I arrived upon the camp-ground Friday noon, Sept. 15, and found it to be a very pleasant and comfortable location. It was a beautiful fair-ground, well shaded with large, spreading oaks. A half-dozen large, empty buildings afforded plenty of comfortable room for those who came, so that but few tents were pitched. This was not only very comfortable for the people, but it was a great saving of labor in preparing the ground, and expense in buying tents. Frequently these fair-grounds can be had very cheap.
The number upon the ground was nearly double what it was last year. This was very encouraging. Many new ones have been brought into the truth in the State the last year, so that both ministers and people felt of good courage. Indiana is evidently a good field of labor. Three new meeting-houses are being built by our people.
Friday night, Bro. and Sr. White came. Sabbath morning we had a good social meeting, all taking hold freely. Bro. and Sr. White had excellent freedom in preaching. When an appeal was made for sinners, backsliders, and the lukewarm to come forward, about fifty responded. Many of these spoke with deep feeling. As we engaged in prayer for them, the Spirit of supplication came upon Bro. White in a remarkable degree, and then the Spirit of God came upon the people. For half an hour every one cried to God and many praised God with a loud voice. It was a season never to be forgotten. One after another arose and said that they had been greatly blessed, that they had found relief, that they were never so happy before, etc.
Sunday, the outside attendance was not large, yet several hundred came and listened with deep interest. A tent-meeting held in a place just before a camp-meeting, always kills the general interest in the camp-meeting. So it was here and so it will be anywhere.
Monday morning, after Bro. White had spoken upon the subject of the ministry, three men, brethren Harvey, Sharp, and Covert, were ordained to the work of the gospel. It was a pleasant and interesting occasion. After this, about twenty came forward for baptism, who were baptized after we left.
So closed another year's work in this new and growing Conference. Bro. S. H. Lane will continue to labor in the State. Evidently the brethren need to sacrifice more in supporting the cause in their own State. They must do this if they wish the blessing of God to continue with them.
We all enjoyed the meeting very much, and came away with good spirits.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
“THE JUDGMENTS OF THE LORD.”
By G. W. A.
David says, Ps. 19:9, “The judgments of the Lord are true [margin, Heb., TRUTH,] and righteous altogether.” This verse does not refer to those punishments, or calamities, which are so frequently sent as judgments by the Lord upon mankind. It most evidently has reference to the holy law of God, which in the Old Testament is denoted by the use of a number of terms, as commandments, law, statutes, precepts, testimonies, ordinances, judgments, etc.
In Zephaniah, second chapter and third verse, reference is made to the law of God in a prophecy which evidently has its application near the end of time. The verse reads: “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his JUDGMENT; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” The real meaning of the word “judgment” in this verse is not so apparent from a casual reading. In fact, the English word judgment does not here well represent the meaning of the original.
The Hebrew word that is rendered “judgment,” in this instance, is מִשְׁפָּט, mish-pat, and this is defined in Gesenius’ Hebrew Lexicon, “1. Judgment. 2. Right, rectitude, justice, what is just, lawful, conformable to law. Spec. a) a law, statute, as a rule of judging. Ex. 24:3; Lev. 18:4, 5; Deut. 4:1; 7:11,” etc. Now let this latter definition be applied to the word in Zeph. 2:3, and the verse would read, “Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought HIS LAW.” This gives a good meaning, and doubtless the true one. The cases where mish-pat in the Old Testament refers to the law are given below, so that the reader may see at a glance this particular use of the word. The italics in each instance are the translation.
Gen. 18:19, to do justice and judgment,
Ex. 15:25, a statute and an ordinance,
21:1, these are the judgments,
Lev. 18:4, 5, 26, Ye shall do my judgments,
19:37, & 20:22, statutes and all my judgments,
24:22, ye shall have one manner of law,
25:18, & 26:15, 43, 46, if your soul abhor my judgments,
Num. 35:24, according to these judgments,
36:13, commandments and the judgments,
Deut. 4:1, 5, 8, 14, 45, statutes and unto the judgments,
5:1, 31, & 6:1, 20, statutes and judgments,
7:11, 12, & 8:11, statutes and the judgments,
11:1, 32, & 12:1, statutes and the judgment,
26:16, 17, statutes and judgments,
33:10, shall teach Jacob thy judgments,
2 Sam. 22:3, all his judgments (were) before me,
1 Kings 2:3, commandments and his judgments,
6:12, and execute my judgments,
8:58, & 9:4, & 11:33, his statutes and his judgments,
2 Kings 17:37, the statutes and the ordinances,
1 Chron. 16:12, and the judgments of his mouth,
22:18, & 28:7, to fulfill the statutes and the judgments,
2 Chron. 7:17, observe my statutes and my judgments,
19:10, commandments, statutes, and judgments,
Ezra 7:10, teach in Israel statutes and judgments,
Neh. 1:7, & 9:13, 29, & 10:29, the judgments which thou commandest,
Ps. 18:22, all his judgments were before me,
19:9, the judgments of the Lord,
81:4, a law of the God of Jacob,
89:30, and walk not in my judgments,
119:7, 12, 20, 30, 35, 43, 52, 62, 102, 106, 108, 120, 160, thy righteous judgments,
147:19, 20, and his judgments unto Israel,
Isa. 58:2, forsook not the ordinance of their God, they ask of me the ordinances of,
Eze. 5:6, 7, hath changed my judgments,
11:12, neither executed my judgments,
20:11, 13, 16, 18, 19, 21, 24, shewed them my judgments,
36:27, & 37:24, ye shall keep my judgments,
Zeph. 2:3, which have wrought his judgment,
Mal. 4:4, the statutes and judgments,
In this list there are at least ninety instances in which MISH-PAT refers to the law of God, and in the more than three hundred cases besides, where it occurs, but which are not given here for want of room, no doubt there are many more instances in which it refers directly to the same divine instrument. From the above schedule may we not deduce the reasonable conclusion that the interesting prophecy in Zeph. 2:3 has direct reference to the sacred LAW OF GOD?
G. W. A.
“FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK.”
By F. W. Morse
The worldly-minded man may fear and tremble as the wars and pestilences of the last days thicken around us like gathering clouds; but the “little flock” of God’s true people have no cause for alarm from this source. In the 12th chapter of Luke the Saviour has given a remarkable discourse for the instruction of his dear followers who should live on the earth in the last time. He speaks to that age of his church which would be watching for his second coming, and which should finally witness that event. Read carefully verses 32 to 49. We cannot fail to see the unmistakable allusion to the work of special preparation which must be made to get ready for the coming of our Lord.
In the 21st chapter the Saviour has taken special pains to inform us of those signs which were to tell when that glorious event is near. He tells us there shall be in many places, earthquakes, and “famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs,” with distress upon the earth among nations, “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21: 11, 25, 26. But in verse 9 he says to his people, “Be not terrified.” No; but “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Verse 28.
In chapter 12 the line of prophetic signs is not followed out, as in chapter 21; but some very interesting practical instruction is given, applying to the same age of the church, the same time in the history of the world. Earthquakes, desolating storms, and pestilences of various kinds would lead worldly-minded men, filled with plans for self-interest, to heap treasures to themselves, to pull down their store-houses and build larger ones, where they might bestow ample provision of meat, and drink, and raiment. The power of covetousness leads them to be all “overcharged with the cares of this life,” and hides from their minds the idea of making any efforts or sacrifices for the glorious and soon-coming kingdom of God. The end of this mammon-blinded course is certain woe. The Lord will come, all unlooked-for, unprepared-for, “and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 24:51.
But wisdom shows a wiser way. Says the Saviour as he points out that way, after showing how worldly men seek after the interests of self, “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God.” “Fear not.” We should be fearful and watchful lest the covetousness, selfishness, pride, cold-heartedness, and wickedness, of the world overcome us, but never should we stand back and be afraid to “seek,” with all our energies, those things which belong to the kingdom of God. We can safely make sacrifices; and while worldlings feel alarmed about their own individual comfort and safety, it will do for the follower of Christ to let the safety and salvation of others be the subject of deepest solicitude to himself, and the subject that absorbs the most vigorous energies of his life.
Please read carefully the scriptures referred to, and especially Luke 12:15-49. I believe this to be a very solemn practical address to Seventh-day Adventists at the present time, and may the dear Saviour help us to take heed to it. F. W. MORSE.
THE HYGIENIC ALMANAC.
By S. N. Haskell
We have examined the Almanac published at the Office of the S. D. A. Publishing Association for 1877, and without hesitancy we pronounce it the best publication of the kind we have ever seen. The sanitarium is always good, and if heeded will save much suffering and sickness. The last portion is filled with practical common sense. Every line is full of information. The anecdotes are known to be true. It deals in facts.
No doubt many who will read it, will think of items of interest which might be added. The truth is, that so much might be said upon the subject of Hygiene which would be both interesting and instructive to every family, that a large volume might be written without exhausting the subject.
But with the same amount of reading matter I know not how it could be improved. We recommend it to all of our brethren and sisters. It will be sent to any part of the country, post-paid, for 10 cents, single copy, or a discount by the quantity. To the Tract Societies especial inducements offered as heretofore. The orders from each Tract Society should at once be forwarded to the Office, so that the Almanacs may be sent by freight and be in season for the fall campaign. Do not let your orders be too small. Lay your plans large and wisely. Then work up to them. The first year the Almanac was printed, the N. E. Tract Society distributed about 8,000; the second year, 12,000; and this year they already talk of 15,000. Let it be remembered that the membership of the N. E. T. and M. Society is less than 300, among the smallest in the country. But some will ask, How do you get rid of so many? First, there is a general interest among all to do what they can. There are many children who sell scores of them, believing it to be missionary work and that God blesses them in it. Secondly, our brethren and sisters see that their friends everywhere are supplied with them. Thirdly, hundreds are placed in stores where the proprietors are friendly, and many are thus sold, and many more are given away. They are sold on railway trains, and every avenue is sought where they may be read with interest. Fourthly, they commence in season and labor with faith and courage, while all do something. Many children dispose of from 25 to 50, or more. Our brethren scatter from 50 upwards, and some dispose of hundreds.
But the query may be raised, Is there any good result from all this? We are in possession of facts which show that the last year's effort was the means of favorably impressing a class of people numbering thousands, among whom an effectual door is now opened to present the truth. We appeal to our brethren everywhere, especially to our Tract Societies, to be awake to these moves. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper either this or that, or whether they both alike shall be good.” The Office should receive from every Tract Society in the country an order by the 15th of October. We repeat, be liberal in your orders, prompt in your actions, and God will bless your efforts. S. N. HASKELL.
OUR NEED OF HELP.
By A. S. Hutchins
In the Review of Sept. 7, Bro. White spoke of the necessity of ministerial help in the Vermont State Conference, and suggested that we “come more fully under the wing of the General Conference;” and proposed that that body send back to Vermont some one of her sons now in the West, to labor in our midst, making mention of Eld. Geo. I. Butler as the man, should it please God, and meet the mind of Bro. B.
On this point it may not be necessary for me to say one word; yet, in behalf of the Conference, I do want to say, Amen and amen.
Why, just what has already been said by Bro. White has so set a portion of our mountainous State in a commotion of joyful anticipation that I have received a letter urging me at once to take steps to secure the signatures of all our brethren and sisters throughout the State, inviting Bro. Butler to come to Vermont.
Now I certainly would do this if it seemed needful in this way to remind the General Conference that we need and desire help; or to assure Bro. Butler that we will most thankfully welcome him here, and find enough for him to do. The resolution in our recent Conference requesting help, and the remarks of Bro. White above referred to, are before the General Conference; and through the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and the voice of this body, we believe Bro. Butler will hear the Macedonian cry, “Come over and help us.” To be sure, six ministers receive credentials from our Conference, which might suggest to those unacquainted with the facts that we have strength sufficient without calling help from other States. In reply to this it is only necessary to add that of this number the men of physical and mental strength to labor in new fields are out of the State. A. S. Hutchins.
RUSSIA OR TURKEY? WHICH?
Rev. David Strang, in the Christian at Work, of Sept. 28, 1876, reviewing carefully the whole problem of the Eastern Question, says:—
“This problem, Russia, if allowed, would soon solve, by either sharing or summarily seizing the Sick Man’s European estate. Nor is this so immoral or unfair as has often been asserted; for the sickness is not merely physical, but moral and chronic, and recent events prove the Turk as unfit to govern his European provinces as is a raving maniac to command an ocean steamer. He should be put out of his place as promptly as a captain smitten with sudden lunacy. It is sometimes objected that Russia would tolerate only the Greek communion, but she does tolerate others; and if, for reasons not wholly religious, she has compelled the Mennonites to emigrate—though the decree has been recently modified—that is better than the Turkish treatment of the Bulgarians. Besides, if Russia’s plan is not the right one, surely, the rest of Christian Europe might find another. There is no fear of making matters worse.”
To the New England T. & M. Society.
By M. Wood
DOUBTLESS every member of this organization has read and re-read the repeated calls from Elds. Lane and Corliss for a greater supply of reading matter for free distribution among the southern friends, who are so eager for the truth. If you will gather up your REVIEWS, SIGNS, INSTRUCTORS, and HEALTH REFORMERS, not forgetting the Health Almanac, which is a most excellent pioneer, and an indispensable article to all well-regulated families, and forward them to the writer at once, you will confer a favor and receive a blessing. I design to forward a box containing reading matter for our southern missionaries, in which there is ample room for your contributions. Send along your old papers, friends; if you have neither time nor opportunity to circulate them yourself, give them to those given to the work. Let us do all we can to forward, and nothing to hinder, the work of God. M. Wood.
S. Boston, Mass., Cor. K. & Emerson St.
Opportunity to Advertise.
MERCHANTS, and others who would like to advertise in a manner to benefit their patrons as well as themselves, would do well to notice the following offer:—
The publishers of the Family Health Almanac offer to make up for advertisers special editions of 250 copies and upwards, in which they will give the advertiser a full page of advertising, and furnish him almanacs at the following rates: 1000 copies, $35.00; 500 copies, $20.00; 250 copies, $11.00. By this plan, the advertiser pays nothing for his advertisement, and gets the almanacs at the lowest wholesale price.
Notice of Books Available at Meetings
By H. A. St. John
Notice.
We will have Testimony No. 27, the new Hymn book, Progressive Bible Lessons for Youth, English Bibles, and other bound books, at all our meetings. H. A. St. John.
Tobacco Use Among Church Members Criticized
A RELIGIOUS paper has a letter from a correspondent on tobacco-using Christians, in which he states that of the 267 members of his church, 67 use tobacco, and pay therefor, annually, $845. This church, including the congregation, gave for all objects last year, pastor's salary, missions, education, church extension, freemen, etc., $842. One of these members gave 66 cents for church extensions, and $145 for tobacco; another gave $91 for tobacco, $1 for missions and $1 for conference claimants. From such Christians, “Good Lord deliver us! Amen.” It would be ten thousand millions of years before a continent of such Christians would convert a single soul; and should they accidentally convert one, he would be the worse for his narcotical conversion. A hundred and forty-five dollars for the “filthiness of the flesh,” and sixty cents for the extension of the kingdom!—was ever such a triumph of matter over mind as this recorded before?
MICHIGAN
By A. O. Burrill
THE recovery of Bro. Miller and his return to Nashville to assist Bro. Kenyon released me, so I immediately returned to Carson City to help forward the work of building the meeting-house.
I have given a few lectures, evenings, in a place four miles away, and several have begun to observe the Sabbath as the result. Among these is an aged Baptist lady from Wisconsin, who is visiting her daughter, and although she has been a reader of the Bible for forty years, it now seems to her like a new book, as present truth is opening up to her mind.
Last Sabbath I was with the church at111Matherton. Our meetings were free. Forty testimonies were given in as many minutes. About twenty came forward for prayers, and among them some for the first time. Six were added to the church, five of whom received baptism. Others will soon follow in this solemn ordinance.
A. O. BURRILL.
Carson City, Sept. 12, 1876.
H. A. ST. JOHN
By H. A. St. John
OHIO TENT, NO. 3.
We closed our meetings in Norwalk on Tuesday night, Sept. 12. Toward the close, the frequent rains and cool nights very much interfered with our success; but notwithstanding this, the interest to hear and learn the truth on the part of some continued unabated. Five from Norwalk were baptized at our good camp-meeting, and on the last day of our meeting we had the pleasure of baptizing six more willing souls. In the evening, at our last meeting, thirteen were taken into the church at Norwalk. Others are fully with us in the faith, and we expected they would come into the organization at our last meeting; but sickness prevented them from attending. All have united in paying systematic benevolence.
Altogether, we feel that the meeting has been a success. The Lord has blessed his truth to the good of some precious souls. These, we expect, will be useful workers in the cause in Ohio. The tent is now laid aside for the winter, as the lateness of the season will hardly warrant another attempt to hold a course of lectures, besides we have other work on hand.
We feel thankful to God for the degree of success that has attended our efforts with tents in our Conference this season. We are sure that a large harvest of souls will be gathered from Ohio when Jesus comes. Earnest calls come in to us for help, and we entreat our dear brethren to continue to plead with God fervently to send forth more laborers into the harvest.
I am of good courage in the Lord, and as my brethren have seen fit to lay special responsibility upon me again, I feel fully resolved that the blessed cause of the Lord in this department shall have my first attention. Brethren, pray for me.
H. A. ST. JOHN
OHIO
By Wm. Cottrell
I HAVE been compelled to close my labors at the Hopper's Grove school-house, near Frazeysburg, for the following reason: My wife and little boy started to come to my meeting with horse and buggy. The horse commenced to kick while going down a hill. They were thrown from the buggy, and my wife was dragged for some distance, the buggy running over her head. She is badly cut about the head, and bruised in body very much. She is a great sufferer. I cannot tell when I shall be able to return to my field of labor. I, together with my afflicted wife, would ask the prayers of God's people, that we may not complain, but draw nearer to the Lord.
WM. COTTRELL.
SOUTH-WESTERN IOWA.
By G. V. Kilgore
Meetings closed in Plum Hollow, Sept. 10. The attendance was generally good. Only a few promised to obey the Sabbath, though many acknowledged we spoke the truth.
We went to Sidney the 13th, and visited families and held meetings till the 18th; then Bro. Bartlett started home. We expect to meet at the Blair Camp-meeting.
The church at Nebraska City is prospering finely. They enjoy the blessing of God in their meetings. Most of them expect to go to the camp-meeting at Blair. If all Nebraska churches turn out as well as they expect to do, we shall have quite a camp-meeting. Come, friends, let us be at the first general meeting between the Rocky Mountains and the Missouri River.
G. V. KILGORE.
“ALMOST PERSUADED.”
THE knock was loud at thy heart to-night,
Hast thou let the Master in?
He touched thine eyelids to give thee sight;
For a moment the world lost its false, fair light,
And hell seemed near and Heaven seemed bright,
And heavy the weight of sin.
Hast thou opened yet? For he standeth near,
And he bids thee look, and see
The side they pierced with the cruel spear,
The nail-torn hands, and the thorn-crowned head,
And the blood for thine atonement shed,
That the curse might pass from thee.
Hast thou opened yet? Oh, the words were plain
That have touched thy heart to-night,
They told of the Saviour’s life of pain,—
Homeless, sorrowful, tempted, lorn,—
That a sinless robe might by thee be worn
In Heaven’s own spotless light.
By that life and death with thy soul he pleads,
And fain would his rich gifts bring;
There is full provision for all thy needs,
A sight of the Crucified gives thee peace;
From the curse of sin and its fear, release;
From the hour of death, its sting.
There are robes of earth that in dust will lie,
And songs that will end in tears;
Sunshine to set in rayless gloom,
Flowers to hide thy way to the tomb,
And through endless ages a lost soul’s cry,
For the wasted, vanished years.
There’s a home where God wipes the tears away,
Where we lay aside the sin,
Where never a happy one will say,
“I am sick, or pained, or grieved to-day,”
And the Saviour waits to show thee the way,
And to bid thee enter in.
Joy in the presence of God to-night,
If thou wilt arise and come;
But the joy of fiends if they see thee slight
The robe, the crown, and the home of light,
And choose the paths that will end in night,
And death for thy final doom.
IOWA
By George I. Butler
Our tent-meeting at Marshall, Henry Co., Iowa, is closed. We had a good attendance while the weather was favorable. For the last nine days of the meeting we had uninterrupted bad weather; rain, mud, and dark nights constantly. But few could attend. Many of the best citizens confessed we had the truth, but only four or five gave any intimation of obeying it. I feel sure that several will keep the Sabbath.
Last Sabbath and Sunday we had a quarterly meeting of the fourth district at Brighton. The Lord helped in preaching the word, and the spirits of the brethren and sisters were encouraged. Two were baptized, for whom we have long had a deep interest. Altogether, it was a good season. I am holding a few meetings with the Mt. Pleasant church, to encourage and instruct those who have recently embraced the truth here. Most of these are taking part in meeting with us, and gaining in strength. My courage in the Lord’s work is good.
GEO. L. BUTLER.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 18, 1876.
VIRGINIA TENT.
By E. B. Lane; J. O. Corliss
THE work here is still onward. During the last week we have held thirteen meetings. On Sunday, the congregation was estimated at eight hundred. The country is stirred for miles around. We have never had so many pressing calls for labor as now. Two Sabbath meetings were held, one at Newport, the other in the tent, with good attendance. We think the omens favorable for a good work here.
E. B. LANE,
J. O. CORLISS.
CANADA
By A. C. BOURDEAU; R. S. OWEN
Held tent meetings in Waterloo till Sept. 1. The attention was good. We gave in the Advertiser the substance of our lectures, a sermon on the Sabbath question, and replies to articles about our work and against the Sabbath. We have found many friends. Ten more have embraced the truth, one of whom has preached and helps already in advocating the truth, and another one, an educated French Canadian, will aid in the work. Upwards of thirty are now rejoicing in the present truth in these parts. Have baptized some every Sabbath for three weeks. Our Sabbath meetings are encouraging. Held meetings in a Temperance hall and at two other points. Our post-office address will be Waterloo, P. Q., till May 1, 1877.
A. C. BOURDEAU,
R. S. OWEN.
Waterloo, P. Q., Sept. 28, 1876.
EASTERN IOWA TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore
Our labors closed at Wapello on Sunday evening, Sept. 10, the interest not being sufficient to warrant a longer continuance. Two have begun keeping the Sabbath, others acknowledge their duty. We obtained fourteen subscribers for our periodicals.
Bro. Morrison goes East to attend the General Conference, and I am now making ready to change my residence to Nevada, Story Co., Iowa, which will be my address until further notice.
R. M. Kilgore.
T. M. STEWARD
By T. M. Steward
OHIO TENT, NO. 1.
We left New Antioch one week ago to-day, after seeing twenty names attached to the covenant, and others promising to come along soon. Bro. Butler remained there to spend another Sabbath with them. Bro. Smith and myself came to this place, New Boston (P. O. Dallas), and pitched our tent and commenced meetings Friday evening. We have held five meetings, and the attendance has been good; about three hundred were out yesterday notwithstanding it rained all the afternoon and evening. The people seem anxious to hear. May the Lord give them hearts to obey. Pray for us.
If Bro. Butler is able to preach, he will join us this week; but I fear he will not be able to labor any more this fall. May the Lord help us to do his work faithfully.
T. M. STEWARD
New Boston.
MORRIS CO., KAN.
By J. Lawson
Our meeting at Elm Creek is still in progress, with interest unabated. Those who were mentioned in my last report as being almost decided, have, to the number of fifteen, taken a decided stand, while others fill the place those occupied a week or ten days ago. Eighteen have already signed the covenant. A few others are keeping the Sabbath. The opposition is strong. The Disciple minister, referred to in my last report, speaks again this evening, after which we shall reply, and then proceed with the meetings, feeding hungry souls with the bread of life. Brethren, pray for us. J. LAWSON. Sept. 18, 1876.
TENT-MEETING AT TOMAH, WIS.
By H. W. Decker; Geo. C. Tenney
Our meetings at this place closed Sept. 11, after continuing over three weeks. Several things worked against the interest of these meetings, and the result has been nearly a failure, only two or three having decided to obey the truth, as far as we have learned.
Prejudice was strong at first, and in many cases became stronger. The weather was bad and became worse, so that we were obliged to close before we otherwise should have done. Had it been more favorable, no doubt the result would have been different. As it is, we feel that many are without excuse.
H. W. DECKER,
GEO. C. TENNEY.
NEBRASKA
By C. L. Boyd; M. Wing
Since our last report, we have continued to give lectures at Humboldt, with good interest and good results. We closed our labors here for the present last evening. Five have taken their stand for the truth. Our S. D. Baptist brethren have taken much interest in our meetings.
We go from here to Blair, where we hope to give a few lectures before our camp-meeting, to commence at that place Oct. 5. Brethren, pray for us, that we may be able to awaken some interest in the minds of the people, and prepare the way for good results at our camp-meeting. We hope to see many of our brethren there, and that we may enjoy much of the blessing of the Lord.
C. L. BOYD,
M. WING.
Humboldt, Neb. Sept. 4, 1876.
KANSAS
By J. H. Cook
We held meetings with the brethren at Monmouth, Sept. 15-17. The meetings there were encouraging. One more took a decided stand for the truth while we were there. The remainder of the time we have been busily engaged here, five miles north of Parsons. The interest has been good from the first, and continues to increase. Yesterday, Sunday, three were baptized. Thirteen have signed the covenant, and sixteen are, I think, keeping the Sabbath. The fields here are whitening for the harvest. J. H. Cook.
KENTUCKY TENT.
By S. Osborn
Two weeks have passed since my last report, and still the good work goes on. We know of seventeen who are keeping the Sabbath as the result of this meeting. The Disciples are making some stir. One preached on the two covenants. I reviewed him, and he reviewed me again; and it stopped there for the present; but they are complaining some. It is almost an entire Disciple neighborhood; and they feel their dignity. I have given fifty-two discourses thus far, and it seems that the interest is as good as ever. I had continued over six weeks without any intermission, and last Sunday night I proposed to rest a few days. Two men offered 100 lbs. of flour apiece to have the meetings continue even all winter. The people bring us all the country produce we want. I have sold between twenty and twenty-five dollars' worth of books—a thing unparalleled in this State, because the people think so little of reading; everything must be preached to them. We shall stay here as long as it seems duty. Pray for us.
S. OSBORN.
Bear Wallow, Ky., Sept. 21, 1876.
MILFORD, ILL.
By B. F. Merritt; Dennis Morrison
We pitched our tent in this place on Tuesday, Aug. 22, and up to the present time have held twenty-seven meetings. The weather was quite favorable until within the past week; since then it has been cold and rainy. Most of the time our attendance has ranged from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty-five. On first-days it has been much larger; and notwithstanding the darkness, rain, and mud, during the past week, the people have come to meetings, and listened attentively to the word spoken.
Bro. G. F. Shonk arrived here Sept. 9. His assistance was very much needed, as sickness in Bro. Merritt’s family made it necessary that he should be at home a part of the time.
Several here are convinced in regard to the Sabbath. Some have promised to obey. One man who has been licensed to preach by the M. E. church, seems to be on the point of decision. Another man of intelligence, a Bible reader, who has been an exhorter in the U. B. church, seems to be very much stirred. He says he knows we are right, and that he has a work to do. “He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Matt. 10:38.
Pray for us.
B. F. MERRITT,
DENNIS MORRISON.
Milford, Sept. 14.
MINNESOTA
By G. M. Dimmick; N. Battin
After harvest we delivered a few more lectures at Geneva, and spent the remainder of our time in holding prayer and Sabbath meetings. Meantime we have attended some quarterly meetings. We held a quarterly meeting at Geneva with the Richland church, Sept. 22, 23. Organized a church of ten, baptizing eight. There are three keeping the Sabbath who did not enter into the organization. Others are favorable to the truth.
The opposition most of the time has been strong. No one has publicly preached against us, but there seems to be a goodly proportion here of those who make and love lies. Those who have embraced the truth love their Bibles, and are determined to seek and do God's will, let the consequences be what they may. Our prayer is that they may become shining lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
Our next field of labor will be Howard Lake, Wright Co. We shall probably begin our lectures there Oct. 19. We greatly desire the prayers of God's people, that our efforts may be blessed to the salvation of many precious souls.
G. M. Dimmick,
N. Battin.
DEKALB CO., MO.
By J. G. Wood
I HAVE been laboring in the tent at Winslow, Mo., a little over two weeks; and although this is a country place and not very thickly settled, yet our congregations are good, ranging from two hundred to three hundred and fifty. Twenty-two discourses have been given. I have spoken on the prophecies and the Sabbath question. The people are very kind, and many acknowledge the truthfulness of our positions. We hope to see fruit in due time. Bro. H. W. Woodruff is rendering me much assistance. Pray for us. J. G. Wood.
Winslow, Sept. 11, 1876.
THE N. Y. & PA. T. & M. SOCIETY
By B. L. Whitney; E. H. Whitney
Held its quarterly meeting in connection with the camp-meeting at Rome, N. Y., Sept. 11, 1876. All the officers of the Society were present with the exception of two of the Board of Directors. After the usual opening exercises, the minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.
The report of labor for the quarter just closed was then called for. The summary read as follows:—
Whole number of families visited, 560; number of letters written, 202; number of pages distributed, 144,929; number of new subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 30; INSTRUCTOR, 38; REFORMER, 19; SIGNS, 29; number of periodicals distributed, 3,655.
Rec’d for Membership, $94.00
“ on Donations, 231.50
“ for Book Sales 13.14
“ “ Widow and Orphan’s Fund, 1.00
“ “ Periodicals, 138.85
“ “ School Fund, 11.00
Total, $399.49
As time was limited, the meeting resolved itself into a session of the annual meeting of the Society. The report of labor for the year just closed was presented. The summary reads as follows:—
Number of families visited, 2540; number of letters written, 878; number of pages distributed, 707,802; number of new subscribers for REVIEW, 68; INSTRUCTOR, 221; REFORMER, 121; SIGNS, 243; number of periodicals distributed, 10,550.
Rec’d for Membership, $33.00
“ on Donations, 851.39
“ “ Book Sales, 144.50
“ “ Widow and Orphan’s Fund, 37.00
“ “ Periodicals, 996.00
Total, $2061.89
A Committee on Nominations was appointed as follows: S. N. Walsworth, Asa Green, A. H. Hall. At a brief session of the Society held subsequently, this committee made the following report:—
For President, B. L. Whitney; Vice President, S. N. Walsworth; Secretary, Mrs. B. L. Whitney; Treasurer, A. H. Hall. Board of Directors: District No. 1, W. H. Eggleston; No. 2, Daniel Bowe; No. 3, M. H. Brown; No. 4, A. H. Hall; No. 5, I. N. Russell; No. 6, M. S. Tyrel; No. 7, J. Q. Foy; No. 8, E. W. Whitney; No. 9, J. W. Raymond; No. 10, Wm. Coats; No. 11, O. P. Galloway.
The report was accepted, and the individuals elected.
Owing to the pressure of other business, the Tract Society work did not receive its usual share of attention; but the reports show that the work has not fallen behind even during the busy harvest season, and encouraging instances have come to light where the Lord has blessed the efforts put forth to the conversion of souls to the truth.