Bro. Whitney sent a tract distributor to be placed in the Central Railroad Depot in this city. It was put there about the 25th of August, and since that time we have put into it two thousand pages of tracts per week, besides SIGNS and REVIEWS. We have set apart one day in each week to fill the distributor, and whenever we go we find it empty.
We have placed a set of our bound books in each of the public libraries here; they were willingly received. In addition to this we have distributed a number of German and English tracts about the city, to persons consenting to read them. There seems to be a great interest on the part of all to read. It is evident the Lord has set his hand to the work, and will finish it quickly.
God help us to be ready for the end.
L. E. ORTON.
KIND WORDS—WHY USE THEM.
1. BECAUSE they always cheer him to whom they are addressed. They soothe him if he is wretched; they comfort him if he is sad. They keep him out of the slough of despond, or help him out if he happens to be in.
2. There are words enough of the opposite kind flying in all directions—sour words, cross words, fretful words, insulting words, overbearing words, irritating words. Now, let kind words have a chance to get abroad, since so many and so different are on the wing.
3. Kind words bless him that uses them. A sweet sound on the tongue tends to make the heart mellow. Kind words react upon the kind feelings which prompted them, and make them more kind. They add fresh fuel to the fire of benevolent emotion in the soul.
4. Kind words beget kind feelings toward him that loves to use them. People love to see the face and hear the voice of such a man.
Kind words are, therefore, of great value in these hard times.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
By L. R. Carr
[The following lines written for the REVIEW, were found among the author's papers after her death, which occurred about seventeen months ago, and sent for publication by her mother.]
Ofttimes have I mourned at my portion below,
And wondered why trials must come
To those who already with grief are bowed low,
Yet trust in the crucified One.
I murmured that hatred for love should be given,
And friendship so often betrayed,
And sadly have asked myself, when I had striven
To go forward, why was I delayed.
I've found in God's word all my queries expressed,
Sweet answers of peace are there too;
“Because ye are chosen to share in my rest,
My children, the world hateth you.”
May such loving words to me be applied,
When so faithless I often have been?
In Christ is my refuge, the dear Crucified;
His precious blood cleanses from sin.
When I read of my Saviour’s deep anguish of soul
As he prayed in lone Gethsemane.
I cry, although high the fierce billows may roll,
Let me suffer, dear Saviour, with thee.
Yes, yes, I would walk in the path of his feet,
My armor gird manfully on;
No resting for me till my task is complete,
And the crown he has promised is won.
Oh, what though the darkness around me should fall,
And temptations, like tempests, arise?
Oh, what though my friends should their favor
recall?
My trust is with One in the skies.
The thoughts of that home in the city above
Already my courage restore;
I shall dwell with my Saviour, and share in his love,
And never shall sin any more.
L. R. CARR.
Nodaway Co., Mo.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DEPARTED this life, Aug. 25, 1877, our son, Homer B. Howard, aged 20 years, 1 month, and 15 days. He was away from home in the town of Ganges, Allegan Co., Mich. His disease was inflammation of the bowels, from which he was a great sufferer, although sick but eight days. His remains were taken to Monterey, his former home, for burial. Funeral sermon by Eld. Fletcher (Baptist), of Allegan. Text, 2 Cor. 4:17. We deeply feel our loss, but mourn not without hope; for he gave good evidence of his acceptance with God, and we hope to meet him in the morning of the resurrection. A. S. AND A. P. HOWARD.
Bro. Amos Zeillers, aged 64 years, 7 months, and 9 days, after a painful illness of six months (his disease being an ulcerated liver), fell asleep at his residence in Norwalk, Ohio, on the 14th ult. He is greatly missed by the little company of Sabbath-keepers here. He was one of the first to accept the message, though his family were not with him in the truth. His wife and children mourn the loss of a faithful companion and father. Sermon by Eld. Mills, Baptist. O. Seamans.
Died, in Liberty, Ind., Aug. 28, 1877, in the forty-third year of her age, sister Jane Wolf, wife of Bro. George Wolf. Sister W. embraced the truth under the labors of Eld. Joseph Bates, and, with her husband, was baptized and joined the church at North Liberty about five years ago. She leaves a husband and ten children to mourn their loss, but not as those who sorrow without hope. Funeral discourse by Eld. Barnhart, of the U. B. Church. Wm. R. Carpenter.
Died, near El Paso, Ill., Sept. 1, 1877, Samantha R., wife of Bro. John L. Merritt, in the thirty-ninth year of her age. She was apparently well, and conversing with her family, when, without a moment’s warning, she was struck with death. She died of apoplexy. She leaves a husband and three children, who deeply feel their loss. In her the community feel that they have lost a kind, benevolent, and in every way exemplary member of society. She has long been numbered with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We hope to meet her soon. B. F. Merritt.
Died, in South Stukely, P. Q., Sept. 17, 1877, Oleph A., infant child of Andrew and Jane Blake, aged six weeks. The mother submissively says,
“Thou didst give, and thou hast taken;
Blessed Lord, thy will be done.”
Comforting words were spoken at the funeral by the writer. A. C. Bourdeau.
Died, of typhoid fever, at Morton, Cherokee Co., Kan., Sept. 16, 1877, sister Martha Eddington, aged 22 years. Her sufferings were borne with patience; and we laid her to rest in the hope of eternal life in the morning of the resurrection. The family circle is broken, and one voice is hushed. God grant that the rest of the family may be gathered into the truth, and that they may form an unbroken family in the kingdom of God. Funeral services by the writer. L. D. Santee.
The Sanitarium.
By James White
OUR frequent pleas for action upon broader plans have been a source of trial to some of narrow views and little faith, and many have failed to understand and appreciate them. Such individuals have a demonstration of the necessity for such plans, and of the success which will attend their adoption, in the prosperity which has attended the workings of the Sanitarium during the past year. The annual report presented at the last meeting of the stockholders, held at the Michigan camp-meeting, showed an increase of more than $9,000 during the last year.
For several years we have been laying plans for improving matters at the Sanitarium. Within the last year we have been enabled to bring about changes which have succeeded, with the blessing of God, beyond our expectations. When we returned from the Pacific Coast last spring we found the old buildings of the Sanitarium overcrowded with patients. The old and considerably dilapidated bath-rooms were quite inadequate to meet the demands daily made upon them. They were so closely occupied from early morning until late at night that it was really impossible to give patients the attention which they required. The dining-rooms were in the same crowded condition. About one hundred and fifty persons daily took their meals in rooms really too small to accommodate, comfortably, one-half the number. The growing popularity of the institution gave promise of a still further increase in numbers, in spite of the poor accommodations.
A due consideration of all the circumstances convinced us that the time had fully come for a move to be made in the direction of improvements. With this conviction we encouraged the immediate erection of a building suitable for meeting the wants of the institution at the present time. Such a building was planned, and the work of erecting it has been pushed with all possible energy until now. The new bath-rooms are needed greatly, and if the work progresses without interruption, they will be ready to occupy in a short time. Patients still crowd in, so that the number is as great as at any previous time during the year, and greater than at any previous time at this season of the year. Students are also flocking in to attend the college in greater numbers than ever before. As the number of patients has increased, they have not only filled the buildings of the Sanitarium, but have also monopolized the college cottages previously occupied by students. The result is that it is impossible to find suitable quarters for the numbers who come.
To meet these pressing wants, the new buildings must be pushed to completion with all possible rapidity, and this is now being done. Fully one hundred and fifty men are busily engaged with the various portions of the work. Workmen are plenty and willing to work for low wages. The only thing needed is money. More than a thousand dollars are required every week to pay help. Of course the institution cannot supply the necessary funds so rapidly as this, and money must be furnished from some other source. Here is a fine opportunity for our brethren of means to use their golden talents where they will accomplish great good. We do not call now for donations, but for loans. Let those of our brethren who have cash on hand or on deposit in banks, loan to the institution, without interest, or at very low rates of interest, such sums as they can without great embarrassment. Twenty thousand dollars are needed immediately. Money will be acceptable in sums of one hundred dollars and upward. There are many who can place in the institution for a year or so five hundred or one thousand dollars with very little or no inconvenience to themselves, and they may be the means of great good by so doing. Notes payable in one, two, or three years will be given for all sums received. Notes for shorter time will be given when required.
If those of our brethren who have means at command will take hold of this matter promptly, they may be of great service in the cause; but if money is not obtained from some source, the work must stop, notwithstanding the urgency for its completion. Under the circumstances every friend of the cause will undoubtedly be grieved to have the work delayed a moment; and it need not be if those who have the ability to help will do their duty; and all should bear in mind that help is wanted immediately. Those who are disposed to help in this emergency should address the Sanitarium at once. We hope to be able to report several thousand dollars received by next week.
JAMES WHITE.
Directors of T. and M. Society.
By H. A. St. John
PERMIT me to suggest some of your duties at your October district quarterly meetings:—
1. Give your district their exact financial standing, and if in debt urge liberal donations to meet indebtedness and to carry forward the good work the coming fall and winter.
2. Ascertain how many copies of the new Health Annual your district will want, and make your order through the president immediately.
3. Urge promptness in reporting, liberality in donating, and faithfulness in working.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review & Herald TO which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should be given.
$2.00 EACH. O B Sevy 52-3, Mrs E Langdon 52-15, C S Briggs 53-1, W J Hardy 52-13, R S Tyler 52-18, Sherman Kennedy 52-14, Mrs L Fuller 52-18, J W Wolfe 52-13, Jane Dunlap 52-14, J A Despender 52-14, J F Garman 52-14, A Crownhart 52-14, M D Birmingham 52-7, Mary K Corbin 52-15, D H Lamson 52-13, H S Vedder 52-14, M C Bowers 52-14, John I Tay 52-12, D W Rice 52-1, D Newcomb 52-14, N W Vincent 52-22, Robt Britton 52-14, Joseph Eggleston 52-14, Geo Haynes 52-14, John E Gage 52-14, Polly Holcomb 53-7, B Frisbie 52-13, Mrs C E Childs 52-14, A J Corey 50-19, John Montgomery 52-9, Harry Farnham 52-14, Mary T Harpham 52-14, Alfred Nettingham 51-14, James Radabaugh 52-1, Wm B Knapp 52-14, Olivia Bunce 52-11, Hattie E Carr 52-14, E S Lane 52-4, Marilla Brown 52-13, H S Curtis 53-10, L Green 52-14, B L Whitney 52-14, W E Stillman 54-7, I J Hankins 52-15, Edward Spencer 53-18, G H Mathews 53-13, Levi Clearwater 52-14, John Beimer 52-14, Margaret Alexander 52-14, Maria Condron 52-14, G R Couch 52-14, Isaac Brooks 52-14, Carrie A Towle 52-14, Clinton Owens 50-22, S B Crandall 52-13, L A Cartwright 52-18, Mrs Lucinda Haskins 52-12, Alex Carpenter 52-13, Wm H Kelley 52-13, Chas Cook 51-26, I O Show 52-15, David Hodges 52-1, N Grant 53-19, J Hebner 51-1, Jane Thayer 52-14, D W Randall 52-10, R Griggs 52-9, Leonard Hyatt 50-1, E F Stone 52-14, G Sweet 53-2, Henry W Carey 52-14, I D Perry 52-14, Alice O Denmille 52-14, M C Holliday 52-14, C Sanborn 52-13, Sylvia Wells 53-17, W J Wilson 52-19, S P Eckert 52-18, Thomas Wilson 52-14, Alfred Hurlburt 52-14, J L Rumery 52-15, J P Smith 52-13, M M Lunger 52-13, Martha Hoxie 52-14, Eliza Bliss 52-14, L Trumbull 51-10, P Markillie 53-1, E Weed 52-14, Wm Towner 52-12, Edward Bright 52-14, O F Olmstead 52-14, J C Cooper 52-13, B J Rumery 52-10, Ann M Whitaker 52-14, Amelia Tubbs 52-13, Peter Hainer 52-13.
$1.00 EACH. J McReynolds 51-13, Fanny W Mudgett 51-14, Thomas Graham 51-14, Leslie West 51-15, Allen Wilson 51-14, D Crumb 51-14, T Brown 51-14, Almira Smith 51-7, P T Brown 51-14, Elihu Smith 51-16, Phebe Vedder 51-8, John Langdon 52-1, M D Mathews 51-23, W W Lockwood 51-14, Alfred Spencer 51-14, Geo Hodgeson 51-8, H C Thompson 51-13, Mrs John Bolton 52-22, L B Kneeland 52-1, Alva True 51-14, J T Upson 51-14, L N Lane 51-12, W W Goodale 51-14, Matilda Atherton 52-1, L A Kellogg 51-14, J DuBois 51-12, Geo Felshaw 51-14, Joseph Bennett 51-14, J G Starbuck 51-6, Mrs S Scott 51-24, B Hill 51-1, W S Dailey 51-14, C P Finch 51-14, M S Merriam 51-14, J J Dean 51-14, W H Kynette 51-15, Mrs J M Newell 51-13, Wm Evens 51-14, S Althouse 51-10, J E Titus 52-7, J Mousehunt 51-9, Frank Ransdell 51-14, A W Cone 51-13, Mrs S Yunker 51-18, Mrs J A Nason 51-14, G L Davis 51-12, I D Cramer 48-10, Joseph E Potter 51-14, P M Hill 51-14, Wm Calvert 51-14, James L Hill 51-14, A B Atwood 51-14, R D Hicks 51-14, Laura Bullock 50-16, G H Truesdell 51-16, W B Castle 51-14, S J Winebrenner 51-14, S B Gowell 51-13, Mrs Mary Corset 51-15, Mrs Anna Austin 51-15, Mrs H Cooley 51-14, Joseph Ferren 51-14, John Curtis 51-21, C N Stuttle 51-13, E C Hoxie 51-15, Mrs E Halsey 51-17, Jeremiah Rhodes 51-10, Anna W Butcher 51-18, Harriet Morse 51-18, R P Stewart 51-8, Mary Parsons 51-24, P E Ferrin 51-1, H W Dodge 51-19, D Finch 51-22, R S Rasmussen 51-22.
Miscellaneous.
R O Damon $1.50 52-14, J Hyatt 1.50 52-14, Mrs J Coats 75c 51-14, Mark Swadley 75c 51-14, John Keister 75c 51-14, Daniel Keyser 75c 51-14, John Propst 75c 51-4, J M Logan 50c 51-21, E S Eyerly 75c 51-14, John N Chandler 50c 51-1, D R Seeley 50c 51-1, Mrs C F Dockham 1.50 52-14, C T Jenson 50c 51-1, M A Walker 1.50 52-14, Jane Williams 50c 51-2, Paulina Torrey 75c 51-14, M C Searl 50c 51-2, Amy Curry 1.50 49-7, Irnie Hale 1.50 52-14, John W Moon 2.50 51-1, John Rowe 50c 51-2, H J Neher 75c 51-14, H P Ribton 1.50 51-23, Geo Tomlinson 1.50 52-14, D F Miner 50c 51-8, David Bennett 50c 51-8, Hannah Rodgers 1.50 52-14, E G Wood 1.50 52-14, Lewis H Beebe 50c 51-2, Thomas Swinson 1.50 52-14, E Rush 1.50 52-14, A J Breed 50c 51-1, E A Morse 75c 51-14, Nancy Teachman 1.50 52-14.
Books Sent by Mail.
John Wilson 20c, Wm Simpson 1.05, E Mathewson 25c, Laura Bullock 1.05, Samuel E Brayton 50c, G H Truesdale 50c, E G Wood 50c, S S Smith 6.30, Mrs Wm Beddoe 25c, Wm Hunt 5.00, Todd and Gilham 5.00, Wm Hyatt 1.50, E B Town 31c, J P Logan 35c, H R Syp 2.00, A Lowd 60c, J A Putnam 10c, D M Canright 45c, A H Clymer 80c, Mrs E Turner 85c, Wm M Reeder 1.50, John M Adams 40c, R R Fisher 55c, M M Kirk 40c, I M Bozle 15c, J P Henderson 1.50, Ed J S Thorp 3.00, Nellie F Heald 50c, Annie M Olsen 50c, A G Swedberg 1.50, Arvid Johnson 50c, A E Bruce 1.00, J P Johnson 30c, M D Clark 50c, B B Burgess 51c, T P Brush 30c, H F Erickson 1.00, O Moseley 50c, J T Jones 15c, L E Rawson 10c, John F Aitken 50c, Matthew Crawford 1.50, I W Irwin 1.62, Elliot Leonard 30c, H Hunter 60c, J Ertzberger 2.05, Mrs Abram Peck 2.40, M E McKee 10c, Chas Whiting 29c, M F Horine 10c, Samuel Logan 25c, James Parmlee 1.00, W H Mofand 75c.
Books Sent by Express.
O F Guilford $9.65, John Meck 23.48, John Ely 8.79, Geo T Butler 37.80, J B Logan 3.00, J G Holroyd 20.00, H Woodruff 17.48, H C Fridley 1.20, Norman Kline 11.64.
Cash Rec'd on Account.
A J Stover $10.00, M B Miller 11.00, E R Jones 33.09, Wyoming T and M Society per J Fulton 10.00, N Y T and M Society per B L Whitney 220.00, G W Colecord 100.00, Signs of the Times per N Eng and M Society 95.00, R J Lawrence 17.80, H A St John 15.80, J B Frisbie 1.50, D A Wellman 8.88, D H Lamson 95.14, A H Clymer 2.00, E P Daniels 17.83, D F Quimby 5.00, A O Burrill 110.00, C B Smith 14.11, H A St John per Mr Stites 8.70, S N Haskell per Wm Ings 2.85, Vt and M Society per F T Wales 3.00, A O Burrill 25.00, Ind T and M Society per S H Lane 25.47.
Gen. Conf. Fund.
Josephine L Franklin $1.25.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
Burlington $30.00, Bunker Hill 2.50, Allegan 11.50, Orleans 31.50, St Charles 40.00, Orange 34.94, Bronson 13.50, Thetford 30.95, Kendall 5.64, Hastings 15.61, Hastings added ½ 8.90, Wright 38.00, Ravenna 30.00, Alma 50.00, Colon 33.97, Muir and Lyons 23.00, Douglas 18.75, Tuscola 8.00, Green Church 16.00, Elmwood 20.00, Marshall 6.40, Jay 15.00, Jackson 9.33, Charlotte 50.00, Jackson per D R Palmer 28.00, Muir and Lyons per F Howe 5.25, Lapeer 68.00, Lapeer added ½ 15.00, Newton per Mrs E B Kelsey 20.00, Springbrook 2.80, Jackson per E P Daniels 30.00.
John Sheldon $10.00, Addison Howe 25.00, Andrew McArthur 10.00, E D Scott 10.00, J D Morton 10.00, A M Morton 10.00, A H Hall 12.50, N E Post 10.00, J Giles 10.00, C D Cook 10.00, David Hodges 10.00, F O Pierce 10.00, Daniel Hale 10.00, I C Snow 10.00, Clara Weed 10.00, Julia Taner 10.00, G W Colecord 10.00, H L Birmingham 5.00, E H Kynett 2.00, J B Frisbie 10.00, Richard T Sisley 10.00, Mrs S H Lane 20.00, Elizabeth Mills 10.00, S E Cushing 5.00.
Shares in S. D. A. P. Association.
D F Quimby $10.00, Julia A Owen 10.00, Mrs G W Colcord (to complete share) 5.00, Mattie Luke (donation s. b.) 4.40.
Request for Copies of The Sabbath Memorial No. 1
If any of our readers have copies of The Sabbath Memorial, No. 1., published by Eld. W. M. Jones, London, which they can spare, they will oblige him by forwarding them to W. M. Jones, 15 Mill Yard, Goodman's Fields, London, E.
Spiritualist Camp-Meeting Report Mocked as Nonsense
A late spiritualist paper, giving a report of one of their camp-meetings says: “On Monday night, the last of the meeting, we had another service, devoted mostly to nonsense.” We have no doubt that this is strictly true; and if it had added that all their services were characterized by the most condemnable nonsense in which men ever engaged, it would have told still more truth.
Whose Worship?
By Uriah Smith
The following paragraph, which we clip from an exchange, tells its own sad tale:—
“The latest religious wrinkle in Toronto is the holding of ‘full-dress prayer-meetings,’ twice a week at the houses of the wealthier members of the St. James church. The guests come in full evening costume. For an hour the parlors are vocal with prayer and praise, after which cake and conversation are introduced. The meetings are said to be exceedingly genteel.”
We feel a little curiosity to know who or what is worshiped at these genteel gatherings. We take it that the poor are not admitted. The Master himself, we believe, never had the privilege of appearing in “full dress;” hence if he was here, as he was when upon earth, he could not come in. Is it the prayer-meeting that is the object of attraction? or is it to show the dress and eat the cake? How long does the eating continue after the meeting? And when with all their dress and gentility and cake and conversation, the scene is over, what has become of the influence of the prayer-meeting? Is there enough religion left to be visible to the naked eye? U. S.
Railroad Progress in the United States.
By Uriah Smith
THE Railway Age of the present month shows that the number of miles of railroad now in operation in the United States reaches the enormous figure of eighty thousand. It may help us to appreciate this statement to consider that eighty thousand miles of railroad is equivalent to a railroad three times around the entire circumference of the world, with five thousand miles to spare.
But more than this, our railroad mileage is greater than that of the seven great powers of Europe combined. Russia, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Gt. Britain, France, and Italy, combined, have only seventy-six thousand, six hundred and twenty miles, while the United States has, as above stated, about eighty thousand miles—a most significant record of progress, when we view our country as a subject of prophecy.
U. S.
Royal Interest in Spiritualism Reported
It is reported that Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Argyle are all investigators of spiritualistic phenomena, and it is furthermore said that the Princess Beatrice is a very fine medium.
It is reported that the Czar of Russia also consults with spiritualist mediums.
The Family Health Annual.
By A. S. Hutchins
WILL the directors of each district immediately notify me how many Almanacs (now called Annuals) they will take?
Last year the districts took as follows:— No. 1, 1000; No. 2, 900; No. 3, 1000; No. 4, 1000; No. 5, 500; No. 6, 600. They should be ordered at once.
Again, will those who took books and tracts from the stand on the camp-ground, to be charged to different districts, inform me at once, as to the amount taken by each person?
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Directory—Maine T. and M. Society.
By J. B. G.
PRESIDENT.
J. B. Goodrich, Hartland, Somerset Co.
VICE-PRESIDENT.
S. J. Hersum, Linneus, Aroostook, Co.
SECRETARY.
R. J. Goodrich, Hartland, Somerset Co.
TREASURER.
J. E. Baker, South Norridgewock, Somerset Co.
DIRECTORS.
Dist. No. 1, G. W. Barker, South Norridgewock, Somerset Co.
Dist. No. 2, T. S. Emery, Cornville, Somerset Co.
Dist. No. 3, Frank Dexter, Allen’s Corner, Deering.
Dist. No. 4, C. R. Davis, Bryant’s Pond, Oxford Co.
Let each member of the Maine T. and M. Society preserve the above list, and be guided by it, and thus save confusion. J. B. G.
Correction to Ohio Treasurer's Report
Correction.
THE Ohio treasurer’s report should stand as follows:—
On hand at commencement of the year, $176.00
Received during the year, 2288.62
Total, $2464.62
Paid out during the year, $2464.62
Present indebtedness, 159.46
The New Commandment and the Old Law
The new commandment did not abolish the old. “Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.”
Avoiding the Habit of Borrowing
Never borrow if you can possibly avoid it.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
THE next State quarterly meeting of the Indiana T. and M. Society will be held at Bunker Hill, Ind., Oct. 20 and 21. A report from each district is expected. Let all reports be sent to the State secretary, John W. Covert, Alto, Howard, Co. Ind.
S. H. LANE, Pres.
THE meeting at Dallas having been postponed, the general quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of Texas will be held Nov. 17 and 18, at Cleburne, Johnson Co., Texas. We expect, by that time, to be in that vicinity with the tent, giving a course of lectures. We hope to meet a large number from the Dallas church, and of the scattered brethren throughout the State at this time. Come, brethren, the Lord is going out before us. Let us arouse to the importance of this sacred work committed to our hands. There will be opportunity for baptism.
R. M. KILGORE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church in Convis, Sabbath, Oct. 20. Will brethren in Olivet and Partello meet with us?
J. BYINGTON.
NO providence preventing, I will meet with the churches in Minnesota, as follows:—
Round Prairie, Oct. 13 and 14.
Mannah, Oct. 18.
Litchfield, Oct. 20 and 21.
Monticello, Oct. 27 and 28.
HARRISON GRANT.
QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 8, at Jay, Saginaw Co., Mich., Oct. 13 and 14.
JOHN McGREGOR, Director.
HOME MISSIONARY HYMN
About seven hundred hymns and poems were submitted to the committee, and they were to select the hymn best adapted to the home missionary work, and to give the writer of it $100. To the writer of the best poem for the same purpose they were to give $50. They failed to select a poem, but unanimously agreed upon the hymn below as the best, on the whole, for the object proposed. But the writer of it required, as a condition of accepting the reward, that her name should not be given to the public, but that the hymn, if published, should be announced as by “a lady of Virginia.” The hymn which has been accepted, deserves, as it will no doubt secure, a permanent place in our American hymnology. We have great pleasure in laying it before our readers.]
Saints of God! the dawn is brightening,
• Tokens of our coming Lord;
O’er the earth the field is whitening;
Louder rings the Master’s word,—
“Pray for reapers
In the harvest of the Lord.”
Feebly now they toil in sadness,
Weeping o’er the waste around,
Slowly gathering grains of gladness,
While their echoing cries resound,—
“Pray that reapers
In God’s harvest may abound.”
Now, O Lord, fulfill thy pleasure,
Breathe upon thy chosen band,
And with Pentecostal measure,
Send forth reapers o’er our land,—
Faithful reapers,
Gathering sheaves for thy right hand.
Ocean calleth unto ocean,
Heralds speed from shore to shore,
Heralding the world’s commotion;
Hear the conflict at our door,—
Mighty conflict,—
Satan’s death-cry on our shore!
Broad the shadow of our nation,
Eager millions hither roam;
Lo! they wait for thy salvation;
Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come;
By thy Spirit,
Bring thy ransomed people home.
Soon shall end the time of weeping,
Soon the reaping time will come,—
Heaven and earth together keeping
God’s eternal harvest home:
Saints and angels
Shout the world’s great harvest home.
THE REVIEW EXTRA.
By Editor
It may be proper here to state something with reference to the object of the Extra, its mission, how often it is to be issued, how it is to be sustained, etc.
Those having the burden of the missionary work have long felt the need of a sheet published in behalf of the Tract Societies. Many things should be said from time to time in reference to the system of the tract work, and particulars relating to its minute workings should be given, which would be more fitting in a sheet devoted to that purpose than in the Review. Then the Review is becoming crowded with other matter of interest and importance, and will become more so as the work increases. Therefore, it has been thought best to issue an extra, quarterly or oftener, as the interests of the cause may require. It will contain reports of tract meetings, incidents, extracts from letters received by missionary workers; questions will be answered, members will be told how to work, etc., etc.
How it should be sustained was a question for much thought. At first it was suggested to have a subscription price, and to send it to regular subscribers; but our experience with The True Missionary proved this plan not best; for those we most wished to benefit, had not interest enough to subscribe, and therefore did not see it at all. Then, too, as the laws of postage are at present, it would be better to send it as an extra. It was therefore decided to send it out in this manner, for the present, the expense to be borne by the General Tract and Missionary Society; and as this Society, like the General Conference, takes an oversight of the tract work generally and especially in fields outside the labor of other organizations, it should be sustained by the various Tract Societies, and by individuals making donations to it. We speak for a liberal support. The object of this society, the manner of its operation, the use of means, etc., will be more fully explained hereafter.
THE ONE-THIRD, AND MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PLAN.
THE plan of raising means for the tract and missionary work has been formerly by donations. These pledges were usually made as the result of earnest appeals at quarterly meetings, camp-meetings, etc. It was found that great inequality resulted from the plan. (1) Many of our brethren who were able to pay liberally would not be at the meeting. (2) Often the most conscientious, under these stirring appeals, would go beyond their ability, and thus distress themselves, while the more able would fail to do what they ought. The apostle taught equality. “I mean not that other men be eased and you burdened, but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” 2 Cor. 8:13, 14.
This matter was considered at the General Conference, and after much prayerful consideration it was recommended, first, that all our brethren and sisters come up on the Bible plan of Systematic Benevolence, which is based upon giving as God has prospered them. 1 Cor. 16:2; Deut. 16:17. This calls for one tithe of a man's increase and income. Lev. 27:30; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42; Gen. 14:26; 28:22; Heb. 7:4, 8. Secondly, that each member pay a sum for the tract and missionary work equal to one-third of his s. b.
Hence the one-third is no part of the Systematic Benevolence. The s. b. is paid for the support of the ministry. The sum equal to one-third of the amount of the s. b. is a free-will offering in addition to the s. b., which each individual is recommended to pay during the year for the support of the Tract Society.
The resolution relating to the one-third, passed at the General Conference, Nov. 12, 1876, is as follows:— “Resolved, That this Conference recommend to the several State Conferences that each individual raise a sum equal to one-third of his s. b. pledge for the year, to meet the demand for means to be used, as far as necessary, in the proposed increase of the circulation of the SIGNS, the REFORMER, and other publications; this offering to be paid Jan. 1, 1877, or, if more favorable, in four installments; the first to be paid Jan. 1, the second, April 1, the third, July 1, and the fourth, Oct. 1, 1877.”
The church treasurer should collect the one-third, and pay it to the librarian of the Tract Society, who, in turn, pays it to the secretary of the district, and he to the State secretary. It is the duty of every Conference Tract Society to see that the above is carried out in all our churches. It should be a special point with the directors and ministers laboring with them to bring our brethren up to the Bible standard of s. b., and the one-third. Were this fully adopted, there would be means sufficient to carry forward the tract work and to support the ministry. But many of our brethren are not where they should be on their s. b. figures. Some do not pay their one-third, and many of our tract societies are indebted at the REVIEW Office, and were they to limit their missionary work to the income of the one-third, under present circumstances it would greatly cripple their efforts.
Any church has the privilege of using the one-third in the missionary work in any manner they see fit. If they choose to pay part or all for several copies of the SIGNS sent to one address, to be used exclusively in the missionary work, in monthly installments outside the one-third, it is their privilege. Many of our churches in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Michigan reasoned thus: “We will pay s. b. according to the Bible plan; we will also pay a sum equal to one-third of our s. b. for missionary work; but now we have not sufficient means to carry forward the missionary work and pay for the SIGNS; consequently, according to our ability, we will pay a monthly installment for the SIGNS, in addition to the one-third.” As this was not sufficient in a number of instances, some good brother would say: “Send for your SIGNS. Here are a hundred dollars to pay for them.” And we are sure there is not an enterprise in the world that will pay so large interest as this.
THE FAMILY HEALTH ANNUAL FOR 1878.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
Owing to the prejudice that exists against purchasing, and the repugnance many have to selling, an almanac, it has been thought best to substitute the name HEALTH ANNUAL. The Annual is circulated for the information it contains on the subject of health. The almanac proper is put in it to make it desirable in every family. We speak for a circulation of not less than 200,000 copies this year. That number of families should be furnished with the Health Annual for 1878. Five Conferences have already sent their first orders, which are as follows: Michigan, 14,000; Wisconsin, 10,000; New England, 10,000; Illinois, 6,000; Vermont, 2,000 (Vermont, will increase her order not less than 3,000, Michigan about 5,000); then the number ordered will amount to 50,000. When the other Conferences do as well in proportion 200,000 copies of the Annual will start on their mission to as many families.
Says the president of the Wisconsin Conference, “Count us second to no Conference, except Michigan, in any enterprise that helps forward the third angel’s message.” If our friends in Wisconsin stand by their president in this statement, and Iowa takes advantage of her strength over Wisconsin, which is more than one-fifth, in ministers, licentiates, churches, membership, and finances, the Wisconsin Conference will have to advance a few thousand on their order for Annuals. Then there is the Old Empire State, with her well disciplined force of tract-workers. We have become considerably interested to know which of these three will rank second to Michigan.
Orders should be sent in immediately, and advantage taken of the months of October and November, before the rush of drug almanacs. There is no time to lose. Let us “be as wise as serpents,” in this matter.
S. N. HASKELL.
THE HEALTH REFORMER.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The question of temperance and a reform in diet is agitating the public mind as never before. The old “blue pill” theory and the practice of bleeding patients is becoming questioned about as much as the old orthodox theory of “hell being lined with infant skulls.” It therefore becomes the duty of all Seventh-day Adventists to use their influence to direct the public sentiment in the right channel. If God has given light upon the subject of health reform, we should not hide it under a bushel; but let that light shine.
The Health Reformer ranks as a number one scientific health journal, having the largest circulation of any journal of like character in the world. Experience has taught us that the most successful method to extend its circulation is by obtaining paying subscribers. We should calculate on a permanent increase yearly on our subscription lists of not less than 10,000; and if our brethren and sisters generally would wake up to this work of canvassing with premiums as some are waking up, 25,000 names of paying subscribers might be obtained yearly without neglecting other branches of the missionary work. I am acquainted with a number of canvassers, who, when they have devoted their time to this work, with premiums for the Reformer, have obtained, as their smallest average, twenty subscribers per week. This has been done in the summer months. One hundred such canvassers would obtain 2000 subscribers per week, 100,000 per year. These individuals make canvassing a paying business. If this can be done in the East, where you cannot step out doors, in a store, in a depot, on the cars, or anywhere else, but you will meet a canvasser with some attractive health publication, religious newspaper, or something else, and where the name canvasser has become obnoxious to the public, it can be done anywhere in this country. There are those of our people that have in the past obtained subscribers for books and magazines, and can sell anything from a six-penny toy to a thousand dollar piano, and that, too, where these articles are neither needed nor wanted. We want these men and women to consecrate the same talent, energy, and devotion to obtaining subscribers for this, the best health journal in the world. To some it seems a virtue to lose all their zeal and energy in the cause of God, when if they had a patent right to sell, they would make a success three times out of five. This is a sad mistake. If there is one thing more than another where earnestness, energy, and close planning are justifiable, it is in obtaining subscribers for those periodicals which contain the solemn truth adapted to the time in which we live.2
It is a shame that we have not twenty devoting their time to canvassing for the Health Reformer where we have one engaged in this work. Young men out of employment, young ladies who have nothing to do, have you tried this? Have you made it a business? Have you gone about it relying on God to help you? Would you get discouraged as easily in anything you were doing for personal gratification? We hope there are those who may read these lines, who will at once commence canvassing for the Reformer, determined to make it a success.
We want one hundred canvassers for the Health Reformer this fall and winter. Shall we have them? Men of piety and nerve, consecration and stability of character, are needed, who will enter the work at once. Premiums can be used as last winter. For particulars, consult your directors, or inquire at the Office of Review and Herald. More particulars hereafter. S. N. Haskell.