Earlier text: Disasters of 1875 and the Year's TragediesJESUS’ PLEADINGS.
By Eliza J. Burnham
AFTER the resurrection, when Jesus was about to leave his disciples and to return to his Father, he gave them this precious promise: “Lo, I am with you alway.” But in his messages to the seven churches, in which he gives to each reproof, counsel, instruction, and promises suited to their respective needs, these words are addressed to the Laodiceans: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” He thus expresses his great love for his remnant people—those who are waiting for the Son of man to be revealed, when he shall come to crown his people with everlasting life in his kingdom which shall not be destroyed. Knowing the perils that surround them, he renews the promise of his presence, offering to take them into a relationship with himself especially near. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Jesus does not wait till his people feel their need of him. He seeks them. He does not leave if he is repulsed. He stands at the door. It is closed, and he is left long to knock and wait. He represents himself as chilled and damp while he waits for the bolts to be withdrawn from the heart that is locked against him. His head is “filled with the dew,” and his “locks with the drops of the night.” Shall his patient love go unrewarded? Some will not heed the Saviour. Some will not admit this royal guest; for he says, “If any man hear my voice, and open the door.” His offers of mercy are disregarded, yet he not only knocks, but he pleads also. He pleads for admittance to the cold heart—cold and dark now, but warm and bright when cheered by his sweet presence. His voice is heard. It is the voice of Him who was wounded for our transgressions. He would say to the sin-sick soul as to the disciples of old, in the beautiful language of Oriental salutation, “My peace I give unto you.” “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” This is but the renewal of a previous promise. Jesus was about to leave his disciples in a world full of peril, and in which the enemies of God and of righteousness are many and powerful. Long and bitter persecutions were before his followers. But he left this promise to all who should love him and keep his commandments: “I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” The disciples doubtingly queried how he would manifest himself unto them, and not the world; but he reaffirmed his promise, making it more emphatic: “My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Who will refuse to admit such guests? Who will refuse to partake of the “bread of life” offered to all who will accept? How must the heart of Jesus yearn toward his erring creatures that he will thus perseveringly plead for permission to become their guest, their companion, their intimate friend. He promises the peace and joy that are to be found only in his presence. He enters into our plans. Our hopes and fears, trials and successes, interest him; for he is our friend. Jesus pleads for sinners now. He waits to be gracious. The language of inspiration is: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord of hosts; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The stains of sin are deep, but the blood of Jesus can wash them all away. But soon Jesus will cease to knock at the door of the sinner’s heart. The voice of mercy will be heard no longer. Jesus will cease to act as our Advocate. There will be a famine in the land—not for bread or for water, but for hearing the word of the Lord. Then to the plea for mercy the response will be, “Nay, alas, thou guilty creature,
Hast thou then forgot
How I waited long to know thee?
Now I know thee not.” Seek Jesus while he may be found. Call upon him while he is near. They that put their trust in him are safe. In the days of his flesh, when the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew, his word stilled the tempest, and brought deliverance to his followers. Another storm is arising, which will sweep over the whole earth; and in that day only those who have made Jesus their refuge will escape the vengeance of an offended and just God. THAT PRECIOUS LIST.
By H. A. St. John
The names of the members of the church. Have you got that list of valuable names, brother elder? You are an under shepherd, those are the sheep of your fold. The Great Shepherd “calleth them all by their names.” Can you do this? Precious souls! they have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They are trying to walk in the light of the last message of mercy, to get ready for the soon coming of Jesus. Are there any lonely or discouraged ones among them? Strengthen the feeble knees, and lift up the hands that hang down. Look after the scattered ones. Keep a watchful eye upon every sheep of the fold. If one wanders, leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after the wanderer. How encouraging to hear that a flock is thriving—that the church is growing. How it does cheer the heart of a minister, after having left a church for which he has labored to the best of his ability, to hear from the elder or leader that the good work is progressing. Be entreated, brother elder, O, be entreated to take a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the church. Look after all its officers. Do your best to keep things in order. With a heart filled with the same care, tenderness, compassion, and forgiveness, that characterized the Great Shepherd, move around among your flock. How can the Lord bless his cause and people, unless they get into better working order, unless they come up on higher ground? Everything does not depend upon the elder, of course, but very much responsibility rests upon his shoulders. May God bless you abundantly, brother elder, as you look after the spiritual interests of those precious souls, represented by that list of names in your possession, and as you present them before the Lord in prayer. H. A. St. John. TO CORRESPONDENTS.
By Uriah Smith
S. A. P., Oswego, N. Y.: The position of S. D. Adventists upon Genesis 1 is that at the beginning of the first six days of time the matter of this earth was brought into existence from nothing; that the days mentioned are literal days of 24 hours each, measured by the revolution of the earth upon its axis; that the sun and moon and stars (of our solar system) were not created upon the fourth day, but brought into existence at the same time with our earth, but on the fourth day were made the “light bearers,” as the original signifies. We see no necessity for supposing that the record in Genesis goes beyond our solar system. The pretensions of science, so-called, in opposition to these plain statements of the Bible, are simply guess-work, pure, and unadulterated. Answered by letter. A. J. Webb, O. U. Whitford, A. M. Lindsley, Geo. T. Lay, I. Sanborn, D. H. Lamson (wrote to E. R. Jones, Flint), N. B. Emerson, G. L. Holiday, A. M. Loughborough, E. H. Root, R. F. Cottrell, J. E. Morin, S. D. Salisbury. U. S. Correction Regarding Kansas Treasurer's Name
By J. N. Ayers
IN THE APPEAL to the Brethren in Kansas, in REVIEW of Jan. 6, the name of the treasurer appears as H. J. Stover. It should have been A. J. (instead of H. J.). Brethren in Kansas, please take notice. J. N. AYERS. NORTHERN MICHIGAN.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Tuesday, Jan. 11, I held meetings at Vergennes. Several here have come into the truth within a year or so. After giving them proper instructions, ten united with the church and seven were baptized by Bro. Van Deusen. As it is probable that he will not be there very much for the future, his brother was elected and ordained elder of the church. We re-organized s. B., but I was not satisfied with the way most of them took hold of this. Some gave all they ought to, but others gave so little that it amounted to merely nothing. This church needs to be instructed upon this point more fully. In the evening we were very kindly permitted to preach in the Congregational church, though they were holding a protracted meeting at the time. The appointment was well circulated, and their large, fine house was crowded full. By request of the minister, Eld. Eaton, I spoke upon the subject of the second advent, plainly defining our position, and the Bible doctrine touching this important event. At the close of the meeting the minister expressed himself as much interested, and said he did not see how any one could fail to be interested in the subject. He further stated that this was a subject of growing interest, and that all churches and classes of people were coming to feel that the end was drawing very near, that probation was about to close, and the Lord to come. He is investigating the subject. The next day I came to Saranac and held several meetings in connection with Bro. Burrill. Having no meeting-house, the brethren hired a hall. Though our meetings were held in the day time, yet the hall was nearly filled, such was the interest to hear. In the evening it was crowded to its utmost capacity. Many had to stand up, and others went away. We had good freedom in preaching. Four united with the church, and two were baptized. Bro. Wilkinson was chosen leader. The church now numbers twenty. They raised the s. B. from $21 to $120. Quite a number have lately embraced the Sabbath here merely by reading. The work was started here by Bro. Lawrence and Strong over a year ago. The interest has been steadily increasing ever since. Quite a number more appear to be almost ready to take hold with us. Arrangements were made by Bro. Burrill to return here and give another short course of lectures. Friday, Jan. 15, 16, I was at Wright. Bro. Burrill also accompanied me here. The weather was the most favorable of any we have had, although the roads were very rough. We had a fair turnout Friday evening, and I had good freedom in talking over the progress and present condition of our work. Sabbath there was a large turnout, as this is a large church, the membership alone being one hundred. Children and all, they number nearly two hundred. On Sunday there was a good attendance of outsiders, so that their large house was well filled. Sabbath I preached two sermons designed to move the unconverted and backsliders, at the close of which I made an effort to get these persons to make a start in the service of God. Fifty-eight came forward for prayers. About one-half of these were backsliders, or those very much on the background. The others were young persons who had never been Christians. Many of these spoke, expressing their determination to return unto the Lord or to become Christians. Sunday morning, we enjoyed a good social meeting with them. We had meetings all day Monday, in which we took up these cases still farther, in order to help them all that was possible. Five united with the church and will be baptized immediately. A class was formed embracing all those who do not belong to the church, but wish to become Christians. Special meetings will be held for these every day in different localities for a week or more. Bro. Burrill stays over one Sabbath to assist Bro. Root and other brethren in this work. Sunday afternoon I spoke upon the subject of s. B., after which all, with scarcely a single exception, united in pledging for the coming year. Most of the brethren raised their figures, and quite a number pledged who had taken no part before, so that the pledge of the church was raised from $700 to above $1000 per year. As large as this appears to be, it is not as large as it should be in some cases. Several brethren did not put down their property for more than one-half or two-thirds its real value. Our time was so short, and there were so many cases requiring attention, that we could not be as thorough as we ought to have been, yet I was glad to see so much improvement. Eighteen shares were taken in the Pacific Press, most of which were paid; and some money was raised for other objects. So large a church as this requires a great deal of labor. A month could be spent here to good advantage. There is talent enough in this church if it was devoted to the cause of God, not only to take care of this church, but to help others. The church voted that Bro. Root should give himself more especially to the work of public labor, in which he has been engaged, more or less, for some time past. In examining the records of this church, we find that quite a number of persons have moved away, but have not reported to the church for years; neither have they paid any s. B., nor in any way recognized their duties to the church. This is entirely wrong. As long as a person remains a member of the church, he should not forget or neglect his duties to that church. Quite a number of others, upon moving away, had obtained letters from the church, but it was certainly known that these persons had not joined anywhere, neither had they in any manner recognized their relation to this church. They neither write to the church, nor pay any s. B., nor join any other church. This, again, is entirely wrong. According to the rules of all our Conferences, and our General Conference, a letter of introduction does not dismiss a member from that church at all. He is only dismissed upon actually uniting with another church. As long as he holds the letter of the church he is still a member of that church, and subject to it. A large number of such cases were taken up, and the clerk and s. B. treasurer were instructed to immediately inquire after these members, and obtain their pledges for this year. We request these friends to promptly respond. SOUTHERN MICHIGAN.
By M. B. Miller
I have not reported for some time, but it is not because I have not been at work in the good cause. By earnest request, I attended a quarterly meeting at Parkville, in November. The outside interest was such that it was thought best to continue the meetings. The attendance was good, but we did not see the immediate results of our labor that we had hoped to see; yet the meetings accomplished some good. Three were voted into the church. Systematic Benevolence was raised from $100 to $175, per year, and we think that this sum will be increased when they hear from some that live at a distance. This increase was accomplished by securing pledges from some who had not been paying, and by others, who had property, coming up to the Bible plan of giving. At present the members of this church are few and scattered. They have a very good meeting-house, but there is no male member that feels as though he could accept any responsibility in the church, even to the conducting of meetings on the Sabbath. It is therefore difficult for them to sustain regular worship, and meetings have not been kept up for the past year. During this time, they have had no help except on one occasion when Bro. L. A. Olmstead met with them. I have been thus particular in reporting the facts concerning this church, that those who labor in word and doctrine, whose duty it is to visit churches, may not forget this one. There is a house of worship here, and brethren will come together if due notice is given. Some friends will come in from the village and vicinity. Why not remember Parkville? Jan. 15 and 16, was with the church in Bronson. Here we learned, that, though not receiving the Appeal, they entered heartily into an observance of the fast, even to the children. It was a good time for them. During our meetings we read the Appeal to them. This and the preaching of the word took deep hold on them. In our social meeting tears flowed from eyes that we never saw moistened before. Some that started with us when the tent was here, but have since given up the Sabbath, are now finding their way back with us. May the Lord lead them to the full reception of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Systematic Benevolence of this church was considered, and raised from about $50.00 to $70.88. Tuesday evening, Jan. 18, we commenced a course of lectures in the Factoryville school-house. We are having a good attendance. Being about seven miles from Colon, we met with brethren there last Sabbath. The Lord met with us by his Holy Spirit. Our hearts were softened, and tears flowed freely as we spoke on the proper observance of the Sabbath, from Isa. 58:13, 14. How timely the Appeal on this point and the fast. M. B. MILLER. Factoryville, Jan. 24, 1876. NEW YORK.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
About the middle of December I came to this State, and, in company with Eld. B. L. Whitney, have held meetings in Roosevelt, Russell, Pierrepont, Buck’s Bridge, Adams Center, and Akron. We have seen some of God’s blessing manifested at each of these meetings. Some have made efforts to draw nearer to God, but others seem almost insensible to the importance of the time in which we live. New York was organized into a State Conference Tract Society in March, 1872. During this Society’s short experience it has expended about six thousand dollars in publications, which have been distributed, besides assisting in each other new enterprise connected with this work that has required financial aid. A large share of this means has been raised by the poorer brethren, while the more wealthy have excused themselves. This is not as it should be. While the poor should consider it a privilege to act their part in every enterprise connected with the work of God, those of more abundant means should give in proportion to what God in his providence has committed to them. God is not dependent upon man to carry forward his work, but in his wise economy he has ordained that it should be done through human instrumentalities, and a portion of the means he has intrusted to us should be used for this purpose. He claims it as his. Then if it be used to advance his work upon earth there will be fruit in the kingdom of God as the result. There are many who would do well to follow the example of Zaccheus as recorded in Luke 19:1–9; and if they would do this they would experience the fulfillment of the Saviour’s words to him, “This day is salvation come to this house.” There ever has been, and is at the present time, a fearful robbing God of “tithes and offerings,” and unless there is a speedy reform with many in this respect they will find before long that they have met with a great loss. The cause of truth is rising; an interest is being awakened almost everywhere to hear and read upon these solemn truths. Some who have been long in the way have never made any real sacrifices in the cause of Christ. God, by his providence29 and his Holy Spirit, especially calls upon such to return to him by confessing and forsaking their sins and errors. In some parts of this State sacrificing labor has been put forth by way of visiting from house to house. And where this kind of labor has been followed up, fruits are being seen. Especially is this the case in St. Lawrence County, where Bro. Hall and some others have labored in this work. He has been especially engaged in this kind of labor since the Tract Society in this State was organized, and now in different parts of his district there are individuals and small companies embracing the truth. This part of the State furnished many subscribers for the trial volumes of the Review, the Reformer, and the Voice; and when the time of their subscription expired, he visited them and followed up the interest by giving them other reading matter and bestowing such labor as seemed necessary. At the present time, in the town of Pierrepont there are between forty and fifty keeping the Sabbath. They have built a large, commodious house of worship. Although poor, they show a commendable zeal for God. Our meetings at this place came at a time when the Methodists were making an especial effort for a revival. They continued over a week. The Methodists postponed their meetings, saying it “was of no use while the Adventists were holding theirs.” There was an interest to hear for miles around, and I could see no reason why their numbers might not have been greatly increased if the meeting could have continued. At Adams Center, as elsewhere, the fast was observed. Much interest was manifested on the part of some to draw near to God, and make a new start in his service. When the matter of subscribing for the Signs of the Times was presented, there was a ready response. Sixty-five copies were subscribed for in a few moments, mostly by our brethren and sisters, who took from three to five copies each, to be used for distribution among those who might be interested to read. During the year, 3,250 papers will be received. Judging from the spirit manifested in subscribing for them, we believe they will be judiciously disposed of. This will call out talent that has hitherto been absorbed in the cares of this life. Individuals who in the fear of God take such responsibilities, and earnestly seek God to guide them in the performance of their work, may expect much of God’s blessing. When men and women move forward in the fear of God, uniting faith and works, there will be good results. At Akron we were glad to meet with quite a number who had recently embraced the truth. They also partake of the missionary spirit, and show their faith by their works. We believe there are omens of good in this State. If some grow cold and lose their interest in this work, others will step in and fill their places, and finally take their crowns. We do not draw a bow at a venture in the cause of God. We have the assurance that God will prosper his word, and that it will accomplish that whereunto he sends it. It will not return to him void. We enter the work expecting success. We are instructed as follows: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand.” “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” The work is God’s; the labor is for him; the reward is at the end of the race. S. N. HASKELL. SOMETHING LACKING.
By J. E. Green
“I find something lacking, let me go where I will,”
Were the words of a dear absent friend
Who had shared in life’s pleasures and tasted its ill,
And now she was nearing life’s end. She had gone to the land of her youth, to enjoy
Communion with old friends awhile;
But earth’s sweetest pleasures, alas! will soon cloy,
And cease our sore hearts to beguile. We traverse this wide world all over in vain,
Seeking for joys that endure;
Our happiness here is soon followed by pain
There is no earthly pleasure that’s pure. But there is a joy that will never decay;
A pleasure that never will fade;
Our Redeemer once came, and he marked out the way;
If we follow the footsteps he made, They will lead to a land where pleasures are pure,
And happiness be unalloyed.
There will be nothing lacking, our joys will endure,
As we bask in the smiles of our Lord. BRO. ELLS and myself are still laboring in this section, notwithstanding the wrath of the dragon which manifests itself in determined opposition from all classes, but especially from the Adventists. Some of these have treated us with great kindness and courtesy, while others are very bitter against us. Eld. Welcome is taking especial pains, both in public and private, to speak against our views—not on Bible grounds, but by misrepresenting our positions. We have felt that the Strong Arm has sustained us thus far, and we give glory to God for the freedom and power which he gives us in defending his precious truth. We rejoice in the clear light which he is shedding on his blessed word, and that some souls, even here, are being led by that light into the truth, and being set free from the shackles of error which have heretofore bound them. About a dozen have taken their stand for God and his holy law, in the different neighborhoods where we have labored. Others have become deeply interested in the truth, but whether they will take a decided stand is yet to be seen. We shall remain here the present week, at least. Pray for us. D. P. CURTIS. Monticello, Jan. 17, 1876. SALEM, NEBRASKA.
By G. V. Kilgore
At the first place of meetings, near Salem, three ministers opposed the truth. One, a Lutheran, said it was an insult to the holy fathers of the past 1800 years for beardless youths to preach that Sunday is not a sacred day. However, three honest souls embraced the truth here. At the next place, three miles west, three more have begun to keep the Sabbath. Four others will, if they let their own consciences rule them. And others are fully convinced. But how often “the fear of man bringeth a snare.” At this place there was great opposition; but the Lord blessed me with good freedom and a house full of attentive hearers. Bro. Wing is still in the vicinity of Salem, and can keep up Sabbath meetings. I began meetings, Jan. 6, ten miles south of Nebraska City. Three have begun to keep the Sabbath already. Have had two good Sabbath meetings. The Lord was with us. G. V. KILGORE. RANTOUL, KAN.
By J. Lamont
I HAVE continued meetings in this vicinity to the present time. Seventeen have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A few others are keeping the Sabbath. Regular Sabbath meetings are maintained; and we also have a Sabbath-school of about thirty members. There are urgent calls for labor from adjoining neighborhoods. I intend to respond to one or two of these calls in a few weeks. THE Lord is still at work in Nebraska. Efforts are being made to stop our meetings, but the interest is increasing. Dec. 3, 1875, to Jan. 3, 1876, I lectured at the Sailor school-house. A good interest was manifested, and several have embraced the Sabbath. Opposition has been strong. Some of the ministers have made repeated effort to disturb and break up our meetings, but have failed, and only hurt themselves. Jan. 4–15, I was with the brethren at Arago. The Lord was with us, and blessed us greatly. I held meetings Sabbath morning and evening with the brethren at Salem. It was a time of earnest searching of heart, and we received rich blessings. Salem, Neb., Jan. 17, 1876. BROWN CO., MINN.:
By Geo. M. Dimmick
COMMENCED labor at Golden Gate, Dec. 21, 1875. The Lord has been with us, and though we have had bitter opposition to meet from ministers, many have decided to keep the Sabbath. The best people in the community have taken a stand for the truth. Pray for us. Golden Gate, Minn., Jan. 12, 1876. A PRIVATE note from Bro. Van Horn, just received, says:— “The cause of present truth is slowly advancing, and the Lord is blessing the means used to establish the work here. The appointed fast was observed, with a good result. It came at the time of our first quarterly meeting in the new year, and the general testimony is, that ‘it was the best quarterly meeting we have ever held here.’ And so it was, and may the impressions left on our minds be lasting.” CLERK’S BOOKS.—HOW TO KEEP THEM.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
WHEN our churches were few, their numbers small, and their history brief, it was not a matter of very great account just how the records were kept; but now as our churches are rapidly multiplying all over the land, and some of them are coming to have a large membership, and a history running back through several years, with many additions, and losses, and trials, it has become a matter of great importance to have the records kept right. I have made it a part of my business to examine the books in the churches which I have visited, and I think that, with a little instruction and care, a decided improvement can be made in this matter. I find clerks who have kept their church records for years on loose bits of paper lying around the house, and in this manner they have sometimes been lost. Again, I find church books in which is a record of Systematic Benevolence, the Tract Society, meeting house expenses, &c. None of these things should come into a church record. Systematic Benevolence is a distinct thing of itself. There is a treasurer appointed to attend to that. It should never be mixed with the church record. So with the Tract and Missionary Society. It is a distinct and separate organization. Nothing should be said about it in a church record. And the society which is organized to hold church property is another distinct affair, which has a clerk and a record of its own. I offer the following suggestions upon this subject: 1. A good blank book should be obtained—one of about seventy-five or one hundred pages, about six inches wide and ten inches long, or thereabouts, would be a proper size. The first thing to be recorded in this book is the covenant. This should be placed upon the second page, on the left-hand side of the book. Under this covenant, in a single column close to the right hand side of the page, should be placed a list of all the members of the church in the order in which they joined. On the same page containing this list there should be room enough left on the left of each name to give the date of each member’s admission, and how he joined, whether at the organization of the church, by baptism, by vote of the church, or by letter. Then the opposite page of the book should be left entirely blank, so that remarks can be made opposite each name whenever it may become necessary, stating when the member died, was expelled, or removed by letter. Several pages should be left for this list before the regular record of the church commences. A glance at this page will readily tell when any member joined, how he joined, when he left, and how he left, and who still belong. Here is a sample of the way I think it ought to be done:— June 1, 1874, at organization, John Brown. July 10, 1874, by baptism, Mary Brown. Aug. 7, 1874, by vote, William Jones. Aug. 7, 1874, by letter, Sarah Jones. Oct. 5, 1875, by baptism, Jane Smith. Oct. 5, 1875, by vote of church, Geo. White. Died, Dec. 6, 1874. Dismissed by letter, March 4, 1875. Expelled for apostasy, April 2, 1875. This record shows at a glance just how the church stands. It shows that Wm. Jones, Geo. White, and Jane Smith, are members of the church at the present time. The others have been, but are not now. John Brown died, Dec. 6, 1874; Mary Brown was dismissed by letter, March 4, 1875, and Sarah Jones was expelled for apostasy. This tells the whole story in a short compass. There should be room enough left for this list to be continued as long as the church stands. No name should ever be erased or crossed off the list. The record must show what has become of them, but let their names stand on the list always. Sometimes a member comes to the church clerk and says, “You may cross my name off from the book.” But the clerk has no right to do any such thing. He can no more cross off a name by his own authority or by the request of any individual than he can take in a member by the same authority. All the clerk has to do is simply to record what the church has done. No member can take his own name off from the list. Each came in by vote of the church; he must go out in the same manner. After this list, the next thing to be done is to turn three or four leaves, and here commence a record of all the transactions of the church. This record should state when, where, and by whom, the church was organized. It should state who were taken in at the organization, who were elected elder, deacon, and clerk, and what the covenant was which they signed. After this, whenever any member is taken into the church or is turned out of the church, this fact should be recorded, both in the list of names and in the body of the record. When any one is baptized, when the ordinances are celebrated, when an elder or deacon is elected or ordained, or any church trial is held, a record of these facts should immediately be made in the body of the book, and the clerk’s name signed to it every time. The habit which some clerks have of letting such matters go unrecorded for days and weeks after they have occurred is very pernicious. Any person who will do this is not fit to be clerk. Much care should be exercised in selecting a proper person for clerk. One of the first qualifications for a good clerk is promptness. A person who is prompt, punctual, and particular, in his own affairs, will be so in attending to the affairs of the church. But one who is careless, and slow, and slack, in his own affairs will be the same in attending to the affairs of the church. Hence such a person should not be put in. The clerk should also be able to write a good fair hand, and have some idea of the business style of recording matters. We hope that these suggestions may help some in keeping their records right. Names of Members; Page; Received: By Vote, By Baptism, By Letter; Dismissed: By Letter, By Death, Disfellowshipped. Names listed: John Brown, 62; Warren B. Clark, 64; James W. Sawyer, 66; Stella M. Nichols, 68; William Jones, 74; Lillie E. Dowling, 75; Charles H. Smith, 77; Orrin S. Davis, 79; Richard Johnson, 81; James C. Gage, 84; Sarah E. Connor, 94. By Vote: July 1, 1870; May 4, 1874. By Baptism: Aug. 11, 1869; Aug. 1, 1874; Aug. 1, 1874; Aug. 1, 1874; Aug. 1, 1874; Aug. 1, 1874; Sept. 1, 1874; Oct. 1, 1874. By Letter: Dec. 2, 1870; Oct. 14, 1872; April 6, 1875. Dismissed by Letter: Sept. 1, 1875; June 2, 1875. By Death: Sept. 1, 1875. Disfellowshipped: July 23, 1874; Aug. 9, 1875. NOTE. We insert here the form of keeping the record of church membership adopted by the Battle Creek church. In this book containing a list of members, a record is kept, referred to in the column headed “Record Page.” This gives an account of every member’s reception or dismissal, etc. Besides that, there is ample room for the particular date of baptism, and for what cause any member was dismissed, by turning to the page of the Record Book indicated in that column. The brief form given by Bro. Canright will be ample for small churches; but for large churches, where the membership is constantly changing, we commend a consideration of the form here given. U. S. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” DIED, of neuralgia, in Vernon Co., Mo., Oct. 15, 1875, Diantha, wife of H. W. Forgey, aged forty-one years. Sister F. experienced religion and united with the church at the early age of eleven years, and became a faithful member of the Old Union church in Nicholas Co., Kentucky, of which the celebrated Peter Honn was pastor for many years. In the summer of 1843, while the tent was at Clintonville, Mo., under the labors of Bro. T. J. Butler and the writer, she embraced the Sabbath of the Lord and faith in the soon coming of Christ, which profession she adorned by a well-ordered life and unapproachable character. She leaves a husband and nine children to mourn their loss. We hope and pray that they may all so live as to be an unbroken family in the kingdom of God. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from 1 Thess. 4:18. J. G. Wood. DIED, at Princeville, Ill., Dec. 31, 1875, our dear mother, Deidamia Mott, aged sixty-nine years and nine months. She sleeps sweetly in Jesus. She was an earnest believer in the third angel's message, and loved the cause of God. Funeral service by the Methodist minister, Eld. Carithers. May we so live that we may meet her when the Life-giver comes. W. W. & Josephine Mott. DEPARTED this life, Jan. 8, 1876, my beloved companion, Joseph S. Webster, of North Star, Gratiot Co., Mich., aged forty-seven years, two months, and eight days. His disease was consumption. On the morning of his death, he was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs, from which he expired in less than five minutes. He was an esteemed citizen; in his family he was a wise counselor, a kind father, and an affectionate husband. Our home is lonely and our hearts are sad. Discourse by Bro. Fisher, from 2 Pet. 1:3, to a large and attentive congregation. CHARLOTTE WEBSTER. DIED, Dec. 30, 1875, of dropsical consumption, at the residence of her daughter in Iowa City, Mich., our mother, Algina Lake, in the 67th year of her age. She embraced the truth under the labors of Elds. Van Horn and Canright when the tent was at Ithaca in 1864, and she continued a faithful member of the church in that place until her death. We are called to mourn; but we are comforted by the words, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” LORENDA M. OGDEN. DIED, of bilious fever, near Montevallo, Mo., Sept. 23, 1875, Susan, wife of Bro. Thomas J. Hathaway. At the time of the tent-meeting at Montevallo, in the summer of 1873, she embraced the Sabbath and other truths of the third angel's message. She lived a consistent Christian life. A husband and five children mourn their loss, but not as others without hope. Funeral discourse by the writer from Rev. 14:13. J. G. Wood. HOW THE TRUTH IS RECEIVED.
By R. S. Owen
To us who have learned to love present truth, there is beauty and harmony in it. It is as clear as the light of the noon-day sun. This gives us faith, hope, and courage, to cheer us on our way. It buoys our spirits up when without it we should almost sink into despair. It gives us pleasure, also, to notice the joy others express in hearing and obeying the truth. Of late I have heard many such expressions as the following from those who have seen the light on Rev. 14, and the truths connected therewith: “I feel as though we had something to live for now.” Another says, “Many times have I thrown that book [the Bible] down, resolving never to look into it again; but now I can say, Oh, how I love it!” Another says, “I am so glad that I have learned to keep God’s Sabbath;” and another, “How thankful we ought to be that we had a chance to hear the truth.” Yes, God has given us a truth that will do people good; and there are many who are hungering and thirsting for it. If we hide the light under a bushel, we shall be held accountable. Our books are read with interest in Canada. Many persons are known to sit up half the night to read them. I will mention one case in particular. A lady promised to read our work on the third angel’s message, which I lent to her. When I afterward called on her, she had read it through four times, had lent it to one of her neighbors, who had read it also, and it was then being read by a third family. The lady who first took the book is now keeping the Sabbath with part of her family, and the others are favorable to the truth; and those to whom she lent the book have embraced the truth. She has a brother in California who there commenced to keep the Sabbath last summer. Thus, though separated by thousands of miles, they have become united in the truth. If it gives pleasure to see souls receiving God’s truth, and loving to keep his commandments here, what will be the joy to see them enter through the pearly gates into the heavenly city, there to enjoy the everlasting inheritance? R. S. OWEN.