Earlier text: COURAGE NECESSARY TO CHRISTIANITYMEETINGS IN VERMONT.
By A. S. Hutchins
With gratitude we call to mind our meetings in Vt., the last three weeks. Bro. Haskell and myself have been through the State, commencing with the north-west part of the State, and closing in the southern part. Our Conference has for some time stood in need of just the help furnished by the labors of Bro. Haskell. His clear and forcible manner of presenting the tithing system, has awakened an interest in every church visited, not previously known among us, on this point. The figures on Systematic Benevolence have been liberally raised, considering the brevity of the meetings, and the fact that not all our brethren have been reached in our trip through the State. I am confident much more could have been accomplished could Bro. H. have remained longer. But he felt hurried on to other fields of labor and important duties. The subject of Tract and Missionary labor received attention, the brethren and sisters generally voting to raise a sum equal to one-third of their s. B., to be used by the Society in carrying forward the interests of the work. Our brethren and sisters will please bear in mind that the sum pledged for this object should be paid quarterly in advance, if not all paid at the commencement of the year; and that it is not for individual members to use at choice in sending out periodicals or tracts. If we carry out the system presented by Bro. Haskell in this matter, and which we have voted to do, we shall have ready funds to act on more extensive plans than we have heretofore been able to execute. And we may expect the blessing of the Lord to rest upon those who freely come up to the requirements of the word of God in paying tithes, and in giving of their substance to help send out the light and truth to the thousands who wait to receive the last message of mercy. The voice of the Master is, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3: 10. Here the Lord kindly invites us to “prove” him. Do we dare to do it? Many will, and will receive the promised blessing. Relative to the rise on s. B. figures, and the pledge of a sum for T. and M. purposes equal to one-third of our s. B., I think we may count on the payment of both of these. The brethren have not acted upon the spur of the moment in coming up to these points, but have pledged with deliberation. The fields are everywhere whitening. There are promising fields, especially in the southern part of Vt., where the truth has never been preached. We have a new and excellent sixty-foot tent, with funds to meet the demands for running it in the summer of 1877. We do therefore again lay our petition before the General Conference Committee, and ask them to consider our need of help, and if possible early to send us the right man. And though we would be modest in our choice, I would say, it is very difficult for us to yield our wish that Eld. G. I. Butler should return to his native State, and here sound the message of the third angel. A. S. HUTCHINS. CONDITION OF THE WORLD AND CHURCH.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
It is admitted on all hands that the world is in a terrible state of wickedness. And this state of things is growing worse and worse. And what hope of reformation is there, while the professed church looks on with indifference, seeing, unless they are blind, the world, according to the prediction of our Saviour, as it was in the days of Noah, and does not raise the voice of warning to flee from the wrath to come! nay, but even covets to be in darkness and not to realize that the day of the Lord is about to come upon them as a thief. They propose to attend to the practical part of religion, and let the prophecies alone; which is equivalent to having a form of godliness, denying the power—the very position the unbelieving Jews occupied at the first advent of Christ, and which caused their rejection of God. And is there not learning with the ministry of these days? And do not learned ministers know that such a line of prophecy as that of Dan. 7, and being so clearly interpreted, is fulfilled in every particular but the very last—the utter destruction of the Antichristian, papal power, and of the body of the beast itself, and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of God under the whole heavens? Do they not see that Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, have all had their day of rule; that Rome has been divided into ten kingdoms, that the papacy arose among them, before whom three fell, and that its full time of 1260 years is run out, and its dominion is gone and its influence being consumed; and nothing is left but its destruction by the brightness of Christ’s coming? 2 Thess. 2. And professing to be the teachers of the people in divine truth, can they hope to escape the coming wrath, and be guiltless of the blood of souls, while they do not, and will not, warn the people of impending danger, but oppose every effort in that direction? Wo! to Babylon; she is fallen, and about to be destroyed. R. F. COTTRELL. Catholic Majority and the Threat to Religious Freedom
By Archbishop of St. Louis
If the Catholics ever gain—which they surely will, though at a distant day—an immense numerical superiority, religious freedom is at an end.—Archbishop of St. Louis. SOUTHERN FRANCE.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Last week we moved to the city of Valence, which is the capital of the department of La Drôme, and has 25,000 inhabitants, 2,000 of whom are Protestants. This city is on one of the principal railroads of France, and is a point at which center several stage lines leading to places that I must visit. Before leaving Barcelone, I watched the effect of the sheet and tracts I referred to in my last report, and obtained four subscribers for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. One of those who read the sheet and tracts wrote me from the city of Crest, stating that he had embraced our views on the Sabbath and on the second coming of Christ, and that he wished to proclaim them among the common people of the mountains (the Alps), and distribute our tracts. I immediately visited this man, and spent last Sabbath (yesterday) with him, giving him counsel and important instructions. We see more and more the importance of having our tracts stamped for France. We cannot be deprived of liberty of speech and the privilege of circulating our works. Thus far I have through the authorities of this city taken the ordinary steps to get our tracts stamped, but have had no returns. If it is because the leading minister at Paris and his officials were partial to the Roman clergy, we may yet succeed; for since we made our first application these leading men have resigned, and have been replaced by men of more liberal sentiments. We are now advised to appear personally before the Minister of the Interior at Paris, with proper testimonials, which we are inclined to do. Thus far we have endeavored to use the greatest prudence. Pray for us, that God’s blessing may attend us in this important enterprise. My P. O. address is Rue du Parc, No. 10, Valence, Drôme, France. Our meetings with the Pioneer church closed last night. One member was dropped, two received letters, and three united with the church. Bro. M. Neal was chosen elder by a unanimous vote of the church, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Brn. Pierce and Korb. I was glad to see the union that exists among the members and the willingness manifested to take hold and help carry on the meetings. Sabbath was a good day for the brethren. The Lord helped in speaking the word. It was a heart-searching time. Fourteen came forward for prayers, and there was a general breaking down before the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and nearly all were made to weep over past sins and to renew their covenant with the Lord. I gave three discourses during the day, besides holding prayer and social meetings, and the same on first-day. The interest increased to the close. I shall commence a series of meetings here to-morrow night, to continue over next Sabbath and as much longer as the interest may demand. I plead for the prayers of God's people. Dear brethren and sisters, do not forget or neglect to pray each day for those that have left the comforts of home to carry the third angel's message to the people of Kansas. Oh! we need your sympathy and your prayers. Shall we have them? Our meeting at Mt. Vernon was a failure. Nights were dark, roads very muddy, and some were sick. The meeting at Zion school-house was the regular quarterly meeting for the Mound City church. We had quite an encouraging time. Two were baptized, and three added to the church. There is a good interest outside to hear. Sunday night the house would not hold the people. I begin to-night at Centerville. BUCKS BRIDGE, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
After an absence of two weeks, we returned to this place to finish the good work begun before. Weather and roads fine. A good turnout from all the churches around, so that our house was well filled. We were rejoiced to find all who had started, not only holding on, but growing in the work. Some who stubbornly refused to yield then had taken hold since. All now take part in speaking, praying, family worship, &c. We also have good reports from the other churches visited. The young who started are taking right hold in the meetings. Quite a number were here and took part. Some who had vowed to quit tobacco when we were here before, are now praising God for freedom. Ear-rings, finger rings, and other blossoms of pride, were laid off; family prayer has been established in different places. Within the last few days we have heard a good many pray for the first time. Sabbath afternoon we had a general inquiry meeting. Good confessions were made by many, and there was much feeling in the meeting. Sunday morning I spoke on the love of God. Then we invited the people to seek God. Over a dozen came forward, some of whom were not at our meetings before. We have gained some new ones at every effort. Still there are several young people for whom we yet hope. A good work has been done for our older brethren and sisters. All solemnly promised with tears to take hold of all parts of the work with more consecration and devotion. We believe they will do it. We have spent four weeks in this county. Bro. Hall has helped me much. About forty more have made a start to serve God, several have embraced the truth, S. S. has been raised a good deal, three elders ordained, and much important business done. For all this we thank God and take courage. We parted with many tears and thanks. Good news from other parts of the State and from Rome comes to us. To God we give the praise. D. M. CANRIGHT. MISSOURI AND IOWA.
By George I. Butler
At the invitation of friends, I recently spent nearly three weeks at Denver, Mo., speaking to those who had become observers of the Lord’s Sabbath under the labors of Eld. A. C. Long. These friends had embraced the Advent doctrine, the truth on the state of the dead, and the Sabbath truth, but had never heard upon the messages, the sanctuary subject, the two-horned beast, and other points, until Bro. Canright’s recent labors there. I formed a very pleasant acquaintance with these friends, and was treated very kindly by them. I had the pleasure of forming the acquaintance of Elders A. F. Dugger and W. C. Long. Eld. D. was formerly connected with the first day Adventists, and has labored as an evangelist all through the West. He has recently embraced the Sabbath truth, and is laboring hard to give the light to others. It is pleasant to find here and there a minister who is willing to make the sacrifice of separating from old friends and even of severing his religious connection with a cause for which he has labored long, for the purpose of keeping the Lord’s holy Sabbath. Bro. D. has made this sacrifice, and rejoices in this important truth. He had of course heard, in his former church connection and more recently, many unfavorable things of S. D. Adventists, as there are many who seem to find great pleasure in speaking unkindly of us; so it was no small pleasure to me to have the privilege of setting before him and those other friends, at their own invitation, the doctrines of our people. Upon many points he was apparently favorably impressed, and he said these things had been misrepresented to him in the past. I had the privilege of presenting him with some of our books so as to give him the opportunity of a more thorough investigation of our doctrines. Our acquaintance, to me, was a very pleasant one. I gave in Denver twenty-seven discourses, some of which were upon practical subjects. These were received very kindly by most of those living in Denver, and these doctrines, I trust, made a favorable impression. Bro. Levi Long was with me during these meetings, and our intercourse was very pleasant. Our object in Denver was not to distract or tear down these friends, but to present before their minds points which to us seem of vast importance, and to give them a correct idea of what S. D. Adventists are doing. It was my constant effort to do nothing while in Denver to widen the breach between these Sabbath-keeping Adventists and our people, but rather to increase a kindly feeling between us. I see no good reason why a feeling of bitterness should exist between these two classes of Sabbath-keepers in the State of Missouri. Somebody will bear a heavy responsibility should he create or increase such a feeling, and thus lead first day people to conclude that Sabbath-keeping Adventists are bent on tearing each other to pieces. If we cannot agree on all points of doctrine, we can act kindly toward each other, and refrain from acts of hostility; and I sincerely hope we can come even nearer together than that. These friends in Missouri are not to be confounded with some in other States, who have gone out from S. D. Adventists with their hearts filled with bitterness, and who never miss an opportunity of saying unkind things of us. They seem to be a candid people. I shall not soon forget the friends in Denver, and I shall hope to be kindly remembered by them. May God guide us through to his blessed kingdom. Last Sabbath and Sunday I met with the church in this place. My public appointment sent to REVIEW did not appear, hence the public notice was confined to those who received letters. But friends were there from Anamosa and other places, and our meeting was a profitable one. Trials which had almost threatened the existence of the church were amicably settled. The good spirit of the Lord came in powerfully at the close, and our hearts were all melted down in tenderness, and hearts which had been alienated were once more restored to union. It was a very profitable season. We strongly hope that the church will now prosper, and that God’s blessing will rest upon them all. I am now holding meetings near Lisbon, in a meeting-house built mostly by non-professors, for all denominations. There has of late been a desire manifested to hear our views. The meeting-house is a comfortable one, and what is a little peculiar about it is that it stands within a few steps of where the first course of lectures ever given by S. D. Adventists in the State of Iowa was delivered by Bro. Sperry and Hart nineteen years ago. That was where our beloved Bro. J. T. Mitchell and others first heard the present truth. Surely there has been some progress made in the State of Iowa since that. May God grant that this spot already hallowed by such sacred memories may become still more sacred by the conversion of many others to the Lord’s sacred truth. I CLOSED my meetings at Burlington the evening of Feb. 15. A good state of union exists with the members of the church.71 One took a decided stand for the truth. Feb. 9, Eld. A. N. Seymour put in an appearance, and gave several discourses against the law, Sabbath, and spirit of prophecy. I gave two discourses in reply, to large and attentive audiences. I have now held two meetings at the Gravel school-house, seven miles south of Jackson City, with a crowded house. I held meetings Sabbath, Feb. 17, with the church at Napoleon. Nearly all were present. Good harmony exists among them. In the social meeting, all had an encouraging testimony to bear. My P. O. address for a time will be, box 716, Jackson, Mich., care Wm. Miles. AFTER six weeks of arduous labor in this place, we are able to report a decided victory for the truth. Opposition locked the house, but it was opened again. False reports about us were circulated; but a letter of confession was received, which when read to a congregation of over two hundred turned the battle in our favor. Twenty-two have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and the work is still progressing. By request we are to repeat our lectures in the Congregational church at Jerome Center, distant three miles. Dear brethren, we want you to pray for us and the cause in this place. A. W. BATHER. E. P. DANIELS. Meetings in Vassar and Thetford.
I ATTENDED the monthly meeting in Vassar, Feb. 3 and 4. The attendance from the other churches in the county was small. I commenced at Thetford Feb. 6, first on practical subjects, then on the prophecies, then the Sabbath. The congregations were not large, but were very attentive. Father Bates held meetings here some twenty years ago. There was a small church organized then that struggled along for several years, but finally became so scattered that but few were left. These attended the meeting, and seemed to be much affected by the truth. I continued here until the 18th, when I was taken with chills and fever, and was obliged to come home. My meetings continued until Feb. 18, with increasing interest. Prejudice has given way, and deep conviction has fastened upon the minds of many. On the evening of the last meeting the house was filled, and some left for the want of room. I called for a vote to know how many believed that the seventh day was the Sabbath. About thirty raised their hands; and six determined to keep it. THE NARROW WAY.
By L. D. SANTEE
The way seems sad and rough and dark and weary;
The thorns have pierced my tender shrinking feet;
And fast across the evening sky so dreary,
I see the evening shadows darkly creep.
The darkness gathers thicker o'er the heavens,
The long and stormy day is almost done;
A few more doubts and toils and tears and conflicts,
And then, sad soul, how sweet the rest at home! We've lost the flowers we in the springtime gathered,
In the glad past when life was in its morn;
But on we go with aching heads and weary,
With saddened hearts and garments soiled and torn.
The last great waves of time are ebbing, flowing;
The trials of the way our joy dispel;
And here we stand upon the shore, unknowing,
Unheeding, what their solemn murmurs tell. We hear the long waves in the distance breaking,
While storm and darkness thicken in the west.
And we exclaim, while our sad hearts are aching,
Blessed are they who from their labors rest.
But lo! a grand, glad sight bursts on our vision.
The Son of God will come; the storms will cease.
He comes to usher in a world Elysian,
A world of purity, of joy and peace. O blessed rest; no more our feet shall falter,
But in green pastures rest by waters still.
Our eyes shall brighten as we near the portal;
With rapture sweet our earth-worn hearts shall thrill.
Then let us hasten, and our faith grow stronger,
And unto God our grateful offerings bring.
Soon he that is to come, will wait no longer,
But earth will welcome her returning King.
L. D. SANTEE. Norwalk, Ohio.
By H. A. St. John
I held meetings Sabbath and Sunday, Feb. 10, 11, with the church in Norwalk. These were precious seasons. This church is evidently growing both in numbers and spirituality. Their zeal in the missionary work is very encouraging and commendable. How good it is to find believers awake and alive to the interests and welfare of others; to be seeking by reasonable and available means to bring others to a saving knowledge of the truth! Where this feeling prevails in a church, there will always be seen spiritual life and real progression. May the Lord bless abundantly the dear ones at Norwalk, and may they abound more and more in love and good works, and grow in number, as well as in grace and truth. In the autumn of 1870, Bro. Merritt and Bliss delivered a series of discourses on “present truth” at Eugene. Though young and inexperienced, they persevered in their efforts; they held on till the work there was done; and the encouraging result is seen to-day: The five who embraced the Sabbath then, will observe it to-morrow. Soon after this, meetings were held at Truro. Here, if I am correctly informed, twenty expressed their belief in favor of all God’s commands. At this stage of the work the speaker closed the effort, and went to Battle Creek to attend the General Conference. I learn that only two of the score embraced the truth! As the result of my first course of lectures at Fosterburg, I was cheered by hearing twelve say they would do their “whole duty.” Eccl. 12: 13, 14. Nevertheless, as I unwisely left them too soon, only one-half of the number “endured.” While Bro. Bliss and I were laboring under the tent at Lovington, we were, at one stage of the effort, on the very verge of “striking our tent”; but, by perseverance and God’s favor, we succeeded. In considering the foregoing, I re-learn an important lesson. Our ministers should remember the word of the Lord found in 1 Cor. 3: 11-15; Dan. 12: 3, margin; Heb. 13: 17. “Hold on, hold on, my brother, hold on,
Hold on till the work is done.”
Last Sabbath I enjoyed the meetings at Princeville. We were favored with a fine day. Friends from Rochester and Eugene met us at the house of God. I spoke three times. The ordinance meeting was solemn and encouraging. Two spoke, for the first time, in the meeting, giving their hearts to the Lord. Three arose for prayers. We all rejoiced. G. W. COLCORD. Arkansaw, Burnside, and Augusta.
We have held meetings at Arkansaw and Burnside about one week. There are about fifteen Sabbath-keepers in each place, and they are much in need of help in almost everything. We tried to show them the importance of taking and reading our periodicals. Some sent for the REVIEW. They pledged about $42.00 for the tent fund. The tithing system was adopted, the claims of S. B. were responded to, and the one-third pledged for T. and M. work. I find by the experience of almost twenty years that the man who first starts an interest in any place is the man who ought to stand by that work till all who are interested take their stand and become workers in the cause of God. This I have always tried to do, only when I have been prevented from doing so by some unavoidable circumstances. I was therefore very sorry to leave Vernon Co. as we did and come into this part of the State; but after Bro. Decker promised to follow up that work, I consented to come here and help Bro. Downer, who has twice been called from this field of labor at the very time when he ought to have stayed and attended closely to the interest he had started. When he came back he found the interest had died away, as it always will. Now we are here trying to help gather up what we can in these almost spoiled fields. It reminds one of a woman's knitting, partly finished, the needles pulled out, and the work left without fastening the yarn. And now, after due deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that it is best never to leave an interest in any case till all have accepted the truth who will, and till I know all have family worship, and all are baptized who have not been. We have been holding meetings in Augusta for five weeks. Bro. Downer is now holding meetings about six miles west of Augusta. Some noble souls have already accepted the truth, and we are hoping for more to do the same. We came to Maple Works yesterday, and found the people eager to hear the truth. Bro. Downer will continue his labor in vicinity of Augusta till we return. We expect to see a strong and faithful church raised up there, if the Lord will help, and I believe he will. Maple Works, Clark Co., Feb. 20. Of late, I have seen many tokens of good from the hand of God. I never enjoyed so much of his good Spirit as recently. In company with Bro. Birch, I have been trying to labor a little; and God has worked for us. H. F. Phelps. I HAVE been holding meetings in a school-house near Dundas. Bro. Phelps has been with me since Jan. 22, and has done most of the work, as I have been sick. Opposition has been determined; yet, last Sabbath, at our first Sabbath meeting, we were made joyful by the heartfelt testimony of nine who have resolved to keep all of God’s commandments. Last evening, at our last meeting here, three more voted to keep the Sabbath. Several others are deeply interested. Nearly all those who have taken a stand are heads of families. Brethren, pray for us. D. C. Birch. THE meeting at this place began under very unfavorable circumstances; the nights were dark, and the roads extremely bad. The brethren here are scattered, and were not able to attend but a few of the meetings. The attendance from without was good, and increased till the close, and at the last meeting the house was crowded. The Spirit of God convicted and affected hearts which had not been touched before. Three new ones surrendered, and resolved to obey God; and we have strong hopes of more. Bro. McCoy returns on Thursday to carry on the work while I go to fill other appointments which are out. We leave the brethren greatly encouraged, and a good state of feeling with the people. I have occupied the past two nights in assisting Bro. Nicola in his meeting in the vicinity of Washington. Last night we were kept on the floor till midnight answering questions and objections against our positions on the nature of man. I go now to Fonda, Pocahontas Co. Brethren, pray for me. R. M. KILGORE. THE cause here is advancing. The interest still remains good. Two more have commenced to keep the Sabbath since Bro. Kilgore left, and some others are favorably inclined. We have two regular prayer-meetings per week, and a very interesting Sabbath-school and Bible-class, numbering about eighty scholars. A few are taking hold of the T. and M. work with commendable zeal. S. M. HOLLY. I HAVE given twenty-two lectures here since Jan. 24. I have met with some opposition from the Christian minister, whose discourse in favor of Sunday I reviewed before a large audience. Some have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are convinced. H. A. JENKINS. MY EXPERIENCE IN CANVASSING.
By Charles P. Whitford
For the encouragement of those who have felt they had a duty to do in this branch of the work, but who have as yet neglected to engage in it, I wish to give the result of my experience. I have felt for a long time that I ought to take our publications and go from house to house, trying to interest the people in the truths for our time; but to do so seemed a great cross. I could give of my means to advance the precious cause of God with comparative ease; but to think of giving myself was far from being pleasant to the feelings of the natural heart. But a sense of duty, dictated, as I believe, by the Spirit of God, finally compelled me to lay aside all personal feelings in the matter; and in the name of our Lord and Master, I resolved to go out and do what I could. I have labored but three days, yet I have settled the question in my own mind that a perfect success can be made in canvassing for the REFORMER and our denominational works, when we take hold of the work in a right manner and with the same earnestness and zeal which characterize us in our worldly affairs. The result of three days’ work is as follows: visited 35 families, obtained 17 subscribers for the REFORMER, 4 for the SIGNS, and sold and gave away 4,470 pages of books and tracts. With scarcely an exception, the people are willing to listen to all we have to say; and it is an easy matter to interest them in the REFORMER with “The Way of Life,” presenting Christ, while explaining this, as the great central light of the world, and showing that the people of every age and dispensation can find salvation through him alone, while at the same time they are amenable to the moral law of God. I have seen eyes moisten with tears, and many have listened with marked interest; and nearly every one will say they never understood the plan of salvation so clearly before. It does seem to me that God is giving us the hearts of the people. I believe he is now calling upon us in an unusual manner to scatter the light of truth by means of the publications, which are all prepared and ready for our hands, thus preparing the way for him to work by his Spirit. If we do all on our part we may be sure the Lord will not fail on his, and there will be a large ingathering of souls such as will be saved in his kingdom. We have taken in our district, 123 premiums to use in canvassing for the SIGNS and REFORMER. We urge our members who have these premiums to be active, and see that they are all used before our next quarterly meeting. Our time to labor is short. Ruin is coming upon our world. Let us give ourselves earnestly to this work now, and our resting time will come in the “sweet by and by.” I attended the quarterly meeting of the Stromsburgh church on Jan. 13. Found the church in working order, with a good Sabbath-school and Bible class organized. The members manifest the genuine missionary spirit. On Jan. 20, I attended the quarterly meeting at Farmer’s Valley. The church here are somewhat scattered, and I have reasons to fear that all are not as firm and determined for the right as they should be. I was also present at the quarterly meeting at David City, Sabbath, Feb. 10. Did not find as encouraging a state of things as we hoped. Some are still tampering with tobacco and coffee. Dear brethren, these things ought not so to be. I have now given four discourses at Linwood, and I start for the Blue Valley quarterly meeting to-morrow. I COMMENCED lecturing at Glenbrook school-house, Hart Co., Feb. 12. I have given ten discourses on the prophecies, preaching every night. The interest to hear is very good, the house being generally well filled. My heart is interested in the work. R. G. GARRETT. The following extract from a letter from Bro. Truman Atherton, Huron County, O., will be found interesting:— “I don’t know how to do without your paper. It has been the means of convincing me that Saturday is the true Sabbath, and I have tried to keep it for about a year. “I am an old man of eighty-six years. I quit the use of tobacco last March, after using it for more than sixty years. I feel much better without it, and think all men and women would feel so too. I don’t know why we would not live to the age of threescore and ten if we obeyed the laws of health. There are none but my wife and myself that keep the Sabbath in this place.” TO THE MEMBERS OF DIST. NO. 7, N. Y. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By J. Q. Foy
The work of God is moving forward, is destined to triumph, and that soon and gloriously. To us is granted the exalted privilege of sharing in it. I am happy to know that some of you are proving your love to God, and your interest in the good cause, by doing what you can. May you be encouraged still to labor on, and may the Lord greatly bless your efforts. Why should we lack interest in this noblest of causes—a cause in which all Heaven is interested? “Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9. Others there are, who, I greatly fear, are permitting the golden opportunity to pass—are neglecting duty. Such, no doubt, are grateful for the light of present truth; but are we not required to let our light shine? and would not this be a privilege as well as duty, did we really possess the Spirit of the Master? Are we waiting for a more favorable opportunity? Do we excuse ourselves from want of ability? Even the Saviour said, “I can of mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. We may connect ourselves with Heaven; and so sure as we do this, we shall be co-workers with the heavenly host. Failing to do this, we are not only unfit to engage in the work of God, but are standing in the way of the work, and lending our influence to the cause of our common enemy. We may excuse ourselves for this or that reason, but the work will be accomplished; and to those that labor the reward will be given. Much is said about hard times. But, really, what has this to do with the work of God? It may afford better opportunities for doing good. It may be a reason for greater diligence and perseverance; but an excuse for folding our hands in idleness—never. Imagine the Saviour of men making such a plea for neglecting his mission to earth! Come, as many as can, to our next quarterly meeting [see appointment], and let us endeavor to “provoke one another to love and good works.” I repeat, the work is moving forward. “Then on let us press, for Jesus is near,
And strengthen each other with words of good
cheer.” “HE MEANT BUSINESS.”
By H. W. Jackman
Not long since, I happened to step into the office of a manufacturing company, with whom I had some dealing. Scarcely was I seated when in came an agent for the sale of a newly-invented fire-proof safe. He began to state his business, but the proprietor cut him short by saying, “No, sir; we don’t want a new safe, we have one already which will answer our purpose for the present.” Did the agent lose courage, and give up in despair? Not at all. He meant business. Changing his tactics, he began to speak of the varied manufacturing interests of our country, a subject which of course interested his hearer. But he never lost sight of his object. Slowly, but surely, he brought the conversation to bear upon the subject which was uppermost in his mind, viz., the manufacture of safes. In glowing terms he spoke of the improvements which had from time to time been made, until they had reached their present stage of perfection. Evidently, he had thoroughly mastered his business. His listener became interested, and before the agent left the office a bargain was made, and his object was accomplished. What was the reason of his success? Simply this, He meant business, and understood his business. Truly, thought I, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16: 8. Here is a lesson for every member of our Tract and Missionary Society. God has given each of us a work to do, and he demands of us that we should familiarize ourselves with the work, and then bring into requisition all the powers of mind and body, toward the accomplishment of the object desired. In the work set before us, we need to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” It is not for us to faint or lose courage because we are not always successful, but every repulse should only cause us to study our business more fully, and by fervent prayer so consecrate ourselves to the work of God, that our efforts will be blessed of him. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126: 6. God bless the army of T. and M. workers, and may every one feel the importance of laboring while the day lasts. Let us go forth and sow beside all waters, and at the last it will be seen that our labor was not in vain in the Lord. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” DIED, at the residence of James Lane in Convis, Mich., Jan. 25, 1877, Mrs. Elizabeth Drinkwater. Mrs. D. was born in Worcestershire, England, in March, 1786, and was at the time of her death nearly 91 years of age. Though she suffered greatly, she bore it patiently, going down to the grave like a shock of corn fully ripe and in the hope of a better life hereafter. She was the oldest woman in the town of Convis, and Eld Palmiter, the next oldest person in town, aged 83, was at the funeral. Two of the bearers were over 70. The funeral was attended by Eld U. Smith of Battle Creek, at our house of worship, Jan. 27. Thos. Lane. DIED, at North Vineland, N. J., at the residence of her son, W. J. Boynton, Jan. 7, 1877, Abigail Rogers. She was born at Newburyport, Mass., April 28, 1814. She gave her heart to the Lord and united with the Baptist Church at the age of fourteen years. Eighteen years since, she embraced the views of Seventh-day Adventists; and from that time her heart and hand have been with those “that keep the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Remarks at her funeral from Ps. 17:15. N. Orcutt. DIED, near Elk Point, Dak., Jan. 25, 1877, Minnie K., daughter of Bro. and Sr. Henry Hendrickson, aged two years, six months and eight days. Little Minnie was standing by the side of her father, watching a tree fall, when a large limb fell, striking her upon her head, causing almost instant death. Thus suddenly are her parents bereft; but they sorrow not without hope. Funeral discourse by the writer, from 2 Kings 4:26. E. W. Farnsworth. DIED, in Oasis, near Plainfield, Waushara County, Wisconsin, Mrs. Diana McLaughlin, wife of Elijah McLaughlin, aged 79 years, 11 months and 27 days. Sister McLaughlin was a firm believer in the third angel’s message. Her consistent walk and Christian deportment won for her the love and respect of all her neighbors. She leaves a husband and family who deeply mourn their loss. Sermon by William Bennett, Methodist, from Ps. 23:4. Abram Kisner. DIED, in Deering, Me., Jan. 21, 1877, Mr. James Lord, aged 96 years. He had kept the Sabbath many years. Funeral sermon by R. S. Webber. Not Hard Times.
By H. A. St. John
I IMAGINE that many persons upon reading the above title will be disposed at once to contradict it; but wait for my meaning, please. Just now “hard times” is the cry everywhere, and I am satisfied that it is made an excuse for slackness in paying honest debts, and more especially those higher obligations, our pledges and dues to the treasury of the Lord. Brethren will let their S. S. pledges lag, and lag, and lag, month after month, until the entire year has gone by, and still this duty of immense consequence lags. Oh! how long? I am extremely anxious to have every S. S. treasurer in Ohio write me as soon as the church he serves have squared up all their S. S. for 1876. Who will be the first to report? I am persuaded that in nine cases out of ten, hard times is not the real excuse for the failure. What then? do you ask? Answer, NEGLECT.