p. 94 | Review and Herald, Vol. 53, No. 12. (3/20/1879)

An Appeal to the Ministers of Minnesota.

By H. Grant

We have long felt the necessity of more thorough and systematic labor to bring our churches up to that state of spirituality and general interest in the work that gives a healthy growth, but have not known just how to bring it about. At our Hutchinson meeting steps were taken which we hope will facilitate this matter much. God has wonderfully blessed the missionary effort, so that Sabbath-keepers are very numerous in the State. Companies are being raised up everywhere. Many of these companies are very weak, but are being thoroughly established in the work of present truth. As a portion of the State has now been assigned to each minister, who has under his charge several churches, we wish you to notice certain things which should receive especial attention. It is expected that all the tract society officers and leading brethren will co-operate with you.

1. The Sabbath-school. The Sabbath-school interests should be looked after in every church. It is expected that each family will attend. Every child six years old and upward should be present every Sabbath when it is at all consistent. Each Sabbath-school should have a club of from ten to fifty copies of the Instructor, according to its size; and the lessons contained in it and the monthly Supplement should be used. The question book, “Lessons for Little Ones,” is just adapted to the smallest children. The parents should see that the children have their lessons before coming to the school.

Where they can afford it, maps should be used. The smallest set on cloth consists of a map of Sinai and the journeyings of the children of Israel, price $5.00, and two maps of Palestine, one of the country in Old Testament times, and the other at the time of Christ, at $3.00 each. An occasional ten minutes’ exercise from these maps, especially when the lesson pertains to some Bible country, river, or mountain represented on the maps, will add much to the interest of the school. We hope that in less than one year these maps and the “Song Anchor” will be used in each Sabbath-school in the State. The work should not stop when the machinery is perfect. Remember that the object of the Sabbath-school is not merely to interest youthful minds in Bible truths, but to get their hearts converted to God, and none should feel that their work is done until this is the case, and others, through the influence of the Sabbath-school, are being brought to the knowledge of the truth.

2. Circulating Libraries. The writings of Sister White should be more extensively read by our brethren and sisters. The position she occupies among us is made use of as a weapon to prejudice minds against the truth, and some become disaffected by the falsehoods circulated by designing individuals concerning her and her work. Her writings, therefore, should be extensively read, that their true character may be understood. It is not enough for one or two families to have them, even if they are willing to lend them. The church should own them. Not being private property, individuals will be more free to take them. Each church should own these books as a circulating library, and they should be paid for by donations outside the tract fund.

3. The Tract and Missionary Society. The interests of this work should be looked after in all its phases.

(1) A club of Signs should be taken in each church. A vigilant society should be organized or a committee appointed, so that each week the Signs will be sent to interested readers. Already this plan has proved successful in leading many to embrace the truth.

(2) Each S. D. Adventist should become a member of the tract society. See resolution passed at the meeting held at Hutchinson.

(3) It is very important that every family of our brethren and sisters have the REVIEW, Good Health, and the Instructor. We understand that Eld. Lee was not able to induce a single family to apostatize with him among the Swedes that had been constant readers of these periodicals and the writings of Sister White. Many who knew nothing of this work were thrown into confusion by him; and now, having lost confidence in him, they are at a loss what to believe and where to go. Do not, by any means, neglect this part of the work. If any are too poor to subscribe for the papers, let others of the same church pay for them.

An interest should be aroused in every department of this work,—foreign missions, the College, Dime Tabernacle, Oakland meeting-house, etc. To accomplish this will require much personal labor. Every family should be visited, all its members conversed with upon their spiritual interests, and the interest they are taking in the various departments of the work. It is not necessary that you should spend much time at each house; but come right to the point, talk and pray with the family, then go to another. It is not expected that one man can do all this work, but the proper persons should be encouraged to help. Men of good influence and discreet women can assist in this branch of the work.

When you enter a new field, do not leave your work until systematic benevolence is established, our periodicals are taken, a successful Sabbath-school is in operation, a tract and missionary society is organized, and the church is in good working order. And the principles of health reform should not by any means be neglected. We have made arrangements so that the publications for sale at the Office can be had in our own State, including maps, song books, circulating libraries, Testimony No. 28, and everything needed for our churches and the missionary work. All orders should be addressed to Miss Nettie Grant, Medford, Minn.

H. GRANT, Pres. Minn. Conf.

THE CAUSE IN MINNESOTA.

By S. N. HASKELL

We have spent four Sabbaths in the State of Minnesota, and held meetings at seven different points, occupying in all twelve entire days, besides other meetings in the evening. At these meetings a large proportion of the churches in this Conference were represented. One brother walked twenty-seven miles to attend the meeting at West Union.

The brethren seemed ready to co-operate in the efforts made for the advancement of the cause. Important steps were taken, which, if carried out, will prove a great blessing to the work in Minnesota. Much interest was manifested in placing Sister White's works in each church for a circulating library. Arrangements were made to place them in thirty-seven out of the forty American churches in this Conference, to be paid for by donations independent of other funds.

The tract society was in debt at the offices of publication to the amount of $1,200, yet it had a credit of nearly enough from the various districts to liquidate this debt. Several men, by paying $100 each, made an excellent commencement toward establishing a fifteen-hundred dollar reserve fund, so that business with both offices might be conducted upon a strictly cash basis. Over three hundred copies of the Signs of the Times, for missionary work, were subscribed for in clubs during our stay in the Conference. Each ordained minister was appointed to some district in the State, so that the churches might have more ministerial labor, and the young churches could be more fully instructed in every branch of this cause. The new fields entered would be included in their respective districts.

From Bro. Jasperson we learned more particularly of the state of the cause among the Scandinavians. God is also at work with them; and the writings of Sister White, as they have appeared in the Review and Tidende, have done very much toward establishing them in present truth. The same is true of our American brethren. If this work is of God, we cannot be too thoroughly acquainted with its character, and what is to be accomplished by it. If God favors his people with spiritual gifts, his blessing will attend those who regard them, and heed the instruction given. They should be read by every family of S. D. Adventists, and loaned to any who would be interested to read them.

The Sabbath-school interests were also considered in every place we visited. Steps were taken to procure maps, class records where they did not have any, and Sabbath-school secretary's books. The tithing system is generally adopted throughout the State. We shared a degree of God's blessing in each one of our meetings. The brethren appeared much encouraged, and we hope to see good results.

S. N. HASKELL.

CALLING FOR HELP.

By A. S. Hutchins

It is a matter of gratitude that the Spirit of God seems moving upon the minds of people in different parts of Vermont, awakening a desire to hear the truth. The earnest labors of Bro. Sanborn in the south part of the State last year, called the attention of many to the message we bear; and in addition to those who received the truth, others want to hear.

Within a few days I have received two very urgent letters from Jamaica, calling for ministerial help to enter these opening fields. The wife of one of the merchants in the place is keeping the Sabbath, and distributing reading matter to interest others.

In another town where Bro. Sanborn intended to hold meetings before leaving for Virginia, the people call for preaching, and will furnish a house for use. A brother taught school the past winter near Morrisville, where we held our last two camp-meetings; he reports that the people there want to hear preaching. The camp-meetings held at Morrisville left a most wholesome impression upon the minds of the people. The manner of conducting these meetings, the regulations and order upon the ground, and the preaching, were all different from what the people looked for. The editor of the Morrisville paper said at the close of a very friendly notice of our meeting held last September:—

“As a close to this article, we will express the hope of ourself, and in expressing ours we know we do that of all our people, that we may see the seventh-day folks here again another year. Their earnestness in the work of Christ and his pure religion, and their general demeanor toward all, has won the highest esteem of our community.”

An earnest revivalist has been holding meetings in one of our large villages west of the Green Mountains. Some tracts were put into her hands to read, which she gave a passing notice, and then committed to the flames; and she publicly recommended her hearers to do the same, if they should receive any.

Thus advertised our tracts so much that I am informed the people are inclined to read. Bro. Purdon wants the tent to go there another summer.

Bro. O. W. Stone is in the midst of a good interest in Troy, and writes that he must remain for the present. This is right. But preachers cannot do all the work. I am satisfied we are not doing as much in missionary labor as we should do. Who of us will awake to a sense of our duty? Much can be done in our own neighborhoods, villages, and towns by circulating reading matter, where but little or nothing is done. We cannot read the hearts of men, nor have we fore-knowledge. We know not who may be benefited by reading. It is painful to see copies of the REVIEW, the Signs, the Instructor, or Good Health, when read, laid aside to do no one any good.

Some of these are cut up or torn up only a few weeks after publication. Now, why not, after thoroughly reading them, unless we wish to preserve them, lend or give them to our friends, neighbors, or townsmen to read, or send them away?

Two or three copies of the REVIEW were handed some days since to a man in the village from which I write. He read them with much interest, and then remarked to one of our brethren, “I am fully with you in my feelings and convictions as to the Sabbath.” He expressed a desire to hear preaching, and said he must have the REVIEW to read if he could. May the Lord help us to work with his opening providences, at home and abroad. Glorious tidings salute our ears from the East and from the West, the North and the South. Shall we share in the reward given the laborers?

March 5, 1879. A. S. HUTCHINS.

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.

By Stephen N. Haskell

There has been no time within the past twenty-five years, when it could be more truthfully said than now that “we have reached a very interesting and important period in the history of the third angel’s message.” The cause of present truth, which commenced in poverty and under very discouraging circumstances, has arisen and extended its influence until, like the rays of the sun, it is felt more or less in the different nations of the world.

The object of the coming Conference is to consider what steps should be taken to co-operate with the providence of God as it leads the way before his people. The cause of truth in Denmark and Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt, and England, and in fact all over Europe, requires much prayerful consideration. The new missions in our own country, especially the one among the Russians, which the providence of God has seemed to open up before us of late, is one of no little importance. The wants of our own Conferences, camp-meetings, Sabbath-school interests, general missionary work,—all of which will be considered at the General Conference,—are matters which should command the attention of every individual interested in the progress of the third angel’s message.

The dedication of the Tabernacle will add much interest and importance to this meeting.

The nature of this semi-annual gathering is such that each Conference should be represented either by delegate or letter, and there is no Conference that has more interest in this meeting than the State of Michigan. There should be one hundred of the leading men of this Conference present, besides as many others as can attend. Brethren and sisters everywhere, we want your co-operation, sympathy, and prayers. The cause is one. We have but one common interest, which is a preparation to meet God, and a faithful discharge of our duties to our fellow-men. The breaking out of the truth, like the growth of plants, is only a realization of that faith expressed by the pioneers of this cause years ago. The providence of God is far in advance of us. Remember what the prophecy says respecting the loud cry of this message. Indications of the promised “latter rain” are seen in the miraculous spread of the truth. Probation will soon be past. What is done must be done quickly.

Those Conferences near the State of Michigan, as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa, should be well represented at this meeting by delegates. We want to see the old, tried friends of the cause, and those who have more recently embraced the truth, at this meeting. Commence immediately to make preparations to attend. Come so as to be here Thursday morning, April 17, and remain until Tuesday. Preparations will be made to care for all the friends of the cause who may attend. S. N. HASKELL.

MICHIGAN

Gaines and Otsego, March 9.—I closed my labors at Gaines, Feb. 24. These meetings have been a source of encouragement to the church, and several have expressed a determination to serve the Lord. On the 25th of February I commenced meetings in the Otsego school house, four miles northwest of Otsego, near Bro. Geo. Leighton's. Thus far the interest is good. Last Sabbath a man and his wife who have for some time been reading the Signs, united with us to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. H. M. KENYON.

Lincoln, Isabella Co., March 9.—I closed my labors in Seville after a stay of eight weeks. Those who have taken a stand here are firm. The truth has been quite thoroughly presented, and as the result, twenty have signed the covenant. Last Sabbath we organized a Sabbath-school of thirty-five members. Sabbath meetings and a weekly prayer-meeting will be kept up. The cause is still onward in this county. I have commenced meetings in another district. The prospects are encouraging, if the roads do not become impassable. The friends in this county are firm and united, and are squaring their lives by the word of God; this speaks well for the truth as we enter neighboring districts to labor for the people. L. A. KELLOGG.

Sheridan, March 9.—I am holding services each Sabbath at Sheridan and Stanton, and the remainder of the time I spend at Stanton. In the latter place one has commenced to keep the Sabbath. At Sheridan two have begun to keep the Sabbath, four have been taken under the watchcare of the church on profession of faith, and four who were professors have joined the church. I have obtained three subscribers to our periodicals. My address, for some time, will be Sheridan, Mich. O. SOULE.

Elk Rapids, Antrim Co., March 9.—Since our last report we have held about thirty meetings near Elk Rapids. The under-current of opposition was strong, and most professors of religion staid away. Some, however, were determined to hear the word of God preached, and are now rejoicing in the advancing light of truth. Ten have fully decided to obey the Lord, and others are keeping the Sabbath with them. We have held two Sabbath meetings here, and at the last nearly all expressed a desire to seek God. Most of these give evidence of the work of grace commenced in their hearts. We visited the friends near Spencer Creek, and found them growing in the love of the truth, although they have not held any meetings this winter because of the impassable condition of the roads. Their growth in grace is chiefly due to the fact that they have the circulating library. Every little company should have this valuable help. We gratefully acknowledge the blessing of God upon our feeble efforts, and with renewed courage press out into new fields. Pray for us. J. AND L. M. SISLEY.

OHIO

By G. G. Rupert

Paulding, March 10.—I commenced meetings here Feb. 14. Five have signed the covenant since I came, making twenty in all. Three others are observing the Sabbath, and intend to sign the covenant. All but one are heads of families.

I have made my home with Bro. W. F. Crouse, who is an old Sabbath-keeper, and by his Christian example has gained many friends for the truth. He and Sister Crouse spoke to the people two evenings with good results. Bro. Hussey has been helping me some. Quite a number are interested, and on the point of decision; among the number is a Methodist preacher.

We have organized regular meetings with Bro. Crouse as leader. The average attendance at the Sabbath-school for three weeks has been twenty-eight. I expect to stay here as long as the interest demands, but will meet the brethren at Uniopolis and Dunkirk as soon as possible. Bro. Hussey is holding meetings three miles from here. Some are interested.

G. G. RUPERT.

KANSAS

By J. H. Cook

Fort Scott, March 14.—On the 8th inst. I closed my labors in McPherson county for the present. I organized a church of nine members, to be known as the Empire church. An elder was chosen and ordained, and a secretary and treasurer were elected. The church bought the library of Sister White's writings, and sent for a club of Instructors for their Sabbath-school. A tract society was organized; and they pledged to the treasury of the Lord for the ensuing year the tithe of their increase. Four more are keeping the Sabbath in this vicinity, and four more at McPherson Center, about twelve miles away, who should join the Empire church, and probably will soon.

We have encountered the most bitter opposition, especially from ministers; and yet they dared not make any public opposition only as they resorted to sarcasm and slang. The 9th we held a profitable meeting with the Elivon church. They appear to be gaining strength and knowledge. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon them. J. H. COOK.

NOVA SCOTIA.

By John R. Israel

Freeport, Digby Co., March 1.—We came here last September, but not with the intention of laboring publicly. I accepted an invitation to lead an evening Bible-class, and this stirred up a spirit of opposition on the part of the Baptists. As they had no pastor, they employed a Methodist to preach against the Sabbath. At the close of his meeting, I announced a review. At the appointed time our house was filled with attentive listeners, who decided that we had the truth.

As I had no public place in which to hold meetings, I accepted an invitation to go to another place. The people kindly furnished me a hall, warmed and lighted. I held ten meetings with good interest. There being a Disciple church in the place, their elder felt called upon to oppose us on the law and Sabbath. I attended his meeting, and gave an appointment to review him. Our hall was filled, and the elder was present. I called upon those who believed the law abolished to arise, and not one responded. The elder then left in a rage. As

the result, some have expressed a willingness to obey the truth. The Disciples, being in the majority, have closed the hall against us. I shall visit, and hold meetings in private houses as the way may open. Many are convinced of the truth; but as this is a fishing community, men are slow to obey, fearing that they cannot make a living.

I am greatly encouraged to labor on. We need reading matter for the people, and hope to receive some as soon as navigation opens between here and Boston. We should be glad to have some devoted brother join us in our work. The fare from Boston here is $7.00.

JOHN R. ISRAEL.

ONLY BELIEVE.

By L. C. Nourse

Only believe! let your faith pierce the skies, And grasp with clear vision the throne of “our God.” Tho’ the billows of sin may wildly arise, Trust still in his promise, believe in his word. Have faith in the Saviour, who ruleth the storm, The Father, who constantly sits at the helm; Clasp your hand close in his, see his glorious form; Trust thou in Jesus, the Saviour of men.

Look up thro’ the tears that struggle for birth, Wrung out from a heart that with anguish is riven; Let the sunlight of love, beaming down upon earth, Lift your weak, struggling soul up to Heaven. “Only believe!” there is comfort and peace, Rest for the weary and hope for the faint, Courage and strength if we trust in his grace, Mercy and love awaiting each saint.

The life he has given may be taken again, And friends that we love may be torn from our hearts; We may journey alone o’er the desolate main, And longingly wait for the waters to part; And yet thro’ our tears we look calmly above, And smile thro’ heart-ache and pain that is given, Believe in God’s mercy, and trust in his love, And press thro’ the storm to the sunlight of Heaven.

L. C. Nourse.

CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.

By John G. Matteson

The Lord is ever present with those that fear his name, and his blessings are all the more precious when the enemy is working with all power to destroy. It cheered us very much to get letters of encouragement from Bro. and Sr. White and from other faithful friends. The expressions of sympathy as well as the promises of laborers and means to help in this mission called forth tears of joy. My heart is bound up in this Scandinavian mission, and my highest ambition is that it may prosper. We have already invested too much in it to draw back, and we must make all possible effort, under God, to have it prosper.

We need tracts and papers to scatter, and men and women to scatter them. We need printers who would handle holy things with holy hands. Tracts can be printed very cheap here. Two thousand copies of 32 page tracts can be delivered ready to sell for $17 or $18, when they are first printed in the paper (Tidernes Tegn). If we had a press ourselves, it would cost less.

Our meetings are of great interest. The opposition continues without ceasing. Books and papers are printed, and filled with attacks, accusations, and arguments to overthrow our positions and stop our influence; but the Lord continues to give the people a hearing ear. Sunday evening many had to go away for want of room. The truth is gaining friends, and souls are brought to the light.

Last evening about sixty poor people were invited to get something to eat. We had a choir of singers. The meeting commenced about 5:30 P. M. with singing and prayer. Then all got enough plain food to satisfy their hunger. Afterwards we had singing, prayer, and a sermon. Then each one received half a loaf of bread to take home, and also some tracts and papers to read. All were very thankful. A friend, a laboring man, had furnished the money for this feast. There is much suffering in this city on account of poverty, and no possible chance for work.

We have formed a sewing society of sisters, who will labor to earn means to help meet the payments on our meeting house. Twenty-four joined, and several others will unite with them.

Feb. 18, 1879. JOHN G. MATTESON.

MINNESOTA

By John W. Moore; Edward F. Moore

Irving, March 10.—We have just commenced a series of meetings in this place. The attendance is good. There is now a company of fifteen Sabbath-keepers here. We expect to remain two weeks, and organize a church. They have a Sabbath-school here of fifty members. John W. Moore. Edward F. Moore.

WISCONSIN

By E. E. OLIVE

Weston, Dunn Co., March 7.—I came to this place, Feb. 16. Our congregations have averaged from twenty-five to fifty. We have sold quite a number of books, although times are very hard. As a result of our labors, four are keeping the Sabbath, and many others are convinced of the truth. We close our meetings here to-day. Pray for us. E. E. OLIVE.

Meetings at Hamler

By A. A. Bigelow

Hamler, March 10.—The meetings here have closed. Eleven signed the covenant. There will be an opportunity for baptism about the first of April. The brethren are agitating the subject of erecting a meeting-house. A. A. BIGELOW.

NEW YORK.

By D. T. Fero

Lindley, March 9.—I returned from the T. and M. Institute, Feb. 11. Bro. Lane had been “holding the fort,” and five had been added to the number of Sabbath-keepers. The interest seemed to be declining for a time, but it is now assuming a deeper and more permanent form. Last Sabbath two more expressed their purpose to keep the Sabbath, making ten who have decided since these meetings commenced. We have an interesting Bible-class, and expect to organize a Sabbath school soon. Twenty adults were present last Sabbath. D. T. FERO.

VIRGINIA

By I. SANBORN

Page Co.—On the 2d of March I closed my meetings in Page county, after having spent six weeks in faithfully persuading the people to turn to the Lord. Twenty-eight are now keeping the Sabbath, of whom seventeen have signed the covenant, and others have promised to do so. Eight have signed the tithing pledge. An elder, deacon, and secretary have been chosen, and a Bible-class and Sabbath-school have been organized. Twelve copies of the weekly Instructor are taken, and I obtained one subscriber for the REVIEW. Baptism was deferred until the quarterly meeting, which will begin there with the commencement of the Sabbath, April 11, if the Lord permit.

Next first-day I am to commence meetings four miles west of Mt. Jackson.

I. SANBORN.

ILLINOIS

By Lewis Johnson

Beaverville, Iroquois Co., March 12.—Sunday, Feb. 23, I encountered bitter opposition from a Lutheran minister. Among other things he advised the people not to let me sleep in their houses nor give me food. Some said they would never hear him again.

I came to Kankakee on the 5th of March, and spoke three times in Danish. On the Sabbath I tried, for the first time, to speak in English.

Yesterday I came to a Swedish settlement about six miles east of St. Mary. The most of those I have visited have been very much opposed. I shall hold a meeting to-morrow evening. Pray that good may be accomplished to the glory of God. LEWIS JOHNSON.

DAKOTA

By S. B. Whitney

Finlay, March 11.—We had a crowded house to listen to the review of the Baptist minister's discourse on Tuesday evening, and a good impression seemed to be made. However, the Baptists have since been making a determined effort to keep the people away, and our audiences have been small; but notwithstanding all this, two more families have embraced the Sabbath, and last Sabbath we had one of the most melting and powerful meetings of its size we have ever held. Between fifteen and twenty were present, and all but three or four took part. A Sabbath-school was organized, which we expect to get into working order by next Sabbath.

The Baptists are becoming very bitter in their feelings and course. They have been using the school-house Sunday evenings for a Bible-class, but without any special engagement. Two weeks ago we proposed to their pastor to allow us the use of a part of the evening, but instead of agreeing to that he announced to speak against us that evening. Last week we obtained permission of the school directors to use the house a part of the evening, and proposed to the minister to take the time after eight o'clock; but he again appointed a public service, and by a preconcerted arrangement remained away till very late and another minister had introduced the service. He then came in and stated that, as the directors had given the house to the Adventists, they had arranged to hold their meeting in another place, whereupon the church retired, taking all the lamps there were in the house. Our friends all stood by us, however; a light was soon procured, and we held our meeting without further molestation.

These things are working as they usually do, giving us the sympathy of the candid portion of the community; and the last two meetings have been among the best we have held. To the Lord be all the praise. S. B. WHITNEY.

NEBRASKA

By A. E. Shepherd

Nebraska City, March 10.—For the past six weeks Bro. Boyd has been with us. He has labored over four weeks of the time on Camp Creek, ten miles from the city. Seven united with the church, three by baptism, two subject to baptism, and two by letter. The remainder of the time has been spent with the church in this city. This labor was greatly needed here. The ordinances had not been celebrated for almost two years. Little things had come up to mar the perfect harmony of the body, and those little things had been let alone, or rather had not been let alone, until there was more or less ill feeling existing almost throughout the church. There has been a great work accomplished here. The ordinances were celebrated. Love and unity prevail; and may the dearly-purchased experience of the past answer ever for the future. A. E. SHEPHERD.

PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE.

By B. L. WHITNEY

East Otto, N. Y.—Met with the brethren here March 8 and 9, there being quite a good representation of the church. This is one of the strongest churches, financially, in the new Conference, and we believe that these brethren have, in a good degree, an interest to help forward the work with their means as the providence of God may open the way. More than ninety dollars was pledged for the purchase of tents for the coming season, besides donations for other enterprises. The Spirit of the Lord was present with us in a good degree throughout the meeting. B. L. WHITNEY.

CHAS. B. REYNOLDS

By Chas. B. Reynolds

Chautauqua Co., N. Y.—The church building at Blockville is well-nigh completed. This church is an illustration of what earnest, patient, united endeavor can accomplish. The members are poor; there is not one among them of wealth or any considerable means; yet with but very little help from brethren elsewhere (less thus far than $150) they have, by self-denial and perseverance, built a very neat, pretty, and commodious church. They hold meetings every Monday and Friday evening, and regular Sabbath meetings, school, and Bible-class. Every meeting is well attended, spirited and interesting, and all take active part. This is the secret of their success.

On the 8th and 9th of March I was at Sinclairville I found a large attendance and a deeply interesting Sabbath-school. The interest among the people is still good. Meetings are held in a very comfortable hall, which is now secured to them without further payment of rent. By patient continuance, this company will insure a bright future. Some who were halting in indecision took a firm stand to obey.

The work at Gerry Hill is making good progress. Two, heads of families, men of means and influence, expressed a determination to go with us in the straight and narrow way. We hope, on the completion of the church at Blockville, to complete the organization of this promising little company. May the Lord continue to direct and bless.

At Jamestown many discouragements have thinned the ranks; but a faithful few are holding on, and, we believe, are the nucleus around which there will yet gather a strong company. The work is the Lord’s; in him is our trust.

CHAS. B. REYNOLDS

CALIFORNIA

At Arbuckle, where Bro. J. D. Rice is holding meetings, eleven have signed the covenant.

Bro. W. C. Grainger has just closed meetings at Capay Valley, Yolo Co., with twenty-one names attached to the covenant. He remains to review, if necessary, a U. B. minister who is holding meetings here.

Bro. W. M. Healey is laboring at St. Helena. The rain has hindered some, but considerable interest is manifested.

VERMONT

By C. W. Stone

South Troy, March 13.—I have been holding meetings in this place since Feb. 1. The interest has been very good from the first, and at present fifteen have embraced the Sabbath of the Lord. We have held two Sabbath meetings. At the last about twenty were present, and seventeen bore testimony. It was a good season.

There were four or five persons keeping the Sabbath here before our meetings commenced. It was observed for a number of years by Sister Sisco and her daughter alone. Sister Sisco died about a year and a half ago, leaving six sons and this daughter. She was a faithful Christian. It was her custom to take her sons to her room and pray with them when they came home to see her. And at night, wherever they were, they knew that their mother prayed for them, calling each by name. Since her death, five of these sons have begun a praying life under the labors of first-day Adventist preachers. Now all five of them are rejoicing in the truth of the third angel’s message with their sister, who has waited long, and offered many fervent prayers that this time might come. The most affecting season of prayer we have enjoyed for a long time was with these five brothers and two of their companions, who happened to be together at the house of one of them a few days ago. The last two had just decided to obey. And as we bowed in prayer, and all engaged, confessing their sins and thanking the Lord for the light of truth, the blessing of God was present in great measure.

Opposition has come in the low line of smut and slander. A no-law-advocate, who had been elder of the Adventists here for a long time, is busy peddling scurrilous books, and creating all the prejudice he can in that manner. The Methodist minister received this man’s story, and repeated it to several. I called on him and told him that it was false, and blamed him for circulating so vile a scandal. I asked him to state as publicly that he had been informed that this story was false. He did so. It has gone so far that I shall take an evening to examine the book referred to, and to show the falsity of its statements before the public.

C. W. STONE.

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