Earlier text: IS THIS GENUINE?Under this heading, the Advance of Jan. 15 publishes the following interesting letter from the Rev. F. H. Foster, their correspondent at Gottingen, Prussia. Our readers will be interested in the question of religious liberty in Austria, as this country is so near our European Mission, and will probably soon be included in its operations. “The readers of the Advance have no doubt watched with great interest the struggle for religious liberty now going on in Austria. American Christians are familiar with the name of Stupitz, a little village in Bohemia, where religious bigotry and persecution have gone so far as to forbid even a prayer over the dead body of a child, because that prayer was not to be offered by a Catholic priest. Dr. Joseph P. Thompson’s last work on earth was to memorialize the Basle Conference of the Evangelical Alliance in behalf of these obscure Christians; and we now hear with delight that so much success has attended the efforts of the Alliance that an order has been issued to permit household worship by any family with specially invited guests, except that children bound by law to attendance upon the schools, who belong to any recognized church or confession, must be excluded. “But are American Christians fully aware of the real question at issue in these matters? The American Board is specially concerned here, because it is the work of her missionaries which has brought the question before the Christian public. But the question is by no means simply whether this Society shall work in Austria, but a far more important one, whether any religious labor calculated to bring men to Christ as their Saviour shall be allowed in that empire. “There lies before the writer evidence that within a short time efforts have been made (and hitherto successfully) to stop every kind of truly evangelical labor in Austria. Not to mention the checks put upon our missionaries, upon Mr. Schauffer in Brunn and Mr. Adams in Prague, the following suggestive cases may be cited: In Vienna, Mr. Edward Millard, after having held Biblical lectures, with the foreknowledge of the authorities, and the co-operation of conspicuous members of both the Protestant churches in Austria, for nine years, was in March last forbidden to continue them. The same month, the Baptists, who have been represented in Vienna since 1845, were forbidden to hold further meetings, and their subsequent assemblies dispersed by the police. The Swedenborgians, who have been legally recognized for ten years, were likewise forbidden to meet, and have only secured, after an expensive law-suit, the mere right of meeting, but cannot celebrate the sacraments. Rev. Mr. Pirie, at Prague, Scotch missionary to the Jews, can hold no service in the language of the country. Rev. Mr. Balzar, of the Free Reformed Bohemian Church, can hold no service whatever. “It has been evidently, then, the determination of the authorities, previous to this appeal from the Evangelical Alliance, that outside the two recognized churches, Catholic and Protestant (the latter in two divisions, Lutheran and reformed), no preaching of the gospel should be allowed. The issue, as presented simply in this form, is one that must stir every American heart. If any amount of labor and money on the part of our missionaries and churches can break up this iron despotism, seeing we have once embarked in the work we must carry it through. But the Christian heart is still more touched and moved to pity and to action, when it is fully realized that Austria is not only thus shut out from religious freedom, but from the knowledge of the truth. In Austria, Roman Catholicism is synonymous with superstition and ignorance, and Protestantism with unbelief and spiritual death. Mr. Schauffer was originally prevented from continuing his labors in Brunn by one branch of the Protestant church, and Mr. Adams in Prague by another. As already reported in America by telegraph, this Protestant church, in the face of the cruelties at Stupitz and in Prague, memorialized the Emperor against the Evangelical Alliance, saying that they had no desire for more religious liberty; they had enough! It is evident that as little is to be hoped for the gospel in Austria from this dead Protestant church as from the Romanists. The poor Stupitz villagers might die Romanists, and die in their sins, but the Protestant church would not try to save them. And when some one else did try to lead them to Christ, this church, instead of rejoicing, began to fear lest its own numbers should be diminished by similar accessions, and memorialized the Emperor against giving the Stupitz Christians the protection that was their due by law! “The Bible has already met with much the reception in Bohemia that it did in the days of Huss. Considering the restrictions placed upon our missionaries, great results have already been reached. Patience and faith in God are all that is necessary to a triumphant issue of our labors. Let now the churches understand fully what the question in Austria is, and let them redouble their gifts and their prayers. The land of Huss and of Jerome of Prague shall yet be redeemed to our God!” ONE of the most puzzling religious questions in Chicago is, whether there was dancing or not in the Ada Street M. E. church. It appears that the cantata of “Esther” was performed by members of the congregation. Afterward, an influential brother published a card, in which he said: “Vastly ennobling and sublime was the scene! The youthful members and probationers (among whom was the church class-leader), dressed in gaudy theatrical costumes, performed their respective parts in dancing. Does not the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal church expressly and positively forbid dancing? For several weeks prior to the opera, the church has been open evenings for the rehearsal of its actor members. Very commendable, indeed, to see church-members engaged in taking their first lessons in dancing in the house of God. Alas! alas! has the time already arrived when the house of God is to be converted into a dancing academy, and the church opened for theatrical performers?” But pastor Adams denies that there was any dancing, though he says: “In a certain part of the oratorio two young ladies, entering from different sides of the platform, approached the king with a gliding motion. I am willing to confess that the motion was not a walk, but I am equally sure that it was not a dance.”—Napoleon Northwest. The recent newspaper war between Germany and Russia having given rise to many speculations concerning the offensive and defensive power of several European States, some particulars respecting various armies, which have been furnished to me on good authority, may be read with interest at this moment. To begin with Germany, the re-organization of that army was fully carried out in 1866, since which time the annual recruiting has produced 1,300,000 men. After making due deductions for dead, sick, etc., the strength of the German army may now be fairly put at 1,250,000 men of the line, and the reserves and the First Landwehr, all of whom are thoroughly drilled and ready to enter the field at any moment. These men are of various ages, from twenty to thirty-two years. Besides these, the German government can call out the Second Landwehr and the Landsturm, which includes all the drilled soldiers from thirty-two to fifty years of age. These would, after making due deductions, number 1,300,000 men. All these 2,550,000 soldiers can be marched in twenty-four hours after being called out, as all the Quartermaster's arrangements are made in time of peace to enable this to be done. From this total must be deducted 200,000 for the fortresses, 150,000 for the coasts and against Denmark, and 100,000 for depots; so that 2,100,000 men are available for real warfare, the last of whom would only require a fortnight at the most to be on the frontiers. The border fortifications on the French side are completely furnished and are fully armed. They are furnished with large stores of provisions, and communicate with the interior of the country by means of good railways. France has, of course, good fortresses also on the German frontier, and these are strengthened by smaller barricading forts, but, in addition to the fact that they will not be completed and in thorough working order before 1881, Germany has the advantage of a convex frontier, which would facilitate concentric attacks, such as are regarded by military authorities as the most successful. The strength of the French army is, on paper, 3,600,000 men; but Sir Garnet Wolseley, as well as other authorities, calculates it as only about 1,800,000, among whom are more than 600,000 undrilled men. Besides this, the status of the territorial army and the Garde Mobile is so doubtful that France is considered to have ready for the beginning of a war not more than 1,000,000 men, of whom 400,000 must be deducted for garrison, etc., leaving 600,000 really available for action. Russia's force, although given on paper at 1,800,000 men, cannot, as was explained at the beginning of the recent dispute, exceed 400,000 men on the German frontier.—Vienna Correspondence of the London Standard. Mendon and Van Wert, Jan. 12.—Jan. 2 to 5, I was at Mendon. This church has a small membership, and has had very little preaching in the past five years. Still their Sabbath-school, T. and M. work, tithing, and regular meetings, are all kept up. The weather was so bad that we failed to have a business meeting on Sunday; but those that came together were in favor of taking a club of the Signs. The librarian will probably order them. I now think this will be a good place to hold a tent meeting in the spring. Jan. 10-12 was the time of our district quarterly meeting at Van Wert; but on account of high water and mud, but few of the brethren could get there, and the Uniopolis church was the only one represented. The Van Wert church ordered a club of ten Signs. Geneva and Bloomfield.—Dec. 31, I came to Geneva, which is between Cleveland and Ashtabula. Here I found a half-dozen Sabbath-keepers gathered together, with several others who are friendly. I spoke to them in Sister Bane's parlor. All were interested in the message. They took over two hundred Annuals, renewed their subscriptions to REVIEW and Good Health, and donated to the T. and M. and S. B. funds and to other good works. We have no church here, yet it seems as though the way was open to raise up one with a little effort. I shall remember my visit here with pleasure. Jan. 2, came to Bloomfield. Though there is a large church here, yet they are so widely scattered that but few usually meet together. The weather and roads were very bad, hence the attendance was small, only about a dozen. We attended to the usual business of a church quarterly meeting. All spoke, giving encouraging testimonies. Those who made a start when I was here last spring are doing well. Bro. Underwood had formed a temperance club before I came. Though they had already used several hundred Annuals, yet they took over three hundred more. Each member also became responsible for obtaining a given number of subscribers for Good Health, amounting in all to one hundred. Each person will give more or less time to canvassing for our periodicals. The T. and M. reports showed a large improvement over last quarter. Their society is out of debt, with a large stock on hand and money in the treasury. This is the way it ought to be with each church. SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND.
By John Norton Loughborough
A MONTH has passed since my last report, and it has been a month full of interest. If we are not able to report numbers taking their stand with us, we have been made to rejoice by the evidence we have seen that the influence of our work is spreading, and that many, on sea and land, are determined to learn the truth. The steward of the steamer, mentioned in my last report as having bought six one-dollar volumes, spent one evening with us at Ravenswood, and was deeply interested in a parlor lecture I gave for his benefit, on the subject of the sanctuary. He has got so far in his investigations that he does his Saturday’s work on the boat on Sundays. The captain has also read on the truth, and says the steward is right in his course. They are anxious to assist us all they can to spread the truth in the different ports of Great Britain where they make their semi-monthly visits. They have also donated for the support of the work. There are difficulties connected with the work of introducing the truth in a kingdom like this which those laboring in free America do not have to meet. I have purposely refrained from speaking of these in my reports, lest any should think us complaining of our field of labor. Far be that from us. We have evidence that God has called us to this field. If our labor should be like that of the minister who in his dream was set to pounding a rock with a sledge, it is our duty, like him, to pound away. If that is what the Lord bids us do, it is for us to pound. Opening the rock belongs to the Lord. When I read of the trials and privations of those who in the seventh century labored so earnestly on British soil to displace the heathen gods Thor and Woden, and to teach the doctrines of the blessed Jesus; when I read how they, sometimes supperless and almost friendless, lay down in their blankets on the bare earth to awake in the morning and find the falling snow stopping their path; when I see that they yielded not to discouragements or complaints, but said amid it all, “If our way by sea and land is closed, the road to Heaven is still open,” I think: “If, under such circumstances, they did not murmur, why should we complain who meet comparatively slight difficulties in our efforts to plant present truth on the same soil?” We have thousands of brethren and sisters raising their prayers to Heaven in our behalf, and doing all in their power to help and cheer us on in our work. No; we have naught of which to complain; and if we are faithful to our duty, God will water the seed sown, and much fruit will appear by-and-by. I am informed by Bro. Butler of the anxiety of our people to learn the exact situation here, so I will speak of some matters now, and of some others at another time. First, then, let it be understood that society here is divided into classes. Of the relation of these classes, I will quote the words of Mr. Robertson, a minister of the Church of England. He says: “In England we are inconsistent people. A rigid barrier exists between class and class, and it is almost never broken down, except in two instances; wealth and talent break it down. Let a man amass enormous wealth, and he will find at his board the noblest in the land. It matters not that he became rich in some questionable way, that shrewd suspicions are entertained of foul practices and unfair means; no one asks about that. Again, talent of a certain class—that talent which amuses—breaks down the rigid lines of demarcation. The accomplished man or woman, who, though astonishingly profligate, can while away an evening, is tolerated—nay, courted—even in the Christian drawing-room. Now, understand me. I do not say that the breaking down of conventional barriers is undesirable. If goodness did it,—if a man, low in birth, were admired because of his virtues,—oh! it would be well for this land of ours! But where wealth and talent, irrespective of goodness, alone possess the key to unlock our English exclusiveness, there, plainly, the apostolic injunction holds because the reason of it holds: ‘What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?’”—Robertson on 2 Cor. 6. Our readers will at once see the point involved. Those of wealth do not expect to listen to the same man to whom the poor listen. How, then, can we reach them with our preaching? In our hope to find candid, truth-loving persons among those of wealth, we see no way to reach them, except with reading matter. I presume our American vigilant missionary workers will say, “Canvass among them with the papers and books.” But how will you do that, when you find their mansions surrounded with high walls, with great iron gates locked and barred, and no admission unless you have a note of introduction from some of their own class. “Her Royal Majesty’s mail” does find admittance in the post-boxes by their gates. This open avenue we are using, hoping by this means to reach some candid souls, even of the wealthy class. Lords, nobles, and gentry are perhaps outside the class that we may at present hope to reach with our preaching. We have left to us artisans, merchants, tradesmen, and laborers,—no mean class by any means. The real laborers have had but a poor opportunity to educate and inform themselves until within the last few years, since laws have been passed making the attending of some school compulsory, from the ages of six to fourteen. Ignorance, to an alarming extent, prevails among the poor laborers of mature years. In a town not far from this, as good as the average of English towns, out of a population of six thousand adults the census showed that there were but one thousand that could either read or write. Be it remembered that in the matter of schools we are where church and state are united, and with the exception of a few private (select) schools, the schools are directly under the control of the churches. These are what are called “parochial schools.” Thus it will be readily seen, that there is no opportunity for “going into the country and speaking in some district school-house;” for there is no such thing here. There is hardly an opportunity to secure the free use of any place in which to speak the truth. Churches, chapels, and school-rooms are alike closed against it, and in order to secure a place to hold meetings, a good price must be paid for its use. Most public halls rent for from $5.00 to $10.00 per night. Looking at the situation from this standpoint, we feel the force of the expression made a few years ago by Mr. Spurgeon, “If you want the truth to go around the world, you must hire an express train to draw it.” We know that to introduce the truth into this kingdom will require a steady, earnest, and persevering effort; but in the name of the Lord that effort must be made. In his name we scatter the seeds of truth. If the Lord water the seed sown, fruit will some day appear. We trust we appreciate the efforts our brethren and sisters in America are making to assist in the work here by sending clubs of papers. Some in Lemoore, Cal., and in other places, have remailed their papers to us. Individuals and V. M. societies have done a good work with the names they have obtained from England. We would here mention the reception, in our last invoice of books from Battle Creek, of twenty-five nice libraries, a donation from J. D. Morton and wife, of Detroit, Michigan. The books are to be loaned, and thus made to continuously tell the story of truth. Bro. and Sr. Morton have our most sincere thanks for this $75 addition to the stock in our circulating libraries. To-day it is one year since myself and wife first set foot on British soil, in Liverpool. We render praise to God for the tokens of good we have seen in that time. As we enter upon the new year,—the second of our mission here,—we seek Divine guidance, that this year may tell more for the advancement of truth than has the one already past. Winona Co., Jan. 7.—I am now lecturing in the Hiler school-house, about three miles from where I have recently been laboring. I have a full house, and the people listen with marked attention to the word spoken, Eld. Dikeman, evidently not feeling satisfied with the result of the late discussion, preached on the Sabbath question Sunday afternoon. I attended, took notes, and in the evening reviewed him before a large audience. He was quite bitter this time, using ridicule and misrepresentation to make up for his lack of sound Bible argument. He has not hurt our cause, and the united testimony of the candid is, that he has failed to make out a case, either against the Sabbath or in favor of Sunday. Lucas.—At our meeting on the Sabbath, Dec. 27, all the members of the Lucas church were present, besides brethren and sisters from Wilson. The Sabbath-school here is a success. On first-day we had a meeting of the V. M. society. The organization was completed, dues were paid, canvassers were appointed, and all felt pleased that arrangements had been made so that they could work intelligently for the salvation of their fellow-men. Although it was not yet due, they paid $27.00 on their s. B. The business of the special meeting for the 21st was attended to, and ten copies of the Signs were taken. The next day Bro. R. Foster and myself visited the Wiston church. This church had had some trouble. We visited every family, and had a season of prayer. On the last day of the year, all the brethren and sisters met to transact the business of the special meeting and organize a V. M. society. We had a season of prayer, and the remainder of the day was spent in doing business for the Lord. The enemy was repulsed; and if the brethren and sisters carry out their resolutions, the year 1880 will be a happier one for them than was 1879.61 On New Year's day, we attended a surprise dinner and prayer-meeting which two sisters had arranged for their brother, who was trying to overcome the tobacco habit. The afternoon was spent in prayer and praise. The dear brother felt that he had gained a victory. Two of his brothers-in-law, who had made no profession, promised never to use the filthy weed again, and one of them, for the first time in his life, prayed and gave his testimony for the Lord. We all felt that the Lord had come very near to us during the last week of the year, and as we consecrated ourselves anew to his service on the first day of the new year, we felt that it was “sweet to work for Jesus.” During the seven days, we held eight meetings, in all of which prayer, praise, and confession took a prominent part. JOHN McMILLAN. Stevens Point, Jan. 14.—In November, 1879, I visited the Attica church, in Green county, Wis. This church was organized in connection with the tent-meetings held there during the past summer. The interest and attendance were good. I spent considerable time in visiting families between Albany and Monticello. A number were prevailed upon to take a stand for the truth and unite with the church. They now have a membership of twenty, also an interesting Sabbath-school. We held a quarterly meeting, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was a refreshing season. The labors at this place closed with a temperance meeting, which was well attended. Fifteen signed the pledge. About the middle of December, I went to Stevens Point to commence labor in the ministerial division that has been placed under my charge. Dec. 27, 28, I held a quarterly meeting with the church at Stevens Point. The attendance was small, but, by the blessing of the Lord, we enjoyed a good season. This church is laboring under some discouragements. Jan. 3, 4, I held a quarterly meeting with the church at Grand Rapids. They have a membership of fourteen. The Sabbath-school is well conducted, and very interesting. The weather was unfavorable, yet the meetings were well attended. Some who had not seen their way clear to unite with the church did so on this occasion. A tract society meeting was held, in which much interest was manifested. Jan. 10, 11, I held a quarterly meeting with the Plainfield church. Our meetings were especially blessed of the Lord. A number expressed a wish to become members of the church. We had a good T. and M. session. The meetings here closed on Monday evening with a temperance lecture. The house was crowded. A temperance club of thirty-four members was organized; thirty of these signed the teetotal pledge, and twenty became full members by paying the initiation fee. A leader and clerk were elected. In visiting these three churches we sold $16 worth of Sister White's bound books, obtained forty-nine signers to the temperance pledge, received pledges for the general fund to the amount of $42, also $3.75 for the English Mission, sold thirty-three copies of Testimony for the Church No. 29, obtained nine subscribers for the Review, twenty-one for Good Health, seven for the Instructor, twelve for the Signs, and two for the German paper. Bro. J. J. Smith, director of Dist. No. 7, accompanied me in visiting these churches, and rendered much assistance. N. M. JORDON. Martinsville, Jan. 11.—Eld. D. Morrison and myself held meetings here four weeks, in the Disciple house, which was rented for the occasion. Eld. R. F. Andrews came to assist us. The attendance was good the most of the time. Five are keeping the Sabbath, one has joined the church, and three the Sabbath-school. The church here is in a prosperous condition; harmony prevails. We hold meetings in Potter’s Hall next. MICHIGAN
By W. H. LITTLEJOHN
Ransom Center, Jefferson, Hillsdale, and Quincy. —Between January 1 and 15, I visited the above named churches. Most of my time was spent with the first two. Both of these have in years past been subjected to very severe trials; but we think there are evident tokens that God, through his providence, has been steadily working for their deliverance. While with them, we organized in each a health and temperance club, and were much encouraged by the disposition manifested to enter heartily into the temperance work. I spoke also on the temperance question on my return trip, in both Hillsdale and Quincy. In the former place enough signers were obtained for a club; but I did not have time to complete the organization of the same. In the latter place I found a club already in existence, and endeavored to encourage them to prosecute the work with vigor. SEEKING THE LOST,
By Melissa F. Gould
BY MRS. MELISSA F. GOULD. Give me a deeper love to show
To all thy creatures here below,
And may my hand keep back no part
Which I might do to win one heart. Some dear one from the path of sin,
Oh! may it be my lot to win
Back to the tender Shepherd’s care,—
Back to the fold, thy pastures fair. Oh! let no selfish thought or care
Persuade me not for them to bear
Fatigue or hunger, thirst or cold,
To win the young or bless the old. Oh that in Heaven I some may meet
Who’ll say, “’T was you who turned our feet
From straying, to that narrow road
That led us to this blest abode.” Seatonville, Jefferson Co., Jan. 5.—I have been in this place about three weeks. Twelve came out on the Sabbath, but the opposition has been so bitter that four have given up. We still hope for others. The weather has been very unfavorable, but we have lost no time. S. OSBORN. A LOCAL paper in Battle Creek having undertaken to raise a sensation by publishing garbled extracts from this work, we addressed the following note to the Battle Creek Journal, the leading city paper, which appeared in its issue of Jan. 14, 1880:— To the Editor of the Battle Creek Journal: Will you allow us space in your journal to say to the public that if they believe what a morning daily is publishing concerning the writings of Mrs. White, they are most grievously imposed upon. It asserts that these writings have never before been “presented to the world.” But some, at least, of the citizens of Battle Creek know that since our location here in 1855, these works have been advertised for sale in the publication column of our paper, openly upon the book-shelves of our office, and in all the catalogues we have sent abroad. They have always been free to the public, and many not of our faith have purchased and read them. And those who will look at the record of the proceedings of our late Conference, will see that steps were taken to give them still greater publicity, as we are persuaded that they inculcate the highest morality, both public and private, the scrupulous practice of which would be vastly to the advantage of both the church and the world. We notice that the publishers of the paper above referred to put in whole paragraphs of their own, and place them in quotation marks as if from the writings of Mrs. White. And again, paragraphs are run together with no indication of any omission, which in the book are on different subjects and fourteen pages apart. The reader can judge for himself how fair a representation of the contents of the book he can get by having it presented in such connection. This is following hard after those who go one step lower and burlesque the Bible by quoting, “And Judas went and hanged himself. Go thou and do likewise.” If any have an interest to read the book as it is, which is thus garbled before the public, it can be had at the REVIEW AND HERALD Office and at F. E. Peaslee’s bookstore. And if any paper, with a fair and candid motive to present the real truth, desires to publish any of the writings of Mrs. White whatsoever, we shall be happy to furnish them. EDITOR OF REVIEW AND HERALD. The following paragraph relative to the same matter, we copy from the Lansing Republican, of Jan. 17:— “Mrs. Ellen G. White, of Battle Creek, well known in Lansing as an able and interesting speaker of the Advent persuasion, is receiving a large amount of criticism on her recent vision, marking out the track in which her people should travel. In the Battle Creek Journal of Jan. 14 Henry Willis comes to her defense, and among other things says: ‘I would that all other religious beliefs in Battle Creek were as true to morality as Mrs. White and her adherents. Then we would have no infamous dens of vice, no grog-shops, no tobacco stores, no gambling hells, no air polluted with the fumes of rum, and that fell destroyer of man, tobacco.’” * Some of the Chicago and Detroit dailies have also taken the matter up as “correspondence from Battle Creek,” publishing the most false and unjust statements and insinuations against Sister W. and her writings, especially in representing that these writings are not within the reach of any who may wish to read them. But it is all working well; for it is creating a public interest and demand for her writings, which we have wished to see, and shall now be happy to supply. And so we look for the Lord’s declaration by the psalmist to be a little more than fulfilled in this case, as not only “the wrath of man,” but his meekness also, will be “caused to praise him.” A WORD TO ALL.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
Having spoken of canvassing and the work of colporters, we wish now to speak a word to our V. M. societies. No part of the missionary work is of greater importance than visiting families and praying with them, and in many instances the sisters can accomplish more in this direction than the brethren. When V. M. societies were first organized, this was an important branch of the work performed. At each meeting of the society, it was decided who should be visited by the members before the next meeting, when a report was given, and further steps taken if necessary. Frequently different members would visit the same families, and thus this work was continued some time. This kind of labor will add very much to the interest of any missionary society, and there are hundreds of villages which might in this manner be canvassed by our sisters this winter. In fact, no individual or church can engage in a work like this without its giving them a burden for souls, and interesting them in the work of God. HOW SHALL FAMILIES BE APPROACHED?
This question is frequently asked by those who are urged to engage in this work. Not having been accustomed to present the subject of religion to their neighbors, and feeling sure that any advance of this kind will be repulsed, they are anxious to know how to approach them. Upon this point we wish to offer a few thoughts. 1. Great care should be taken not to have it appear that you call on any one for the purpose of introducing to them some doctrine which would be repulsive to them. 2. Make the call appropriate to the occasion and circumstances. In some cases it would be well to take some kind of work, as sewing or knitting. 3. As soon as convenient, give the conversation a religious turn, and introduce such particular points as will be most agreeable. It may be Christ, his character, his death or resurrection. If so, his sufferings, dying with the Father's smiles hid from him, his appearance to Mary before he had ascended to his Father, his subsequent appearance to the disciples, and many other incidents in his life, can be mentioned; and in connection with them, interesting and instructive ideas can be presented, which, though rich in thought, are but little considered by the mass of professed Christians at the present time. 4. To obtain these ideas, carefully read the Bible record of the sufferings and death of Christ, in connection with the Spirit of Prophecy; and take the same course with reference to other points of interest. 5. Take with you the REVIEW, Signs of the Times, Good Health, and where there are children, the Youth's Instructor, with those articles marked which you especially wish them to read. 6. After conversing upon religious subjects, have a season of prayer. Do not be afraid to recommend Christ and the consolations of his grace without presenting doctrinal subjects which would be objectionable to those whom you are visiting. As you leave, call attention to some article in the paper or the tract which you have with you, one that you think they would like to read, but not the one you have marked, especially if that one treats on some doctrinal subject on which you have not conversed. Marking an article will secure the reading of it, even if nothing is said about it. The more familiar you become with the life of Christ, and the more carefully you imitate the example he has set, the more easily you can converse upon these subjects, and interest others in them. In a short time you will be surprised to find that some are sufficiently interested to subscribe for one or more of our periodicals, and that others wish to read the Spirit of Prophecy and our other publications. Such labor as this, when properly conducted, will yield nothing but good fruit; but first of all, seek divine aid in the closet.