It is gratifying to know that the REVIEW is prized and appreciated by its many patrons. In reference to the omission of the paper last week, some of them write: “We do not grudge the printers their week’s vacation; but we do miss the REVIEW.”
The interest taken in the subject of Parliamentary practice by the ministers and prominent brethren in attendance at the T. and M. Institute, was very gratifying. And such is the desire for further study of this important branch on the part of those who are to remain here, that it has been decided to devote the lecture hour for the first two weeks of the coming term of school, to the theory and practice of properly conducting business meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order, for sale at this Office, is the text book used.
Testimony to the Church.
We are happy to announce to our brethren that No. 28 of the Testimonies to the church will be through the press in a few days. As this Testimony relates largely to the writer’s experience, to our Institutions, and the dangers and duties of our people, especially the ministry, it is by far the most important one of the series. Ministers and people are addressed in the most pointed, stirring manner.
The book will contain about 200 pages. Price, post-paid, 25 cents. As no deduction is offered by the quantity, and as all our people should have the book at once, orders should be sent in immediately, accompanied by the cash. Address, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich. J. W.
GOING HOME.
I'm go-ing home; this wilderness Grows brighter when my mind recalls The glorious mansions ready made,
And then my Sav-iour will ap-pear. Hail hap-py day, hail ho-ly rest! Hail an-gels, saints, and
With-in fair Zi-on's jas-per walls.
3. I'm going home, and cold, pale death
Has lost its terrors, since I know
My long-lost friends shall meet me there,
Where life's fair tree shall ever grow.
CHORUS.
4. I'm going home! I'm going home!
My heart leaps high while thus I sing.
O happy day! it soon will come,
And I shall see our glorious King.
CHORUS.
THE SPIRIT SHALL RETURN TO GOD.
By C. W. Stone
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” Eccl. 12:7. This text is confidently quoted by many for the purpose of proving that the essential part of our being, the real man, goes immediately into the presence of God when the body dies. But this is asserting far more than the text declares; for it simply says that at that time “the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” What is the spirit? Those who rest upon this text to prove that men go to Heaven at death must first show by the Scriptures that the spirit is the real, intelligent, thinking, responsible being residing within the body,—a task which they will find it impossible to accomplish.
The first seven verses refer to the wearing out and breaking down of an old person. The seventh contains the statement of the utter dissolution at death. God made man of the dust of the earth, and to the lifeless man he added the breath of life, and the man lived—“became a living soul.” Gen. 2:7. Death reverses this process. God takes away the breath, or spirit, and men die, and return to dust. It is just the same in the death of all animals. Speaking of the cattle, the birds, the goats, the young lions, all the beasts of the field, and man, the psalmist says, “Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.” Ps. 104:29. The word rendered breath here is rendered spirit in Eccl. 12:7. God takes away the spirit of man and of beast alike. Alike, then, the spirit of man and beast goes at death to God who gave it. That is proper; for, “they have all one breath,” or spirit, and “all go unto one place.” Eccl. 3:19, 20. The word rendered breath in verse 19 is the same that is rendered spirit in verse 21, and in our text.
Does this prove that the intelligent part of the dumb beast goes to Heaven at death? It does, or else it does not prove that man goes there at death. For many reasons we incline to the latter conclusion. “Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.” This text tells where they go; and so does the following: “All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.” Eccl. 3:20. And so do these: “If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again to dust.” Job. 34:14, 15. “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Gen. 3:19. These texts declare that man at death shall return to the dust. But men say that Eccl. 12:7 teaches that man at death goes to Heaven. If so, then the Bible contradicts itself. But it is not so.
“The spirit shall return to God who gave it.” If it returns to God, then it came from God; for nothing can be said to return where it has not been before. And it is so stated in the words, “Who gave it.” God gave this spirit, it came from him, it is to go back to him. Whatever it is, it is the same thing that came from him. But it is claimed that the spirit that returns to God at death is the real, thinking man. Then it was the real, thinking man when God “gave it,” when it came from him. Therefore every “thinking man” alive to-day, or dwelling in the body, should be able to “think” back to that time when he was with God, before he came from God. I never had the pleasure of meeting a man who could remember quite back to the date of his birth; but if this text proves what some would have it prove, we should all be able to remember just how it used to seem in Heaven before we came from God, and how new and strange were our sensations when we found ourselves encased in the bodies of little infants.
But no. There was a time when we began to think. The thoughts were infantile and weak. We cannot even remember them. The mind growing, at two or three years some thoughts become so deep as to make a lasting impression, and we remember them. The mind grows with the brain. The thoughts continue while the brain acts. This ceases at death, and the thoughts perish. Ps. 146:4.
The breath, the spirit, returns to God who gave it. The breath of life goes forth into the great storehouse whence God took it to give to man. It goes out into the atmosphere, and does not come back,—we “breathe our last,” and are dead. “His breath goeth forth: in that very day his thoughts perish.” Ps. 146:4.
C. W. STONE.
The Christmas Tree.
According to the recommendation of the General Conference Committee in the Supplement to REVIEW, Vol. 52, No. 25, that all the churches should provide a Christmas tree, and suspend thereon their gifts for the cause, the Battle Creek church entered with alacrity into the work. A beautiful tree was donated by a sister in the church, and appropriate exercises were prepared for the evening of Dec. 25. The tree well loaded down with its gifts made a beautiful appearance. The exercises consisted chiefly in the singing of some choice and select hymns and pieces of music, short addresses by different ones, and a general exercise of repeating the promises of Scripture applicable to the various ages and conditions of life. The gathering of the fruit of the tree showed quite a bountiful yield. With the one hundred dollars each from Bro. and Sr. White, there were gathered seven hundred and thirty dollars and two cents ($730.02) in cash, besides some jewelry and keepsakes which were heartily devoted to the cause. This, with the exception of a little devoted to foreign missions, was all for the Tabernacle. The house was crowded, the occasion was a very pleasant one throughout, and was considered a very successful effort.
To the Members of the Iowa T. and M. Society.
By Stephen N. Haskell
We now design holding a Tract and Missionary Institute at Sigourney, commencing Jan. 11 and continuing two weeks. Already good results are seen from the one held in New England. We hope to see every minister, tract officer, and every individual who will have a part in the missionary work, at this Institute. It is expected that Lizzie Hornby, the State secretary, and others, will be present to assist in the Institute. It is necessary, as far as practicable, that all the librarians be present and bring their books, so that at this time their books may be properly balanced. It is hoped that this may be the beginning of a new era in the missionary work in the State of Iowa.
S. N. HASKELL.
Golden Words.
The following words from the article by Sister White, in this number, we reproduce here, lest some should overlook them. They should live constantly in every heart. After reading these you will want to read or re-read the whole article:—
“If the Christian thrives and progresses at all, he must do so amid strangers to God, amid scoffing, subject to ridicule. He must stand upright, like the palm-tree in the desert. The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm-tree’s roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands.”
“Christians indeed may be fitly represented by the palm-tree. They are like Enoch; although, surrounded with corrupting influences their faith takes hold of the Unseen. They walk with God, deriving strength and grace from him to withstand the moral pollution surrounding them. Like Daniel in the courts of Babylon, they stand pure and uncontaminated; their life is hid with Christ in God. They are virtuous in spirit amid depravity; they are true and loyal, fervent and zealous, while surrounded by infidels, hypocritical professors, godless and worldly men. Their faith and life are hid with Christ in God. Jesus is in them a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Faith, like the rootlets of the palm-tree, penetrates beneath the things which are seen, drawing spiritual nourishment from the fountain of life.”
Tract Society Institute for the Pennsylvania Conference.
By Pennsylvania Conference Committee
AFTER consultation with leading brethren in the Conference, we have decided to appoint a meeting for all tract society, church, and Sabbath-school officers, and for such other of our brethren and sisters as can attend. The special object of the Institute will be to give instruction in all branches of business connected with the various departments of the cause among us. This meeting will be held immediately following the State quarterly meeting at Wellsville, and should continue for two weeks.
We trust the brethren throughout the Conference will see the importance of this move, and will take hold earnestly to carry out the plan and make the meeting a success. Our Conference is just organized, and it is of the greatest importance that the business connected with the cause should be properly and correctly done.
We believe the officers in the various departments of the work are willing to do their duty when fully understood; but all need instruction, and this is the special object of this meeting. Every director, district secretary, and librarian of the tract society, every church clerk and S. S. treasurer, every Sabbath-school superintendent and secretary, and such other of our brethren and sisters as can do so, should attend this meeting, and thus have the benefit of the experience of others to help them in this work.
Especially is this the case with those officers mentioned, and if they are not able to meet the expense, the churches to which they belong should assist them. It is also proposed to organize a class in vocal music for the benefit of those who wish instruction in this direction, in connection with the other exercises of this Institute.
Further particulars will be given in due time in reference to the accommodation of those who wish to attend. Brethren, shall we not take hold of this matter in earnest and labor to have the work of the Lord in this Conference done decently and in order? Let all our churches see to it that the proper persons from among them attend, and may the blessing of God rest upon this effort to advance the cause in our midst.
PENNSYLVANIA CONF. COM.
Labor in Dakota.
By S. B. Whitney
No Providence preventing, I will be at the quarterly meeting to be held at Swan Lake, Dakota, Jan. 11 and 12. Being an entire stranger in that field, I very much desire a general attendance of the brethren, that I may learn their wants and consult with them in relation to the best point at which to commence labor. Let there be a general rally, and all come seeking God, that we may enjoy a profitable meeting, and receive wisdom for future labors.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Notice for Iowa.
By L. McCoy
MINISTERS, tract society officers, and canvassers, as well as all the brethren and sisters of the Iowa Conference, are specially requested to give attention to Eld. Haskell’s appointment of a school, or business meeting, to be held in Iowa, where the work of officers and members of the tract society will be fully set before us, and all the necessary instruction pertaining to said work will be given.
Brethren, we are sadly in arrears in labor and in sustaining the good cause. Others succeed, why should we not do so? Thousands around us are anxious to hear the truth, and we have not ministers enough to half supply the demand. You are anxious to see the good work move on, then put forth an effort to have our Conference take a front rank in this work. Let no trivial excuse keep you from attending this meeting, which we hope to make profitable to all who may attend. It is expected that each director, librarian, and district secretary, and a delegate from each church, will attend if possible. Provision will be made for all who will attend, and we expect all to remain till the close.
We consider that we are especially favored in having the aid of Bro. Haskell, who can help us, as no one else can. We shall be much disappointed if this meeting is not largely attended. And if you do not come, all excuse for not knowing how to attend to the tract business will be of no avail.
We want to get out of the slough of despond, and have life infused into us, and have the harness on. Those who come will bear in mind that this meeting means work, and those who do not expect to take a part and be benefited may as well stay at home. Time is short, and the opportunity for us to help in this good work will soon be past forever. May the Lord help us to improve the talent committed to our charge.
L. McCoy, Pres. Iowa T. and M. S.
CALIFORNIA
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
Santa Rosa.
As the result of the meetings recently held at Santa Rosa by Eld. W. M. Healey, fifty-three persons have signed the covenant, and eighteen have been baptized. Although most of these persons are poor, they have pledged over one hundred dollars S. B. for 1879. There is quite a good interest manifested by some here who have not identified themselves with us.
Vacaville, Woodland, Rocklin, and Sacramento.
Bro. E. R. Gillett has held profitable meetings with these companies. At Vacaville 77 copies of the SIGNS were taken, at Woodland 112, at Rocklin, 32, at Sacramento 20. At the three latter places, V. M. societies were organized.
Napa and St. Helena.
Dec. 7, 8, Bro. M. C. Israel held meetings with the church at Napa. The meetings were good. Twenty-three copies of the SIGNS were taken, and a V. M. society was organized.
Tuesday, Bro. Israel was at St. Helena. Here fifty copies of the SIGNS were taken, and a V. M. society was organized.
KANSAS
Elivon, McPherson Co., Dec. 23.
IN two weeks I have given twenty-three discourses and nearly as many more in discussion at different points among the French, besides visiting. About fifteen are obeying. Most of these are French, as I have given them more of my time; yet Americans are receiving the truth, and we look for more.
Last Sabbath was a good day. God gave power to the word spoken; the Spirit of God moved mightily upon hearts, and some spoke in tears and with choked utterance, expressing gratitude for the truth.
I have obtained six subscribers for our French paper, and two for the REVIEW. An American laborer for the American branch would be a great help. Bro. Lamont and Enoch will succeed me here.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Ward, Wilson Co.
I HAVE spoken three times at Ward, and the prospect is encouraging. The Bro. McReynolds have recently moved here from Iowa, and they are a great help in the singing. Bro. John McReynolds expected to assist in the meetings, but a severe attack of hemorrhage of the lungs has prostrated him. The roads are very bad, and as a consequence the attendance is small. The people seem earnest and hospitable.
L. D. SANTEE.
ILLINOIS
Clinton, Dec. 16. I CLOSED meetings at the Texas meeting-house last evening. Have held in all about thirty meetings. The attendance has been rather poor; however, a few have embraced the Sabbath reform, and regular meetings are appointed. To-morrow evening I commence a series of meetings six miles north of Clinton, where I understand several good families are deeply interested. C. H. BLISS.
Morris, Grundy Co., Dec. 16. I HAVE held eight meetings in a school-house about five miles north of Morris. The congregations have been good, and some are very much interested. I have given away some tracts, and sold $1.35 worth. I had no opposition until yesterday, when the directors, under the influence of the Lutheran priest, shut up the house. I am sorry that I cannot have the house, but I shall now visit among the people. I have had the blessing of the Lord during my labors here. LEWIS JOHNSON.
MINNESOTA
East Parker’s Prairie, Dec. 17.
We are now at East Parker’s Prairie, holding meetings in a private house. One family has accepted the truth. Nearly all who have attended our meetings acknowledge the truth. N. Battin. A. Mead.
Greenwood Prairie.
Dec. 11, we commenced meetings at Greenwood Prairie, where we remained nearly two weeks. The church seemed much encouraged, and resolved to live nearer to God. Two families commenced to keep the Sabbath; others are interested. Geo. M. Dimmick. John Hopkins.
Dussel, Dec. 25.
The interest at Dussel is still rising. We have an average attendance of one hundred; forty have, by vote, indicated their belief that we are preaching the truth on the Sabbath question, and five have decided to obey. Opposition is strong. We have just been notified that after one more meeting the house will be closed against us. We expect to secure a hall and continue the work. Bro. J. L. House has joined us. We desire the prayers of God’s people. John W. Moore. M. H. Gregory.
ARTICHOKE.—I came to Artichoke Nov. 28, and labored to Dec. 5. Our brethren and sisters love one another and have living faith, and the Lord blessed our meetings. Two united with the church. This church now numbers nine members, and the S. B. pledge is $64.
GRANITE FALLS, DEC. 16.—I have been at Granite Falls since Dec. 6. The Sabbath-keepers here are few in number; but they love the Lord and his truth. They have met bitter opposition; but there is a prospect that some will soon unite with this church. Many are convinced that we have the truth. One has embraced the Sabbath since I was here last. C. Nelson.
DAKOTA TERRITORY.
By John F. Hanson
SWAN LAKE, DEC. 9.—We came to Swan Lake Nov. 28, and remained eleven days. Several matters of importance were taken up, especially that of s. B., and pledges were renewed for the coming year, amounting to about $150.
On the day after our arrival, we attended a funeral. Our meetings were quite well attended, and some of the blessing of the Lord was felt. One was added to the church. We are very anxious that the cause in this territory should move forward, and we are fully persuaded that, by the help of the Lord, it will, if the friends of the truth will sacrifice both of their time and means.7
We visited a Russian who had been keeping the Sabbath for six months. He can neither read nor speak English; but there is, undoubtedly, a good field opened for some one who can speak German.
SUNNY SIDE, DEC. 17.—We were at Sunny Side Dec. 10 to 17. The church is prospering. The meetings were well attended, and a good interest was shown by those not of our faith. On the 16th we met to elect new officers for the Sabbath-school and T. and M. society, and to renew the s. B. pledges. They cheerfully raised their s. B. for 1879 to $100, $20 more than for the year 1878. Two united with the church, and others are on the point of deciding.
Our last meeting was one long to be remembered. Bro. M. M. Olsen, who is now to labor in this territory and is to make this place his home when not in new fields, was chosen and elected elder, and set apart for that office.
Before separating, we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. May the Lord continue to bless his people here, that others may be gathered in.
SIOUX VALLEY, DEC. 23.—I held meetings here six days, commencing with the 17th. Some were kept from the meetings by the stormy weather. The outside interest at this place has not been very good. There is a Swedish church here of eleven members, with an s. B. pledge for 1879 amounting to $50. The three Scandinavian churches in Dakota pledged $300 for the coming year.
As I have labored in this territory more or less during the past four years, and as it is probable that I shall not return, I have been very anxious to leave the cause in such a condition that it may prosper. Bro. Olsen remains to labor especially among the Scandinavians, and I hope that the Lord may be with and prosper him.
There is an American church at Elkpoint, which needs help very much. They expect Bro. Whitney. JOHN F. HANSON.
NEBRASKA
Albion, Boone Co.
We commenced meetings at Albion, Dec. 1. The interest is good, and the attendance the largest we have had this winter. God is giving us liberty in preaching. We expect fruit. DANIEL NETTLETON, JR. Dec. 12. GEO. B. STARR.
RAVILLE, DEC. 7-9.—At these meetings a tract society was organized, and three were baptized and united with the church. All were encouraged.
ORD.—The meetings here, Dec. 14-16, resulted in the organization of a tract society, a Sabbath-school, and a church. The friends cheerfully pledged for the State T. and M. fund. Three were baptized, and the meetings closed with the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord’s house, at which service we gratefully acknowledge the presence of the Divine One. Bro. Spicer assisted in these meetings.
CEDAR VALLEY, DEC. 21-23.—In company with Bro. Nettleton, I held meetings at this place. A tract society was organized, and also a Sabbath-school. This company is young in the cause, yet a zeal to work for the Lord is manifest. CHAS. L. BOYD.
Golden Spring, Burt Co., Dec. 24.
I commenced meetings in the Thompson school-house near Golden Spring, Nov. 27. The interest has been good, and the average attendance about one hundred.
There was not much opposition until I reached the Sabbath question, when a class-leader of the United Brethren church tried to convince the people that Sunday is the Sabbath, but made quite a failure. Next a notice appeared in the county paper requesting some minister to come and discuss the question with me. In response to this call, two Methodist ministers came. Last Thursday evening, they spoke one hour each on the Sabbath question. Their arguments, ridicule and abuse, did not satisfy the people. I reviewed them the following evening, and had a full house. The Lord assisted, and some who were undecided before acknowledge that we have the truth. Six have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Jan. 3 to 5, three other ministers are to speak against the Sabbath. Brethren, pray that truth may prevail over error.
My address, for the present, is Golden Spring, Burt county, Neb. A. J. CUDNEY.
Unadilla, Dec. 17.
I am now holding meetings near Unadilla, Neb. Some interest is manifested, yet not so much as I would like to see. H. SHULYE.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
By B. L. Whitney
SUNDERLINVILLE, PA.—In company with Bro. J. G. Saunders I visited this place Dec. 7-15, for the purpose of organizing the company of believers here into a church. The company here were brought into the truth through the labors of Bro. Saunders during the past summer, and I was especially pleased with the earnestness and zeal with which they have taken hold of the truth, especially the reforms, some of them beginning the work of serving God by first forsaking their bad habits. The twelve meetings we held with them were well attended, and a good degree of outside interest was manifested. We organized a church of eighteen, fifteen of whom I had the pleasure of burying with Christ in baptism. The scene at the baptism was one of the most pleasant I ever witnessed. The best of order prevailed, and the exercises were characterized by the presence of the Spirit of God.
An elder was ordained, and all the other officers were duly elected. By vote, they adopted the tithing system as recommended by the General Conference Committee, and every member joined the tract society. They have an interesting Sabbath-school organized, and at this time supplied themselves with the Lesson Sheets and the Song Anchor. There are others here who are convinced of the truth, who, we hope, will soon take hold of it and join those already organized. Altogether, we were much pleased with this young company of believers, and trust that with the blessing of God they will become a strong church and a great help to the cause in the Pennsylvania Conference. May the union and love that prevails among them always continue.
WOODHULL, N. Y.—Dec. 16, I came to this place to complete the organization which was commenced about one year ago. There are but few brethren here, but they love the cause and are desirous of doing what they can to advance its interests. Satan has been trying to bring in division among them and so hinder the work of God, but he has been defeated, and peace and harmony prevail. An elder and deacon were duly ordained. All voted to adopt the new plan of S. B. Fifteen copies of the SIGNS were taken for the missionary work.
Bro. J. W. Raymond was with me here and at Osceola, where we spent Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22. This meeting was nearly a failure on account of storm and lack of due notice, so we were not able to organize here as we had hoped. Bro. Raymond will return at some future time to attend to this work.
B. L. WHITNEY.
Corning, N. Y., Dec. 24.
THE NEW YEAR,
By Eliza H. Morton
The year, all new and fresh and bright,
E’en like a scroll appears,
But soon it will be written o’er,
And stamped with hopes and fears.
O man! the tablet is for thee,
And on it thou must trace
A record that no mortal hand
Can alter or erase.
Shall then the page all spotted be
With words and acts impure?
Or shall it bear an impress true,
That ever will endure?
Discern thou now, and wisely choose
The “onward, upward” way;
And then thy strength shall ever be
All equal to thy day.
And time redeemed will prove to thee
A heritage divine;
And jewels bright within thy crown,
As stars, will glow and shine.
And though the storms of life may beat,
And earthly temples fall,
There is a Being good and great,
Who ruleth over all.
And in the vast, unknown Beyond,
The tumult and the strife
Will all be hushed, and years be merged
In everlasting life.
O glad new year! O blissful hour!
O day of days the best,
When Jesus takes the kingly throne,
And gives his people rest!
ELIZA H. MORTON.
January, 1879.
NORWAY AND DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
The interest in Christiana is still good. There is a desire to hear on the different subjects pertaining to present truth, and many are searching the Scriptures. There is no lack of opposition. Many are trying hard to keep the people away, yet our places of meeting are well filled. We have obtained eleven subscribers for the ADVENT TIDENDE this week.
Bro. K. Brorsen has held meetings in Aarsö, Asaa, Hellum, and Tylstrup, Denmark. He has obtained three new subscribers for the paper, and others have renewed. Two Christian friends have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Many oppose, and are trying to hinder the work, but others are reading and investigating the truth. The brethren in Ring (near Horsens) are faithful and united in the truth. One sister has been baptized there.
JOHN G. MATTESON.
Osterhausgaden 12, Christiana, Norway, Dec. 2.
WISCONSIN
By S. S. Smith
Nov. 24, I commenced a series of meetings in the “Warner district,” five miles south of Stevens Point. Eleven covenanted to obey the truth, all but one heads of families. Three were converted to the message from as many different churches; the others had never made a profession. S. S. SMITH.
December 25.
PENNSYLVANIA
By J. Q. Foy
Russellsburg, Warren Co.
AFTER the Rome meeting I came to Russellsburg, where Bro. Peabody and myself labored a few weeks before. Those who embraced the truth then are still holding on and keeping up Sabbath meetings. Others seem to be interested.
Nov. 28, I commenced meetings at N. Warren, about five miles from R., in a hall, after trying in vain to get the (Union) church. Bro. Peabody joined me at this place. The hall proving too open, after giving six discourses we concluded to discontinue our meetings for the present. We visited some and left reading matter, and one intelligent family of six persons are keeping the Sabbath. Others are interested. We intend to follow up the interest there, as also at Russellsburg.
We are now at a place called Quaker Hill. The people are friendly, though we have opposition. We seek God for wisdom and direction. Pray for us. J. Q. Foy.
BANGOR, ME.
By James Sawyer
Nov. 25, I went to Presque Isle, thence to Bangor. A few days were spent in distributing Swedish publications, selling books, and soliciting subscribers. The Swedish friends then hired a hall and fitted it up, and we held meetings every evening for about two weeks. There was some opposition when we presented the Sabbath. This was because in some Swedish Bibles, in the four gospels, in some texts the word which should have been translated first-day has been rendered Sabbath. This was shown to be an error by other Swedish translations as well as by the English. Two have declared their determination to keep the Lord’s Sabbath, and others acknowledge its obligation. Some rejoice that they have made an advance step in health reform. In the meantime, I held two Sabbath meetings with the brethren in Brewer and Eddington. I was glad to find at Eddington an interesting Sabbath-school, conducted by Bro. Geo. W. Field.
I also met with the first-day Adventists, both at their homes and at their place of worship. I addressed them twice, and received at their hands $1.94.
I obtained one subscriber for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS, one for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, one for the REFORMER, and twelve for the Swedish paper. Total receipts, $18.34. I am on my way to meet Eld. Goodrich at Canaan.
JAMES SAWYER.
OHIO
By E. H. Gates
Solon, Cuyahoga Co., Dec. 23.
I AM still holding meetings in this place. The interest continues to be good, notwithstanding I have been obliged to leave two different school-houses, and am now holding meetings in an old cheese-house. Some who never attend other religious meetings are deeply interested. A few are observing the Sabbath, and others are investigating the matter thoroughly. E. H. GATES.
TO OUR BRETHREN IN NEW ENGLAND.
By D. A. Robinson
The first Sabbath and first-day of this month is the time for our church quarterly meetings. I hope every church or company in this Conference will carry out the design of these meetings just as far as possible. Some churches and companies cannot have the ordinances, because they have no ordained officers, but all can do something. For a statement of the duties to be performed, see the article in this number headed, “Church Quarterly Meetings.”
Dear brethren in New England, be prompt in making your financial reports. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,” “and prove me now herewith.” Let the beginning of 1879 mark the period when we shall commence to prove the Lord. How many will do this? Who dares to venture out on this promise? I know some will, but God grant that there may be a general move all along the line. The Lord says, “prove me, . . . if I will not pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Will the Lord do as he has said? Pardon me for raising the question, but there are some of us who do not act as though we believed he would. D. A. ROBINSON.
WORDS OF CHEER.
By Eliza H. Morton
It is encouraging to V. M. workers to know that their labors are productive of good. The following extracts from letters received by the V. M. society at Allen's Corner, Maine, speak for themselves, and we submit them to the readers of the REVIEW, hoping that some will take courage and engage in the work with greater zeal and renewed earnestness, knowing that God is able to bless the feeblest efforts put forth in his cause.
A gentleman in Maine writes: “We received your kind and welcome letter, and were much encouraged by its contents. You asked us how we were led to embrace the truth. It was by reading the tracts and papers you sent and comparing them with our Bible. We have been visiting our friends, and they are very much interested in what we have told them. Please send them a paper and tract. They had never heard of the truth before. We are poor, but we will do all we can to spread a knowledge of the glorious truths we have learned. May God bless you.”
A lady in California writes: “I continue to receive the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and feel very grateful for the papers. They are a great comfort and blessing to me. Your Scripture references are comforting. I believe the day is near when we shall see Jesus as he is. The Sabbath question is almost settled. I believe you are right.”
Words like the above send a thrill of joy through the heart. Let us give God the praise and labor on.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen's Corner, Me.
THE CAUSE AMONG THE RUSSIANS.
By Eldon H. Pullen
In company with Brn. Nelson and Frederickson, I have just visited the Russian settlement near Milltown, Dakota. We found to our joy that seventeen more had taken hold of the Sabbath of the Lord, making in all twenty-one at that place, nine men and twelve women, all adults.
One brother we visited is placed under very trying circumstances. He is opposed by his wife. She makes home as unpleasant for him as she can. His father, a wealthy Russian, recently came to this country to visit him, but learning that he is keeping the ancient Sabbath, he refuses to enter his son's house, and has disinherited him, claiming that he has disgraced the family name and is no longer worthy to be called a son. I am sorry to say that others are somewhat similarly situated, but like this brother they confide in the Lord, trust in his promises, and are desirous to honor his name by forsaking all and following the Lord Jesus.
I did not remain at Bon Homme, as I anticipated doing. ELDON H. PULLEN. Howard, Turner Co., D. T., Dec. 18.
AN URGENT CALL.
The following is the translation of a German postal card received at this Office from Lone Tree, Bon Homme county, Dakota:—
Beloved Brethren in the Lord: If it be possible, send to Dakota a German preacher, for here the German nationality is well represented, and we wish to become better acquainted with your views. It is our sincere wish that a German should come here, with whom we could converse in our own language. There are a few Americans here with whom we are acquainted; but having but a limited knowledge of the English, we cannot converse with them as freely as we should like to. To-morrow, Sabbath, we shall visit Bro. ——. Bro. Eldor, and Bro. H. Bullen from Sweden, were here last Sabbath. We are here a company of four who keep the Sabbath; and on Beautiful River are twenty more, and in Alewed four more, who also keep the Sabbath. And we hope the Lord will turn many more hearts to a knowledge of the truth. We should be pleased to receive a visit from a German S. D. Adventist preacher.
