At the time of my last report, Nov. 20, we were holding a tent meeting in San Francisco. This meeting continued until Nov. 25, when the evenings became so cool that our stoves failed to warm the air sufficient for comfort, and, although it was still fair overhead, we concluded to take down our tent. The meeting continued even longer than we anticipated at the time we erected the tent, Nov. 7. In no State have Seventh-day Adventists been able before to hold a tent meeting until November 25.
We held, in all, twenty-five meetings in the tent. Good interest was manifest. Several have already taken their stand to obey the truth since that meeting, and still others are investigating. The close, practical preaching of Bro. and sister White has left a very favorable impression on the minds of those who heard. The church has been greatly helped by the labors of the last few weeks. When the tent meetings commenced, they were in great trial, growing out of the course of unconsecrated ones. It became necessary to free the church from some of these dead members, and to arouse unconsecrated ones. The Lord blesses the effort of his people to rise.
It is no loss to a church to cut off members, if, after patient, faithful, and calm dealing with them, they manifest no disposition to reform, but rather than humble themselves, seek to justify self and wander farther and farther from the light. To retain such members is to shut out, many times, others who would come in and do honor to the cause of truth. So it is here. A church can afford to exchange five dead members who are past help, for one humble soul who is determined to live near to God; and it makes a good exchange every time. Still we are admonished to seek the lost sheep, to do all we can to help the erring, to “Let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5: 20. Amputation in the human body is the last resort. If, after the most tender, patient care, and careful nursing, it is found that the hand, or foot, is about to mortify, and so is liable to poison the blood and injure the health and life of the whole body, the diseased part is cut off. So in the church; while there is the least hope that patient labor may save erring souls, retain the hold upon them; not with false sympathy, leading them to think that the rebukes of truth made against their sins is personal abuse to them; not by covering up and fellowshipping their sins; but, with faithfulness and love setting their sins before them. “Thou shalt not suffer sin upon thy brother, but thou shalt in anywise rebuke him.” “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he REPENT forgive him.” While with one class there is danger of harsh and unmerciful dealing, we find in some others a disposition to resist faithful labor put forth to reclaim the erring, by forgiving them all their sins before they repent of them, and charging a lack of Christian spirit upon those who reprove sins, thus injuring the erring, and making the labor exceedingly hard for those who would faithfully do their duty, and not “daub” the sinner over “with untempered mortar.” Such has been the case with some here, and such has made the labor exceedingly hard for Bro. and sister White as they have tried to deal faithfully, yet patiently. But the clouds begin to clear away. The church here, as a body, stand by the labor bestowed upon them. They report that their meetings last Sabbath and first-day, when they were by themselves, were the best they have had in a long time.
I mentioned in my last some items of interest that came under our observation during our meetings, and I will now mention a few more. A lady came up to converse with us at the close of one evening meeting, who attended a number of our meetings, and was much interested. She said her mother embraced the Sabbath at Belleville, Ohio, under the labors of Elders Lawrence and Van Horn. May her visit East, as she expects soon to go, result in her carrying out her convictions and taking her stand with her mother to obey the truth.
One day, Bro. Diggins met a friend of his near the tent, a member of the Congregational church. When he learned that Bro. Diggins was interested in the tent-meeting, he made some inquiries about the doctrines. On learning that we preached and obeyed the ten commandments, he said to Bro. D., “We have nothing to do with that law. All we have to do is to come to Christ; we have nothing to do with God in this dispensation.” Quite a difference between this modern church member and Paul, who said to the elders of the Ephesus church, “I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20: 20, 21. Quite a difference, it seems to me, in the two testimonies.
On another occasion, a Catholic lady was inquiring of Bro. D. concerning his faith, and this led to a conversation respecting the obedience of the fourth commandment. After she had listened awhile, she said of his arguments: “That looks very clear, and I presume it is true; but I wish you would talk with Father — about it. I presume he will see it. He tells us what to believe. We do not know what to believe till he tells us. He is responsible for what we believe. We are not responsible.”
While holding this meeting, we learned that Eld. Vogel’s attempt in the REVIEW to disprove the Sabbath instituted at creation, had convinced one of the elders of one of their churches in this State that it was his duty to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and he is now keeping it.
One item, and not least, because mentioned last, by any means, is parting with Bro. Kellogg. He has tried to labor faithfully in bearing burdens here on this coast, in connection with the cause, especially for the last eighteen months. He leaves many friends in California whose sympathies and prayers will follow him to his new field of usefulness. I feel a loss in his departure; for he has been willing to bear burdens whenever he saw them, and has been a true helper to me here in the work of the Lord. But as the Lord has drawn his mind to other labor, he will raise up friends to help here.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
San Francisco, Cal., Dec. 11, 1875.
Labor Report from Michigan Churches and Dedication
By I. D. Van Horn
Michigan.
Since our good camp-meeting at Battle Creek, I have enjoyed much of the blessing of God, while laboring to advance his cause. My field of labor has been the counties of Genesee and Tuscola.
In Flushing, Genesee Co., the work is still moving on in the right direction. The brethren and sisters are overcoming their wrong habits, and are taking their stand nobly on the firm principles of the present truth. We have enjoyed some excellent meetings with them.
While laboring to bring them up to the point of organization, I received news, Oct. 26, of my wife's sickness, which called me home. I remained with her eleven days, and, although she was still quite feeble, I left her in the care of others, to fill my appointment at Vassar, Tuscola County.
The church at Vassar have been doing a noble work in putting up a neat and commodious house of worship. The building is 30x47 with 18ft. posts. It is well finished in every part, and will comfortably seat about 300 persons, by using the gallery. The whole cost of the house and lot on which it stands will not exceed $1800.00. Something near $200 remain yet to be raised to finish paying for it, but provisions have been made for it all to be paid within a year. The church have been united in the work, and no trouble exists on account of building, as is often the case.
The dedication services were held on Sunday, Nov. 10. The house was filled to its utmost capacity. The Lord gave freedom in the sermon, and also gave his rich blessing as evidence that he accepted the offering of his people. We continued the meetings for about three weeks, which resulted in encouraging the church, allaying some prejudice, and three or four who had once kept the Sabbath and had given it up, started again to go with us. Systematic Benevolence was re-arranged for 1873 to the amount of over $130, one hundred of which they pledged to the Conference.
While in the county, I spent four days with the church at Watrousville. I found them in much trouble, but by earnest labor and faithful dealing, reproving and encouraging, the difficulties were happily adjusted, and union and Christian love existed once more in their midst. The tongue, that “little member,” yet a “world of iniquity,” must be held in with bit and bridle, and tamed and subdued by the grace of God. When this is done, then the greater cause for strife and contention will have been removed.
Dec. 6, I returned again to Flushing. I remained with them over two Sabbaths and first-days, and held meetings in different places. We have evidence that some good was accomplished. The result of the work in this place and vicinity may be summed up as follows: We have organized a church, except electing and ordaining an elder, of thirty-five members. Six have been baptized, and S. B. has been organized to the amount of $146.12. There are twenty or more who have not yet come into the organization that are keeping the Sabbath. The most of these will soon unite with the church.
There are several openings in school-houses to present the truth, and the people are urging us to come. If the Lord will, we shall still try to carry on the work in that field.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 17, 1872.
R. J. LAWRENCE
By R. J. Lawrence
Kansas.
My last report was from Marysville, Nov. 3. From that place I came to Parallel, Riley Co. Found several brethren from Iowa, just commencing here anew—Brn. Curl, Sheats, Miles, and others. I commenced meetings the 8th, and continued until the 24th, giving twenty-four discourses. Organized a church of thirteen members, two of whom were from the Baptist church, and commenced for the first time to keep all of the commandments of God. Bro. Miles was elected elder, Bro. Curl, deacon, and Bro. Hoover, clerk. Organized Systematic Benevolence amounting to $90.00. These brethren were holding Sabbath meetings, but some of them were indulging in the use of tea, coffee, and tobacco. We bore our testimony, and they promised to give them up. Oh! when will the church be rid of these abominations? They seemed much refreshed, and took new courage, determined to overcome.
The 25th, Bro. Hoover brought me fifty miles, to Concordia, where I expected to meet some one from Bull City to take me to that place; but the brethren there receive but one mail a week, hence did not get my letter in time to meet me. Not finding them, I secured a chance for my baggage on board of a loaded wagon, took my staff, and walked much of the way for eighty-five miles, arriving at Bro. Corbs’, one mile west of Bull City, the 29th, at 3 p. m. Was surprised to find Bro. Elder and family here from the Big Springs’ church.
Sabbath, the 30th, went six miles to the Little Medicine, and spoke to twenty-five persons gathered in the log house of Bro. Jaycox, M. D., formerly of Ohio. Here I met with Bro. Norman Dixon and wife, and mother. I expect to remain here as long as duty may demand. There are about thirty here, scattered over a territory of some twenty miles. Brethren, pray for the scattered ones.
R. J. LAWRENCE
Dec. 1, 1872.
Vermont Church Visits, Meetings, and Labors in Addison County
By A. S. Hutchins
Vermont.
SINCE my last report, have spent two weeks in Addison County, visiting the lonely ones and following up the interest awakened by labors with the tent. Our meetings in the different towns were quite encouraging. Many testimonies were given by brethren and sisters, indicating the power of divine truth to elevate the affections, sanctify the heart, and lead to a life of self-denial and godliness, if cheerfully obeyed.
Spent two Sabbaths at West Bolton. Had been with the church in this section most of the time for over one year, and it would have been my preference to remain at present, had not duty seemed to decide otherwise. May God bless this dear people with a firm and steady purpose to follow him fully, to faithfully discharge every duty in his service, secret, social, and public. “Ye are the light of the world.” “Walk as children of the light,” and soon hear from the lips of the Master, “Well done.”
Oct. 9, preached the funeral sermon of sister Eliza Fellows, of North Wolcott, who died very suddenly from paralysis, aged about fifty-eight years. She was among the first who embraced the Bible Sabbath in Vermont. An earlier notice of her death failed to reach the REVIEW, or was mislaid.
Have spent five Sabbaths and first-days with Bro. Bourdeau at East Charleston, helping him in his worn condition in presenting the truth and visiting from house to house. A good work has been done here. Souls not accustomed to love God or his statutes, nor to tremble at his word, have learned to revere his name, to seek him by confessing and forsaking sin, and to honor him by obedience to his commandments.
Spoke one Sabbath to the church in Bordoville, and the evening after the following first-day, spoke for the special benefit of the young. It was believed these meetings left a favorable impression upon the minds of old and young, brethren and friends.
God is very gracious to his people. But I am solemnly impressed that, if we retain his divine favor, we must closely watch our spiritual and eternal interests, give greater attention to, and more thoroughly reduce to practice, the principles of health reform, and feel a growing love for the prosperity of the cause of God at large. If we cannot serve God and mammon, how can we serve him and be slaves to a perverted and unsanctified appetite? Self-denial lies at the very foundation of the Christian religion. “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Gal. 5: 24.
Dec. 11, 1872. A. S. HUTCHINS.
How I Found the Truth.
By Mary L. Williams
NEARLY twelve months ago, at my Kansas home, I received a few tracts from a relative of mine who had just embraced the truth. I was somewhat prejudiced, and being a member of the Christian church, I thought we had the light on the teachings of the Bible; therefore the little tracts were scarcely noticed. Having been for many years a reader of the works of the reformed church, and finding them to differ on many points of Scripture, I had resolved to read my Bible only, and not the opinions of men.
I came back, two months since, to my native State (Kentucky), and while stopping at my relatives, religion was brought up, and I told them positively that I would not read Biblical views. They asked me to listen to the piece in the REVIEW, “Why Are you not Saved?” After hearing it read I could but pronounce it a good sermon. From that, I became interested, and found their views to harmonize with God’s word. I was not convinced, however, till I had a conversation15with two Disciple ministers. I was told by one of them that there was a distinction between the two laws, and also that the ten commandments were binding, and that the Catholics had changed the Sabbath. I inquired of him why he did not observe the fourth commandment. His reply was, that we had apostolic example for breaking bread on the first day.
I then asked one of our most learned ministers, the one who buried me with Christ in baptism. His opinion was that the two laws were abolished at the cross, and that it did not make any difference what day we kept if we kept it to the Lord. Not receiving sufficient satisfaction, I resolved, with a prayerful heart to investigate the Sabbath. I found no evidence for the first day, but I still delayed making a start, as my husband was in Kansas, and I was fearful of incurring his displeasure. But as Christ has said we should forsake all for him, I concluded last Sabbath to take up my cross with the “weak ones,” as they are termed here by the nominal church, and by a firm decision and mighty effort to rise above the clouds of doubt and fear to the serene heights of faith and peace in God.
What is this world with its vanities and pleasures compared with that heavenly city with all its bliss and blessedness? Who does not long to see the King in his beauty, seated on his glorious throne; and have his careworn brow decked with a jeweled crown? I greatly desire to live a humble life, so that I may at last meet with the ransomed throng around the great white throne.
MARY L. WILLIAMS.
Hardin Co., Ky., Dec. 11, 1872.
NOTHING BUT LEAVES.
How, how shall we meet Him
At the last, great day?
When the shining and the shading
Have forever passed away?
When the Master stands waiting
For clusters and sheaves,
Then, friends, dare we meet him
With nothing but leaves?
Rich fields lie around us
Of bright, golden grain,
The vine’s heavy clusters
Grow purple in vain.
Dare we linger here still,
Knowing well whom it grieves,
And then meet the Master
With nothing but leaves?
Leaves, nothing but leaves,
That we’ve culled o’er and o’er,
Pleasures born but to die,
Bliss to be ours no more,
Dreams that fade with the light,
Hope that lures and deceives,
Lose we Heaven for these, friends,
For nothing but leaves?
Why stand we here idle?
Swift passeth the light,
And steadily o’er us
Is coming the night.
Then work while the day lasts
And gather the sheaves,
So we meet not the Master,
With nothing but leaves.
The Danish Mission.
By John F. Hanson
I WILL, in a few words, state in this report what the Lord has been doing for me and a few of the Danish settlers here. I do not do this merely to have my name appear in the REVIEW AND HERALD; but I have thought it might do my brethren good, and especially those in our own State, to learn that the good cause is prospering among the Danish people.
I left home for this place the first of October, and arrived here the next day. From that time until now, have tried to do all that I have been able to do according to my ability, to tell the people about the Bible truth. The opposition has been very great, from the first to the last; but the Lord has greatly blessed my feeble efforts, and kindly turned the hearts of some of the people so that they have become interested in the present truth.
When I came here, ten weeks ago, there was not one that kept the Lord’s Sabbath. Now there are about thirty professing to keep all of God’s commandments, and they are trying to prepare themselves for the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Lord has worked mightily among us. Sinners have been converted, and made their first start for the kingdom. Those who have never professed any religion, and who were before blasphemers and drunkards, have now become praying people. Also, eleven of those who before were our dear brethren and sisters in the Baptist church, from whom I parted seven years ago, are now, by the blessed Bible truth, again our nearest and dearest friends, although three of them have not yet united with our church. Oh! may God bless this dear people and care for them, is my prayer.
In this place, I have baptized eleven, and there are still others that wish baptism, but have given it up till spring on account of feebleness of body and cold weather. Have organized a church of nineteen members; S. B., $21.00 per quarter. Have obtained sixteen subscribers for Advent Tidende, three for the REVIEW, and one for the Reformer. Sold about $24.50 worth of our Danish publications.
I believe this to be the work of the Lord, and shall try to do what I can in the future, that his cause may prosper. But as urgent calls have come for me to go and labor in other places, I feel free to leave this people for the present. May God grant me wisdom and help to move cautiously to the salvation of many souls. Pray for me.
JOHN F. HANSON.
Golden Gate, Brown Co., Minn., Dec. 9, 1872.
Sacred History Verified.
The account given by the prophet Daniel of the fall of Babylon has been said to be incorrect, inasmuch as good authorities asserted that at the time of the city's overthrow there reigned a king called Nabonedus, and not Belshazzar; moreover that he was absent at the time, and was not killed, but kindly treated by his captors. But a cylinder discovered some eight years since clears up this difficulty by proving that Bel-shar-ezer, as he is thereon denominated, was the eldest son of this Nabonedus, and associated with him in the government. Mr. Rawlinson says, “The fact that the Babylonian throne was at this time occupied conjointly by two monarchs is indicated in the sacred narrative by a curious casual touch. Belshazzar, anxious to obtain the interpretation of the miraculous ‘hand-writing upon the wall,’ proclaims that whoever reads it shall be made ‘the third ruler in the kingdom.’ (Dan. 5: 7.) In every other similar case, the reward is the elevation of the individual who does the service to the second place in the kingdom, the place next to the king. The only reason that can be assigned to the variation in this instance is that the first and second places were both filled, and that therefore the highest assignable reward was the third place.”
J. CRANDALL
By J. Crandall
Massachusetts.
I COMMENCED a series of meetings Nov. 14, in the northern part of Conway. The interest to hear seemed gone at first, but snow storms soon made the walking bad for ladies. The people were scattered, the horse disease prevailed, and other things seemed to work against the meetings. Finally, they closed the school-house against me, and feeling that I could do no good by remaining there longer, I closed my labors Dec. 5. Only two decided to obey the Lord. I came here Dec. 6. I have commenced meetings. The opening seems good. There has been a good attendance thus far. Have a convenient, pleasant hall to hold meetings in. Brethren and sisters of New England, do help me with your prayers.
J. CRANDALL
Rouse, Dec. 11, 1872.
Meetings at Waterloo and Mount Hope, Wisconsin
By H. W. Decker; I. Sanborn
Wisconsin
PURSUANT to appointment, we met with the church at Waterloo and had three excellent meetings. The Lord gave much liberty in preaching the word. And some difficulties that had been disturbing the peace of some and injuring the cause, we trust were wholly removed. We hope all will follow the mind of the Spirit of God as it was plainly presented to them in the word of God. We held five meetings at Mount Hope, according to appointment, which were meetings of the deepest interest to the cause in that place. We had also four prayer and social meetings, which were very solemn seasons. A number of subscribers were obtained for the REVIEW and Instructor. Quite a number of brethren and sisters were present from Waterloo, Sand Prairie, and Kickapoo Center, which added much to the interest of the meetings. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking the word, especially on first-day morning, while preaching the dedication sermon from James 1: 14, 15.
We found about twenty-two Sabbath-keepers. We think that by a proper protracted effort there soon, there might be quite an ingathering of souls to the Lord. The horse disease is so common there now that we gave up the idea of continuing the meeting at present, or holding any meetings in the county for three weeks. I see no possibility of being able to go to Waushara County till February. Therefore the dear friends there will be patient a little longer, as I must first hold a protracted meeting at Mount Hope. And while I wait for the horse disease to abate, I will hold a protracted meeting in Monroe. Brethren, pray for us.
H. W. DECKER,
I. SANBORN.
Lonely Believer Pleads for a Company in Michigan
Sr. E. J. Paine writes from Hillsdale Co., Mich: I feel at times very lonely, not having the privilege of meeting often with those of like faith; but my trust is in the living God. I believe he is able to raise up a little company of commandment keepers here in the vicinity of Osseo that will be prepared for the coming of his Son from Heaven. For this I earnestly plead, and I cannot give it up. I believe the Lord has precious jewels here who would embrace the glorious truths of the third angel’s message, if the living preacher was sent to proclaim it to them.
Tract and Missionary Department.
By S. N. Haskell
Tract and Missionary Labor.
The reporting system is the life of the tract society. Some have felt delicate about reporting, referring to Matt. 6 as an excuse; but a careful reading of the context clearly shows that the motive that should actuate the individual is what is here alluded to. Oftentimes, however, this text can be truthfully applied from the fact that the right hand does nothing, and hence the left hand never knows what the right hand doeth.
The true missionary spirit will be found in seeking not her own; but it will labor for the good of others, and an example set before others of good works is in keeping with the Saviour’s words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” The liberality of the Corinthians was reported by the apostle to those of Achaia and Macedonia, and their zeal “provoked very many;” and, in turn, the effect of this report was carried back to Corinth, to stimulate them to pay unpaid pledges which were one year behind. See 2 Cor., 8th and 9th chapters. Had they performed these worthy deeds for the express purpose of reporting, to bring to themselves praise, the life of the act would have been wanting. God would have the motive be his glory, then light can emanate from us.
The reports of the different tract societies are read with especial interest by members of other tract societies, not only to learn what is being accomplished in different parts of the field, but also to learn how the work can be most successfully carried forward; and these reports are made up from individual reports.
There are also many instances of families embracing the truth, that in a few words can be reported, which would be of interest to every individual who loves present truth. Such as the following: One brother, Eld. F. Wheeler, passing through a section where the present truth had never been presented, left with a family two one-half penny tracts. These, without any other reading, save the Bible, without any other influence to help them, save the Spirit of God, led the family to embrace the Sabbath. These tracts were lent, and when these friends were found by a director, on one of his colporteuring tours, quite an interest had been awakened throughout the neighboring community. And now, by the influence of other reading matter, and some devoted individuals (minus preachers), there is a general interest throughout all that section, so that the ministers are aroused to save their flock by preaching against God’s holy Sabbath.
The simple truth, accompanied by God’s Holy Spirit, carries with it an influence and power which are unequaled by force or wealth. Because we do not see immediate fruits, should we conclude the labor is lost? One brother of my acquaintance was convinced of the importance of keeping the Sabbath, but was finally influenced by his mother to defer keeping it until he was twenty-one years of age, and if he was then of the same mind, she assured him that he might keep it without opposition from her. He became of age last summer. True to his convictions, the next Sabbath he kept. He has since been baptized, and thus far has proved himself a worthy member of a Seventh-day Adventist church in New England.
Although in this case the truth was hidden for three years, and the brother was wholly unknown as having any interest in present truth, yet in due time circumstances revealed the fact that it was not in vain the seed was sown. The Judgment will prove the truthfulness of David’s words: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” There is no failure in this crop, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Therefore to the members of the tract societies, we say, Report. If you have done but little, report it. If you see no fruit of your labor, report it. The blanks are furnished for that very purpose. Let your reports show that you have a heart in this work.
S. N. Haskell.
Dr. Johnson on Doing Good Gradually
DR. JOHNSON used to say: “He that waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do any.”
Courtesy in Declining Favors
No MAN can properly be called a gentleman until he has learned courteously to decline doing a favor.—Anon.
The Secret of Prompt Work: Do It Now
DON'T live a single hour of your life without doing exactly what is to be done in it and going straight through it, from beginning to end. Work, play, study, whatever it is—take hold at once and finish it up squarely and cleanly; and then to the next thing, without letting any moments drop out between. It is wonderful to see how many hours these prompt people contrive to make of a day; it is as if they picked up the moments that the dawdlers lost. And if ever you find yourself where you have so many things pressing upon you that you hardly know how to begin, let me tell you a secret: take hold of the very first one that comes to hand, and you will find the rest all fall into file and follow after, like a company of well-drilled soldiers; and though work may be hard to meet when it charges in a squad, it is easily vanquished if you can bring it into line. You may have often seen the anecdote of the man who was asked how he had accomplished so much in his life. “My father taught me,” was the reply, “when I had anything to do, to go and do it.” There is the secret—the magic word now.—Exchange.
Watch: The Duty Assigned to Us
Watch.
This is the duty assigned us. When we have done this, then we may be compared to the good man of the house who put his house in order, and then may we be prepared for the coming of Him who hath said, “Surely I come quickly.”
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Clinton, Kennebec Co., Sept. 18, 1872, Edwin Leslie, only child of J. A. and E. Dickey, aged five months. Words of consolation were spoken to the afflicted parents and friends, by A. Barns, from Jer. 31:17, “They shall come again from the land of the enemy.”
H. J. Crummett.
Died, at his residence in Rockton, Ill., Dec. 10, 1872, Dea. John Logan, in the fifty-second year of his age.
Bro. Logan and his family embraced the message some twelve years ago under the labors of Brn. Loughborough and Sanborn with the tent, at Harrison, Ill. He has shown much love for, and devotion to, the cause, always attending meetings when they were in a reasonable distance. He has been a faithful brother. He leaves good evidence of his acceptance of the Lord. He sleeps in Jesus. “Blessed sleep.” Words of comfort from 1 Thess. 4:18.
T. M. S.
Died, near Aledo, Ill., of typhoid fever, Nov. 27, 1872, Mrs. Nancy A. Fox, in the 68th year of her age.
Sister Fox was the mother of our esteemed brother, A. J. Douglass. She had been an observer of the Lord’s down-trodden Sabbath for nearly two years. We have hope that she will come up in the first resurrection.
We spoke to a large congregation of sympathizing friends and relatives from 1 Cor. 15:22.
R. F. Andrews.
Died, in West Eau Claire, Wis., Nov. 4, of membranous croup, our darling John Henry, youngest son of Wm. and S. J. Miller, aged one year, eleven months, and four days. May we be prepared to meet him when Jesus comes.
Sarah J. Miller.
Died, in Henderson Co., Ill., Feb. 13, 1872, Cyrus B. Hall, aged forty-nine years, and three months.
“He sleeps, but not forever.”
O. A. Hall.
The Review and Herald Literary Society.
By Addie Merriam
[This Society, of the organization and objects of which notice was given in REVIEW, Vol. 37, No. 15, and which, owing to the absence of some upon whom its success largely depended, and lack of time on the part of others, and lack of interest more or less on the part of many, was not long continued in active operation, has been revived, and is beginning to get again into working order. The readers of the REVIEW, we trust, will hear from it occasionally. Among other exercises, we propose to have the queries that are sent in by our correspondents laid before the Society and discussed and answered. We are happy to lay before our readers herewith an essay read at our last meeting, containing many valuable hints, not only for this Society, but for others, should such be formed in other places.—Ed.]
In the month of March, 1871, Bro. White, feeling the need of an organized effort for the improvement of our periodicals, suggested the propriety of forming a society that should have for its object the promotion of the literary interests of the REVIEW and our other periodicals.
Believing this Office to be the place for this work to commence, he called a meeting of the employees, and the result was the organization of a society called, “The REVIEW AND HERALD Literary Society.” It was his design that this should become the parent of other societies, who would labor for the same object, and thus the work, broadening and deepening, should become a school for the education of those who are to act a part in proclaiming the last message of mercy to man.
The object was a laudable one, and the work an important one, embracing as it did so large a field, and the Society should have been a success; but through lack of interest but little was accomplished. The corresponding secretaries wrote to some of our ministers, urging them to write for our periodicals, the members examined a few exchanges, and the executive board procured books for the proper preservation of selections; and here the work ended.
The members thought it rather dull work to look over exchanges, many of them dry and musty, the president was necessarily much of the time from the place, the vice-president became weary of presiding over a company who were listless and inactive only in consulting time-pieces, and who seemed to be more interested in a motion to adjourn than in any other; and the Society ceased to exist only in memory.
It has now been re-organized; and it is to be hoped that it will this time meet with better success. In societies of this kind there is danger, when the novelty wears away, of the members’ losing their interest. We are ever wishing for something new. This age is proverbial for this; and he who panders to the public tastes must get up something new. Why are we so foolish, when Solomon declares, “There is no new thing under the sun”? What is wanted in this Society is Christian men and women who will engage heartily in this work, because it is right, and it is their duty to do so, and not for the mere sake of novelty. Every laborer in this Office should become a member of this Society. Most of them have done so, and we trust they will not forget the pledge they have made to perform to the best of their ability whatever is required of them.
Some may say, I have not time, others plead lack of talent, and others say, I cannot see how the exercises of the Society will benefit our periodicals, or be of service to the cause.
To those who make the excuse, lack of time, I would say, We all could urge this plea with equal propriety, especially our honored president. If he can afford to spend the time, we can, certainly.
If any feel disposed to excuse themselves from becoming members of this Society, or from taking part in the exercises, on account of lack of talent, let me say to them, We are responsible only for the talents given us. But we must use the talent we have. Is it not pride more than anything else that leads us to excuse ourselves? We are afraid of the remarks and criticisms, afraid that we shall fail. Do not put pride before love for Christ. It is our duty to do the best we can, and He who rules over all will accept our honest endeavor in lieu of a successful achievement.
The writing of essays will teach us the best method of expressing our thoughts upon paper. The writing of critiques will make us better critics and proof-readers, and in time we may be able to contribute to the columns of our papers. The questions will make us Bible students, and in answering them, we shall save the editor’s valuable time. The discussions will enable us to meet opponents, when we are challenged to give the reasons of our faith and hope, and all of the exercises, if rightly conducted, and entered into with the right spirit, will benefit us all. Perhaps some of the members of this Society may become teachers and messengers in the glorious work of spreading the truth, and the knowledge and discipline gained here may be of inestimable value to them.
We would also urge the importance of punctuality in attendance. Every member should be present at all meetings of the Society. Let no trivial thing keep you away. Do not seek for excuses, but consider it not only a duty, but a pleasure, to attend every meeting, and fulfill the pledge you have made. You will receive your reward; for right-doing will bring a reward of its own—a conscience void of offense—and you certainly cannot have a clear conscience, if you do not do all you can to make this Society a success.
In conclusion, we would say, We shall hold the members to their pledge. The welfare of the Society depends upon it. Let us do all that we can, and though we may never hear “Well done,” it may be said of us, “They have done what they could.”