p. 143 | Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 18. (5/3/1877)

THE CROWNING SORROW.

A friend recently came to us with the story of a great trial and disappointment.

He is not unacquainted with grief.

Some years ago the crushing weight of a failure in business came upon him, and since then “old debts” with “interest” eating “as doth a canker,” have been burying him deeper and more hopelessly in financial ruin.

Worse than this, years of bitter experience have proven to him the sad truth of all that Solomon has said of “a contentious woman.”

But now comes the crowning sorrow of his life; the very same, alas! that has come to how many others, with its “gall of bitterness.”

He has an only son, his first-born child, in whom, naturally, have centred all a father’s fondest hopes.

Yet in his minority, this son, contrary to his father’s wishes, has married, and into a family of anything but his father’s choice.

However the event may prove, this father’s agony is intense; and all his great expectations for his son are suddenly crushed. With education incomplete, with such social connections, with the mode of life he is compelled now to adopt, he feels that his son must live on a much lower plane, every way, than he had hoped. “Oh! I had so hoped he would make more of himself,” is the bitter cry of this disappointed father.

We were greatly “touched” by his grief, but not having been “tempted” in that “point” we felt we were at best but “a miserable comforter.”

We finally ventured to ask him if he had ever thought that God must often be similarly, but infinitely more, disappointed because his children would not “make more of themselves.” He had never thought of that, he said; and we have to confess that the thought had never come home to us so forcibly before. But we have thought much of it since.

God does want, and justly expects, that all his children shall “make a great deal of themselves,” “for herein is the Father glorified.” What a high standard he places before them! What means to attain it he has given them!

And what incentives to strive for it! His infinite wisdom, love, power, and skill, have been exhausted to provide “ways and means” for them to “make the most of themselves.”

But impatient with the restraints of the “Father’s house,” how many, through their “entangling alliances” with the world, are dragged down to live upon the lowest plane of the Christian life, if by any stretch of charity it can be called Christian life!

Parents, ye whose lives are bound up in those of your children, whose greatest joys and sorrows come from their successes or failures in life, can you forget that you, too, have a “Parent” in Heaven, who is infinitely solicitous about your success or failure, in “making the most of yourselves”? Don’t break his great heart by your failures. He will be satisfied with nothing less than your “perfection,” even as he is “perfect.” If the reward which comes to “success in life,” as men call success, seems so greatly to be desired for your children, what must the reward be which God desires for his children? Let us break every “unequal yoking” with “the world,” with sin in any form, and rise to the higher life in God.—Christian Weekly.

VIRGINIA T. AND M. MEETING.

By Robert Sawyer; Sallie Keyser

The second quarterly meeting of the Va. T. and M. Society was held at Soliloquy, Apr. 8, 1877. Meeting opened by singing and prayer. The report of the preceding quarterly meeting was read and accepted. The report for the past quarter was then read. The members of this Society all seem ready and willing to labor in the cause.

The report for the closing quarter is as follows: Membership, 14; families visited, 101; letters written, 66. New subscribers for SIGNS, 5; for INSTRUCTOR, 13; periodicals distributed, 2004; almanacs sold, 365; tracts distributed, 13,634 pages.

Money rec’d on membership, $5.00 From almanac sales, 36.00 From book sales, .50 New subscribers, 9.90 Donation, .50 Total, $51.90

Ten were baptized, and several joined the T. and M. Society.

ROBERT SAWYER, Director.

SALLIE KEYSER, Sec.

WHAT MEN SAY.

By J. G. Wood

The following is taken from the “History of Denominations in the United States,” “History of the Roman Catholic Church,” by Prof. W. Jos. Waters, of Phil.:—

“The Catholic Church maintains that there are doctrines of essential importance not contained in the Scriptures; as for instance the lawfulness and obligation of keeping holy the Sunday instead of the Saturday, the real scriptural Sabbath. The validity of infant baptism, etc.”

The “Wesleyan Methodist,” by Rev. J. Timberman, pastor of the first true Wesleyan Methodist Church of New York, says on page 394, “Although the law given from God by Moses as touching rites and ceremonies doth not bind Christians . . . notwithstanding no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the ten commandments, which are called the moral law.”

The “Episcopal Methodist,” by the Rev. Nathan Bangs, D. D., of N. Y., on page 569 says, “The law given from God by Moses as touching ceremonies and rites doth not bind Christians . . . yet notwithstanding no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.” J. G. Wood.

A WORD TO THE LONELY ONES.

By R. M. Best

For nearly four years my husband and myself have been keeping the holy Sabbath. We scarcely ever see any of like precious faith, so I know how to sympathize with those in like circumstances. Oh! how I long to meet with those I love and enjoy their society; but I try to be patient and wait for the Lord’s will to be accomplished concerning me.

Do not be discouraged, my brother or sister. Our Father’s tender care is over us; he has promised to bless those who keep his commandments. Our Saviour has said that not a sparrow should fall to the ground without our Father’s notice. How unworthy we would be to doubt his faithful word! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” We need not fear what man can do unto us. If we have taken our refuge under the wings of the Almighty, his truth shall be our shield and buckler; and with the gospel armor on, we can overcome all our foes.

Dear fellow pilgrims, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. Soon we shall hear the welcome sound, Come in thou faithful servant, “inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” How I long to be one of that number! “I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” It is my earnest desire to live the truth in such a manner as to exert a good influence. To this end I ask the prayers of God’s children. Yours in the blessed hope.

R. M. BEST.

Why Our Good Qualities Provoke Persecution

THE evil which we do, does not draw upon us so many persecutions and so much hatred as our good qualities.

On Imagined Happiness and Unhappiness

Nobody is ever so happy or so unhappy as he imagines.

Iowa Conference

Appointments.

Iowa Conference.

The next annual session of the Iowa and Nebraska State Conference will be held in connection with our camp-meeting at Marshalltown, Iowa, June 7–12, at the same place as last year. We trust every church in the Conference will be represented by delegates. Application will be made for reduced fare, and if obtained notice will be given in due time. We hope to see this the largest and most important meeting ever held in our Conference. Let all delegates come prepared to settle up the S. B. of their several churches. Geo. I. Butler, H. Nicola, R. M. Kilgore, Conf. Com.

Kansas Camp-Meeting.

The Kansas camp-meeting will be held in Ottawa, Franklin Co., May 24–29, 1877. This place is twenty-seven miles south of the city of Lawrence, on the L. L. and G. R. R. We expect to get a reduction of fare on the railroad, of which due notice will be given. Kansas Conf. Com.

Wisconsin Conference.

The next annual session of the Wis. Conference will be held in connection with our camp-meeting, at Portage, Wis., June 13–19, 1877. We hope to see all of our churches represented by delegates. Let all of our church clerks and treasurers see that the proper reports are made out, and sent by their delegates. H. W. Decker, O. A. Olsen, Geo. C. Tenney, Wis. Conf. Com.

Wis. T. and M. Society.

The next annual meeting of the Wis. T. and M. Society will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, at Portage, Wis., June 13–19, 1877. Directors will hold district meetings in all of the districts in the State Sunday, May 27. H. W. Decker, Pres.

Kentucky and Tennessee Camp-Meeting.

There will be in connection with the Conference a four days’ meeting held at Bear Wallow, Hart Co., Ky., four miles from Horse Cave, on the L. and N. R. R., beginning Wednesday eve, May 16.

Bro. D. M. Canright is strongly urged and expected to attend. We hope every reasonable effort will be made by the members and scattered ones to attend this meeting. Come prepared, as far as possible, in the way of provisions and bedding, to take care of yourselves. Brethren from a distance will be cared for. Teams will be at Horse Cave for the benefit of those who come on the cars, the 16th and 17th. S. Osborn, A. P. Williams, J. S. Milton, State Conf. Com.

General Meetings.

All are invited to attend.

For the churches of Rochester, North Liberty, and Bourbon, will be held at Rochester, Ind., May 19 and 20. The State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society will be held in connection with this meeting, on first-day, May 20. Let the director of each district forward the report of his district to the State secretary, Sister Eliza Carpenter, North Liberty, St. Joseph Co., Ind., as early as May 14th. The district quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 1 will be held in connection with the State meeting at Rochester. The meeting-house at Rochester lately erected by our people will be dedicated on first-day, May 20th. We hope to see a general turnout. Let all our brethren come prepared as far as possible to care for themselves. S. H. Lane.

Ordino, Marquette Co., Wis., May 12, 13, as Bro. Farrer may arrange. Will Eld. Atkinson meet me at this meeting? H. W. Decker.

Gilboa, Ohio, Sabbath and Sunday, May 5, 6. New Antioch, beginning Friday evening, May 10, to continue over Sunday. Mendon, Sabbath and Sunday, May 19, 20. H. A. St. John.

Gaines, Kent Co., Mich., May 12, 13. Hope the scattered brethren will make a special effort to be at this meeting. Opportunity for baptism. H. M. Kenyon.

Pleasant Valley, Jeff. Co., Kan., May 12. Osawkee, May 13. Meetings to commence at 7 P. M. Geo. Kennedy.

Quarterly and Monthly Meetings.

Richland and Geneva, Minn., at Geneva, May 12, 13. Mankato, May 12, 13. Golden Gate and Home, at Golden Gate, May 19, 20. Agency, May 26, 27. Stewartsville, May 26, 27. Round Grove, June 2, 3. Wells, at Mapleton, June 9, 10. Harrison Grant.

For the churches of Oswego Co., N. Y., at Vermillion, May 12, 13. Bro. B. L. Whitney is invited. Daniel Bowe.

For Allegan Co., Mich., at Allegan, May 5. Bro. H. M. Kenyon may be expected. J. S. Day, Clerk.

T. and M. Quarterly Meetings.

Send reports and donations in season.

Dist. No. 1, New Antioch, May 13. Dist. No. 2, Waterford, May 19, 20. Dist. No. 3, N. Bloomfield, June 2, 3. Dist. No. 4, Clyde, June 9, 10. Dist. No. 5, Bowling Green, May 26, 27. Dist. No. 6, Hamler, May 24.

The meeting at Hamler will begin at 10 o’clock A. M., at the usual place of meeting, on the Ridge, about two miles from Hamler station. If health permits, I will attend most of the above meetings. Trust they may each prove a blessing to the cause. H. A. St. John.

Dist. No. 1, at Worick school-house, 7 miles north of Jewell City, 3½ miles S. E. of Jewell Centre, Kan., May 12, 13. This district is in debt about $78. The elders and librarians will please urge the payment of the one-third. Donations are needed. Reuben Worick, Director.

The general quarterly meeting for the N. E. Tract Society will be held at So. Lancaster June 2–4. A report of labor from every member of the Tract Society is wanted, including those who have taken clubs of the SIGNS. This will be a meeting of interest as important matters will come before the brethren. Each district should hold its quarterly meeting at least one week previously, then all come to the general meeting. Eld. Haskell is expected. D. A. Robinson, Vice Pres.

General T. and M. meeting at Bristol, Vt., June 2 and 3. A. S. Hutchins, Pres.

Dist. No. 4, at, or near, West Bolton, Vt., May 19, 20. Dist. No. 5, Jamaica, Vt., May 26, 27. A. S. Hutchins, Pres.

CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1877.

KENTUCKY, Bear Wallow, May 16-20. KANSAS, Ottawa (Forest Park), “ 24-29. MISSOURI, Holden, May 31 to June 5. IOWA, Marshalltown, June 7-12. WISCONSIN, Portage, “ 13-19. MINNESOTA, Hutchinson, June 20-26. INDIANA, Aug. 9-14. OHIO, Newark (probably), “ 10-20. VERMONT, “ 16-21. ILLINOIS, “ 23-28.

Fasting and Prayer.

By C. W. S.

At the request of various religious bodies in the State of Minnesota, the governor appointed the 26th day of April as a day of fasting and prayer, because of the grasshopper plague. In his proclamation he says, “In the shadow of the locust plague, whose impending renewal threatens desolation of the land, let us humbly invoke for the efforts we make in our defense the guidance of that hand which alone is adequate to stay ‘the pestilence that walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noon-day.’”

The governor of Iowa has issued a proclamation appointing May 3 for a like purpose.

C. W. S.

Sunday in the East.

By C. W. S.

THE following from the Independent shows what the Germans are doing for the Sunday:—

“Another large meeting has been held at Hamburg, Germany, on the Sunday question. Court Chaplain Baur gave the principal address. ‘The Sunday,’ he observed, ‘had a double importance—a religious and a social one. The former touched the relations between God and man; the latter those between man and man. The Sunday was a right of man. Not only the hours of divine service should be protected by law, but the whole Sunday restored to the people.’ The meeting was attended by about 5,000 people, many of whom were Social Democrats. Several of the latter spoke and warmly entered into the question; only they wished to combine it with another question—that of limiting the daily hours of work.’” C. W. S.

The War in the East.

RUSSIA has declared war, and the fighting has begun; and at every move the probability seems to increase that other nations will be involved in the conflict. Mr. Layard is stated to have informed the porte that England could not intervene with arms in behalf of Turkey. The London press condemns the Russian war manifesto. But every day's news shows that England is growing warmer upon the subject. The London Times says:—

“The world will not long permit the earth to be desolated by a struggle begun in an interchange of defiances, one which, if left to itself, is pretty sure to last as long as one party has strength to hurl defiance at the other.”

Orders have been given for the use of all possible speed in putting English war vessels in order.

The sultan has sent a request to the khedive of Egypt for a body of troops for active service.

Gen. Von Moltke’s speech in the German cabinet shows that that far-seeing statesman is apprehensive that the war will not long remain local.

A battle is reported to have occurred near Batoum, in which the Russians were defeated with a loss of 800 men.

It is expected that Roumania will declare war against Turkey.

To the Elders and Leaders in Missouri.

By Wm. Evans

BRETHREN, the time of our camp-meeting is fast approaching. Do we all realize our obligation at this time? Are we searching our own hearts? Are we encouraging and helping the brethren to attend? These are all evident duties. I write this to call your attention to the article on camp-meetings in Testimony for the Church, No. 20, and request you to read it in your meetings, Sabbath, May 12. Wm. EVANS.

Employment Opportunities for Seventh-day Adventist Farm Laborers

By J. F. Wood

Employment.

NOTICING a number of applications in the paper for places on farms, as laborers, I will say, I would be glad to employ seventh-day Adventists in my farming operations. I have work enough for four men all the time, while more could get employment here. We have a fine church in steady operation, a good house nearly paid for, and a well organized Sabbath-school and Bible class, to all of which we cordially invite any Sabbath-keepers who may come here.

The cause is steadily gaining strength here. We have just held our second quarterly meeting for this year, which was very interesting, several new ones taking their stand with us. Eld. Van Horn was with us, and preached. It seemed to us better than ever. Surely the Lord was here with his blessing.

J. F. Wood.

Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.

Wanted: Sabbath-Keeping Shoemaker

Wanted.

To employ a shoemaker who is a Sabbath-keeper. Address, J. W. Robbins, Neillsville, Clark Co., Wis.

European Press.

By James White; John Morrison; Geo. I. Butler; Dudley Marvin Canright; Newel Grant; August Rasmussen; Emily Leighton; S. A. McPherson

We, the undersigned, regard it a great privilege to donate to the Lord, for the European press, under the care of our worthy missionary, Elder J. N. Andrews, One Hundred Dollars each, and invite twelve others to join us in raising $10,000.

James White — $100 John Morrison — 100 Geo. I. Butler — 100 D. M. Canright — 100 Newel Grant — 100 August Rasmussen — 100 An Iowa Brother — 100 Emily Leighton — 100 S. A. McPherson — 100 “A friend in N. E.” — 100 “W. P. A. M.” — 100 Chas. L. Boyd — 100 Freeman Nichols — 100 A. H. B. — 100 D. A. Owen — 100 Wm. B. Mason — 100 J. N. Loughboro’ — 100 J. S. Wicks — 100 Reuel Stickney — 100 C. Clark & wife — 100 W. A. Pratt — 100 C. McNeil — 100 Mary R. Stern — 100 Jane Roland — 100 E. Green & wife — 100 Susie D. — 100 A. A. Bradford — 100 J. S. Hart — 100 C. S. Briggs & wife — 100 Jacob Shively — 100 M. C. Israel — 100 Right hand — 100 A friend — 100 V. B. J. — 100 G. W. Colcord and wife — 100 L. McCoy — 100 “Thank-offering” — 100 S. A. McCoy — 100 Adolph Gomoe — 100 John Judson — 100 J. W. Lucas & wife — 100 Mrs. S. A. McPherson — 100 A friend in Mich. — 100 Geo. Leighton — 100

E. H. Root — $100 Wm. Ings — 100 C. Comings & wife — 100 Chas. Chittenden — 100 E. W. Whitney — 100 R. G. Lockwood — 100 W. H. Hall — 100 Betsey Landon — 100 S. N. Haskell — 100 C. K. Farnsworth — 100 M. Wood — 100 Mrs. Getman (deceased) — 100 C. B. Tower — 100 A. T. Stickney — 100 Mrs. J. L. James — 100 A. La Rue — 100 B. N. Berry — 100 M. J. Bartholf — 100 A Bro. in Minn. — 100 Mary Crouch — 100 H. C. Stone — 100 B. L. Whitney — 100 Thomas Alverson — 100 S. B. D. — 100 E. Lobdell — 100 Lucretia Day — 100 A Bro. & Sr. in New England — 300 S. H. King — 100 Elden H. Pullen — 100 A. C. Woodbury & wife — 100 James Harvey — 100 Mrs. A. Stickney — 100 John Ely — 100 D Ann Albin — 100 J. Q. A. Haughey — 100 I. Sanborn — 100 A. S. Hutchins — 100 Jane Rowland — 100 R. M. Kilgore & wife — 100 A believer in New York — 100 W. Sanborn — 100 Mary C. Bowers — 100

Business Department.

“Not slothful in Business. Rom. 11:12.”

RECEIPTS

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should be given.

$2.00 EACH. T J Anderson 51-17, M B Appleton 51-17, B F Anderson 51-17, Lizzie E Zirkle 51-17, John Green 51-14, Mrs Sally Owens 51-17, James I Stewart 51-17, Mrs John Avery 51-17, Mrs E D Charmichael 51-23, A Worster 51-14, Ella Hunt 51-15, T A Owen 51-17, Sylvia Wells 51-17, N S Bump 51-17, Margaret Fatic 51-17, Mrs E Starks 51-17, J Omwake 51-17, James E Green 51-17, A J Saxby 51-17, Mrs E Washbond 51-18, B B Warren 51-17, A M Green 51-17.

$1.00 EACH. Maria Renoher 50-17, N Bolinger 50-20, Calvin Monroe 48-11, Sarah Harlow 50-15, J B Slayton 51-5, C H Palmer 50-17, C A Osgood 50-14, Alonzo Greenman 50-17, John L Rice 51-1, J F Thompson 50-17, Nancy Gibbs 50-17, Mrs Julia Downer 50-17, Mary A Cruzan 50-17, George Crous 50-17, H M Van Slyke 50-10, Solomon Hartsell 50-17, E J Chapman 50-11, Jas M Jones 50-17, J A Burdoin 50-17, Mrs J Lytch-lites 51-1, C Van Horn 50-16, Erasmus Elmer 50-17, Mrs C Paul 51-1, G W Bennett 50-16, Mrs Tabor 51-1, A L Foster 50-17, A E Bostwick 50-17, P S Smalley 50-17, Frank J Holman 50-16, Geo Lowree 50-18, Mrs S G Knight 50-14, Wm Shulebotham 51-1, Mrs D Sterling 50-18, W L Johnson 50-17, S C Bute 50-17, James W Clark 50-17, Ruby Quackenbirk 50-15, Harriet E Stowell 50-17, J N Loughboro 50-14, E Hatch 50-17, John Hicks 50-17.

MISCELLANEOUS. Albert Berry $1.50 51-17, A E Johnson 50c 50-4, W P Simpson 50c 50-4, J C Eller 1.50 51-3, Martha Brown 1.50 51-17, H A Baker 1.50, 51-1, John Rupert 50c 50-5, W F Howlett 75c 50-17, J H Williams 50c 50-5, Chas G Person 1.50 50-18, Isaac Turrill 1.50 51-17, Lydia M McNutt 50c 50-17, A H Clymer 55c 51-9, J M Whitney 50c 50-4, Wm Brockman 50c 50-9, A Champlin 50c 50-9, W B Page 1.50 51-17.

Books Sent by Mail.

John C M Redman 35c, J H Pomeroy 25c, J C Eller 50c, Wm C Grage 50c, A L Hull 10c, Mrs C A Joy $1.25, Wm H Marston 1.25, S F Potts 1.50, Wm Leas 10c, W F Hoyt 50c, Mary J Steward 1.10, T B Monk 25c, Elizabeth Livingston 50c, Willis H Chase 1.00, N M Jordon 1.06, O E Shephard 1.50, C W Cook 25c, H P Hue 7.00, John M Adams 2.90, L H Densmore 1.25, K Hale 1.00, Wm Beebe 6.00, G L Rice 25c, A M Fulton 1.50, B Gillis 20c, J Omwake 42c, W E Pierce 1.25, W Wood Bute 1.25, J A Burdoin 25c, M L Hughes 10c, John F Porter 5.10, Mrs J R Hastings 60c, M E Frefetcher 25c, J P Henderson 15c, Anna Peterson 50c, Benj. Farnham 85c, Geo E Sanders 20c, A W H Milliard 1.75, M F Tindall 25c, Emma F Baker 1.50, O B Sevy 10c, G A Martin 1.50, J E Green 80c, C Almquist 35c, Hollis Clark 1.50, J C Cole 1.25, Jennie A Adams 50c, Wm Hoddon 20c, Geo R Price 3.19, M Fatie 30c, Eliza Starks 85c, S C Bute 1.00, H Schmidt 10c, Amos Harsh 60c, J B Henry 1.00, B Wilcox 1.50, Sarah Wire 25c, C Van Horn 2.50, Wm F Emmitt 2.00, C H Holmes 60c.

Books Sent by Express.

Wm Kerr $4.50, Geo King 19.80, N D Battin 3.00, A M Mann 5.00, G S Honeywell 15.00, J Fargo 18.00, Miss Lillie Avery, S M Holly 3.00.

Books Sent by Freight.

S N Haskell $102.91, Harrison Grant 170.04.

Mich. Conf. Fund.

Greenbush $10.00, Eaton Rapids 3.00, Orleans per L. A George 17.00, Hazleton 12.50, Matherton 8.00, Gowen 27.48, Hillsdale 12.00.

Mich. T. & M. Society.

Dist 13 per W C Hebner $4.00, Dist 3 12.50, Dist 5 16.00.

Gen. T. & M. Society.

Mary J Steward $5.00.

Book Fund.

Mrs H A Munson $5.00.

Gen Conf Fund.

C Van Horn $2.60.

European Mission.

Eliza J Counet $5.00.

Cash Rec’d on Account.

Ill T & M Society—N Bolinger 10c, D F Quinby $11.70, Ill T & M Society 19.34.

Centennial Expense.

Ill T & M Society $14.00.

S. D. A. E. Society.

Geo Leighton $10.00, Emily Leighton 10.00, A B Lockwood 10.00.

Camp-meeting Fund.

Geo Leighton $5.00.

Sending Out the Signs.

A FEW hints to those who are sending copies of the SIGNS every week, to acquaintances and to strangers alike, may not be untimely.

The paper should be neatly enwrapped. Done up in an untidy manner, in soiled paper, perhaps, tied with a string, the first appearance of it would create a dislike to it, or it would be received with the same carelessness with which it was sent. Procure a few cents' worth of wrapping paper; and then, to save making paste every time, dissolve a little gum arabic in water, and keep it in a small bottle ready to seal the wrap. When properly done up, let the superscription be plainly and neatly written upon it.

Yankee Ridge, Coshocton Co., Ohio

The heading of Bro. Wm. Cottrell's report in REVIEW No. 15 should have been Yankee Ridge, Coshocton Co., Ohio.