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Cash Rec’d on Account.
N E T & M Society per E Thayer $100.00, Am H & T Association per J Thayer 1.25, Vt T & M Reserve Fund per T H Purdon 10.00, Chloe B Tower 10.00, A Friend 10.00, Baruch Darling 10.00, Pluma Darling 6.00, Albert Stone 5.00, C W Stone 5.00, Thomas Fortune 5.00, Mary A Howe 2.00, Jane Russ 2.00, B Haynes 2.00, Sophia Bean 1.00, Harriet Evans 1.00, Thomas Wightman 1.00, Warren Harris 1.00, N G Needham 1.00, V T & M Society per T H Purdon 38.00, Am H & T Association per J Thayer 2.25, N E T & M Society per H C Nye 23.20, Wm Ostrander 14.50, T M Steward 40.00.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
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Mich. T. & M. Society.
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Gen. Conf. Fund.
Laura Atwood $1.00, Orange Church 40.00, Elizabeth Perkins 6.90.
English Mission.
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European Mission.
S Aidyl, Egyptian & Italian, each 1.00, H C Nye 25.00.
Danish Mission.
S Aidyl 1.00, Chr Bartilsen 5.00, Svend Christensen 3.00, Olof L Akerlind 1.00, P C Adamson 8.00, P Anderson 3.00, Ane Anderson 50c, Jens Sorenson 10.00, A P Frederiksen 5.00.
AN APPEAL TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN NEW ENGLAND.
By S. N. Haskell
Although I have labored most of the time for several years outside of the N. E. Conference, my interest for the work in the same, where I have held official relations to the cause during this time, has not in the least abated. In short, I have sometimes thought it was increasing, and I have many times laid plans to visit and hold meetings in the several churches in this Conference, but duty has seemed to lead in other directions.
There are many reasons why the N. E. Conference should occupy a prominent position in this work.
1. Here are some of our oldest brethren and sisters, who have been connected with it from its infancy, when its friends were few and its resources limited. Dear brethren, you have watched the onward course of this work until it has attained its present proportions; reaching in our own country from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, from Oregon on the north to the Gulf of Mexico on the south. Missions have also been established in England, Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway, and from these places light has spread into every civilized nation in Europe. In Italy and Egypt, also, the third angel’s message is taught to Greeks, Arabians, Russians, Italians, and the remnants of other nations which are sitting in darkness. All this is in fulfillment of what was preached and believed thirty years ago,—that God would take witnesses for his name out from all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.
2. You have seen men arise, and, with bitter feelings toward those whom God has chosen to lead in this work from its commencement, oppose different points of our faith, and predict that the work would come to naught. You have seen the confusion which these men have brought upon themselves, while the cause like the rising sun has steadily moved forward.
3. You have seen the tide turn in favor of the truth until every leading journal within the limits of the Conference was more than willing to publish the reports of our camp-meetings, and the different features of our faith.
4. God has honored New England in opening the way for his chosen instrument, whom our enemies have so bitterly reproached because of the gift of prophecy, to enter the largest halls in our popular cities and address thousands of attentive listeners. This is the Lord’s doings, and it is marvelous indeed. Certainly the brethren and sisters in New England should have faith in this work, be the most exemplary and self-sacrificing in their lives, the most prompt in every reform, of any Conference in the country. God has accepted the sacrificing labor of a few in this Conference, and has shown his willingness to do a greater work in the same if our brethren will only put forth the requisite efforts.
But how is it with us, brethren, in regard to the reforms which have been presented to us? Do we take as much interest in the health reform as formerly? Do we practice simplicity in dress? Are we taking advance steps in these directions, or are we backsliding from God, and losing the simplicity of our faith? Are you willing to meet the record of the course you have pursued in these things, and the influence it has had on others, at the Judgment of the great day? Is not the tendency to pattern after the world and lead others to do the same, stronger than that toward a course of action which shows no fellowship with the follies and fashions of the present day? These things may be treated lightly now, but they will all have to be met in the day of Judgment. The youth and children will partake of the spirit and imitate the example of those who are older. God marks every departure from him, and sets it over against our names, and in the Judgment it will appear in its true character.
THE TITHING SYSTEM.
Are we all adopting this? In testimony No. 6, Vol. 1, page 163, I find the following:—
“I saw that in the arrangement of systematic benevolence, hearts will be tested and proved. It is a constant, living test. It brings one to understand his own heart,—to know whether the love of the truth or the love of the world predominates. Here is a test for the naturally selfish and covetous. . . . Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully. Angels are watching the development of character. . . . All are required to have an interest in this work. Those who use tobacco, tea, and coffee should lay these articles aside, and put their cost into the treasury of the Lord. Some have never made any sacrifice for the cause of God, and are asleep as to what God requires of them. Some of the very poorest will have the greatest struggle to deny themselves of these stimulants. This individual sacrifice is not required because the cause of God is suffering for means, but every heart will be tested and its character developed. It is principle that God’s people must act upon. The living principle must be carried out in life.”
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. I saw that this scripture has been misapplied to speaking and praying in meeting. The prophecy has a special application to the last days, and teaches God’s people their duty to bring a proportion of their substance as a freewill-offering to the Lord.”
Perhaps some will say, “I do not know what a tithe is.” I answer, It is a tenth of all our receipts for the support of ourselves and families. Abraham gave a tenth of all as soon as he had received it. Heb. 7:4, 9; Gen. 14:20–24. The young men who assisted him in taking the spoil ate from the nine-tenths; for Abraham gave all but the tenth to the king of Sodom, save only that which the young men had eaten.
Jacob only asked for bread to eat and raiment to put on, and added: “Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” Gen. 28:20, 22. He does not say, “After I have taken my living out of it.” “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy unto the Lord.” “And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:30, 32. No man can give his tithe, for it was never his; it is the Lord’s, and he has no more right to it than to the seventh day of the week. To appropriate it for one’s own use is to rob God, and to even borrow it for the same is trespassing. “No man shall sanctify it, whether it be ox, or sheep; it is the Lord’s.” The Saviour says, when referring to the tithes of small things, as anise, cummin, mint, and all manner of herbs: “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42.
Some of the poorest churches financially in this Conference paid tithes on the old plan as liberally as any in proportion to their means; but after adopting the plan of laying aside one-tenth as they received it, they began to prosper, and their S. B. for two quarters is about as much as it was on the old plan for the whole year. And whereas they were so poor that it was necessary for some of the members to receive help, God has so blessed them that they are making arrangements to build a house of worship. Unless some of our old churches advance in this respect more rapidly than they have in the past, the first will become last, and the last first.
Those who are dependent upon others for a support should have means placed in their hands, so that they can pay something into the treasury of the Lord. The children should be educated to bear a part in this work. Every individual, old or young, should give something for the support of the ministry. See Rom. 15:27; Gal. 6:6. Paul says, “Communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things,” and again, “Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” 1 Cor. 16:1, 2.
OFFERINGS.
To withhold offerings is as much robbing God as to withhold tithes. “Ye have robbed me . . . in tithes and offerings.” Mal. 3:8. These offerings sustain the other branches of the work; as the tract society, building of meeting-houses, etc. Are we all particular to do this? Are our children taught to save their pennies and nickels for some enterprise in the cause of God?
Is the fact that the sin of covetousness disqualifies men for positions of usefulness, and will finally shut individuals out of the kingdom of God, impressed upon every member of our families? Read Ex. 10:21; 1 Cor. 5:9–11; Eze. 33:31; Col. 3:5, 6. Liberality is the only practical remedy for covetousness, and the tithing system is adapted to this very end.
FREEWILL OFFERINGS.
Anciently God’s people brought peace-offerings, besides their regular sin-offerings. Ezra 3:4, 5; 7:15, 16; and these offerings were brought at their several annual gatherings which were held at three different times in the year. The Lord said that none should appear before him empty. Ex. 23:14, 15; Deut. 16:16; Num. 29:35–39; Deut. 16:9, 10. This was often a vow, or pledge, or in some way connected with one. “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill-offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” Deut. 23:21–23. This was an odor of sweet smell, a sacrifice well pleasing to God. Phil. 4:8; Num. 15:3.
The tract-society debt should be lifted by a reserve fund sufficiently large to carry twenty-five hundred dollars’ worth of publications, and thus the way should be prepared for any opening of God’s providence in the missionary work. There should be men who will pay one hundred dollars, and so on down to the dimes from the children.
THE SABBATH-SCHOOL.
The interests of the Sabbath-school should not be neglected. The suggestions made in the Instructor from week to week are just what is needed. There are three things which I wish to mention as being very important helps in this work. In fact, I never knew a Sabbath-school to be wanting in interest where they are conscientiously adopted.
1. Teachers’ meetings for prayer and consultation as to the best plans for working for the interests of the school. These can be held each Sabbath morning at least one-half hour before the school commences. This will enable the teachers and officers to go into the school with a unanimity of feeling, and a spirit melted into tenderness by the love of Christ.
2. The attendance of all, both old and young, should always be secured. It will add interest to the school, and help to blend together and unite in the work all, especially the young. Perilous times are before us, and there is great need of coming near to God and his work.
3. An effort on the part of all to learn their lessons, so that answers can be given readily. If a verse of Scripture is to be repeated, commit it to memory before coming to the meeting.
A plan for collecting contributions has been adopted on this coast, which is working admirably. Each teacher is furnished with a small box, and he collects from his class at such times during the week as is most convenient. At the end of the quarter a church Sabbath-school convention is held, when each box is opened, and a report is read giving the amount that each class in the school has donated during the quarter. This can be held evening after the Sabbath or Sunday, in connection with the church missionary meeting.
We cannot be too much in earnest in this work, nor too anxious to keep pace with it in its various branches. There are many helps in the Sabbath-school work which every school should have, such as record books, Song Anchors, maps, etc. Especial pains should be taken to teach the children to sing the praises of God as soon as they can talk, and they should use their infant voices at the Sabbath-school and in the house of God. It was babes that shouted hosannas to welcome the Saviour in the temple.
Evidences of the near coming of the Lord are thickening on every hand, and there are many who now profess the truth, who will fail of eternal life. But those who have the love of Christ and the truth in the heart, and who show that they are traveling in the upward path, will finally gain the victory; while those who shun the cross and conform to this world will at last perish with the wicked.
Who, in view of the important time in which we live, will be stirred to action, and come nearer to God? Do we connect with God and Heaven? is an important question. Have we a daily experience in the things of God? Christ is our great exemplar, and by him and through him we can be more than conquerors; without him we shall fail. There is a rule by which we may know whether we are preparing for Heaven or not. If our daily life and deportment show that we are more and more like Christ, and more and more unlike the world, this is an unmistakable evidence that we are growing in grace. The attractions heavenward should become stronger daily, while those toward earth should become less and less. This is so if we are preparing for the kingdom of God.
As you read these lines, compare your life with the pattern set forth in the Scriptures, and solemnly ask yourself the question, Am I as devoted as in months and years in the past? Is there that trembling at the word of God, that tender conscience, that anxiety to help forward the work, to render to the Lord his due? Are the Testimonies to the church read as in former times? If God has spoken to us, we should be familiar with what he has said. I know that there are many in darkness at the present time who do not know the cause, and they would be surprised to learn that they had been warned against many things that they are indulging in. Can such persons be saved while neglecting the light God has given them? Because the time has continued a few years longer than we expected, there is great danger of losing the spirit of devotion, and becoming worldly, feeling that we must provide for this life. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” are the words of Christ. There should be a marked difference between Christ’s followers and the world in these respects. The Saviour says: “After all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
The Saviour would have us learn this lesson,—while we are careful to render to the Lord all that he claims of us, he will prosper and make our efforts successful in our temporal matters. He watches the fall of the sparrow, and knows what his people need. If our greatest anxiety is to be right, and to do right in all things, he will work for us.
The cloud is certainly rising, and we should be prepared to go forward. May God bless the cause of present truth in New England is my daily prayer. S. N. HASKELL.
MINISTERIAL LICENSES.
By S. N. Haskell
Many will this year receive licenses for the first time, together with many who have held them before. It may not therefore be out of place to say a few words on the subject of licenses. S. D. Adventists have already become noted for their unanimity of action in the work which they firmly believe to be the work of God. They believe in practical piety, and that God calls men to the work of the ministry, also that he does not send one man to give a message and another to overthrow it. The various gifts were placed in the church “for the edifying of the body of Christ” which is the church. Eph. 4: 11, 12. To edify is to build up, decorate, improve, etc.
If men give evidence of a thorough conversion to God, having a good moral influence in the neighborhood and church where they live, and desire to improve their gift in public speaking, or if the church feel that they have a duty in this direction, it is usually safe to grant such men licenses. The qualifications required of a local elder in 1 Tim. 3: 1-7 apply with two-fold more force to the man who proposes to enter the gospel ministry. He should feel the importance and sacredness of God’s work, desiring to save souls rather than simply to preach. A minister is a servant; one willing to bear the reproach of others if by so doing he can save some for whom Christ died. He is Christ’s ambassador and his representative to the people. “Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” Rom. 15: 1-3. The Christian graces should be exemplified in his life. His is a higher and holier calling because of the lowliness and humbleness of the character which he who professes to represent Christ and the principles exemplified in his character, should possess.
A license does not make the minister, or change the character of the person. It is simply an expression, on the part of the Conference, of their confidence in his integrity, and a recommendation to the confidence of the people, while he is improving his gift and giving evidence that God has called him to the work. If he would teach others he must be teachable himself, willing to be instructed by those of more experience in the cause of God. If he has strong characteristics which mar the work wherever he goes; if he is overbearing and injudicious in his deportment, incautious in his words, thus bringing disgrace upon the cause, he needs to reform, and until he does, he had better lay aside his profession as a Christian minister. Yet we would not be understood to say that men can be perfect of themselves; but if one class should raise the standard higher than another in their lives, it is the minister of the gospel. Those embracing the truth will partake more or less of the character of the one presenting it to them, and their Christian experience will thus be affected to a greater or less extent.
If a man cannot control his feelings, his appetite, the passions of his natural heart, he cannot successfully labor to save others. Such had better tarry until they are endued with power from on high. God will bless the efforts of his chosen servants, and give them fruit in seeing souls embrace the truth. If they are not able by the grace of God to bring men from nature’s darkness to the glorious light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they have mistaken their calling. These are some of the indications which give evidence to others whether God has called them to the work or not.
A license of itself does not entitle any one receiving it to draw pay from the Conference funds. Not unfrequently the auditing committees, at our business sessions, are thrown into great perplexity by licentiates who report from eight to ten months’ labor, and from seventy-five to one hundred, or more, dollars traveling expenses, and are depending upon the Conference to relieve them from the financial embarrassment in which they have involved themselves. Yet their reports give no evidence that souls have been converted, or that anything has really been accomplished by their labor; in short, there is no proof that God has called them to the ministry. Now if these men are paid, as they expect, those who do give evidence of their calling, by bringing men and women into the truth, and in other respects advancing the cause of God, are crippled. We cannot think that God would be pleased to have means taken from such men who have labored to educate those whom they have brought into the truth, to support the ministry with their means, to support those who accomplish nothing more than to make a few personal friends and induce some to read on present truth. The apostle teaches an important lesson on this point in 1 Cor. 9, by striking illustrations. “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”
As well might an individual take from his friend’s table to support his neighbor who makes no success of life as to embarrass a successful laborer by taking of his earnings to help those who have mistaken their calling. While men are proving themselves with a license, they should take the responsibility of giving their time. The Conference ventures its reputation in granting them license. It may be claimed that some are poor and cannot do this, but a man thus situated should not be above laboring with his hands. While he is thus engaged his conversation and deportment will favorably impress those with whom he comes in contact. It is sometimes said that there are no lazy Christians. Whatever truth there is in this statement, it has tenfold more force when applied to ministers. S. N. HASKELL.
INDIANA CAMP-MEETING.
By S. H. Lane
The second camp-meeting of this season for Indiana was held at Rochester, according to appointment, Sept. 30 to Oct. 6. The ground was nicely prepared, and many of the brethren and sisters were present at the first meeting. The turnout was quite general from the northern and central parts of the State. There were between thirty and forty tents on the ground, and some two hundred and fifty or three hundred Sabbath-keepers present during the meeting. The turnout of the people from Rochester and vicinity was large, especially on Sunday.
The meetings from the first were good. Thursday we were all cheered by the arrival of Bro. and Sr. White and W. C. White and wife. They took hold in their usual earnest manner. The temperance and Sabbath-school work received much attention, and excellent results followed the efforts. Bro. Colcord of Illinois was present, and aided much in all the meetings.
The annual session of the Indiana Conference was held, and if ever the counsel and advice of Bro. and Sr. White were timely, certainly they were upon this occasion.
Monday morning Sr. White bore a straight testimony to the ministers and members of the Conference, presenting important facts to the satisfaction of all on many points which had been matters of sore perplexity, clearing up and dispelling difficulties which would ere long have proved a source of distraction and ruin to the cause and Conference. Hearty confessions were afterward made, publicly and privately. The Lord blessed. Light came at last, union and harmony revived, and a good state of feeling now exists. As the result, all business sessions of the Conference, the T. and M. work, and other organizations connected with the Conference, passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. It is well known by the readers of the REVIEW that some two years ago Eld. A. W. Bartlett took extreme views on the subject of sanctification, and that he and several others ran into fanaticism on the subject. This caused the Conference much perplexity, as some sympathized with him and were gradually losing sight of the message, and drawing off from the body. Sr. White bore a very plain testimony to Eld. Bartlett and his sympathizers, and to the Conference in general, in regard to the subject of sanctification as held by Eld. B., showing that it was the work of Satan to distract and draw away precious souls from the truth, and lead them into darkness where they would be blinded to their own danger.
Eld. Bartlett was deeply affected by the straight testimony, and publicly confessed it all to be true, stating that he had often deplored the fruits of the move. He expressed a willingness to surrender his positions on the subject of sanctification, and to labor to build up that which his course had torn down.
The Lord gave victory, and Bro. Bartlett's heart seems to be again united with the cause of God.
Bro. and Sr. White left us Monday noon; and as they rode off the ground we felt like saying, The Lord's hand is in this work.
Sabbath was a good day. Quite a number came forward for prayers, and some were converted to God. Monday twelve were baptized in the beautiful stream of water which runs close to the ground.
Through the blessing of the Lord, quite a large number have been added to the Conference during the past year. Three new churches were added. The tithing system has proved a success, nearly eight hundred dollars being paid in more than last year. To the Lord be the praise. S. H. LANE.
THE CHRISTIAN UNION ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.
The Christian Union of Oct. 1, 1879, authoritatively defines its position on the Sabbath question by giving a definition of such a Sabbath as it believes in. If it don’t take the matter pretty well out of the hands of the Lord, and give an institution that is loose enough for the loosest, we know not how to judge. The reader, however, will decide for himself when he reads the following:—
Some of our contemporaries are puzzled how to interpret the views of the Christian Union respecting the Sabbath question. If they wish to report us both briefly and correctly they may do it by printing the following sentence: The Christian Union believes that a divine law, of universal obligation, wrought into man’s nature long before it was propounded from Mount Sinai, requires every man to devote one day in seven to rest from his ordinary toil; a day to be made available for moral and spiritual culture, through worship and instruction; but that every age is left to determine for itself, and largely every individual for himself, the methods best adapted to secure these great ends.
THE KENTUCKY CAMP-MEETING.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
This meeting was held Oct. 1-7, at Powder Mills, Ky., about seventy-five miles south of Louisville. The weather was very dry and hot during the whole meeting. There were about seventy-five Sabbath-keepers on the grounds, mostly from Kentucky. The outside attendance was good. The writer, Eld. Osborn, Bro. Bowers, and Eld. G. K. Owen and wife, did the preaching. Good attention was paid, and a deep interest was taken in the word spoken. Two prayer and social meetings were usually held each day. The brethren and sisters manifested promptness in taking part in these meetings.
Sabbath afternoon we had a solemn, melting meeting. About fifteen came forward for prayers, and all spoke feelingly. Sunday Bro. Osborn baptized eleven of these. Sunday evening we had excellent freedom in presenting the temperance question to a crowded tent. As usual, some of our brethren felt rather opposed to signing the pledge; but that evening fifty-five signed the teetotal pledge, and the next day there were only two or three of all on the ground who had not signed it. When we consider that this was in the South, where tobacco, tea, and coffee are used far more commonly than in the North, we feel well satisfied with the result. Bro. Osborn has worked faithfully in enlightening the people on these points.
Financially, the Conference has done far better than it did the previous year. After paying all bills, about $50 was left in the treasury. And yet many have failed to pay their tithes. In a Conference so small and weak as this one, every member ought faithfully to bring in all the tithes. Eld. R. G. Garrett will now join Eld. Osborn in labor, which will nearly double the expense of the Conference. What will the friends of the cause in Kentucky do? Will they support these men? We feel confident that they will.
The Conference is greatly behind in the matter of transacting business properly, and in keeping its records. Indeed, there was not a single set of blank books of any kind in the whole Conference. Steps were here taken to remedy this. The State secretary will attend the commercial college at Battle Creek. We found here more than an average proportion of really talented young women and several young men who can be very useful in the cause if they will but try. Quite a number will go immediately to our college.
We are glad to find the brethren all in harmony, and hopeful in the work. There is a good prospect before the cause in this State if more labor can be bestowed here. It was decided to divide the Kentucky and Tennessee Conference.
All say that this was the best Conference yet held in the State. Tuesday morning we had a parting social meeting, in which every one took part. May they live out the good vows here made. D. M. CANRIGHT.
NORTH-EASTERN KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By G. W. Colcord
This term of services and business sessions was commenced at Osawkee, Kan., Wednesday evening, Oct. 8. The meeting, being one of five sectional gatherings, was small, but it was quite encouraging in its results. Fifteen tents and covered wagons were on the encampment; but there were members in attendance who returned home to sleep. Five Kansas ministers attended.
The Conference, missionary, Sabbath-school, and temperance interests were considered, and some encouraging results were seen. The brethren and sisters willingly and mutually pledged to reconsecrate themselves to the cause of the Lord. Five were baptized. Pledges were made to assist the State tract society to liquidate its debt.
I learned that some in this locality had been firmly bound with a band of prejudice; but, evidently, this bond was considerably weakened. May much fruit of this effort be seen in glory. The last meeting was held Tuesday morning, Oct. 14. G. W. COLCORD.
THE TENNESSEE MEETING.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
This meeting was held Oct. 10-14, near Nashville, Tenn. There were about fifty Sabbath-keepers present; this was a large gathering for Tennessee. There are five small churches in the State, and about seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in all, but they are scattered far and wide. Nearly all are poor people, and hence the cause is still weak. At first the friends were quite backward. On Monday, however, we had an excellent meeting. Two were received into the church, after which we had a communion service, followed by a good social meeting.
It was thought best to separate Tennessee from the Kentucky Conference; hence a Conference was organized here, also a State T. and M. society, a Sabbath-school association, and a temperance society. The Sabbath-keepers have been very backward in financial matters, not doing nearly what they should though they are poor. We spoke upon the subject, after which $170.00 was pledged on the T. and M. work. Eld. Owen will personally request every one in the State to make pledges to this fund. We wish that all may assist in this.
Bro. G. K. Owen and wife have had the oversight of the work in the State the past year, and will have still. They have labored faithfully and well, with little remuneration. This should be remembered when the Conference is stronger. Four others were licensed at this meeting. We hope they will do something. There are many harder fields than Tennessee. Experienced, persevering labor will certainly build up a good work here.
Eight or ten young persons from Kentucky and Tennessee now start to attend our College. Three of them came with me. This is as it should be, and this step gives us hope for the cause here in the future. I now remain at Battle Creek a short time. D. M. Canright.
Our Basket.
“A little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts and almonds.” Gen. 43:11.
—EVERYTHING which draws man out of himself does him good.
—SOME, by admiring other men's virtues, become enemies to their own vices.
—IT is what we carry within us which determines what comes to us from without.
—I do not see why we should not be as just to an ant, as to a human being.—Charles Kingsley.
—IF persons would take to themselves a little of the good advice they are so willing to give to others, it would do no harm.
—A CHILD is laughed at when it tries to catch a shadow, and yet grown persons grasp at and catch but little else in this world.
—ALWAYS meet petulance with gentleness, and perverseness with kindness. A gentle hand can lead even an elephant by a hair.
—The happiness derived from doing deeds of kindness is the purest, the sweetest, and the most lasting of all human enjoyments.
—THE Lord's love is as free as the air; full as the ocean; boundless as eternity; immutable as his throne; and unchangeable as his nature.
—WHY should a man who makes every man that owes him pay the utmost farthing, pray to God, “Forgive us our debts?” Why should he add “as we forgive our debtors,” when he will not forgive a debtor?