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The Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 21

THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH OR THE FIRST
Earlier text: SABBATH-SCHOOL TEACHERS AND LITTLE THINGS

CALIFORNIA T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By Barbara C. Stickney

The State quarterly meeting of this society was held in connection with the Lemoore camp-meeting, April 26, 1880. The meeting was called to order by Eld. S. N. Haskell, President of the State and also of the General Society. After the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting held Jan. 18, the report of the work done in the State during the quarter was read, which is as follows:—
Districts No. Members No. Reports Returned No. Members Added No. Families Visited No. Letters Written No. Signs taken in Clubs Subscribers obtained for Periodicals Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets distributed Periodicals Distributed Annuals sold and given away Cash rec’d on Tract Fund and Periodicals
1 92 53 5 190 146 145 16 49411 2687 647 $108 15
2 86 30 5 36 112 95 7 28022 1059 712 166 72
3 52 33 4 32 472 201 4 11652 3898 412 96 85
4 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
5 81 41 5 64 168 202 67 19110 1711 306 193 05
6 9 6 ... 2 2 10 8 1789 240 107 16 25
7 85 49 ... 78 226 200 52 145122 4269 637 80 20
8 48 37 1 45 27 80 22 38175 1902 544 101 75
9 6 6 ... 40 16 ... 1 5299 107 200 1 20
*1 ... ... ... 91 ... ... ... 14118 1783 405 ...
459 255 24 575 1169 933 177 312698 17656 3970 $764 17
The general wants of the missionary society in this State were then considered, and among other things the necessity was shown of our having a reserve fund sufficiently large to enable the society to place in each district and church depository an adequate amount of tracts for the use of our missionary workers; also to furnish ministers, colporters, and those acting as agents, with such publications as they may want until sales are effected, and returns made to the State society. Remarks were then made in regard to the Seaman’s Mission, which constitutes an important branch of the work in this State, and it was advised that there be means raised to carry forward this work.
The Committee on Resolutions made the following report:—
Whereas, We in this State have been favored with the labors of Sister White, and thereby a vast amount of prejudice which existed against our views has been removed, and whereas the way is now open for more successful missionary labor than ever before, therefore.
Resolved, That we will seek a greater consecration to God and his work, and recommend colportering and canvassing in the sale of our publications, especially the Spirit of Prophecy, and obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, and
Whereas, This will necessitate keeping on hand a greater amount of bound books and pamphlets, therefore.
Resolved, That we recommend our districts and church societies to act as agents for the State society in the sale of bound books and pamphlets, returning retail price to the State society.
Resolved, That we also recommend our ministers and colporters to act as agents in the sale of our publications, and that they deal directly with the State society.
Resolved, That we are in harmony with the ship missionary work, and recommend the immediate raising of a fund of $3,000, one-third to be appropriated to the ship-work, and the remainder to be used as a reserve fund, to carry the publications necessary to supply those who sell in our districts.
Resolved, That as the local societies and ministers act as agents for the society, we discontinue the ten per cent hitherto added to tracts purchased by them, and further
Resolved, That the expense of transporting publications to the districts and churches shall be paid out of the State fund.
Resolved, that we recommend each district to make a special effort to pay its present indebtedness as soon as possible, that the State society may be able to pay its indebtedness, and relieve the associations.
J. L. Wood, C. W. Porter, Geo. W. Hutchings, } Committee.
As these resolutions came up one by one, much enthusiasm was manifested in reference to them. The brethren seemed willing, and even anxious, to do all in their power to assist in the missionary work; and none but those who were present can appreciate the interest manifested, especially when the fourth resolution was read. Many spoke in reference to it, but not a dissenting voice was heard. All seemed anxious to have it pass, that the worthy object for which it was designed might be attained. As soon as the resolution was passed, the brethren present were given the privilege of pledging for the purpose mentioned; and notwithstanding for the past three years there had been a failure in their crops (although the prospect for good crops in that section was never better than for the present season), yet seven immediately requested their names entered for $100 and eight others for $50 each. In a few minutes the amount pledged exceeded $1,700. Over one hundred subscribers were obtained for our periodicals, principally for the Signs of the Times; and about thirty gave their names as life members of the General T. and M. society. Over $300 worth of books were disposed of on the camp-ground. Seven go out from this meeting devoting their time to the missionary work, either as canvassers or colporters. Considering the limited number of brethren in this part of the State, we can but think that the results of this meeting are very encouraging.
Barbara C. Stickney, Sec.

TENNESSEE T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By Clinton Owens

The quarterly meeting of this society was held April 18, 1880. Owing to the absence of the President and the busy time of year for farmers, the attendance was small, yet the interest in the missionary work is good. The local societies of Springville, Mt. Gilead, and Ridge did not report. The report for the quarter is as follows:—
No. of members, 33
“ “ reports returned, 12
“ “ families visited, 19
“ “ letters written, 11
“ “ periodicals distributed, 1,372
“ “ Annuals “ 91
“ “ subscribers obtained for periodicals, 40
Pages tracts loaned, 5,536
“ “ given away, 1,896
Money received, $28.20
This is the work of only two local societies. I hope to report more labor performed in this State next quarter. This is only one-half of what might have been done, had all been active in the missionary work. I hope we may learn to work more diligently in the cause of the Master in the future. CLINTON OWENS, Sec.

CONCEPTIONS OF THE DEITY.

SOME of the natural conceptions of the Deity by heathen men are wonderfully pure and admirable. They tend to confirm the fact of their great guiltiness, “because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God!” There is a sacred book in China, written long before the time of Christ, which speaks of God as a Being who “knows all things, the secrets of the heart not being hidden from him.”
“In the Hindu writings,” says Rev. J. H. Titcomb, “God is described by some of the most glorious of his attributes; thus, in the Bhagavat Geeta, which is an episode in the great national poem of India called the Mahabharatta, which is certainly nearly three thousand years old, we meet with the following: ‘O Thou who art All in All! Infinite is Thy power and glory! Thou art the Father of all things, animate and inanimate; there is none like unto Thee.’ In Egypt, also, we meet with conceptions of the Deity, which are no less grand and lofty. What can exceed in beauty the inscription of the temple of Isis at Saïs, ‘I am all that hath been, is, and shall be, and no man hath lifted my vail;’ thus bringing out both the unity and eternity of the Divine essence.”
The heathen who thus wrote about God, and their successors, knew, and to this day still know, something of God and his will. When they sin, they know that they are acting in opposition to that will, and they know that they are doing wrong, so that the heathen world is filled with lashing consciences.—Illustrated Missionary News.

PENNSYLVANIA T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By B. L. Whitney; Mrs. D. C. Phillips

The State quarterly meeting of this society was held at Wellsville, N. Y., May 2, 1880. The President in the chair. After the opening exercises, Eld. Canright preached an interesting sermon on sacrificing. Reports of the two preceding quarters were presented and compared, showing increasing interest, the amount of labor being more than doubled during the last quarter. The President, in remarking upon points of interest, spoke especially on the importance of reporting, calling attention to the fact that should each individual act the part that God designs, a marked improvement would be manifest. Attention was then called to the necessity of increasing our reserve fund. Nearly $400 was pledged. The following is a summary of the report for the quarter ending March 31:—
Districts No. Members No. Reports Returned No. Members Added No. Families Visited No. Letters Written No. Signs taken in Clubs Subscribers obtained for Periodicals Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets distributed Periodicals Distributed Annuals sold and given away Cash rec’d on Tract Fund and Periodicals
1 35 6 1 .... .... 29 — 3444 203 293 $15 19
2 103 80 1 185 101 .... 92 23854 1919 273 $56 88
3 85 36 2 76 41 .... 36 22974 552 437 $58 29
4 71 20 18 90 41 41 15 20723 623 142 $4 16
5 32 15 .... 69 57 15 43 15750 326 52 —
*1 .... .... .... 585 100 .... 243 17903 190 20 $330 45
326 157 22 1004 341 78 429 135148 3813 1217 $514 97
NOTE.—The local societies at Coudersport, Catlin, Ellicottville, Gerry Hill, and Osceola, failed to report.
B. L. WHITNEY, Pres.
MRS. D. C. PHILLIPS, Sec.

REPORT OF MICHIGAN T. AND M. SOCIETY, FOR QUARTER ENDING APRIL 1, 1880.

By Jennie Thayer

Districts No. Members No. Reports Returned No. Members Added No. Members Visited No. Letters Written No. Signs taken in Clubs Subscriptions obtained for Periodicals Tracts and Pamphlets distributed Periodicals Distributed Animals sold and given away Cash rec’d on Tracts Funds and Periodicals
1 85 42 2 106 27 69 41 18618 726 161 $78 47
2 109 72 7 33 106 55 48 30882 884 659 139 41
3 358 171 38 1216 938 568 153 135839 10105 2401 407 61
4 97 66 … 7 15 30 56 21433 1183 318 98 54
5 95 33 2 35 47 127 101 8680 853 156 68 93
6 100 66 1 95 52 24 83 17632 822 473 169 37
7 78 50 10 57 14 31 27 10752 534 135 91 17
8 … … … … … … … … … … …
9 39 26 2 39 54 25 3 8857 546 90 60 00
10 85 44 … 12 13 28 53 10666 971 109 95 99
11 34 17 … 26 34 25 6 4691 401 181 6 55
12 11 12 … 16 5 … … 270 12 5 8 75
13 32 8 1 20 12 44 11 4475 257 160 84 80
14 112 66 2 47 26 94 34 22878 1159 216 90 64
15 32 … … 62 1 … 39 14534 351 203 24 00
16 28 23 8 145 7 27 36 4264 475 108 21 00
1295 696 73 1916 1351 1217 698 314271 19279 5376 $1583 79
NOTE.—The churches of Allegan, Almont, Armada, Bronson, Colon, Convis, Estella, Fairgrove, Greenbush, Hart, Howell, Lakeview, Morley, Orange, Parkville, Partello, Pierson, Seville, Six Lakes, Watrousville, and Wayland failed to report.
JENNIE THAYER, Sec.

REPORT OF IOWA T. AND M. SOCIETY,

By Lizzie Hornby

FOR QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, 1880.
Districts No. Members No. Reports Received No. Members Added No. Families Visited No. Letters Written No. Signs Taken in Clinics Subscribers Obtained for Periodicals Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets Distributed Periodicals Distributed Annual Gold and Silver Awards Cash Rec’d on Tracts, Funds and Periodicals
11 50 67 .... 36 52 10 6 16126 612 260 $37 69
2 42 9 2 27 17 15 20 4425 302 111 40 60
3 108 40 1 6 12 22 35 8929 323 62 88 81
4 88 51 13 51 19 41 16 11864 757 150 80 36
5 70 34 2 470 26 41 121 88667 918 83 79 85
6 67 32 ... 48 75 34 20 22309 903 121 76 57
7 35 25 6 10 15 10 12 6243 120 25 44 51
8 76 34 2 354 31 .... 115 12462 301 147 62 00
9 48 9 5 26 4 .... 24 11642 80 38 30 53
10 105 74 2 525 166 85 81 34458 1631 171 164 80
11 50 17 1 6 9 18 50 6303 712 69 55 89
12 7 3 3 5 6 5 1 1606 57 100 12 25
13 4 4 .... 4 2 6 1 3800 56 100 ....
2† .... .... .... .... .... 20 .... .... .... .... 140 80
750 399 37 1568 437 307 503 179334 6772 1437 $914 86
NOTE.—The local societies at Oskaloosa, Richland, and Fonda failed to report.
LIZZIE HORNBY, Sec.

CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA.

A correspondent of the Christian Union, writing from Bombay, recites the following interesting incident, which shows what it costs to be a Christian in that Mohammedan country, and how highly these heathen converts prize the religion of Christ. How few, in this free country, are willing to obey God by bearing the comparatively light cross of espousing an unpopular truth.
The difficulty of missionary work among the Mussulman population of India is well illustrated by an incident which took place in Bombay a few months ago. A young Mussulman of quite high position and of very good family, was brought under the influence of Christian truth several years ago. He read the New Testament and other Christian books; he conversed frequently with missionaries and other Christians; he attended Christian worship. Ere long he became convinced of the truth of Christianity, and for a time endeavored to live outwardly as a Mohammedan, while cherishing a secret faith in Christ. His conscience, however, was not satisfied, and a few months ago he asked for baptism, proposing to take the irrevocable step of joining himself boldly to the Christian church. His friends, on becoming aware of his decision, were enraged. He has no father, but lived with his widowed mother and elder brother. His brother gave him twenty days in which to reconsider the question, and give up all thoughts of becoming a Christian, telling him that if he still adhered to his determination to abjure Islamism, he would do to him “whatever he liked.” The meaning of this threat was plain enough. Before the twenty days had elapsed, his brother, seeing that there was but little prospect of the young convert’s giving up his new religion, turned him out of the house, bidding him “to look out for himself.” [That meant look out for his life.] The young man went to a missionary friend with a Bible in his hand, and the clothes he had on his person—everything else he had given up. He was asked if he could not go back and get some articles he needed, and said it would not be safe. From what we know of the temper of Bombay Mussulmans, as shown in cases of this kind in previous years, there can be but little doubt that his life would have been in danger had he remained in Bombay. He was quietly sent to another place, where he was duly baptized and is now living as a Christian, and studying to fit himself for usefulness as a Christian laborer in India.

An African's Description of Dr. Livingstone

—This is the way an African savage describes Dr. Livingstone: “A white man whose words were always gentle, and whose manners were always kind; whom as a leader it was a privilege to follow, and who knew the way to the hearts of all men.”

QUARTERLY MEETING AT POTTERVILLE, MICHIGAN.

By Jennie Thayer; M. B. Miller

The quarterly meeting for Section 1, Michigan T. and M. Society, was held according to appointment at Potterville, May 2, commencing at 9:30 A. M., and was called to order by the President of this section, Eld. M. B. Miller. The report of labor for the quarter was read, a summary of which is given below.
The President compared this report with that of the previous quarter, and found a great improvement in all respects. The greater number of members reporting was perhaps the most encouraging feature, and this showed that in all probability much labor performed during that quarter was not reported. He also spoke of some who thought they had overdone in missionary labor in the past, and said he considered it very questionable whether any one could overdo in this work. He thought the error was not in having too great zeal at the commencement, but in allowing that zeal to abate.
Bro. Carman, Director of Dist. No. 14, made a stirring appeal to the brethren and sisters to engage heartily in the work of canvassing for our periodicals, and assured them that the secret of success lies in having confidence ourselves that the papers we present are most excellent, and what every one needs and should have.
The duties of members relating to missionary visits, canvassing, reporting, etc., were discussed, and points not clearly understood by all were made plain.
Interesting and cheering experiences were related by several; and when one brother said he did not know of anything that had resulted from his efforts, another arose and testified that he had that morning heard of two persons whose conversion to the truth might be indirectly traced to tracts handed out by this brother.
Twenty-two subscriptions were obtained for the College Record, and seven pledges of life-membership to the General T. and M. Society.
On account of a funeral in the afternoon, this pleasant, and, we trust, profitable meeting adjourned at 12:30 P. M.
Jennie Thayer, Sec. M. B. Miller, Pres.

SUMMARY OF LABOR IN SECTIONS 1 AND 2.

Section No. Members No. Reports Received No. Members Added No. Families Visited No. Letters Written No. Signs taken in Clubs Subscribers obtained for Periodicals Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets distributed Periodicals Distributed Annual sold and given away Cash rec'd on Tracts and Periodicals
1 793 417 49 1471 1113 816 371 243984 14408 3958 $836 73
2 218 118 11 242 120 218 109 32953 2650 648 $392 84
1011 535 60 1713 1233 1034 480 276937 17058 4606 $1229 57

BALE, SWITZERLAND.

By John Nevins Andrews

Our tract and missionary work at Bale is carried forward with constant activity. We have learned several important lessons. 1. We have ascertained that our paper is much more valuable for general distribution than tracts; that is, for introducing the truth. The tracts are wanted to follow it up. 2. We have found how to send out our paper without having it returned unread, and to make it efficient in obtaining subscribers. 3. We have thus learned how to make known to the public our doctrine and our work, notwithstanding the hostility of the pastors and of the journals. It may seem a small matter to learn these facts, but the lesson has cost us much time and effort and patience. In time past we have sent out our journal to many new addresses, but in most cases it would be immediately returned to us. We have now adopted the plan of sending a letter of introduction with the first number sent to each new address, and with the fourth number an invitation to the receiver to subscribe for our journal. These letters have seemed to make a very favorable impression upon the people, and we have received very interesting responses, even from persons who had received only our first paper and letter.
Comparatively few papers have been returned to us. On receiving the letter in our fourth number many have written expressing their interest in our journal and commending the excellence of the articles which it contained. Some have expressed a desire to continue to receive it, but have said they were not able, at the present time, to pay for it. Even those who have directly declined to subscribe, have, for the most part, spoken in praise of the numbers which they have received. A considerable number have responded by sending us the money for a year or more. Our success has been the more surprising to us because we have sent out for the first three numbers only old papers, and have only sent a new paper for the fourth number.
The greater part of our papers have been sent to Switzerland and France, but many have also been sent to the following countries: Italy, Austria, Hungary, Prussia, Saxony, Alsace, Belgium, Holland, Wales, England, Scotland, Sweden, Russia, Sicily, Hindostan, Egypt, Isle of Mauritius, Spain, Bermuda, Canada, United States, Costa Rica, Chili, and Brazil.
One thing has greatly encouraged us. Money has come in from many sources from which we did not expect it, sufficient to pay the heavy expense of postage without taking anything from the missionary treasury. One person who received our paper saw in it a request that addresses should be sent to us, and though it was an old number, he complied with the request and sent us a list of addresses, and said that he would be glad to help us in any way in his power. We wrote to thank him for the addresses sent, and he responded by sending us a second list of seventy-five names, and said he would distribute our papers with pleasure.
A lady in Berne having received one of our old papers wrote immediately to say that she wished the whole set from the beginning, and to know what would be the expense. The secretary of an important religious society in one of the principal cities of Switzerland, who had received a few numbers of our journal, wrote to express his deep interest in the subjects presented and to request us to continue to send it, sending us what money he could spare at the time. We have received some very interesting letters from France and several subscribers. We have also some good letters from citizens of Bale.
Nearly all the time since I returned from America I have had to struggle with consumptive difficulties. During Mary's sickness it was necessary that I should care for her day and night, because she so earnestly requested that I should do it rather than any one else. Dr. Kellogg gave me warning that I should certainly take her disease. I knew the danger, but could not do otherwise than I did. Since coming to Europe I have been constantly struggling with the same forms of disease that were manifested in her, and I get over the difficulty in one form only to have it renewed in another. At present I am troubled with extreme congestion of the brain, attended with considerable cough. If I can get over this difficulty, I hope that my health will greatly improve.
Last fall when I went out to labor in Switzerland, I resolved never again to mention ill health in any report, and hoped, with God's blessing upon my earnest effort, to so do his work that I should be able to keep this resolution. But I have been compelled to desist from active labor in the field, and it is due to the brethren that I should state the facts. The question in my case is, whether I can overcome the tendency to the consumption or whether that shall overcome me. In many respects my condition seems changed for the better; but now comes the new difficulty, which causes great prostration. I intend, if the providence of God shall make it possible, to join Bro. Loughborough and labor with him during the tent season. It is very difficult for me to leave Switzerland, but I think it duty to make this change in view of the general interests of the cause in Europe.
In my last report I mentioned the fact that Bro. Ertzenberger had commenced labor in the canton of St. Gall. He met with some success. Two persons have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others became interested; but violent persecution broke out against him. He was compelled to walk five miles through the rain to appear before a judge; but when the judge had examined his case, he gave him an honorable dismissal and showed him much respect. His enemies, being thus baffled, a little after midnight made a violent assault upon the house where he lodged, and broke open the doors to seize him. He attempted to escape by a window, but one of the party was watching for him, and knocked him down and kicked him with much violence, so that he bled much from the mouth. Bro. E. thought it best to refrain from further effort in that canton for the present, as it brought bitter persecution upon the few friends who reside there. Those who made this brutal attack upon Bro. Ertzenberger supposed him to be the teacher of some very dangerous doctrine. If our paper could have been extensively distributed through the canton before the visit of Bro. E., public sentiment would have held these wicked men in check.
While writing this report, a letter comes from a lady in Germany who has received a few numbers of our paper, and who speaks in high terms of the doctrines it inculcates. She wishes it sent to a friend, and promises to send the pay for it immediately. While writing this paragraph we receive two letters from Paris; one contains a subscription for our paper, with the money; the other comes from a gentleman who says that he is pleased with our journal, but cannot subscribe for it. He says his partner is very much interested to read it, and he wishes that from time to time we would send it to him.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Bâle, April, 1890.

THE CAUSE IN ENGLAND.

By John Norton Loughborough

Since my last report I have spent several days in London, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton. In the latter places were parties who had become deeply interested in our views by reading, and who were much strengthened by the opportunity of conversing on Bible truth.
In London I was entertained very agreeably at the hospitable home of Eld. Wm. M. Jones, Seventh-day Baptist minister, of 15 Mill Yard, Goodman’s Fields, London, E., who is zealously defending the ancient Sabbath, both in speaking and publishing. He is pastor of Mill Yard church, where services are maintained every Sabbath at 11 A. M. and 3 P. M. By request of Bro. Jones I spoke to his congregation Sabbath afternoon, April 10. My mind was deeply affected with the thought that I was speaking in the place where noble defenders of God’s Sabbath had proclaimed this sacred truth for the last two hundred years. Thank God that those walls still witness an assembly of devout Sabbath-keepers on the return of each Sabbath.
Bro. Jones kindly accompanied me to different places of interest in London. I was especially interested in visiting the resting-places of many of the pious dead, and spots made sacred to the memory of martyrs. We first visited those points where Sabbath-keeping congregations were established in London more than two hundred years ago, and also places where some of these suffered martyrdom for their faith.
Having read what is said in chapter 26 of Bro. Andrews’ Sabbath History, concerning early Sabbath-keepers in England, especially in London, I greatly desired to visit these interesting points.
The first case mentioned is that of Mr. Trask, who was placed in the Pillory in Westminster and then whipped all the way through the street to Fleet Prison. The nearest route from one of these places to the other is now over a mile and a half. It is probable that the track over which Mr. Trask was taken was nearer two miles. The prison where Mr. Trask was placed one year, and Mrs. Trask for part of the fifteen years of her imprisonment, is now no more. On the site of this prison,—on Farringdon Street, between Fleet Street and Holborn Viaduct, on the spot where many Nonconformists in the time of James I. were imprisoned, from 1618 to 1620,—is now erected a Memorial Hall of the Congregational Union of England. This Union has the supervision of the home mission work of the Society. As we sat in this hall a few moments for rest and meditation, I thought how wonderful are God’s dealings with his people. On this very spot where Nonconformists suffered imprisonment, their successors can now meet, and devise ways and means to spread through the kingdom those very principles which in some cases cost life itself. Even the Sabbath cause has a representative in the councils held in this Hall, in the person of Bro. Jones. The specialty of the council composed of the three denominations, namely, Baptist, Independent, and Presbyterian, is not for dogma, but for keeping a watchful eye over the civil protection of Nonconformists and anything that relates to religious liberty.
It is quite probable that there were many Sabbath-keepers in London three hundred years ago; for in the early part of the 17th century they had attracted so much attention that talented men engaged in writing against them and their books. In Bro. Jones’ library is a list of one hundred and thirty-two different books on the Sabbath question, written and published in England during the last two hundred and eighty years. Many of these were written in defense of the seventh-day Sabbath, and are works of considerable size.
At one time there were two congregations of seventh-day keepers in London. One of these congregations worshiped at Pinner’s Hall, on the north side of Broad Street, less than half a mile east of the Bank of England, and the other in Bull Stake Alley, High Street, White Chapel. The latter company was raised up prior to 1654, but the exact date is unknown, owing to the destruction of the early records of the church at the fire in Mill Yard in 1790.
The congregation at Pinner’s Hall was the fruit of the labors of the learned and pious Francis Bampfield. He was among the two thousand ejected ministers of 1662, under the act of Charles II. He was confined in Salisbury prison nine years for Nonconformist views, and at his death he had completed ten years and a few months of imprisonment for Christ’s sake. He was Calvinistic in his sentiments. While in prison he embraced the seventh-day Sabbath, and was baptized, and on his return to London, after his release, this company of believers was raised up. On two successive Sabbaths, in 1682, he was arrested at his place of worship, and the second time he was confined in Newgate prison, where he died in 1683. His brother, Thomas Bampfield, a Sabbath-keeper, once a speaker in the House of Commons, under Cromwell, was also imprisoned for his religious views.
Joseph Stennett preached to the congregation at Pinner’s Hall from 1690 to 1713. He was the author of that beautiful Sabbath hymn,
“Another six days’ work is done, Another Sabbath is begun,”
and many others on the Sabbath, baptism, Lord’s supper, etc.
I saw not only the spot where this company met for worship, and the Newgate prison, but also a church book containing the records of this church dated from May 23, 1673. This book is now preserved at Mill Yard. In this church book, during a period of eighty years, there is a record of the reception of about four hundred members.
The congregation which erected the Mill Yard chapel, and formerly met at Bull Stake Alley, originated at an earlier date than the Pinner’s Hall company. These were anti-Calvinistic in sentiment. At that time Nonconformist meetings had to be held in private places, and care was taken not to leave many records of their proceedings in writing to fall into the hands of their persecutors. There is, however, a plain record of their erecting a chapel in 1693 on the very foundation on which the present Mill Yard chapel now stands. Among the early seventh-day ministers of Bull Stake Alley was John James, but earlier still was one Dr. Chamberlain. To give them in order, the ministers of this congregation were Dr. Chamberlain, John James, Henry Sourseby, John Madden, John Savage, Robert Cornthwaite, Daniel Noble, William Slater, Wm. Henry Black, and W. M. Jones, the present incumbent.
In the person of John James we have a noted instance of martyrdom for nonconformity, and for obedience to the Sabbath. Oct. 19, 1661, while Mr. James was preaching at the meeting place in Bull Stake Alley, he was arrested, tried, and committed for a time to Newgate prison, then sentenced to be hanged at Tyburn, near Hyde Park, and while still alive to have his entrails drawn and his heart taken out and burned; his head to be taken off, and placed first on London Bridge, and afterward set up on a pole in White Chapel, opposite the meeting place in Bull Stake Alley; his body to be cut into quarters, and a quarter placed on each of four of the seven gates of the city.
Mr. James gained great sympathy and respect for his devotion and submission to God. On the day of his execution he was bound to a sled, and drawn through the slush of the streets to Tyburn, where he spoke with great power, and prayed with such fervency that the hangman would not execute the full tenor of the sentence, but in compassion permitted him to become fully dead before he was drawn and quartered. In other respects the sentence was executed. His quarters were exposed in four of the gates, supposed to be the four nearest to the meeting place, namely, Aldgate, Bishopsgate, Moorgate, and Aldersgate. What became of the fragments of the body is not known, but God will reward this faithful martyr when the souls beheaded for the witness of Jesus and the word of God (Rev. 20) shall come to life and reign with Christ.
The day after visiting these places of the early trials of the English Sabbath-keepers, we went to Smithfield, where, in the years 1555–7, in the reign of Mary I., “John Rogers, John Bradford, John Philpot, and other servants of God, suffered death by fire for faith in Christ.” Near this spot stands the church of St. Bartholomew the Great, erected A. D. 1102. “In March, 1849, during excavations necessary for the new sewer, and at a depth of three feet below the surface, immediately opposite the entrance to the church of St. Bartholomew the Great, the workmen laid open a mass of unhewn stone, blackened as if by fire, and covered with ashes, and human bones charred and partially consumed. This is supposed to have been the spot generally used for the Smithfield burning,—the face of the sufferers being turned to the east and to the great gate of St. Bartholomew, the prior of which was generally present on such occasions.”
Solemn, indeed, were our thoughts while standing in the place where those noble martyrs stood, and looking at the same church that their eyes had gazed upon. Oh! for more of their faith and love—the “gold tried in the fire.”
From Smithfield we went to City-road, and entered Bunhill Fields. In the year of the plague—A. D. 1665—the site of this burial ground was an open space of ground outside the city walls, where large pits were dug, and the dead thrown in. It was afterward purchased by the Dissenters for their burying-place. Here is seen the grave of John Bunyan, who died Aug. 31, 1688. Not far from this is the grave of Mrs. Susannah Wesley, mother of John Wesley. Beside this is a large family tomb (name unknown), upon which John Wesley used to stand and preach, over his mother’s grave, to the crowds of people. Here we also saw the graves of Dr. Gill, the great commentator, who died 1771, and of Dr. Burder, author of Burder’s Sermons, and Rev. Timothy Priestley, Isaac Watts, and many other devoted servants of God. We also saw the graves of Richard Cromwell, and Daniel De Foe, author of Robinson Crusoe.
Just across the way from this great burial ground is the chapel in which John Wesley preached. By the side of it is the parsonage, in one room of which Wesley died; this we also saw. We walked into the chapel and then to the church-yard, which is directly back of it, where is the tomb of John and Charles Wesley. By the side of it is the grave of Dr. Adam Clarke, the commentator.
When we think of the trials, and privations, the imprisonments and scourgings of these faithful soldiers of Christ, and of what they endured for the advancement of the truth they held dear, truly we may say in view of our opportunities and privileges, the lines are fallen to us in pleasant places; we have a goodly heritage.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

A SONG OF TRUST.

By P. Alderman

BY P. ALDERMAN,
The sea is rough on which we sail, With many a danger, many a gale; How sweet to know, when storms assail, God rules.
His chiding voice could calm the sea, And gently rock my bark for me; But I might fail his hand to see— God knows.
How good to trust, his love divine, And feel his hand is clasping mine, To pilot through this evil time— He knows.
Safe are his children who obey, And careful walk the narrow way; His mighty arm will be their stay Through all.
I'll trust to Him who knows how long, How fierce the tempter's power, and strong, Who'll give me yet the victor's song Through Christ.

OHIO

Mesopotamia, May 5.—May 1, 2, I was with the Sabbath-keepers at North Solon. On the Sabbath we enjoyed a good meeting. Several came in from other places. I spoke twice to good audiences in the schoolhouse. I trust that some here are moving toward the kingdom. As I parted with Bro. Thomas, he left $5.00 in my hand to help forward the work. R. A. UNDERWOOD.
Van Wert and Mendon.—May 7 I met with the members of the Van Wert society. One was baptized and added to the church. Since our Institute, the Librarian of this society has in a few days sold nearly $10 worth of books. This church is growing spiritually as well as in numbers.
The 8th, I spoke to the brethren of the Mendon church. Quite a number have lately been added to the Sabbath-school. The 9th, I held three meetings at this place. I baptized a sister in the St. Mary’s River, where nine years ago I witnessed the baptism of the first Seventh-day Adventist I ever saw. We felt the Spirit of God with us.
Since our Institute I have sold $20 worth of books. I now expect to close my labors at this place with a short tent effort. Until that time I shall hold meetings at different school-houses in the neighborhood, and canvass for books and periodicals. G. G. RUPERT.

NEBRASKA

Labor among the Churches.—During the past four weeks I have held meetings with each church and company of Sabbath-keepers in the Republican Valley. At New Eria an outside interest was manifested, which I trust will result in additions to the church. I believe better days are before the brethren at Lynden. The Richmond church was organized two years ago, and has more than doubled its membership. During my stay here, five united with the church by baptism.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
Oxford, Furnas Co., May 10.
Blue Valley, Arborville, and Waco.—Held a two-days' meeting with the Blue Valley church. The Lord came very near to us by his Holy Spirit. The ordinances were celebrated, and three were added to the church. An elder and two deacons were chosen and ordained.
From here I went to Arborville, where I found the brethren all faithful. This little company adopted the tithing system even before it was preached to them. May the Lord bless them, and keep them faithful to the end.
Last Sabbath and first-day I met with the friends at Waco. Two dear souls were added to the church by baptism. May this little company be faithful, and be the means of bringing others to the truth.
H. SHULTZ.
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