was first placed in a cave dug expressly for it in the city of Valence, and a monument was put over it; but it was afterward returned to Pius VII., and taken to Rome under the care of the cardinal Spina, archbishop of Genoa. The city of Valence has since reclaimed the heart and entrails of the pontiff; these were sent to it from Rome, and they rested in an ardent chapel of the church of Saint Appolinaire, until the erection of the monument raised in the same church in memory of Pius VI., with great solemnity the 25th of October, 1811. The consecration was effected by Mr. the cardinal Spina, assisted by Messrs. Bécherel, bishop of Valence, and Périer, bishop of Avignon. Mr. Bécherel had the following inscription placed on this monument:—
“‘Sancta Pii Sexti redeunt Præcordia Gallis. Roma tenet corpus. Nomen ubique sonat. Valentiæ obiit 29 Augusti, Anno 1799.’ The proper rendering of which is: ‘The holy entrails of Pius VI. are returned to the French; Rome possesses his body; his name resounds in all places. He died at Valence the 29th of August, 1799.’”
This agrees with the testimony of Thiers in his History of the French Revolution, which states that the 10th of February, 1798, Berthier, general of the French, subjugated the city of Rome; that the 15th day of the same month, Pope Pius VI. was taken prisoner, and shut up in the Vatican; that he was then carried captive to France, where he died in 1799.
How faithful God has been to fulfil his Word! A time, times, and a half a time, or 42 months, or 1260 days of years, were marked off as the period of papal supremacy. These commenced when the conquest of the Ostrogoths, the last kingdom that hindered the pope in taking the reins of civil government, took place. According to Gibbon, this conquest was effected by Justinian’s army in A. D. 538. Consequently, the 1260 years would end in 1798. It was then that a deadly wound was inflicted by the French upon the civil power of the papacy, and that he who had led others into captivity was himself led into captivity. Rev. 13:10.
As we have visited the very spots where the events connected with the captivity of Pius VI. took place, and have seen his monument and bust in the cathedral of this city, we have been struck with awe and overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude in view of the care, wisdom, and love that God displays in fulfilling his word. Infidels, and others who have opposed the word of God, have, unawares, produced testimonies which in a wonderful manner show the fulfilment of God’s word; and God in his providence has seen fit to choose infidel France to act a leading part in fulfilling prophecy. Truly, where sin and error have abounded, grace and light are mercifully displayed, that God’s people may rejoice and be strengthened, and that sinners and infidels may be without excuse.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Valence, Drome, France, Feb. 22, 1877.
TO THE DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF THE IOWA T. & M. SOCIETY.
By Geo. L. Butler
At our recent quarterly meeting at Sigourney, matters came before the board for their consideration relative to the prosperity of our Society. Among these came the question, What can be done for the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES? We have in this Conference made almost a total failure in our efforts to secure subscribers for this valuable paper. This is a cause of deep regret to me. This has been partly owing to the difficulty of obtaining money these hard times. Many would like to read the paper, they say, but have not the money to spare to pay for it. Some of our workers have told me they have solicited as many as fifty persons without getting one full-paying subscriber, and yet many would say they would like to read the paper. Such most certainly ought to have the opportunity. What is the best way to do this? The board of directors at the recent meeting fully decided to recommend the plan of clubbing the SIGNS, as is being done in other Conferences, and as Bro. White and Bro. Haskell have recommended in REVIEW. This seems to us the most reasonable way, the most economical, and the most likely to produce permanent benefit to the workers, as well as to the readers of the paper.
In case a person has the paper ordered to him for a year through the Society, and at the Society’s expense, and he cares nothing for it after looking at a few copies, the balance of the year is most likely lost. But in the clubbing plan, if it was found there was no interest after a little, it would be sent to others, and most of the year’s issue saved. It might thus be changed, and many have the light offered to them. This plan tends to train a body of workers in every church, and get them interested in the salvation of their fellow men. This is a crying want among us. We want to get our people to plan, and pray for the salvation of our fellow men.
Many are dying spiritually for a lack of this exercise. A body of workers who would meet every week to consider and plan, and pray for openings to scatter light, and fill them, if not more than three in number in a church, would be a source of light and strength to that church.
There is many a church, which, if a few of the workers were taken from it, would fall to pieces, but which will prosper because there are a few earnest workers in it. Such have light, food, and spiritual strength, which are felt in the meetings of the church. The more of these workers there are in a church, the more strength will be manifest in that church. What a relief it would be if every church would organize a club for the SIGNS, of from five to eight copies, and look up openings every week where these could be judiciously circulated!
The board of directors earnestly recommend the directors to visit every church in their several districts, and lay this before the members of the Society and encourage them to subscribe for copies, either on the installment plan or by paying down at once, as recommended by our leading brethren. At the Sigourney church one brother orders ten copies. These and others will come to one address, and the members will find names to whom these will be sent. We hope this will be carried out in all our churches. Here is an excellent field in which our sisters can work. Though it is very late in the spring, yet much can be done. Better commence now, and do what we can.
We intend to ask all our churches to adopt the plan of giving one-third additional to the amount of their s. b. for the support of the T. and M. work. This will put our Society upon a firm basis, and we may hope for its prosperity with the blessing of God, which will be sure to come when we all get to work earnestly for the Lord. Wherever I go (and I expect to visit many churches between this and camp-meeting), I shall use my influence to have this plan carried out. This Conference is an excellent field in which to circulate the SIGNS. This work is onward. Let us take hold of it. Our debt is nearly paid off. A little more effort the present quarter will place our Society once more above want, when we shall be in a condition to do something for the Master. Come, friends, one and all, let us go to work.
GEO. L. BUTLER.
IS THERE ANY DISAGREEMENT?
By S. N. Haskell
IT MAY seem to some that there is a disagreement between the method suggested by Eld. White and that proposed by Eld. Haskell for paying for the copies of the SIGNS that are taken in clubs. Eld. W. states that “the added one-third is to be used in the T. and M. work, especially for the circulation of the SIGNS and the REFORMER,” and also that “the plan of paying in installments was to encourage all churches to send for packages at once, and pay for them as they should collect the added one-third.” Some will say that Eld. Haskell is introducing a different plan,—to raise the monthly installments to pay for all the SIGNS taken outside of the one-third. This idea might be gathered from that paragraph in last REVIEW, which refers to a suggestion in SIGNS of Dec. 14.
If I was mistaken as to the source from which the funds were to come to pay the installments as suggested in SIGNS of Dec. 14, there is still no clashing of our methods of carrying forward this work. We heartily indorse Bro. White’s suggestion that each church immediately order a package of the SIGNS where they have not already done it; and the one-third is security for the pay. As we stated last week, “you are entitled to this sum, the one-third, for the missionary work.”
But we have further suggested, where our brethren were able, and felt so disposed, that they make donations in monthly installments in addition to the one-third, that they might have more means for the missionary work. In many cases the one-third would be insufficient to pay for the number of copies of the SIGNS taken. There is a church in Michigan that formed a club for 21 copies. This was more than their one-third would pay for. Since then, they have added to that number 8 copies, and with these they have obtained a goodly number of paying subscribers.
Let the work not be retarded. Where clubs are formed and arrangements are made to pay outside of the one-third, go ahead. And to every church in the land we would say, do not wait for any special arrangement, but send immediately for a package of the SIGNS; and your one-third can be used to pay for the same, while the donations of those who are able are always acceptable. S. N. HASKELL.
NEW YORK.
Parma.
Tuesday, March 20, I came to Parma, where Brn. S. B. and Buel Whitney were laboring. This is about eleven miles northwest of Rochester, and eight miles from where the Parma church meets. Brother Tracy has lived there about ten years. It is a little village in a very rich and densely settled country. Last year a large school building came into brother Tracy’s possession. This he fitted up for meetings, and asked for a minister to come. Eld. S. B. Whitney went. From the first the interest has been good, much better than was expected. Indeed, they have had the house filled, and the best of attention has been given.
Brother Whitney has done all in his power to make it a success. He went from house to house, skipping none, whether they attended or not. Some received him coolly; but many of these afterwards began to attend his meetings, and now are the most hopeful of any. I believe that this course should always be pursued, unless it is in a large village or city, where it cannot be done. Brother Tracy has spared no pains to help all he could, and the brethren around have done well in attending. I staid one week, and had a good attendance. Quite a number of subscribers have been obtained for the REVIEW, some books sold, and several have decided to keep the Sabbath. But now the real tug of war has come, and probably the audience will be small. The Baptists have commenced an opposition meeting. Last night an Elder from abroad treated Brother Whitney very uncivilly, and is boasting big things. We always expect something will be done when the enemy is mad. Brother Hall has just come to help a week or two.
Monday I held meeting all day with the Parma church. Nearly all were present, and we had a very pleasant time. After considering s. b., they raised their pledge sixty dollars above last year. It is now higher than it ever was before, although several have moved away, and others have died. Then they cheerfully added the third for T. and M. I was surprised to find that this old church had no record at all. They simply had a slip of paper with barely a list of the names—not a date or a mark of any kind. It seems to me that ministers do not do their duty in leaving things so at loose ends. Nearly all this church are quite aged people.
We have good news from the different parts of N. Y. A letter just received from Rome says, “We had a good meeting last Sabbath. About eighty present, and a good number bore testimony. Last evening our little prayer meeting room was nearly filled. Had a lively meeting. All but three took part.” Thank the Lord for this. Bro. Reynolds, just from Genoa, reports a good meeting. Seven young persons baptized, and two others united with the church, and all greatly encouraged.
Bro. Buel Whitney writes that Bro. Morin has just brought out a company of ten firm in the truth. All that is good also. And Bro. Hall reports over twenty new Sabbath-keepers at Canasaraga. And better still, quite a number of our prominent and wealthy brethren in the State, who have been somewhat in the dark and on the background, are now taking hold with us in good earnest again. We do praise God for these tokens of good in New York. Brethren all over the Conference, let us rise up and work with a might, and come up to the help of the Lord. Several young men are now ready to enter the field, and some have already begun. Pray for them.
D. M. Canright.
Parma.
The interest here is as good as ever. Bro. Canright joined me Tuesday evening, and remained until last evening. We have had the largest audiences of the whole course during the past week. Have had another good Sabbath meeting, and several have now decided for the truth. Have obtained twelve names for the REVIEW.
The Baptists have now arranged to start a protracted meeting here.
S. B. Whitney.
Genoa, Cayuga Co.
Arrived here Mar. 13. Held meetings at the Methodist church, East Genoa. Bro. Canright joined me on the 16th. On Sabbath an especial effort was made in behalf of children of Sabbath-keepers. Seven came forward for prayers. Bro. C. plainly and forcibly pointed out the duty of experienced Christians toward those just starting to serve the Lord—the absolute need to teach them how to live the truth, so that they would grow in grace and knowledge, by daily, actual practice of religious duties. This was meat in due season.
First-day, at the business meeting, Bro. C. gave a cheering report of the progress of the work in New York; and as he unfolded the broad plans of future labor marked out for this Conference, all were greatly encouraged, and manifested their appreciation by nearly doubling their s. b. and promptly voting to give a sum equal to one-third of their s. b. to the T. and M. Society. Bro. C.’s greatly improved method of keeping s. b., T. and M., and church record books, met most hearty approval. Our day meetings at the homes of the brethren were of great benefit. A spirit of self-sacrifice and genuine devotion prevailed. Family worship, which in some cases had been partially neglected, or regarded as a hard duty, became a delightsome privilege. Thursday, Mar. 22, I baptized seven, and admitted two more to church membership by vote.
Sabbath, Mar. 24, we had a very interesting Sabbath meeting. Converts from oldest to youngest, each prayed, and bore testimony. We started a Bible-class. All took hold with eagerness.
Our heart is filled with gratitude to the Lord for the evidences of his blessing on the work in this State. Brethren, let us redouble our diligence, and press forward.
Chas. B. Reynolds.
KANSAS
Black Hawk.
Returned here the 21st. Found the brethren all in good spirits, although the opposition is just now very strong. We held six meetings in private houses, baptized five, and organized a church of seventeen members. Others will unite soon. Bro. Henry Miller (sen.) was chosen Elder.
The brethren are making clean work of putting away tobacco. One brother by the name of Dixon, seventy-two years old, who has been a slave to the filthy weed over fifty years, now rejoices in freedom. Four more have signed the covenant. We leave a company of thirty-five keeping the Sabbath. My address until camp-meeting will be, Garnett, Anderson Co., Kan.
J. N. Ayers.
Elm Creek and Hymer.
Our friends at this place are growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Most of them have been keeping the Sabbath about six months. They have had very little labor, yet have done better than some who have had a good deal more. There appears to be quite an outside interest, also, as shown by the attendance at the mid-week prayer-meeting.
Some who signed the covenant at Hymer soon decided to walk no more with us. Matt. 13:20, 21 is fulfilled in this case. On my return from the quarterly meeting at Centerville, I visited Mt. Vernon and also. Osage City. The brethren are doing quite well at both places. Brethren, let us never weary in well doing. J. Lamont.
Osage City.
Our meetings at Osage City have closed. Eight have signed the covenant. A Sabbath-school has been organized. There are some fifteen Sabbath-keepers about two miles from this place, and all meet together.
I have labored all winter with very poor health, and am now at home to rest. Bro. Vincent, who has been with me for some time, is now in a new field near this.
Geo. Kennedy.
Butler County.
By request I came to this place to organize a church from the few scattered Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. I expected to hold a few meetings and then pass on; but the interest has grown so that I think it would be wrong to leave at present. Since I left Crawford Co., four weeks ago, calls have pressed me from every direction. Truly, the harvest is great, but the laborers are few.
J. H. Cook.
MICHIGAN
Summit, Jackson County.
I have now given thirty discourses in the Gravel school-house, Summit township. The meetings have been well attended, and the best of attention given to the word spoken. March 24, we had our first Sabbath meeting. There was a good congregation, though it was very stormy. Several bore an encouraging testimony in favor of the truth. A new responsibility is now thrown upon the church at Napoleon, and much will depend upon the course they take as the result of this effort. H. M. Kenyon.
Bellevue.
Bro. W. A. Ford writes that he has held twelve meetings at the Spaulding school-house, near Bellevue. The people are interested.
Sixth Annual Report of the Maternal Association.
It has been our custom, since the formation of our Association, now six years in the past, to hold an annual meeting, and to write a few thoughts to be read in connection with it. Not that we have any remarkable incidents or great achievements to record, for ours is a quiet, unobtrusive work, but we think it may encourage the hearts of our dear sisters who have been wont to meet with us in times past, and perhaps some others who have the same arduous maternal duties to perform, the same grave responsibilities upon them, who are isolated and alone, to know that we are still in existence as a society, and striving to do all in our power with the help of the Lord to carry out the design for which it was first instituted.
We feel we need these annual gatherings, that we may be cheered and encouraged by the co-operation and sympathy, and benefited by the counsel and instruction of our brethren, and in order to arouse and increase the interest of many whose names are enrolled upon our list, but whose presence we seldom have at our weekly gatherings; and also to call the attention of any mothers who may be strangers among us to its existence, and extend to them a hearty welcome to its labors, privileges, and blessings.
In reviewing the year that has so rapidly passed away, we feel we have great cause for gratitude to our Heavenly Father that no protracted sickness has befallen any of our number, that we have been spared the sad anguish of separation from those of our immediate circle by the cruel power of death, and also that eighteen names have been added to our list, making in all one hundred and nineteen mothers and four hundred and fourteen children.
Our weekly meetings have been almost uninterrupted. Among our increased attendance, we wish indeed we could see many more young mothers for whose aid and encouragement they were chiefly designed. We are thankful, however, for evidence of increasing interest, and for the willingness manifested to assist and labor in this important undertaking. The Lord has condescended to grace these meetings with his presence, to grant special answers to prayer, and to make them the means of communicating encouragement and instruction and awakening for a holy purpose the deepest and tenderest sympathies of our nature.
I know it may be said of the majority who attend, “Their children are all grown up.” True; but our work is never done—it ends only with our life; and if we have no children to train, we have some to pray for, to counsel, and encourage, as we see them taking their stations in the busy walks of life, entering upon untried paths, engaging in responsible duties, and battling with foes and errors of various kinds. We often feel it needs greater experience and wisdom to give judicious advice at such times than it does to guard them during infancy or “to teach the young idea how to shoot.” There are but few mothers we think, however great their privileges or piety, but might be benefited by uniting in earnest prayer for divine wisdom and by engaging in conversation on the various themes relating to our present and future well-being and the powerful influence it is ours to wield.
How greatly are the privileges and duties augmented by the position Providence has assigned us, living as we do at the heart of the work, where so many dear young persons are constantly coming among us, often becoming members of our families! How our hearts yearn after them! We know they have mothers somewhere, most of them—anxious, praying mothers; and we may, perchance, by cordially extending to them our interest and sympathy, water the good seed sown in childhood, help it to grow up, and bear much fruit. Oh! let us not forget this precious charge, but counsel them in kindness, speak to them of their eternal welfare, and continue to remember them in our prayers.
Dear absent sisters, we extend to you our annual greeting of love, sympathy, and good cheer, with the assurance that you are often remembered in our prayers. We hope this is reciprocal, and shall be pleased to hear of the welfare of yourselves and families, with any other items of interest. How thankful we should feel to know that wherever you are you could enjoy the privilege of attending a good Mother’s meeting.
We have in almost every church our Tract and Missionary Society. Why not our Maternal Association? Surely not because our children are all converted, and walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. Oh! should not their eternal welfare demand the first claim upon our attention, the warmest place in our hearts, and call forth our strongest and most untiring efforts?
Let us not sleep over our work. The sowing time is quickly passing away. “Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” The reaping time is at hand. May it be to each of us and all our loved ones sweet rest from cares and toils in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. M. E. Steward, Pres. Susannah Sisley, Sec.
T. and M. Society, Dist. No. 13.
The first quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 13, Mich. T. and M. Society, was held at Memphis, March 18. The churches in the district were, with the exception of one, well represented. Eld. D. H. Lamson was with us. It had been ours to enjoy a most excellent Sabbath meeting the day before, and with hearts strengthened and courage refreshed, we all came together Sunday at 10:30 A. M. for our T. and M. meeting.
The meeting called to order by our director was opened by prayer from Bro. Lamson and the singing of “Missionary Hymn.” From the reports presented it was evident that some had been engaged in the work earnestly. A summary of the reports given is as follows:—
The Memphis society reported its workings for the quarter ending Jan. 29. No. of families visited, 1; letters written, 4; money received from different sources, $12.00; No. of subscribers on trial for REVIEW and SIGNS, 3; periodicals given away, 50; almanacs distributed, 300; tracts distributed to the amount of 2022 pages.
Bro. Lamson then favored us with good remarks concerning Tract and Missionary work, especially the workings of the Vigilant Missionary Society. We have in our district two such societies, and although we have had as yet but little experience,111yet we feel their value, and believe such ways of accomplishing good are pleasing to our God. Some active measures toward forming a V. M. Society in the Memphis church were taken at this meeting, which will, we trust, soon be completed. Very interesting experiences were related by several of the laborers. Bro. King, from Canada, who is at present canvassing for our periodicals in the eastern part of our district, reported good success. Oh! that more would engage in this work of placing truth and reform in the hands of the public. Now is the time. Prejudice is surely breaking down. There being no further business to be brought before our society, our interesting meeting was adjourned to the call of the director, and we separated with an earnest determination to work with greater zeal the coming quarter. J. S. Chapman, Sec.
A PENITENT'S PLEA.
By Alice Cary
Like a child that is lost
From its home in the night,
I grope through the darkness,
And cry for the light;
Yea, all that is in me
Cries out for the day—
Come Jesus, my Master,
Illumine my way.
In the conflicts that pass
Twixt my soul and my God,
I walk as one walketh
A fire-path, unshod;
And in my despairing
Sit dumb by the way—
Come Jesus, my Master,
And heal me, I pray.
I know the fierce flames
Will not cease to uproll,
Till thou rainest the dew
Of thy love on my soul;
And I know the dumb spirit
Will never depart,
Till thou comest and makest
Thy home in my heart.
My thoughts lie within me
As waste as the sands;
O make them be musical
Strings in thy hands.
My sins, red as scarlet,
Wash white as a fleece—
Come Jesus, my Master,
And give me thy peace.
—Alice Cary.
MINNESOTA
Preston Lake.
The weather has been quite unfavorable for meetings on the prairie, and the congregations were mostly small. Bro. Ellis joined me on Wednesday, the 21st. We closed yesterday, after having given about thirty discourses. A few only were willing to give up the teachings of men, and imitate the Psalmist, who made haste, and delayed not to keep God’s commandments. There are some very interesting cases there, and we hope that the Lord may lead them into the light of all his precious truth. D. P. CURTIS.
Benton Co.
I began labors in this county thirteen miles east of Sauk Rapids two weeks ago. The Lord has given me unusual freedom in the proclamation of his truth. Although the opposition has been quite strong, yet eleven honest souls have taken a decided stand, and signed the covenant. There are a few others whom I have great hopes will soon obey. I now go to Sauk Rapids. GEO. M. DIMMICK.
Otsego.
Bro. W. B. Hill writes that he is holding meetings near Otsego, where there is a good interest. Two have embraced the truth.
IOWA
Crawford Co.
Since my last report I have been laboring most of the time in Nebraska. Four of our first-day Adventist brethren and two from the Dunkard church have embraced the truth. I am now at Pretty Prairie school-house, where I have spoken six times. Interest is good.
J. Bartlett.
Quarterly Report of Ia. and Neb. T. & M. Society.
Met at the call of the president, in Sigourney, Iowa, March 25, 1877. The meeting was called to order by the president, and opened with prayer by Bro. Nicola. The report of the last meeting was read and approved. The financial report was read and approved, the same showing an improvement since last quarter. Some good and appropriate remarks were made, and encouraging experiences related, until 10½ o’clock, when meeting adjourned to 2 o’clock.
At 2 o’clock Society met, and the session was opened with prayer by Eld. Mitchell. Considerable time was then spent in good and earnest testimonies, among which were those of Brn. Hollenbeck and Starr, two good and zealous members who had just come into the truth through the labors of the T. and M. Society. Adjourned at 5 o’clock, and the directors met in business session. The committee on blanks reported a set of forms, when on motion the committee were instructed to submit the same to Bro. Haskell for consideration; and if his report should be in favor of the same, then the secretary is instructed to procure a suitable number for immediate use.
On motion, the directors were instructed to urge upon the churches in this district the necessity of organizing in an effort to subscribe for the SIGNS in clubs, and the president was requested to urge the same upon absent directors through the REVIEW.
On motion, the plan of supporting the T. and M. Society by a donation of one-third the amount of the S. B. pledges, as suggested by the General Conference, was adopted. Adjourned to the call of the president.
Geo. I. Butler, Pres.
C. G. Johnson, Sec.
WISCONSIN
Maple Works.
OUR meetings at Maple Works have just closed. After a discussion of three evenings with a Presbyterian minister, we commenced our protracted meeting, which continued seven evenings with an increasing interest to the close. Most all our labor in this place had to be bestowed directly upon the church for the purpose of uniting them, as we found them in a very bad condition; so it was impossible for God to bless our labors for the world, till the last two days of the meetings when light and power began to come in.
It grieves us to think that the brethren and sisters will allow themselves to be overcome by Satan, and get into such a condition that God’s servants must spend so much precious time in urging them to do what they all know to be right. Christ says, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” Matt. 5:13. Think you he had reference to such churches? Can such believers have a saving influence in any community? Nay, verily, “Ye are the light of the world” can never apply to those churches in which disunion and darkness are found. When our hearts are filled with the love of Christ, we can never harbor ill feelings toward any one, especially of the household of faith. Hear the apostle: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Peter 1:22. “Let brotherly love continue.” Heb. 13:1.
We reorganized S. B. to the amount of $80.00. They all adopted the tithing system as taught in the Bible. They also pledged $10.00 to the tent fund.
I. SANBORN.
Westford, Richland Co.
I COMMENCED meetings in Westford, Richland Co., Wis., Jan. 26, and continued them till Feb. 25, giving twenty-eight lectures. There was considerable opposition manifested when the Sabbath question was introduced; and at the end of the first two weeks, the Roman Catholic element succeeded in closing the school-house against me. But the way was opened to continue the meetings. At this critical time the leader of the United Brethren Church embraced the present truth, and commenced keeping the Lord’s Sabbath. This brother gave us the use of a large shop which he fitted up for the occasion, in which we continued our meetings.
Feb. 28, I commenced meetings in Car Valley, about three miles from where I had been holding meetings. We continued our meetings at this place till March 18, giving twenty lectures more. I feel that the Lord has blessed my feeble efforts, for which I am truly thankful.
Some eighteen or twenty have commenced keeping the Sabbath at these two places. We formed a class, appointed a weekly meeting and a leader.
