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The Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 2

IMPROVEMENT OF TALENTS
Earlier text: IS IT WISE?

HINTS TO COLPORTERS.

By S. N. H.

BY S. N. H.
Notwithstanding much has been said about canvassing for our periodicals and publications, the importance of this work has not been realized, and nothing has as yet been accomplished in comparison to what should have been done in this direction. We propose here to make some suggestions to canvassers and colporters, but in “Especial Instruction to Canvassers” will be found more particulars.

ITS IMPORTANCE.

There are cities and villages from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and from the provinces on the north to the extreme south, where the people are capable of appreciating the truth and would receive it were it presented, but where, as yet, the light of present truth has never dawned. Our ministers are few, and if the work were left to them, many of these places would never be entered. Our V. M. societies are doing a great and good work in sending the Signs of the Times, like rays of light, into many neighborhoods where moral darkness reigns, and by this means God is raising up witnesses here and there; but this important agency, even, will, if left to itself, fail to accomplish what it might.
Canvassers for our various periodicals and publications should enter these places, become acquainted with the people, and thus do a work which no other means yet devised can accomplish. It is well for some to make a specialty of obtaining subscribers for Good Health, the Signs of the Times, or some other periodical, but a more general labor is also needed. The man who thus enters villages, and, going from house to house, introduces our publications, obtains subscribers for our periodicals, loans, sells, or gives away reading matter, as the case may be, prays with families, and points them to Christ, his truth, and his work, is filling as useful and important a position as any minister who pitches his tent in new fields. The interest awakened by this personal labor will be more permanent than that resulting from preaching, and will more thoroughly educate the receiver of the truth in the same kind of labor. If one work is more useful and more important than the other, it is that of the colporter. The usefulness of such a man will depend largely upon his

ADDRESS.

He should be kind and courteous, always affable, never taking offense. He should be one that can adapt himself to circumstances, and be so deaf to rebuffs and insult, in the desire to do others good, that they will pass by unnoticed. “Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? Who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.” Isa. 42:19, 20. He should ever carry with him a warm and genial heart. He must be able to discern moral worth, sympathize with the afflicted, and be prepared to greet each and every person with some affectionate and cordial expression.
It is not necessary that the dress be expensive, but it should be tidy. A person of refinement will be disgusted with anything uncouth or slovenly in word or manner, and God will hold his servant responsible for the influence exerted. Anything like stiffness or affectation should not be so much as named. He should feel it a privilege to assist in any little duties which courtesy may prompt him to do, such as to bring in an armful of wood or draw a pail of water. This kind, obliging manner should not be put on for the occasion, but should be the spontaneous outgushing of a kind and loving heart. To the aged and children he should pay especial attention; in short, the whole life should be one of kind acts kindly expressed—that of a gentleman in the highest sense of the word.

THE HABITS.

It is important for the colporter and his influence upon those with whom he comes in contact, that he establish such regular habits as will discipline himself, and better prepare him to labor successfully for others. Early rising is necessary, in fact it is essential to success. The dawn of the morning should ever find him in prayer, or engaged in reading his Bible or some book for improvement. Says David: “I prevented [went before] the dawning of the morning, and cried.” “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Ps. 119:147; 5:3. Expressions similar to the above are of frequent occurrence in the Scriptures. Besides, we have the example of our divine Lord; after the busy scenes of the day, and before the dawning of the morning, he was often in solitude, engaged in prayer for his disciples. If this was necessary for the Son of God, it certainly should be practiced by those going into the world as his representatives, to carry forward the work which he has committed to his followers. No loitering or lazing around should be indulged in for a moment.

WHAT SHOULD THE COLPORTER TAKE WITH HIM?

He should take an assortment of our publications, which can be easily carried, also sample copies of our periodicals. To plainly state your business, which is to get religious reading into families, will not be found detrimental to your success. The fact that what you sell is for a missionary society, and not for yourself, will often induce a person to purchase of you, and not unfrequently will call out donations to the society. In some instances it may be well to loan reading matter, and call again and exchange for something else.
Inquire if there are Germans, French, Swedes, or Danes in the neighborhood, and be prepared to furnish them periodicals in their native tongue. A Swede and his wife attended our late meeting in New England, and he went home a Sabbath-keeper. Months ago one of our brethren called on him, and left the Harold. He sent for the journal, and became a subscriber. I might mention many instances of a similar nature. The colporter should be

ACTIVELY ENGAGED

From early in the morning till late at night; he should be earnest, vigilant, and thorough. He should never stop long enough to weary the family he is with, but leave when the interest is the highest. A short visit will usually be found the most profitable at first. There may be especial cases where it would not be best to have prayers before leaving; but often a season of feeling prayer will remove prejudice and have a melting, subduing influence.
The colporter’s business is to interest and instruct in the truth he presents; therefore the mind should be kept upon the work before him, and not be diverted from it. Great care should be taken here; if the conversation is allowed to run upon other themes, the object of the call will be lost. He has but one object in view; therefore he should keep to the point. Those who simply visit a family for a sort of familiar talk, and then leave, will accomplish no good whatever. The value of a colporter will be seen in the interest that is awakened, not merely in the number of good talks he can report. If an interest has been awakened, subscribers will be obtained, books will be purchased, and prayer-meetings will be held, also meetings where points of truth can be presented in private houses. If he be a good reader, a short tract can be read.

SCRIPTURE READINGS.

Meetings for Scripture reading can be held with profit, if properly conducted. The best method suggested by those who have had experience is as follows:
1. Have a number of texts arranged on some subject, which are direct and conclusive; 2. Let them be handed around previous to the reading, in season for those who are to read to have them found, and let each individual be ready to read one reference; 3. Then call for them to be read by asking first one and then another to read in that order which will most conclusively prove the point in question; 4. While the texts are being read, call attention to such expressions as most clearly establish the doctrine under consideration; 5. Let no one of the company understand beforehand the texts to be read by the others. This, in some instances, has awakened a wonderful interest in certain doctrines of present truth, and has led individuals to study the Scriptures as never before.
If the heart of the colporter is fully enlisted in his work, he will resort to every means to interest others in the truth.

NEW YORK T. AND M. INSTITUTE.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

We had the pleasure of attending this Institute during a portion of the time it was in session. Our brethren in this State manifested great interest; they seemed to be anxious to carry out the suggestions which had been made at the General Conference in getting our reading matter more extensively before the people, and were equally anxious to learn how to do this in a proper manner. Bro. Whitney’s thorough knowledge of book-keeping, and his experience in teaching, enabled him to present the matter of keeping the books and doing tract-society business in an interesting and instructive manner. His experience in the missionary work has also been such that he can be a great help to our Western Conferences. We hope he will be able to spend a few weeks, if not months, in Michigan and other of our Western States.
There has never been a time when there was greater need of a general rally of our brethren and sisters in the missionary work. During the next three months, our periodicals and publications should enter thousands of families where they have never yet been read.
S. N. HASKELL.

OHIO T. AND M. INSTITUTE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THE prospect now is that we shall have a large gathering at this important meeting. Everything possible will be done to make it a success. As this is the first meeting of the kind ever held in the State, we feel anxious that it shall not be a failure. Every librarian should be there, and so should all other officers and the leading brethren.
Remember, it is to be held at Corsica, Morrow Co., Jan. 15-28. Those coming on the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. will get off at Lexington; on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati R. R., at Galion; and on the Pittsburg road, at Crestline. All should start so as to be at these stations Thursday forenoon. Write to V. B. Stevens, Corsica, telling him at which station you will stop. Teams will convey all persons to and from the cars.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

IOWA

Mt. Zion.—Danbury, where I labored for a while, was a hard field. The town had three dram-shops, and the people did not care to hear the truth, so I went to Mt. Zion. Here the interest was good. Seven, all heads of families, commenced to keep the Sabbath, and I think others will take a stand with us. A Sabbath-school was organized, and they hold Sabbath meetings.
I am now at home, but shall return after New Year's.
J. BARTLETT.
Lincoln, Adams Co., Dec. 15.—I have now been here about a month. There are about forty Scandinavian families located in this vicinity. There has been considerable opposition against the Bible truths which I have tried to present; and, as a consequence, our congregations have often been very small. Still, several candid men and women are at present investigating these truths, and are in earnest about their soul's salvation. Some have commenced to keep holy the seventh day, and others are deciding.
I have sold and given away about $5.00 worth of our Danish tracts, and have obtained eight subscribers to Advent Tidende.
There seems to be some interest among the Americans. Several have invited me to preach to them. I would be glad to correspond with the minister who has charge of this field.
JOHN F. HANSON.

OUR PRESENT WORK.

By S. N. H.

BY S. N. H.
There has never been so important a time in the history of the T. and M. societies as the present. There is not a moment for hesitation or inaction. The moves which should be made immediately are important, because they involve the spiritual interests of those connected with the work of the third angel’s message. It will require energetic and self-sacrificing labor on the part of our ministers and T. and M. officers to carry out the plans and suggestions made; but if they are faithfully accomplished, eternity will show abundant results.
It will also require sacrifice and self-denial on the part of many families and individuals to enable them to purchase the books required for family reading; and in some families, not accustomed to regular systematic reading, it will require perseverance to carry the matter through successfully. But with a little self-denial and perseverance, most families will be able to purchase the books and secure the benefits to be derived from their perusal, the influence of which will extend throughout eternity. Where there are those who can in no way procure these books, we suggest that an excellent opportunity is afforded to those who are able, to make a present of the three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy to such families. The influence of this reading upon the youth and children will be of priceless value. It will prove a safeguard against a thousand snares which Satan has spread for their feet. Parents can by this means induce them to remain at home during the winter evenings.
We have fallen upon the perils of the last days; and as we near the end, dangers increase upon every hand. The faith and confidence of God’s people will be tested before the conflict is over, and many who now appear strong and courageous, will, we fear, fail to endure to the end. The important work for the present time is to prepare ourselves and children for the solemn hour of the Judgment, and, by our influence, to bring as many precious souls into the ark of safety as possible.
The reading of our publications, especially the Spirit of Prophecy and the Testimonies, will remove prejudice, and more firmly establish our brethren in the truth and work of God. As these solemn truths are read, a fresh interest in them, and a love for souls, will be kindled in our hearts, which will lead us to recommend the same to others. More can be accomplished in one hour, in this direction, when the heart is burning with love to God and his precious truth, than in weeks of cold and indifferent labor.

ILLINOIS

Calhoun, Richland Co.—I have been holding meetings here four weeks. We occupied the school-house three weeks, and it was then closed against us. We have since been holding meetings in private houses. Ten have signed the covenant, but two of whom were keeping the Sabbath before I came here. Several are investigating, some of whom I hope will obey. Regular Sabbath meetings have been established. I have sold $2.90 worth of tracts, and have obtained three new subscribers for the Signs and one for the Instructor.
I go south this week to visit the churches.
C. H. FOSTER.
Campbell, Dec. 21.—I have lately held meetings at Willow Hill, Greenup, and Campbell. At Willow Hill our brethren are much scattered, and they had not heard any of our ministers preach for months before I met with them. They received the word gladly.
I spoke on the subject of Christian temperance while at Greenup, and was rejoiced to see thirteen sign the different pledges. Among them were some outsiders. There is much to be done yet, and we hope that the friends will go forward with the work.
We found the friends at Campbell holding fast to the truth. May we all “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth.”
D. MORRISON.

MICHIGAN

By W. H. Littlejohn

Otsego and Memphis.—Since Dec. 2, I have visited the two places named above. In Otsego I held one meeting, and organized a temperance club numbering twenty members, all of whom signed the teetotal pledge.
My meetings in Memphis continued for nearly two weeks. On Sabbath, Dec. 13, the Holy Spirit came into our meeting, and a large portion of the congregation consecrated themselves anew to the service of the Lord. During our stay in that place, twenty-one signers were obtained to the temperance pledges in addition to the number which had previously signed, and a temperance club was organized.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, we held a meeting in the interest of the T. and M. society, and obtained subscriptions to the amount of $77.25, to liquidate the indebtedness of Dist. No. 13 to the State T. and M. society. This amount lacked only a few dollars of paying off the whole indebtedness. The balance necessary for that purpose will be raised without any trouble, and then Dist. No. 13 will again be in good working order.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.

TO THE OFFICERS OF THE NEBRASKA TRACT SOCIETY.

By Chas. L. Boyd

BY ELD. CHAS. L. BOYD.
I have been trying to lay plans by which we can all lift at the wheel together, and see what can be done in our State this year. The third angel’s message will go to earth’s remotest bounds, and the Lord always works through means. We can have a part in this great and good work, or we can excuse ourselves, and some one else will be raised up to take our place in the vineyard and our crown in the harvest-home. It is utterly impossible for the few ministers we have in our Conference to do the work that needs to be done; but if we, as a missionary army, can only get in working order, with the blessing of God very much may be accomplished.
In order to reach the people, we must work through the officers of the tract society, as it would be impossible to address a letter to each individual member of our churches; but if each librarian will realize the importance of the matter, and do all in his power to arouse those under his care, all can be reached with comparatively little trouble. You have been chosen by your church to fill an important place; now let me ask you to magnify your office. The responsibility rests upon you, and no one can discharge your duties for you. We each have our work to do. May the curse pronounced upon him who doeth the work of the Lord negligently never fall upon us. I ask and expect your hearty co-operation. The missionary work is the right arm of our message, but in order to have it efficient, every one must be induced to go to work. It is in your power to encourage those in your church to engage more heartily in this work. Go and visit them. Lay before them the great advantage it will be to themselves to do something for Jesus. There is nothing that will diffuse life, hope, and courage all through a church like a spirit of labor. Our trials and discouragements sink into insignificance, and vanish, while we are laboring for the good of others. And think of the benefit that will be derived by your fellow-beings.
When you meet for social worship, give the missionary work its due share of attention. In friendly intercourse with your brethren and sisters, let it be a thrilling topic of conversation. When about your work, if it does not necessarily call for all your mental faculties, think of this important work for the Master. Lay your plans carefully, so that you can work to the best advantage yourselves, and then seek to interest others to take part with you. First urge the importance of working, and then be sure to impress upon them the necessity of carefully noting down each item of labor performed, so that at the close of the quarter a full report from each individual may be received.
May the present year be well filled up with earnest labor.

NEBRASKA

By Chas. L. Boyd

Syracuse.—The meeting at Syracuse was not largely attended, there being revival meetings in session at the time. The subject of the missionary work was considered, and a V. M. society was organized. We expect this society will engage in a united and fruitful effort to disseminate the light of present truth.
CHAS. L. BOYD.

MISSOURI

By C. H. Chaffee

Nevada, Grundy Co., Dec. 23.—Commenced a series of meetings in the Bethel school-house, three miles north of Nevada, Dec. 16. Thus far, the congregations range from sixty to one hundred. Some interest is manifested, still great prejudice prevails among the people. Will those who love God and the third angel’s message pray for the success of the cause here? C. H. CHAFFEE.

OHIO

Van Wert and Dunkirk, Jan. 2.—Meetings at Van Wert closed Dec. 28. The church is now in better condition for working effectively in the tract society, Sabbath-school, and other branches of the cause, than ever in the past. The few additions made during these meetings will be a great help to the society here. Others are interested.
Jan. 1, I went to Dunkirk, and stayed two evenings. Obtained four subscribers for the REVIEW, the Signs, and the German paper, and ten copies of the Signs were taken for the missionary work. The outside interest is good. The brethren are live workers.
G. G. RUPERT.
Camden.—Have just closed a five-days’ meeting here. This is a new church, raised up this year by Eld. St. John and others. They have erected a meeting-house, in which we held our meetings, though it is not completed. This is the third meeting-house we have built in Ohio in 1879, in places where we had no society at the beginning of the year.
I judge there are about forty Sabbath-keepers at Camden. They have good meetings and Sabbath-school. Though the roads were very bad, we had a good attendance. Many not of our faith are interested, for whom we hope. We labored principally in the missionary and temperance work, as but little had been done in these branches. It will still require much patient labor to get them well at work judiciously distributing our reading matter, and obtaining subscribers to our periodicals. The only way this can be accomplished is by personal labor with each individual.
We spoke three times on the health and temperance work. The subject was well received, and about thirty signed the pledge. Tea, coffee, tobacco, and pork will be almost wholly laid aside here. Bro. Wm. Beebe, our State Secretary of the temperance society, was present and rendered valuable aid. He is doing just what every officer ought to do; viz., becoming thoroughly informed in the duties of his office, and working in it with enthusiasm.
We disposed of about three hundred Annuals, and obtained several subscribers for periodicals. A good delegation was present from Wakeman and Troy.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

DISTRICT QUARTERLY MEETINGS

To be held Jan. 10, 11.
[Each librarian is requested to send full reports.]
Dist. No. 1, Iowa, at West Union. F. H. CHAPMAN, Director.
Dist. No. 9, Wisconsin, at Baraboo. A general Sabbath-school will be held Sabbath morning; the lessons will be the regular lessons for that day, as per the Instructor and the Supplement for January, and the review of the lessons for the week previous. On first-day a meeting will be held in the interest of the H. and T. society. Hope to see all the churches in the district well represented. S. S. SMITH.
Dist. No. 8, Michigan, at Newton. For certain reasons, such a quarterly meeting has not been held in this district for some time. Sr. White will attend. Let us as many as possible be present. We urgently request that each church be represented. M. B. MILLER, Director.
Dist. No. 1, New England, at Curtis Corner, R. I. Bro. G. F. Haines will be present. We hope all that can possibly do so will attend this meeting. J. C. TUCKER, Director.
Dist. No. 3, Illinois, at Gridley, Jan. 11. C. TURNIPSEED, Director.
For the Springfield district at Springfield, Clarke Co., Ohio. E. H. GATES.
Dist. No. 8, Iowa, at Logan, Harrison Co., Jan. 11. A general invitation is extended to all in the district, as matters of importance will be considered and plans devised to extend the cause of truth. Come prepared to provide for yourselves, as the church at Logan is small. We especially wish the librarians to be present. THOMAS J. BRYCES, Director.
Dist. No. 9, Michigan, at Vassar. Hope to see all in this district who are interested in the T. and M. work at this meeting. Librarians, bring your books. WM. OSTRANDER, Director.
Dist. No. 2, New York, at Roosevelt, Oswego Co., Jan. 17, 18. Eld. M. H. Brown designs to be present. We hope there may be a general attendance. WM. TREADWELL, Director.
Dist. No. 11, Wisconsin, at Fremont. E. A. WHIPPLE, Director.
Dist. No. 4, Michigan, at Otsego. ALEX. CARPENTER, Director.
Dist. No. 2, Michigan, at Spring Arbor, Jan. 17, 18, being one week later than the usual time. Efficient help is expected at the meeting. We invite a good representation from the entire district. JAS. ROBERTS, Director.
Dist. No. 11, Michigan, at Alaiedon, Jan. 17, 18. Brethren from the other churches are urged to be present, and every member to be sure and come prepared to report T. and M. labor. C. N. SUTTLE, Director.

STATE QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

At Somerset Mills, Maine, Jan. 17, 18. J. B. GOODRICH.
There will be a meeting of the tract and missionary society in connection with the State quarterly meeting which will be held at Bro. Barr’s in Elizabethtown, Ky., Jan. 17, 18. I hope every brother and sister throughout the State will attend this meeting, as there will be important business to consider. JAMES B. FORREST, Director.
THE Michigan T. and M. quarterly meetings will be held as follows:—
In section 1, containing Dists. 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, and 15, at Otsego, Jan. 17, 18, 1880.
In section 2, containing Dists. 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 16, at Flint, Jan. 24, 25, 1880.
These meetings will be held in different sections of the State, instead of holding one State meeting, for the purpose of obtaining a general attendance of ministers and T. and M. officers and workers, and of the brethren and sisters in the section where the meeting is appointed. We hope all will be present at their respective meetings, to give their influence in favor of the work before us. J. FARGO.
At Swan Lake, Dakota, Jan. 24, 25, to commence Friday evening. We wish a general attendance, as this will be our annual meeting for the election of officers as well as our regular quarterly meeting. All the wants of the cause will be considered as far as practicable. Following the meeting, we propose to hold a few days’ Institute, and we hope all, as far as possible, will arrange to remain for this purpose. Tract society officers are especially requested to bring their books.
As this is the most important meeting of the kind we have ever held, we hope the brethren will make a general rally, and show their zeal and interest for the cause. S. B. WHITNEY, Pres.

THE H. AND T. CAUSE IN WISCONSIN.

By G. C. Tenney

UNTIL within the past few weeks, but little had been done in behalf of the temperance cause in our State since the camp-meeting at Madison. The work is now going forward, and our State Secretary’s book shows a membership of three hundred and fifty. This, we confidently hope, is by no means a final result, but the commencement of a complete and successful effort in behalf of this enterprise.
We wish to enlist the sympathy and active co-operation of all our people in this cause. The following suggestions may aid those who wish to engage in this work more or less extensively.
  1. Sign the teetotal pledge, and thus take a position from which you can exert the strongest influence.
  2. Provide yourselves with a liberal supply of Annuals, for circulation among those you hope to influence.
  3. Labor to extend the circulation of Good Health, which is a true friend and advocate of the principles we wish to teach.
  4. By reading, and by availing yourself of all other means of information, obtain correct and rational ideas of the health and temperance reform, which you can impart to others.
  5. Procure blank pledges and papers from the State Secretary, and labor to induce all to reach as high a standard of temperance as possible.
  6. Be sure to report every name obtained, with address, and whether full or pledge members, to the State Secretary.
We especially urge our ministers, T. and M. directors, church elders, and leading brethren, to engage in this work at once. Let local clubs be formed wherever regular meetings can be maintained. Such organizations should be reported at once, and proper books obtained from the Secretary, Mrs. Mary F. Stillman, Madison, Wis.
G. C. TENNEY.

Church Dedication and District Quarterly Meeting Appointments

Appointments.

“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matt. 10:7.
DEDICATION of the S. D. A. church at West Pierrepont, N. Y., Jan. 16. The district quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 4 will be held in connection. Meetings will commence Friday, Jan. 16, at 7 P. M. Help from abroad is expected. This is an important meeting. Let none excuse themselves and stay at home. FRANK A. HALL, Director.
POTTERVILLE, Mich., Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 10, 11. T. M. STEWARD.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren at Leslie, Mich., Jan. 13, at 7 P. M. Bunker Hill, Jan. 14, 15, 7 P. M. M. B. MILLER.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will hold meetings in Vermont in January, 1880, as follows:— Berkshire, Jan. 10, 11; Johnson, Jan. 17, 18; Cabot, general tract and missionary quarterly meeting, Jan. 24, 25. A. S. HUTCHINS.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with churches in Dist. No. 13, Michigan, as follows:— Almont, at Bro. Foster’s, Sabbath, Jan. 17, at 10 A. M.; Imlay City, at 3 P. M., where Bro. Albro may appoint. Dryden, Sunday eve., the 18th. Smith Creek, Jan. 24, at 10 A. M. I hope to see every Sabbath-keeper in the vicinity at some of these meetings. GEO. G. STATES.
NOTHING preventing, I will meet with the church at Avon, Wis., Jan. 17, 18. Meeting Friday evening. G. C. TENNEY.

TEXAS

By R. M. Kilgore

Turner's Point, Sherman, and Savoy.—Since the camp-meeting I have spent nearly a week at each of these places, and have tried to set things in order and to strengthen the things that remain. Organized T. and M. societies and S. S. at each place.
At Sherman there was a more ready response to the principles of system and order which we endeavored to establish than is usual in companies so small and young in experience, every one, without an exception, taking part with a willing mind. All were ready to enter into the usual organizations to advance the cause of present truth. When our brethren and sisters labor unitedly, and with disinterested benevolence put forth every effort within their power to save others as well as themselves, we shall confidently expect to see souls added to their number, their basket and store increase in this life, and they themselves advancing more rapidly in the knowledge of the truth and in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation does not embrace one single selfish principle. R. M. KILGORE.

MINNESOTA

Labor among the Churches.—The blessing of the Lord has rested upon my labors in Dist. No. 7. Some have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and the brethren are taking hold well.
At Grove Lake a V. M. society of fourteen members was organized, and several copies of the Signs were taken. Three were baptized.
At Round Prairie, Dec. 20, 21, a V. M. society of sixteen members was organized, taking forty-two copies of the Signs. All gave orders for Testimony No. 29.
Dec. 23 we organized a V. M. society at Sauk Center, the nine members taking thirteen copies of the Signs. At these meetings the missionary work was discussed, and all seemed willing to do what they could for the cause. We feel much encouraged, and believe there are better days for us in Dist. No. 7. Remember us in your prayers. GEO. M. DIMMICK.
New Hartford, Dec. 31.—Have given thirty discourses here to pretty fair audiences. The country is stirred for miles around, but the people are slow in deciding. A few honest souls have obeyed, and others are favorable.
At the close of the course of lectures, some of the people engaged one Eld. Dikeman to meet me in a discussion. We discussed the Sabbath question two evenings. His position was very easily met, as he admitted that the law is binding, and maintained the change of the Sabbath. At the close of the discussion, he told the people that if any wanted to keep the seventh day, he had nothing to say against it. Evidently the elder was very little acquainted with the real position of Sabbatarians when he began the discussion. He was an honorable opponent, far exceeding in fairness what we usually meet.
I shall remain in this vicinity for some time to follow up the interest awakened, and ask to be remembered in the prayers of God’s dear people. N. BATTIN.

KENTUCKY

By S. Osborn

Seatonsville, Dec. 26.—I have never had a more promising field of labor than this is. The interest is excellent. Fourteen or fifteen have said they would keep the Sabbath; nearly all of these are among the most responsible citizens in the neighborhood. It is not probable that all will stand. We hold our first Sabbath meeting to-morrow. A young Disciple preacher has taken a bold stand for the truth.
I am alone, yet not alone, for God is with me. The people never lose a meeting.
My address is Seatonsville, Jefferson Co., Ky., by the way of Fern Creek. S. OSBORN.

OHIO H. AND T. SOCIETY.

By Dudley Marvin Canright; Wm. Beebe

This society held a convention at Clyde, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1879. The meeting was called to order by the President, who spoke of the importance of the temperance work, and of its claims upon us as a people, presenting reasons why we should all sign the teetotal pledge. The pledge was then circulated, and fifty-four signers were obtained.
At the second meeting it was voted that we proceed to organize a health and temperance club. D. M. Canright was chosen chairman, and H. A. St. John secretary pro tem. The local Constitution was read and adopted. W. J. Stone was elected leader, and W. D. Sharp secretary. The State Secretary then addressed the club, urging the members to be active and faithful and to try to increase their number to one hundred during the coming year. If the Clyde club take hold of the temperance work in earnest, it bids fair to be the strongest one in the State. May the Lord bless the H. and T. workers.
D. M. CANRIGHT, Pres.
Wm. Beebe, Sec.

ALMOST STARVED.

A BROTHER who has recently embraced the truth, having formerly been a Methodist, writes from Colorado Springs, Col., using the following plain words concerning the opposition of his former brethren against S. D. Adventists, and his own experience while with that people. He says:—
“I was a preacher in the M. E. church from 1868 to the time of my embracing the S. D. Adventist faith recently. Last evening I went to hear the M. E. minister of this place. The sermon was a vicious tirade against Adventist people, destitute alike of both sense and piety. It seems to me that the enemy of truth can want no better agents in the pulpit than such representatives of the Lord Jesus.
“I think there will be a fine opening for a tent here in the spring. There are no Sabbath-keepers in the place except ourselves.
“Since embracing the truth, the Bible is to us a new book, life a new drama, and to live means something. We were very tired of wandering round and round in the cornfields of Methodist theology, searching! for food. Here and there we found a nubbin, but we would soon have starved to death.”
There are multitudes of others, brother, trying to live on the same scanty fare. Help them to come to the rich feast of truth you have found in this message.

TO BRETHREN IN COLORADO.

By J. O. Corliss

TESTIMONY for the Church, No. 29, is now ready for circulation. The subjects treated in the book make it one of great importance. The description of the Judgment should be read by every one, old and young. The value and influence of our publications, and the importance of circulating them, is a subject largely treated in this Testimony, and is just what is needed to stimulate to action in tract and missionary work. The solemn appeal it contains relative to the sacredness of pledges should be carefully studied by every S. D. Adventist in the land. The entire book is meat in due season.
We have ordered a quantity for Colorado, and they are already there. Let every family obtain a copy. Send in your orders at once to Alice J. Green, Boulder. Price 25 cents. J. O. CORLISS.
Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 6, 1880.

The Family Circle.

A REMARKABLE ORGAN.

SOME of our readers remote from this city [New York] may need to be reminded of the following facts: The late A. T. Stewart, some years before his death, founded a town on a tract of land known as the Hempstead Plains, on Long Island. The town received the name of “Garden City,” and Mr. Stewart spent large sums of money in improving it.
Since his death there has been erected a magnificent cathedral, which is intended to be in some sort a memorial. Mrs. Stewart has made the completion and adornment of this church one of the chief objects of her life since the death of Mr. Stewart.
It is to the grand organ now in process of construction for the cathedral that we propose to devote this article. This instrument will be one of the largest in the world, and will be very remarkable in many respects. It is expected that it will cost about forty thousand dollars. Mr. Hilborne L. Roosevelt is the builder.
It will be placed in four different parts of the cathedral. The main body of the instrument will stand in the chancel, and the organist will sit there. At the west end of the building, in a tower directly behind a large stained-glass window, is a room in which a part of the organ will be placed, and connected with the chancel by electricity, like the organ built by Mr. Roosevelt in Grace Church, New York. The window will be opened and closed by electricity, controlled by the organist from the chancel, thereby making fine crescendo and diminuendo effects with the organ in the tower. Over the ceiling, about the center of the building, will be placed another part of the instrument, called the echo organ, which is to be played from the chancel by electricity. Underneath the chancel, in the chapel situated there, is a part of the organ, which is arranged so that it can be played in the chapel as well as from the chancel. Lastly, the large chimes, which hang in the tower, will be connected with the chancel by electricity, so that the organist can play them from the keys of the organ. The bellows will be operated by hydraulic engines, and the organist can, by simply turning on the water, have the whole instrument, including the chimes, at his command. Though this will be a mammoth instrument, and notwithstanding the great distance between many of its parts, the pressure necessary to play on the keys will be no greater than is used in playing upon a piano. This is due to the use of electricity, pneumatics, and hydraulics, which, combined, render it possible and practicable to construct such an instrument.
There will be four vox humanas (similar in construction to the celebrated one in Freiburg); one of these will be in the chancel, one in the tower, another over the ceiling, and a fourth one in the chapel beneath the chancel. All of these will be under the control of the organist in the chancel, and will be capable of crescendo and diminuendo effects. Certainly some beautiful and extraordinary combinations can be produced with their aid. In all, there will be one hundred or one hundred and twenty stops, the exact number not yet having been determined upon. The Boston Music Hall organ has eighty-four stops, the Cincinnati organ ninety-six, and the largest organ in the world, that in Albert Hall, London, one hundred and eleven. Five hydraulic engines will be needed. Quite a small Gramme magneto machine will furnish all the electricity needed. Where mechanical force is required, as in ringing bells or opening windows, compressed air will be used in an ingenious manner devised by Mr. Roosevelt.—Scientific News.
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