Pursuant to appointment in REVIEW, the New England Missionary and Tract Society met Nov. 10, 1872, at New Ipswich, N. H., at 9½ A. M. The meeting opened with prayer by Eld. Andrews. The report of the last meeting was read and accepted, also the report of missionary labor for the past quarter, which was as follows:
Dist. No. 1 was not represented. Dist. No. 2, number of subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 6; Instructor, 12; Reformer, 82, distribution of publications, 32,209 pages. Dist. No. 3, subscribers for Reformer, 57; distribution of publications, 5,406 pages. Dist. No. 4, subscribers for Reformer, 159; distribution of publications, 3,147 pages. Total number of subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 6; Instructor, 12; Reformer, 298; distribution of publications, 41,864 pages. Number of visits made, 97; letters written, 170. Number of members added, 11; entire number of members, 186. This is exclusive of what has been done in the R. I. district. Number of letters written by the Vigilant Missionary Society during the past quarter, 84; received, 43; visits made, 32; subscribers obtained for periodicals, 50; distribution of publications, 4,751 pages.
The annual report of the Tract Society showed the number of subscribers obtained for the REVIEW during the year to be, 71; Instructor, 101; Reformer, 558; distribution of publications, 124,762 pages; number of visits, 534; letters written, 470; number of bound books presented to libraries, 475, consisting of Life Incidents, Autobiography of Joseph Bates, and Bible Sabbath, which have been presented to every library of note within the N. E. Conference that would accept of them.
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE LAST QUARTER.
Amount on hand Sept. 1, ........................................ $132.11
Received for membership, ........................................ 10.00
“ on donations to tract enterprise, ......................... 183.70
“ “ “ delinquent fund, ..................................... 64.00
“ “ “ widow & orphan, ...................................... 211.25
“ “ sale of books, ............................................. 15.60
Books on hand, ........................................................ 100.00
.................................................................... $716.66
Paid for publications, ............................................... $83.89
“ on periodicals, .................................................. 13.47
“ widow & orphan fund, ......................................... 35.75
Incidental expenses, .................................................. 26.21
Books on hand last quarter, ........................................ 69.31
Amount on hand, ...................................................... 488.03
.................................................................... $716.66
Amount of receipts during year, ................................. $1033.12
Expenditures, ............................................................ 739.75
REPORT OF CAMP-MEETING EXPENSES.
Amount pledged, ...................................................... 1303.40
“ received on pledges, ......................................... 1182.55
“ “ for use of land, and
receipts at stand, &c., .................................... 285.24
.................................................................. $1467.79
Total amount of receipts, ........................................ $1467.79
Paid for land, and other expenses, ........................... $1609.44
Expended more than received, ................................ 141.65
“ “ “ Pledged and
Received, .......................................................... 20.80
On motion, it was voted that the Chair appoint a Committee on Nominations. Brn. L. W. Hastings, C. W. Comings, and F. A. Buzzell, were named as said Committee.
Remarks were made with reference to disbursing means from the Widow and Orphan Fund, by Eld. Haskell; also with reference to books presented to libraries, recommending that the work entitled the United States in Prophecy should be placed in libraries, in addition to those already presented. It was also recommended that efforts should be made to increase the circulation of our periodicals by introducing the Reformer into Reading Rooms, and respectable hotels, and also by sending the REVIEW upon trial for a stated time, to individuals of moral worth who may express a willingness to read it.
Remarks were also made by Eld. J. N. Andrews showing the utility of a more extensive circulation of some of our best works, including Morton's Vindication of the True Sabbath, and others; especially among ministers of other denominations.
It was then voted to raise a fund for the purpose of sending the REVIEW, as above stated, after which the sum of $56.85 was immediately pledged, the most of which was paid.
The importance of taking decided steps proportionate to increasing light on the health and dress-reform question was set forth, and the propriety of forming a Health-Reform Association considered. Adjourned for fifteen minutes.191
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting opened with prayer. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows:
For President, Eld. S. N. Haskell,
Vice President, H. B. Stratton,
Secretary, Maria L. Huntley,
Treasurer, Eld. S. N. Haskell,
Directors:
District No. 1, A. P. Green,
“ “ 2, H. B. Stratton,
“ “ 3, F. A. Buzzell,
“ “ 4, C. K. Farnsworth.
This report was accepted and the nominees were elected by unanimous vote.
The subject of a Health-Reform Association was again brought before the meeting, and it was voted to form such an association, and also that its officers should be those of the Tract Society. A Constitution was accordingly adopted, and thirty-three of those present gave their names as members of said Association.
S. N. Haskell, Pres.
M. L. Huntley, Sec.
Quarterly Meeting at New Ipswich, N. H.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THE Quarterly Meeting of the New England Conference commenced Friday evening, Nov. 7. Every district was represented except R. I., yet quite a number of those who usually come with their teams were detained on account of the horse disease which is raging at present here in New England. Eld. J. N. Andrews met with us, and spoke Sabbath forenoon and evening after the Sabbath, also first-day evening. Sunday morning, at 5 A. M., we met at the house of Bro. Buzzell for a special season of prayer. Some realized the blessing of God on this occasion in a remarkable manner. At 9 A. M., a session of the T. and M. Society. Quite a degree of interest was manifested in those matters which have an especial bearing upon the interests of the cause. How we can more successfully spread the truth, and unitedly come up in the work of the Lord, are questions that should stir every heart that has fully embraced the cause of present truth. Such questions are usually discussed and acted upon at our general gatherings, therefore at such meetings there should be a general attendance as far as practicable.
There is a lack among some of our brethren and sisters, in attaching that importance to the subject of health and dress reform, that the case demands. Extra trimmings and ribbons, returning to former habits of diet and dress, are sure indications of a backsliding heart. God is in this work, and the watchword is onward, in the work of reform. This was realized by some at the meeting, and a health organization was effected to create, if possible, more of an interest in this branch of the work.
The call that has been made from time to time for men to move to Battle Creek, and assist in bearing burdens there, was considered, and a good degree of interest was manifested to do something in this direction, believing the cause to be one, and that the heavy burdens which have so long rested upon a few, should be felt by the brethren abroad. Bro. C. W. Comings of Cornish, N. H., was recommended to move to Battle Creek for this purpose. Much interest was manifested to have our works and periodicals have a wider circulation. There are five hundred families in the New England Conference that should have the REVIEW this coming year, who are not now subscribers.
The Youth’s Instructor should find its way into a thousand families that it has never yet entered where there are children. The report shows that the Reformer was making over five hundred more visits now, than one year since in this Conference. Many of those are four months’ subscribers. There should be at least two thousand yearly subscribers added to the Reformer list before the close of 1873. This can be done if a proper effort is put forth. One brother who had never done scarcely anything in this direction previous to the last quarter, obtained over one hundred new subscribers within the last three months. Who, during the next quarter, will get fifty yearly subscribers? Who, 25? Who, 10? Who, 5? and none should fail of obtaining one. It should visit every respectable hotel in New England within the next three months. A spirit of consecrated zeal, with a systematic effort, giving ourselves to the Lord, a willingness to fill any sphere, act in any capacity the providence of God may assign us, will accomplish more in the service of God, than many of us have ever yet realized.
It is time that we fully awake to the importance of the time in which we live, and put forth such an effort as God can accept. This cause is a laudable one, and one which Heaven can smile upon. We hope our quarterly meeting will prove one of profit to the New England Conference.
S. N. Haskell.
South Lancaster, Nov. 11, 1872.
Bridgewater, Me.
By J. B. Goodrich
Our meetings in this place have been very good and interesting. Oct. 6, two were buried with Christ by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so they also should walk in newness of life. Others ought to follow the same example, and receive the blessing that attends the act of obedience.
Some in this place have overcome the use of tobacco, and others are making an effort. They must remember the words of Peter, “For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” “Be not overcome of evil,” says Paul. There is a great deal of pork, tea, and tobacco used in this country. Those who are acquainted with the lumbering business, very well know that those engaged in it think these three articles cannot be dispensed with in the woods. But the third angel’s message calls for reform, not only on the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, but in all our wrong habits of life. It points us to the day of God’s wrath, when none but the pure in heart can abide it.
Oct. 8, we commenced meetings at Smyrna Mills, and remained over Sabbath and first-day. Here we organized S. B. to the amount of $50.90 for one year. The interest was such that we decided that it was best for me to remain another week, and Bro. Blaisdell return to Bridgewater. On his arrival at that place, he received a letter informing him that his wife and little boy were very sick with the fever, hence he returned immediately home. I have since received a line from him stating that they were better.
Some new ones here have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and walk in the ways of the Lord. It has been very rainy, and the roads are very bad,—therefore the attendance has been small.
Oct. 22, I returned to Bridgewater and remained over the Sabbath. We organized S. B. to the amount of about $100 for one year. It was encouraging to see the interest manifested by those present, and the readiness to take hold and help forward the cause of present truth. A club of fifteen subscribers for the Youth’s Instructor was obtained at the S. B. meeting.
Sunday, Oct. 27, held two meetings in Monticello; but the roads were so muddy that there were but few out. I hope the time will soon come when a course of lectures can be given in this place. With some, there is an ear to hear.
Oct. 29, returned to Smyrna Mills, holding meetings over Sabbath and first-day. A few more came out and commenced to “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” and others are convinced of their truthfulness. May the Lord help them to obey the truth. The prejudice in this place is giving way, and some are yielding to the claims of God’s law who, a few months ago, were very bitter against it. It is plain to be seen that the hand of God is in this message, and that it will triumph over all opposition in the end. I thank the Lord for the light I have received. May I have grace to walk in it. J. B. GOODRICH.Nov. 4, 1872.
A Prayer for the Youth
Bro D. D. HAINES writes from Haverhill, Mass.:
I believe the coming of the Lord is very near, and my prayer is for a humble and contrite heart, that I may live near to him and follow his holy example, so that when he comes I can be prepared to meet him in peace. I am thankful to God that I have the privilege of meeting with others of like precious faith on the Sabbath, for the worship of the living and true God. The members of this church love his worship and are striving to do his will. I would strive to take a deeper interest in the dear youth, for their salvation, that they may know the peace of God which passeth all understanding.
I feel very thankful for our new question book by Bro. Bell. I like it. I think it will be a great help to the youth in learning the truths of the Bible, and that it will increase their confidence and interest in this blessed book. May we remember the dear youth often in our prayers, that they may be kept from the great temptations to do evil in these perilous times, and learn to walk in the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
The truth of God's word is very precious to me, and I will strive, through the grace of God, to overcome my evil propensities, and run with patience the race that is set before me.
LOST EDEN.
There is something yet,
Of Eden left,
In this sin-cursed world of ours;
There are odors rare,—
There are flowers fair,—
To remind us of Eden bowers.
The stars of night,
With their pure, soft light,
Shone o'er lost Paradise;
The sun of noon,—
And the gentle moon,
Lit up fair Eden's skies.
There is something still,
In an infant's smile,
That is holy, pure, and sweet,—
That beguiles our thought,
To that sinless spot,
Where man and angel's meet.
And we long to soar,
To that sunny shore,
Where the angel's songs arise,—
Where the flowers unfold
Their leaves of gold,
On the hills of Paradise.
Oh! we long to see
The wondrous tree,
That in Eden bloomed of yore,—
Whose leaves shall heal
All earthly ill,
And give life forevermore.
Oh! we long to be
As the angel's free,
From sorrow, sin, and pain,—
And our voices raise,
In a song of praise,
To the Lamb for sinners slain.
The Cause in Vermont.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
I have spent the last two Sabbaths with the church in this place. I came here to find rest in a change, but found enough to do—more than my wasted energies could accomplish. The sick, widows, and orphans, needed help, the weak and wounded ones needed to be visited and strengthened, and some were withering spiritually for want of exercise.
What God requires of those who profess to believe the last message of mercy is to act; to act earnestly, wisely, systematically, and unitedly; to act in paying up their pledges to sustain the cause in its different branches; to act in proclaiming the truth orally, and through our written works and periodicals in new fields, and in strengthening those already in the truth, that we may not lose as much in old fields as we gain in new. Here is work enough for all to engage in, and none need to rest for want of exercise.
The Lord is working for the church here. Among other interesting features in our meetings, was the first testimony of a cousin recently from England.
Although owing to the binding influence of customs and associations of long standing, numerous manufacturing establishments that run on the Sabbath, etc., it takes more power to move people to obey the truth east, than it does in more newly settled States, yet we are thankful for what the Lord has wrought in new fields in Vermont for the past two years. But twice or three times as much might have been accomplished, if all of our forces had been in the field. I am interested to see the part Bro. Grant of Minnesota, formerly of Vermont, is acting in connection with Bro. Canright. Now there are a dozen of men in Vermont, who are qualified to do a similar work that Bro. G. is doing. For want of just such help I nearly lost my life last year. Thank God that this year I have labored under more favorable circumstances. But where are the men who should stand by companies of young believers, while we push on the work in new fields, in the absence of my brother and Bro. Bean, to keep up the missionary work in the churches? Where are the men that I could call upon as minute men in cases of emergencies in new fields? They are either on large farms, burying up their talents in the earth, or teaching, or engaged in business that keeps them away from the work of God. And as I value my life and the cause where I have been laboring, I must refrain from entering new fields, or from going on a trip through the churches in Vermont and Canada East, which I have not had the privilege of doing for eight years. I shall watch with interest the success of my brother in the churches.
I have been pleased with the interest that the church of Frasburgh and Charleston have shown in the work in their part of the State. But there are men in that church who are qualified to do three times more than they are doing to build up the cause in new fields. Shall we have their help in this direction? Until men of talent, means, and experience among us act the part God would have them as helps in this cause, I have but faint hopes of seeing large ingathering of souls in Vermont, and but little courage to go largely into new fields.
May God arouse us as a people, to a sense of the responsibilities of these times. God will open the way before us if we seek him, and inquire after duty by prayer and fasting, and are willing to sacrifice in his cause.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Bordoville, Vt., Nov. 12, 1872.
North Woodstock.
By P. C. Rodman
The interest to hear appears as good as at the first of my lectures here. Two persons have decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are almost persuaded, some of whom I think will obey. The people are not great readers, and move slow; but a few are beginning to show some opposition, especially among those that have not heard at all, or very little. This we trust will, in the providence of God, help forward the truth, and ripen the work. Pray for us, dear brethren.
P. C. RODMAN.
Ohio.
By H. A. St. John
From the time of the close of the tent-meeting at West Unity, Aug. 11, till the camp-meeting, Sept. 12, we were occupied in visiting and holding meetings in Williams Co., near the place of tent-meeting. Had some interesting Sabbath meetings with the few who have embraced the truth as the result of these meetings. We are sorry they are so scattered as to render it impracticable for them to meet regularly on the Sabbath. We have obtained eighteen subscribers for the Review, three for the Reformer, and three for Instructor.
Just now we are longing and praying for more of the salvation of God. Brethren, will you pray for us?
H. A. ST. JOHN.
C. S. VEEDER
By C. S. Veeder
Unbelief.
How little the word of God is believed at the present day. Even those who profess to take it for their guide and counsel, err in the construction of certain passages, and in consequence are full of darkness and unbelief. “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” St. John 12: 46. Christ came as a light into the world, and yet it is not promised that he will light everybody in the world, but only those who believe on him. Then to believe on him is necessary in order to have the benefit of the light. And if we do not believe, we are abiding in darkness. And “he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.”
How many are to-day walking in the darkness of this world and Satan. Truly he hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts, that they should not see nor understand the things of God, and that he should heal them. The day is drawing near when all human history must cease; and the vials of God’s wrath be poured out without mercy upon the heads of the ungodly. Do the people believe it? Do they see the end approaching? Have they studied God’s word, which many profess to take as a guide, and not discovered that such is the case? Is not there warning after warning given that after certain events take place in the history of this world, then cometh the end? Such is certainly the case; and yet unbelief takes possession of their minds, and these warnings are unheeded.
But all are not thus blinded by Satan. Some have given their attention to the study of God’s word and stand out in the clear light of truth. To such, Christ’s coming appears a reality, and they are looking and waiting for his appearing soon in the clouds of heaven with great glory. They almost see the end, and will hail with joy its approach. Walk in the light, and Christ’s coming will not be unexpected or sudden.
C. S. VEEDER
“Mas’r Knows What’s de Bestest.”
When the great rain fell all over Virginia the first three days in October, 1870, in the unprecedented flood that followed, there was much distress in Richmond, and on all the river country. No such deluge had been known in the State for a hundred years. Scores of mills, and barns, and tenements, were swept away, a hundred lives were lost, and the property destroyed was estimated by millions. Men saw with anguish their homes invaded by the dark, rushing waters, and the lives of their families imperiled, but in a multitude of cases had no power to rescue or aid them.
At Chesterfield below Richmond, lived Laundrum Nelson, a pious and well-to-do colored man. He had just erected a handsome dwelling, and furnished it in good style, for one of his race. The terrible flood robbed him of all his hard-earned comforts, and with unpitying fury surrounded and carried away his dwelling with all its contents. As it floated off he exclaimed in a tone of intense grief and resignation, “Well, dar! dat’s done gone! but de Lor’s will be done; Mas’r knows what’s de bestest.”
As he stood gazing long and sorrowfully at the retreating building, the water began to creep up around him until himself and wife and children soon stood in the flood up to the knees. The piteous cries of his family brought him to realize the danger that threatened their persons, when snatching up three of the children, while his wife took the other two, they slowly and with difficulty waded to dry land. They had escaped the terror and danger, but were houseless and homeless. Life was left them—all else was gone.
Yes, the Lord’s will be done. It is hard to say it, because we find our will so opposed to His own. Short-sighted and erring, we imagine this or that is for our good, and so we will to have it. He sees it is for our injury, and either withholds the coveted gift or plucks it from our grasp. Comforts, health, and homes disappear; we gaze wishfully upon the fading treasure, but One who knows best permits the earthly joy to forever depart. We seek Him and are saved at the loss of all things else. This perfect submission to the divine will is a hard task for mortals to learn. Nevertheless, Faith says, “God knows best.” And peace and calmness go with such resignation. The unfoldings of eternity will show how superior was the Master’s wisdom to that of his poor servants. Let us learn with Rutherford to build our nest on no earthly tree, lest the Lord cut it down.”—The Christian.
The Cause One.
By Jesse Dorcas
I AM sorry that Bro. Russell, or any one else, should get a wrong idea from what I said in a former paper, in relation to Bro. Canright’s labor in Minnesota. I do believe that God has a hand in this work, and that each member of the household of faith, has his place to fill; and that when all are in their respective places, who are real workers, and act well their part, whether it is to stand still or go forward, God’s will may be done, and all things work together for good. And that which might seem to be a want of success, turn out to be rather a furtherance of the gospel. I now rejoice, and am glad that the scale has turned with Bro. C. and the friends in Minnesota, and that God has not forgotten to be gracious.
I would, however, notice one point. Bro. R. makes me say that I “was not sorry that some of Bro. C.’s labors were not very successful.” Now I think I said quite differently: that I was not sorry that it turned out as it did, &c., believing then, as now, that that was the shortest and surest road to success. God’s order is first sealed then crowned. JESSE DORCAS.
Are We Faithful?
By E. R. D.
FAITHFULNESS is a characteristic of the true child of God. It is required of servants that they be faithful to their employers. An eye-servant is lightly esteemed, but one who is as faithful to his employer’s interests as though they were his own, is considered a great treasure. Can we think that the great Ruler of all would require a less degree of faithfulness, of those in his service, than we require of our fellow-men? God has committed to us talents to use in doing good. Are we faithful to the trust? Are we using them all to the very best of our ability? We are required to do all that we can. It is not enough that we do as much as others. If he has given us the ability to do more than they, we must do all we can, and increase our talents with the using.
God has given us great light. Are we faithful in living up to that light? In what way can we better show our gratitude to him for this than by faithfully walking in the light, thereby showing to those around us that we believe what we profess?
If we are faithful, we may be instrumental in saving some soul, or reclaiming a back-slider, and “Let him know, that he who converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” Could we at all times realize the value of souls, we should be much more in earnest than we now are. I have often thought of the reply a captain of a vessel made when some one remarked to him, that they were rejoiced to know they had so careful a commander. Said he, “It is necessary that I should be careful, because I have souls on board. I think of my responsibility; and should anything happen through carelessness, I should have a great deal to answer for; I wish never to forget, sir, that souls are very valuable!” That was a powerful sermon in a few words. If some soul be lost, through our unfaithfulness, shall we not have much to answer for?
There are many incentives to a faithful discharge of the duties which devolve upon us as professed servants of the Most High. Were there no other, is it not enough, that he has condescended to intrust us with errands to do for him? that we may in this way show our love for him, and our interest in his cause? God has many and precious promises to those who prove faithful in his service. The reward promised is more than sufficient to repay us for all the sacrifices and efforts we may make, then
“O my soul, be ever faithful!
Heart and hand, be true and just!
Squander not the Master’s treasure,
Nor betray his precious trust.
Ever faithful! ever faithful!
Ever true, and ever just!
Faithful with the Master’s treasure;
Faithful to his precious trust.”
E. R. D.
THE PILGRIM BAND;
By Gettie W. Davis
Methinks I see a lowly band
Of pilgrims bound for the better land,
O'er a rugged way they have wandered long,
And their feet are pierced with many a thorn.
Weary and worn, they journey on,
Yet they heed it not, for their hearts are strong.
By faith they view that distant shore,
As they sing of its glories o'er and o'er.
But I see them pause, as they pass along
’Mid pleasure’s scenes, and its giddy throng,
And beckon them with eager hand
To swell their songs, and join their band.
They tell of a dying Saviour’s love,
Of the city of light that awaits above,
Its fadeless flowers, its holy joys,
And its endless bliss that never cloys.
But it seems a straight and narrow way,
’Mid earthly joys they fain would stay,
And weave their garlands of fading flowers,
And revel in folly’s sylvan bowers.
They cannot leave an honored name,
The gilded baubles of wealth and fame,
To bow ’neath the cross the Saviour bore,
Or walk the path he has trod before.
The band is nearing its journey’s end,
Angel’s their footsteps now attend,
As bursts upon the expectant eye,
The glories of eternity.
Those pearly gates, those streets of gold,
Those wondrous beauties all unfold,
And they hail with rapturous delight
Those shining portals of radiant light.
Angelic hosts their welcome sing,
And loud the heavenly arches ring,
With songs more sweet than tongue can tell,
Their harps they tune, their voices swell.
Earth’s bitter strife and cares are past,
They have reached their long-sought home at last,
And they gaze on their Saviour’s smiling face,
And sing of his matchless love and grace.
Oh, glorious change! from sin set free,
All clothed with immortality,
With countless throngs of angels bright,
Around the throne, they walk in white.
GETTIE W. DAVIS.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Which Was the Gentleman?
Look at those two men who went up to the temple to pray. That bold, proud, well-dressed Pharisee, satisfied with himself, stands in the center of the court and prays with well-made sentences, and surely those who look upon him will say, “There is the gentleman of the age;” but as Jesus comes into the hall, he points to that plainly-clad publican who stands with trembling knees and bowed head in that obscure corner near the door, and prays, in broken words, for mercy, and Jesus tells us that this one, “rather than the other,” is the Christian gentleman.
On that wild and rocky path that leads from Jerusalem to Jericho lies a man near that dark pass in the mountains who has been left “half dead” by robbers. That well-dressed Levite who looked upon him a few moments ago, and found that he was one of the common people, and passed on, showed his breeding as a gentleman in saving himself from the touch of such a man; that priest, who glances scornfully upon the penniless sufferer as he passes by on the other side, shows that he is of high blood that must not be contaminated with the common crowd. Surely, they are gentlemen complete! But Jesus, by some strange oversight of their Jewish rank and fine clothes, points us to that low-born Samaritan, bending over the suffering man, softly wiping the ugly clots of blood, binding up his wounds, turning back from his journey, mounting him on his own beast, and paying for him at the inn, and tells us that this Samaritan is the only gentleman of the three. In the public gardens of Boston you may see his monument, on a thousand hospitals you may see his name. Where are the monuments and hospitals that honor the manhood of the priest and Levite?
Around that box at the temple into which the people drop their gifts of charity, you can hear the rustle of silks and the twinkle of jewelry, as those well-dressed ladies drop in their gold; but how they knit their brows and draw back their dresses as that poor widow, in her treadbare garments, with her poorly-dressed little one in her arms, crowds up toward the box and drops in those two mites. No one thanks her, although it is “all her living;” but Christ tells us that this poor, meek, gentle giver is a lady “more than they all.”
Ten lepers cried out for help, as Jesus passed by. “As they went” in the path which he had pointed out, “they were cleansed.”
Those who were Jews went on their way. One, a low Samaritan, came back, and on his knees uttered his thanks. Was not “this stranger” a gentleman above all the other nine?
If you had inquired in the streets of Jerusalem, in the Bible days, for their best specimen of a gentleman, they would have shown you a man with a long beard, and tall cap, with a breastplate full of precious stones and garments of richest silk and purple, and said, “This is he.”
But Christ took a little playful child from the crowd that gathered about him, and set him in their midst as their model, and said, “Except ye become as little children,” &c.
Gentleness is the first qualification of a gentleman. In regard to “malice, be ye children.”—Cor. of Zion’s Herald.
Missionary Labor.
By M. Wood
At our late district quarterly meeting, held one week ago to-day, at the Seventh-day Advent Hall, cor. Third and Dorchester sts., Boston, I renewed the pledge which I had made several months previous, and decided that I would start anew in the Missionary work, and devote a portion of my time toward the accomplishment of a great, and glorious work. I had promised to put the Health Reformer into every respectable hotel in Boston, or seek to obtain their subscription for the same.
According to promise, I started last Monday on a missionary tour, armed with a few copies of the Health Reformer, also the United States in Prophecy. I was buoyant in spirits, and confident of success. I called at the hotels, made my business known to the proprietors, at the same time presenting them with a copy of the Reformer for their inspection. In some instances I was kindly and gentlemanly treated, and listened to with apparent interest, but they could not see the Health Reformer in the hotels. Mr. Mills, proprietor of the Parker House, after examining the Health Reformer much after the fashion of an editor, pronounced it an excellent, and valuable journal. He gave several reasons why he would not subscribe for it for the hotel, among them was that to keep track of such articles was next to an impossibility. “You lay them on the table,” said he, “and in five minutes’ time they are removed, either intentionally or unintentionally.” He was perfectly willing that we should furnish his hotel with as many copies as we pleased at our own expense. After the above explanation, he wrote his address upon a card and passed it to me with a dollar and a request to send the Health Reformer to his residence, as he was anxious for his family to peruse those pages of truth.
Not at all discouraged, but much disappointed, I called at another of our leading hotels, made known my business, presented the books and tried to explain some of the advantages connected with the health reform and the Reformer, but all to no purpose. There was too much sunlight in the Health Reformer to suit our hotel keeper. He opened the book and turned its pages over and over, until his eyes rested upon an article entitled, “Sunlight, by D. D. Stevens, M. D.,” which not only condemned the Reformer in his estimation, but also his dark rooms, where the light of day never penetrates, as the proprietor himself acknowledged. “For,” said he, “to place that journal before my guests I would soon have a number of rooms which would be void of guests.”
No marvel that we behold so many pale, puny, sickly looking women and children led or carried from the hotel steps to the carriage, that they may ride forth, fill their lungs with fresh air, and back again to their handsomely furnished cages, whose only light is that from a brazen chandelier. A word to the wise is sufficient, and we trust will prove so in the present case.
But I passed along until I reached the Public Library. I was about to pass the noble structure without giving it a passing notice, when my wife, who was with me, suggested that I make another attempt toward getting the truth before the people. I yielded to her entreaties, and entered one of the largest and most frequented Reading Rooms in Boston, but with little hopes of meeting with success, having met with so many disappointments during the day. But here I was agreeably surprised as the following letter may attest, which I received a few days after.
“Boston Public Library, Nov. 1, 1872.
“The trustees have received the United States in the light of Prophecy, a gift from M. Wood, for which they return a grateful acknowledgment.” Signed by the President and Superintendent. The result will be seen in the Judgment. M. WOOD.
Boston, Nov. 11, 1872.
Peace Cometh After Strife
Peace cometh after strife.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, at Tenhassen, Minn., after an illness of six days, Jane, wife of Wm. Merry, aged fifty-six years, ten months, and five days.
Our dear mother embraced the present truth about twenty years since, under the labors of Elds. Steward and Phelps, in Wisconsin. During the Age to Come dissension, she ever remained steadfast in the faith. She died as she lived, sustained by the blessed hope. She leaves a companion, son, daughter and family, and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.
F. W. & M. A. MORSE.
DIED, at Mt. Desert, Maine, Nov. 15, 1872, after two weeks of severe sickness of typhoid fever, Clifton S., youngest child of William C., and Mary E., Flanders, aged three years, seven months, and twenty days.
L. M. FLANDERS.
The Advance Pay System.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
We wish to call attention to the article, “Advance pay System,” by Bro. White, in the Review of Oct. 29. For eighteen months, the New England Tract and Missionary Society has labored to bring about the advance pay system in this Conference on all of our periodicals. Very much has been accomplished in this direction with the co-operation of the brethren and sisters. Hundreds of letters have been written inclosing a bill of the past indebtedness, with a year in advance added. They also contained a directed envelope with a postage stamp, so, without any expense to the receiver, they could be returned, stating their circumstances, whether they wish the paper or not. Some have paid no attention to these letters, although it is known they were taken from the office by the same individuals who called for the periodicals. Agents have traveled, in all, hundreds of miles to visit subscribers who requested their paper stopped; but we were suspicious that they might be worthy to receive the paper and felt a delicacy in stating their circumstances.
The Society has paid upward of $250.00 for the worthy poor and those that did not choose to pay. About one hundred papers have been discontinued during the past year, forty-eight of which the parties have absolutely refused to pay for, not stating that they were unable; yet it has never been stopped without evidence that it was not wanted.
There are, at the present time, a few who are more than a year behind, yet they have been written to. Now to carry out the advance pay system as suggested by the Review above alluded to, and that none may feel that they have occasion to say that they do not, or did not, understand it, we propose the following:—
The first week in December, 1872, the Secretary of the New England Tract and Missionary Society, who is the general agent, will send a printed letter to every subscriber of the Review, Instructor, and Reformer (excepting those who have taken the Reformer on a trial trip of four months), whose subscriptions have expired, or may expire by Jan. 1, 1873, containing a bill of their past indebtedness, with one year in advance added. Then if no attention is paid to the letter thus sent, nor to the call from the president of the Publishing Association, whatever action the Publishing Association may take in such cases, we hope all will consider to be just and right.