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Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 23.

THE FOLLY OF FASHIONABLE RELIGION
Earlier text: REVEREND

A PLAIN TALK TO THE MURMURERS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Some Facts for Those Who Are not in Harmony with the Body.
(Continued.)
Who started that work in the West? Snook and Brinkerhoof. Where are they now? Apostates from the faith, both of them. What has become of Goodenough, who was once the leading spirit in that work? Where is Fuller? And so we might go back. What has become of the Cranmer party? What has become of the Messenger party? Where are Hicks, Armstrong, and Lonsdale? Gone, long ago. Who are the hands running it now? Only men who have lately come up, to try their hands at the job which has failed a half dozen times before. Brethren, does this bear the stamp of God’s work? Has the great God of Heaven been leading in such miserable work as that? I should fear to insult Heaven by any such supposition. No. This party and their work from beginning to end have been a striking fulfillment of the words of Gamaliel:—
“Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him; he also perished: and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught.” Acts 5:35–38.
These few verses are an epitome of the history of these rebel parties who have gone off from us. Not only a Theudas and a Judas, but a half dozen more have risen up, and drawn off followers after them, and they have all come to naught; and that will sooner or later be the end of this also. It is a forlorn hope—God’s hand is against it.
But what is the real object of this party? What does it exist for? Simply and solely for the purpose of opposing and hindering the work of Seventh-day Adventists. This is the only thing that gives it life. They may deny this as stoutly as they choose, but this is their real motive. They may whitewash it over, and put on a pious face as long as that of a Pharisee, and yet they cannot hide their spirit. We know them. I have known them all along the line from Maine to California, from Minnesota to Kansas, and their object everywhere and all the time is the same. They have just enough of present truth to make them excellent tools of the devil. You will find them, one here, or two or three there, on the borders of some of our churches, zealously sowing discord, creating doubts, and warring upon weak brethren. They keep their eyes open for any halting ones, or doubting ones, or persons in trial. If any church trials or doubts come up among us, they are on hand like buzzards after carrion. They have a keen scent for these things. They never miss a chance. They furnish argument and ammunition for our opponents with which to oppose our work, and tear down even the Sabbath itself.
Hear the confession of one who has been engaged in that work for many years, and has gone back to it again. The following from his pen was published in the REVIEW of July 7, 1868:—

A CONFESSION.

“With deep humility would I confess to the readers of the REVIEW my errors and mistakes in opposing what I now regard as the work of God. For more than two years I have been engaged in open warfare against certain positions held by our Seventh-day brethren. My object has been to tear down, to dishearten, discourage, and cause doubt and unbelief everywhere (so far as my influence extends) among this people. I have also put forth my best efforts to prejudice and influence first-day Adventists against this people and their views. I now see my mistake and deeply feel my wrong course in so doing. Nothing but Satan himself could induce me to engage in such an unholy warfare. I have been blinded by his dark influence, and controlled by his Satanic power, while warring against this people of God. All this I frankly and humbly confess. I am guilty before God of a great sin, in uniting my influence and talents with the rebel hosts in opposing God’s chosen people, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. I humbly ask the forgiveness of God and my brethren for the wrongs I have committed while engaged in this rebellious work.
“Especially do I feel the wrong done Bro. and Sr. White, and would again ask their forgiveness. I shall ever hold them in grateful remembrance for their plain, cutting, and faithful testimonies to me, during their visit to our place last winter. They were instrumental, by the blessing of God, in rescuing me from the snare of the devil. I bless God for sending his faithful servants this way, and for his Spirit which attended their faithful labors. The Lord worked with them in power, not only in reclaiming the erring and backslidden, but in the conversion of sinners to God. A great and good work commenced under their faithful labors, and is still going forward. To God be all the praise.
“As it regards the testimonies of Sr. White, I became partially convinced, during their visit to our place, that they were from God. Since then my conviction has been widening and deepening, until I can truthfully say that I believe Sr. White is a humble, devoted, godly woman; and that her testimonies are from Heaven. I cannot, yea, I will not doubt, for darkness is sure to follow. It is the united testimony of all who have had any experience in the matter, that the more confidence they have in Sr. White and her testimonies, the more they enjoy the blessing of God. This has been my own experience. Now why is this? Does the Lord bless people more for believing error than truth? If so, the more confidence and faith we can get in the doctrine of modern spiritualism, or any other Satanic delusion, the more of the blessing of Heaven we shall enjoy. What an idea!”
“Who are the most humble, devoted, self-sacrificing, godly persons to be found among Sabbath-keepers? Do they comprise that class who are doubting, halting, questioning, disbelieving, and fighting the visions? Certainly not. This class are noted for their selfishness, their worldly-mindedness, and their lack of consecration to God and his cause. They are the lukewarm, the half-hearted, the backslidden class, among Sabbath-keepers. This fact alone should teach us that God is in this work, and no weapon raised against it can prosper. My own sad experience has taught me that it is spiritual death to doubt or oppose any part of this work. God’s hand is set to the work, and it is destined to triumph, although men and devils may oppose.”
“I feel very unworthy of a place or name among this people. My life, during the past two years, has been both an injury and a disgrace to the cause of God. I would, in view of my wrongs, deeply humble myself before God, and seek forgiveness for all my sins, while Jesus pleads the merits of his own precious blood in my behalf. I desire, as far as possible, to counteract my wrong influence, and shall labor to this end. My faith, sympathies, and interests are now with this people; and I hope never again to turn traitor, but find some humble place among them, where what little influence I may have shall not be to tear down, but to build up. I feel an earnest desire to enlist all my energies in righting my wrongs. And I hope, dear brethren and sisters, not only to obtain your forgiveness, but to have your prayers, that I may be kept from the deceptive power of Satan in these last days.”
“From your erring brother,
“W. H. BALL.
“Washington, N. H.”
This confession states just what is true of the aim and work of that whole party. While professedly loving the Sabbath, they are really throwing their whole weight right against it. Where they bring one to its observance, their opposition to our work turns ten from it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
(To be Continued.)

WHAT CALIFORNIA THINKS OF ELD. WHITE AND WIFE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Oakland, Cal., for several years past has been the home and head-quarters of Bro. and Sr. White. Their connection with the large tent-meetings at first, and the great temperance movement in the city at that time, their position as public speakers, their labors in building up a prosperous Seventh-day Adventist church in that city, together with a good meeting-house, and particularly Bro. White’s extensive business transactions in establishing and conducting the Pacific Press in that city,—all these things have made them well known there. The Oakland Evening Democrat, of May 11, 1877, thus states how they are regarded on that coast:—

“PERSONAL.

“Eld. James White, President of the organization known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with his wife, both powerful speakers, left this morning for Battle Creek, Mich., where is located the College and Theological Seminary of that denomination, of which Eld. White is also the official head. It may probably be truthfully said that he is the master spirit of that organization in the world. He has in a very short time built up a strong organization on this coast, built a fine church edifice here and in San Francisco, organized and equipped one of the largest and most complete publishing houses in the country. He also manages another and larger house in Battle Creek. As a business man his integrity is spotless; no breath of reproach even having tarnished it; as a citizen he is enterprising and an honor to our city; in all the relations of life, upright, honorable and pure. We wish him and his able wife and helper, a safe and pleasant journey, and a speedy return to this their home by the Golden Gate.”
We are glad that it is the privilege of God’s servants to live in such a manner as to command the respect and esteem of the community where they are best known. This has been the case with Eld. White and wife wherever they have lived. The moral character and business integrity of no public man or private citizen in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he has lived for twenty years, stands higher than that of Eld. James White. This I personally know to be true.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

A HAPPY HOME.

“Six things,” says Hamilton, “are requisite to create a home. Integrity must be the architect, and tidiness the upholsterer. It must be warmed by affection, and lighted with cheerfulness; and industry must be the ventilator, renewing the atmosphere and bringing in fresh salubrity day by day; while over all, as a protecting glory and canopy, nothing will suffice except the blessing of God.”

Flabby Religion

By Talmage

Much of the religion of the day is flabby indeed. It is afflicted with a sort of Saint Vitus’s dance—now bending this way, and now that; and it is uncertain which way it will wriggle next. It is almost disposed to change our Bible for a science that, instead of tracing our origin to Adam, makes us only a better order of tadpoles; and instead of reading, “Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Joseph,” would read, “The fish begat the reptile, and the reptile begat a marsupial animal, and the marsupial animal begat the inadrummana, and the inadrummana begat the gorilla, and the gorilla begat the ape, and the ape begat Darwin.” Much of our modern religion begins with a eulogy of human nature, instead of an exposition of its utter downfall. It makes us sick to hear all this talk about the dignity of manhood. It is a heap of putrefaction, unless St. John was wrong when he described it as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”—Talmage.

ILLINOIS

Woodburn.

Since last Friday we have spoken six times in Woodburn, besides attending one Sabbath-school, an ordinance meeting, and three business sessions. Our last meeting closed about 11:30 P. M. This church indulges, at times, in a party spirit. This greatly weakens the body. Brethren, the members constitute but one body. We delivered a plain testimony, and hope good was done. Systematic benevolence was renewed and increased. T. and M. work was considered and improved. Two were immersed, and three joined the church. G. W. COLCORD.

Leroy.

We closed our labors in Leroy, for the present, last night, having held in all about fifty meetings. We obtained twelve subscribers for our periodicals, and leave a dozen or more keeping the Sabbath. We hope to hold a meeting here this fall at such a time that the country people can attend. We are offered school-houses near the town, and we hope to be able to supply some of these calls during the fall and winter.
We found one person here who had embraced the truth under the labors of Bro. Bates, but had fallen back through discouragement. It has caused many bitter tears of regret. Oh! how terrible to backslide from this truth! The one above referred to, is again rejoicing in obedience to the truth. Several others are under conviction, and, we trust, will soon obey. Bro. Merritt assisted during the most of these meetings. C. H. BLISS.
May 28, 1877.

VERMONT

By A. S. Hutchins

Our T. and M. quarterly meeting held in Granville last Sabbath and Sunday, we consider the best ever held with Dist. No. 6. There was a good attendance. One of the lonely ones came seventy miles, others forty.
Two sermons were preached on the Sabbath, one social meeting held, and another for the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord’s house. The last was one of marked profit. One member was added to the church.
On first-day morning, we enjoyed a refreshing prayer and social meeting. This was followed by a sermon on faith and works, after which came the business of the T. and M. meeting. The reports returned were in number equal to the membership, showing a fair amount of work done, especially in the circulation of reading matter. A good work has been done in the sale of the Family Health Almanac, for which the Society has received more than cost.
Bro. Haskell was not able to go into this district when in the State last winter. But we were thankful to know that these brethren and sisters had taken hold of the payment of the one-third, and had actually, considering their financial and numerical strength, gone ahead of other districts. The meeting closed by raising money to pay for fourteen copies of the SIGNS, for club use, and securing one full-paying subscriber. Arrangements were made to have meetings held regularly at Fayston, Waitsfield, Warren, and Granville.
The cause in this small and newly formed district has suffered from precipitant moves of some, and apostasy of others, which we deeply deplore. It is not the work of this message to dress up persons and make pets of them, but to refine, elevate, and save them. It is not to screen one in his wrongs, but in meekness and love to lead him to confess and forsake sin. Says the apostle, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
We are thankful that our friends here are rising above reproaches and difficulties, which have obstructed their way. Two have commenced the observance of the Sabbath in Fayston, recently. The progress of this truth and the lives of those of us who profess to love it, are closely watched by others, who in spirit are with us. May they have moral courage and fortitude to obey and live.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
May 28, 1877.

NEW YORK.

Niles Hill.

Bro. A. H. Hall, writing from Niles Hill, says, “Yesterday was a good day here. In the morning we had a good social meeting. Nearly every one, old and young, had a testimony to bear. Some new ones took a part. House well filled at preaching time. We organized a Sabbath-school, consisting of five classes of children and one class of young ladies. Between forty and fifty attended the ordinance meeting. I think that forty took part. It was one of the most happy meetings I ever attended. Some strong men wept like children. Such a day they have not seen for many years, if ever. It is eight years since they had the ordinances in this church. One sister who had been an Adventist for fourteen years had never attended an ordinance meeting. This is too bad. Such slackness is a disgrace to us.”
“This revival is felt all over the town. The people thought that Seventh-day Adventists never had revivals like this; hence it astonishes them the more. They are very anxious to have the tent come to Wellsville. There is a great interest to hear on the subject of the Advent.”
Thank God for this good work. May it go on and increase. D. M. Canright.

Parma.

I visited Parma again last Sabbath and first-day, May 28, 29. Found the friends doing well. Baptized several more, and arranged S. B. amounting to nearly $150.
An error occurs in the testimonial given in my last report, which I would like to correct. The sentence, “And passages which are usually regarded as obscure, because woven into intellectual chains, were explained,” should read thus: “And passages which are usually regarded as obscure became woven into intellectual chains,” omitting “were explained.”
S. B. Whitney.

Allegany County.

Sabbath, May 26, was a good day for the church at Niles Hill. Bro. A. H. Hall spoke in the forenoon. The social meeting was excellent, and our house of worship was well filled. A Bible-class and Sabbath-school was organized, and teachers elected, and in the evening the ordinances were celebrated. It was a most precious season. Union and harmony prevailed.
Bro. Canright’s labors have proved a great blessing to this people, and the way is now open for him to come to Wellsville with the large tent, which we hope he may do immediately after the Western N. Y. Camp-meeting, if the providence of God so directs. John Lindsey.
Wellsville, N. Y.

DALLAS, TEXAS.

By R. M. Kilgore

I HAVE labored to set before the brethren duties of a practical nature, preparatory to entering upon an investigation of difficulties which have existed for some time, and had caused division in the church. Now, after the first battle is fought, and one week is passed, we are glad to report that not a single soldier was killed, and the few who were wounded in the fight are again at their post, and are buckling on the armor anew. Our prayer and social meetings, since the investigation, give evidence that the work which has been accomplished is not merely superficial. God has wrought wonderfully in bringing about such happy results. Several new ones, some children of our brethren, have expressed themselves publicly that they desire to become Christians, and have asked the prayers of the church, since union has been restored.
I shall labor here, as duty may require, to help the church till with a tent or in some other way I can meet some of the calls for labor, which are coming from every direction. R. M. KILGORE.

WISCONSIN

By I. Sanborn

We commenced meetings at Mount Pisgah, May 5. Brethren from Leon and Sugar Grove met with us. Bro. Nesmith was chosen and ordained elder, and Bro. Rathbun deacon. The members were much behind on their s. B. pledges, which they will settle up soon as they can, as they are laying by all the tithes for the Lord, according to his word. If they do it faithfully, a great blessing awaits them. Mal. 3:10, 11.
The next Sabbath and first-day they held their second quarterly meeting near Sugar Grove. The school-house was crowded on both days. On Sabbath three were baptized.
I spent May 15 and 16 in Viroqua. The few that embraced the truth there last summer at the tent-meeting still continue faithful, notwithstanding almost every possible effort has been made to overthrow them. The Disciple people kindly gave us the use of their house for meetings while there, for which they have our thanks. The interest to hear was good.
The 26th and 27th we had a general meeting at Leon, with good congregations. Three were baptized. The brethren manifested a growing interest in all branches of the work. One said he had laid by for the Lord one-tenth of all his increase, out of which he had paid in advance his s. B. pledges, and one-third as much more to the T. and M. fund, and still he had some of the tithes left in his possession unappropriated. He says it is the easiest way to pay s. B. that he knows of, to which we add a hearty amen. May the Lord help us all to do likewise. Try it, brethren, try it.
I. SANBORN.

KANSAS CONFERENCE.

By J. N. Ayers; Smith Sharp

The third annual session of the Kansas Conference of S. D. Adventists convened at Ottawa, Kan., May 24, 1877. President in the chair. Prayer by Bro. J. H. Cook.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted, after being so amended as to correct the treasurer's report, making it $783.68 instead of $883.68; and to state that credentials were given J. N. Ayers instead of license; and that the Mt. Vernon church was admitted into the Conference.
On motion, The president appointed C. F. Stevens, J. H. Cook, and C. S. Glover, a Committee on Credentials. The committee examined credentials, and reported six delegates present, representing five churches.
On motion, The Sterling, Osawkee, Oswego, Bethany, Eureka, Elm Creek, and Whitewater churches were admitted into the Conference, with their respective delegates. Bro. Hill, from the Canola church, and Bro. Reed, from the Mt. Vernon church, were admitted as delegates. Bro. Santee was admitted to represent the unorganized band at Limestone, and Bro. Rogers, to represent a like company at Hymer. The companies at South Mound and Amity were also taken under the watchcare of the Conference.
On motion, Brn. Lamont, Divilbiss, and Santee were appointed a committee to consult as to the propriety of dropping the name of the Mound City church.
Moved, That the name of the Labette church be dropped from the Conference records.
Moved, That Eld. J. H. Waggoner, and all others in good standing in any S. D. A. church, be invited to participate in all of our deliberations.
The president appointed the following committees: On Nominations, W. E. Dawson, Jonas Divilbiss, J. W. Gilpin; Auditing, O. S. Stevens, J. M. Adams, Jas. Osborn, Oscar Hill, A. A. Reed, J. C. Tomlinson; Credentials and Licenses, John Helligass, A. J. Stover, J. C. Tomlinson; Resolutions, W. E. Dawson, Smith Sharp, J. Lamont.
Adjourned to call of president.

SECOND SESSION

May 25th, 5 P. M. Conference called to order by the president. Prayer by Bro. Dawson. Minutes of previous session read and approved.
The unorganized body of Sabbath-keepers near Osage City was taken under the watchcare of the Conference, with Bro. Jas. Kibby as delegate. The church at Salem was admitted into the Conference, with Jas. A. Ashbaugh as delegate. Delegates were received from several other churches.
The name of the Mound City church was changed to Zion church.
Bro. Stevens represented that, acting under direction of Conference Committee, he had purchased a tent at a cost of $208.85; had borrowed $100 from the General Conference, and paid the remainder himself.
Conference voted to receive the tent, and raise money to pay for it; also that the president appoint a committee of three to report the best method of raising money to pay for the tent. Brn. Lamont, Helligass, and Santee were appointed said committee. Adjourned to call of Chair.

THIRD SESSION.

May 27th, 4 P. M. Meeting called to order by the president. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Bro. O'Bryan of Missouri, and Bro. Burdick of the S. D. Baptist church, were invited to participate with us in the deliberations of the Conference.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows: For credentials, J. H. Cook, J. N. Ayers, C. F. Stevens, J. Lamont, Smith Sharp. For licenses, George Kennedy, L. D. Santee, W. E. Dawson, N. Osborn. Report received, and each case voted upon separately, whereupon credentials and licenses were granted as recommended.
Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, J. N. Ayers, Garnett, Kansas; Secretary, Smith Sharp, Ottawa; Treasurer, A. J. Stover, Oswego; Executive Committee, J. N. Ayers, J. H. Cook, Mound City, C. F. Stevens, Ottawa. The report was accepted. Each candidate was voted upon separately, and all were unanimously elected.
The report of the committee appointed to audit accounts was accepted.
The president was authorized to appoint a Camp-meeting Committee of three. J. Helligass, J. W. Gilpin, and T. H. Wakeman were appointed said committee.
The president was also authorized to appoint a committee of three to take Sabbath-school interests into consideration, and to report at next meeting. Brn. Lamont, Hill, and Wakeman were named as such committee.
An Auditing Committee, consisting of J. C. Tomlinson, Jonas Divilbiss, and J. A. Ashbaugh, were appointed to audit the accounts of the treasurer.
Voted, That camp-meeting expenses be referred to the committee on tent expenses. Adjourned.

FOURTH SESSION

Convened May 28, at 4:30 P. M. Prayer by Bro. Lamont. Minutes read and approved. The Auditing Committee reported that they had examined the books of treasurer, and found them correct. Report accepted.
Treasurer made the following report, which was accepted:—
Received by donations, $279 45
Received from S. B., 1,602 37
Total, $1,881 82
Paid out by order of Conference, $1,881 82
ANDREW J. STOVER, Treas.
The secretary's report showed that there were 18 organized churches, with 386 members, belonging to the Conference, making a gain during the year of 7 churches and 51 members. Amount of S. B. pledged, $1,349.17; increase over last year, $467.88.
The Committee on Sabbath-schools reported as follows:—
It is recommended, 1. That the schools of the State be all associated together; 2. That the State be districted, the boundaries being those established by the T. and M. Society; 3. That the officers be a State Superintendent and a superintendent for each district; 4. That there be meetings in the interest of Sabbath-schools at the time and place of the T. and M. meetings. Report accepted, and on motion adopted.
Voted, That there be a committee of five elected, who in connection with the president shall appoint Sabbath-school officers for the ensuing year. Brn. Hill and Stevens were elected as such committee.
Moved, That we allow M. Zittlosen an extra $10 for tent; that amount being requested in consequence of a mistake made by his clerk. The additional $10 was raised by donation.
Urgent calls were made for labor in many places.
The following resolutions were adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That we recognize the good hand of God in the growth and prosperity of the cause of present truth in Kansas during the past year; and while our hopes are thereby revived and our hearts greatly encouraged, we pledge ourselves to enter upon our work with renewed zeal for the year to come.
2. That our narrow escape from national trouble at the late presidential election, admonishes us that we cannot depend upon the continuance of our present state of peace and quiet; and that the trouble among the nations of the East, and the rapid advancement of the third angel's message, both in America and Europe, are all evidences that time is short, and that we need wisely and diligently to improve present time and opportunity.
3. That we express our thanks to the General Conference Committee for sending Eld. Waggoner to assist us in this meeting.
J. N. AYERS, Pres.
SMITH SHARP, Sec.

“AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH.”

By L. E. Millne

Is there a land so fair, so bright, That tears are never found? No sighs nor sorrow in that land, But only joys abound?
No rude alarms, nor stormy blast, Shall sweep o’er that bright land, And friend from friend shall never part, Amid the heavenly band.
What most we love and cherish here Doth quickly fade away. But ah! the joys of Heaven endure One long, eternal day.
Is there a mansion, Lord, for me, Waiting in that bright land? O, may I walk the golden streets Amid the angel band?
Then will I list the Master’s voice And with him suffer here, If with the faithful, I, at last, With Jesus may appear.
L. E. MILLNE.
Council Bluffs, Iowa.

OHIO

By H. A. St. John

LEAVING NEW ANTIOCH, May 15, we reached Lima in Allen Co., in the evening. Here we were obliged to remain for one week on account of sickness. We were kindly cared for at the good home of Bro. J. M. Watts. We consequently failed to meet our appointment at Mendon. Before leaving that section, however, we attended to some matters by visiting the brethren.
We met with one instance very encouraging to T. and M. workers. Through the instrumentality of Bro. J. J. Boardman of Bowling Green, O., his sister, near Van West, had embraced the truth, wholly by reading what her brother had sent her. I take her to be a woman of deep piety, and she gives evidence of having read the truth closely. Her earnest prayers and faithful labor as a missionary, with the few tracts and papers in her possession, have been crowned with success. A son and two daughters-in-law are now keeping the Sabbath. Her son (a young man with a small family), if he continues to walk with God, may become very useful in the cause. We parted with them with a season of prayer, after a visit of about three hours, feeling that our spirits had been refreshed by witnessing their love for the present truth. Let missionary workers take new courage, and sow the seed everywhere. We cannot tell which shall prosper.
Thursday, the 24th, we held meeting at Hamler, in Dist. No. 6. The ordinances were celebrated. Great destitution prevails in this portion of the State in consequence of a failure of crops for the past two years. Crops are promising this year. With a return of prosperity, may there be a corresponding spirit of liberality and sacrifice. H. A. St. John.

QUITMAN, GEORGIA.

By C. O. Taylor

It would be almost impossible to keep up evening meetings here, the people are so scattered. The plantations are large, and the houses far apart and off in the woods in all directions from the main roads. The people are not a church-going class. One minister has charge of four churches, speaking to each once a month. This is all the meeting that many of the members have for the month.
But the people are anxious to hear. I have many invitations to preach, and openings are presented faster than I can improve them. Much must be done by missionary labor from house to house. This I am now better prepared to do. The health reform is receiving the attention of some.
C. O. TAYLOR.

NEBRASKA

By Charles L. Boyd

According to appointment, I held meetings with the church at Decatur, May 19 and 20. They have been passing through some dark places, yet I trust a brighter pathway lies before them. At this meeting, Bro. M. D. Clark was ordained elder, and a young man who has lately commenced to keep the Sabbath was baptized, and united with the church.
The 26th and 27th I held meetings at York Creek, and organized a church of thirteen members. Bro. Geo. Dawson was elected elder, and Bro. O. H. Shelden deacon. Systematic benevolence was pledged amounting to one hundred dollars.
This State is a new field of labor, it being only two years last April since the second church was organized; but, although there has been but little ministerial labor bestowed here, there are now twelve organized churches holding their regular Sabbath meetings, with a membership of about two hundred, among whom there is not, to my knowledge, one tobacco-user. I thank God for a religion which cleanses man both soul and body. May the Lord speed it onward until it has accomplished that whereunto it is sent. CHAS. L. BOYD.

MINNESOTA

By C. Nelson

By request, I visited the Danes at Golden Gate, and remained a few days. One young sister was baptized, and the names of two persons were dropped from the records. I find the people interested to hear.
C. NELSON.

THE PACIFIC COAST.

[Abridged from the Signs of the Times.]
Sylvester, Marion Co., Or.
SYLVESTER is situated about sixteen miles from Salem. Bro. Alonzo T. Jones held meetings there from Mar. 13 to Apr. 12 and from May 1 to 5, with a good interest throughout. Five decided to obey. April 27-30 he was with Bro. Van Horn at Jefferson, where twelve covenanted to return to the observance of the Sabbath and to meet on that day for worship.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, Feb. 9, 1877, in Oasis, near Plainfield, Waushara Co., Wis., Mrs. Diana McLaughlin, aged 79 years, 11 months, and 27 days. She 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. Text, Ps. 23: 4. ABRAM KISNER.
DIED, in Stowe, Vt., March 7, 1877, of paralysis, Bro. Benjamin Morrill, aged 89 years, 6 months, and 10 days.
Father Morrill embraced the third angel’s message about twelve years since, and with his companion united with the church in Stowe, of which he was a much-esteemed and worthy member. He was courteous, amiable, and unassuming; and possessed many Christian virtues. He often expressed joy that he was led in his old age to see the light on the Bible Sabbath and its kindred truths. In his sickness he was a great sufferer but endured it with a marked degree of patience and Christian fortitude. At the funeral words of comfort were spoken from Psalms 17: 15. F. GOULD.
DIED, in Keating, McKean Co., Pa., Jan 21, 1877, of Diphtheria, Effie May, aged 16 years, and George Fremont, aged 13 years, daughter and son of George A. and Caroline Stickles. The first was sick five days, the second, seven; and they died within two hours of each other. The day previous to their death the younger requested to be carried into the room of the other, where they had a talk about dying, and asked each other if they were prepared. Both answered, yes. Here they took the parting hand with a kiss to meet in the first resurrection. Truly it was an affecting scene. The son said to his father, after being carried back to his room, “Will you meet me, dear pa, in the first resurrection?” His father said, “By the grace of God I will.” “Dear pa, don’t forget it;” and having obtained the same promise from his mother he quietly fell asleep. Thus they passed away. They were laid to rest in one coffin in each other’s embrace. Together they lived, together they sleep, together they will rise when the last trumpet sounds. Discourse from 1 Thess. 4: 13, by the writer. J. G. SAUNDERS.
DIED, Feb. 1, 1877, of croup, Virtue B. Stickles, daughter of George A. and Caroline Stickles, aged 2 years, 9 months. Thus in ten days were three lovely children taken out of one family. Their grief is great; but in God they trust, hoping to meet again. Discourse from Jer. 31: 15-17. J. G. SAUNDERS.

T. AND M. QUARTERLY MEETING IN NEW ENGLAND.

By D. A. Robinson; Maria L. Huntley

The New England Tract and Missionary Society met at So. Lancaster, Mass., May 27, 1877. Eld. Haskell having been called away a few days previous to the meeting, Eld. D. A. Robinson, Vice President, occupied the chair. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. J. B. Goodrich. After reading minutes of the last meeting, a report of the labor performed since the last quarterly meeting was read, which showed the following results: Number of reports returned, 132; families visited, 709; letters written, 586; paying subscribers obtained for the Health Reformer, 486; Instructor, 22; Signs of the Times, including those taken in clubs, 756. Tracts and pamphlets distributed, 175,442 pages; periodicals distributed, 4,578; almanacs, 3,948.
The present distribution of Signs by the different clubs equals the amount of 52,350 pages of tracts per week. Some results from this distribution are already seen, indicating that it is only the commencement of a mighty movement in the tract and missionary work. The reports showed that 50 interested readers have been found besides those who have already embraced the Sabbath by reading the Signs. Individuals are becoming interested and embracing the Sabbath in every direction. From six to ten met with us for the first time in quarterly meeting, some walking twenty and even forty miles to enjoy this privilege. Others who have recently embraced present truth, were detained at home, who would as gladly have attended the meeting. Some of these are persons whom we expect to see filling positions of usefulness in the cause of God. The attendance of those from outside was greater than at any previous meeting of the kind ever held in Lancaster, and one individual decided to obey the truth.
Another encouraging feature in this Conference is the interest manifested in canvassing for the Health Reformer, and the success of those who have devoted their time to the work. As the busy season is coming on, our number of canvassers, instead of diminishing, as usual, is increasing. Hearts are becoming more fully imbued with the spirit of self-sacrificing missionary labor. “The Lord is coming” seemed to be the sentiment that pervaded the meeting, and the importance of laboring for the salvation of friends and children was felt in many hearts as never before. The social meetings were characterized by a spirit of deep solemnity. This was especially true of the five o’clock meeting first-day morning, seventy-one testimonies being given in about an hour.
The V. M. report showed that 318 letters had been written by members of that Society, and 277 received. Two hundred and thirty-four copies of Signs are taken by its members in Lancaster, which have been sent into 370 different families. Other branches of missionary labor have also received the attention of this Society.
The financial report of the Tract Society showed the total amount of receipts since the last quarterly meeting to be $871.69; also that there had been an expenditure of $940.49 for publications, and $287.85 for periodicals.
The brethren, although disappointed in not meeting Eld. Haskell, were much cheered and encouraged by the presence of Eld. Goodrich of Maine, who came very unexpectedly, hoping to meet Eld. Haskell at this meeting. His words of exhortation and encouragement were appreciated, and as he returns home he has the prayers and sympathy of the brethren of the New England Conference. Some arrangements were made with reference to future labor, etc., and the meeting adjourned.
D. A. Robinson, Vice Pres.
Maria L. Huntley, Sec.
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