Review and Herald, Vol. 41, No. 12.
OUR PRESENT POSITION: or the Waiting, Watching TimePage 1
Earlier text: Historical GleaningsSearch the Scriptures.
By E. Putnam
“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. Nearly two thousand years have passed away since this admonition was uttered by our Saviour. A few have gladly searched the word of life, that guide which was given, to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; but how few, comparatively, have realized the importance of searching it earnestly, prayerfully, and with a mind enlightened by the Spirit of God. How are we to know the will of God, and understand his dealings with the children of men; but by studying his word. “These things are written for our admonition, and for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.” How shall we know our dangers? how distinguish right from wrong, error from truth, but by his word? Paul, speaking of the people in Berea, says, “These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so.” We have here an example of testing new and strange doctrines by the word of God, the detector given us by our kind, compassionate Heavenly Father. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” If it was important in Paul's day to search the Scriptures, is it not doubly so now, when darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people? when men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things, which are coming on the earth? Yes! it is important; and, thank God, the Bible student is not left to float down the stream of time, without chart or compass. We may trace the lines of prophecy and know just where we are in the world's history, and how to escape the impending wrath of an offended God. We may find, in this priceless record, something to meet our every condition. There is no circumstance in life in which we may be placed, but we may find some word of promise applicable to us. The sinner may have pardon, the backslider may hope. “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” We need not despair though our sins be as scarlet. We may be poor; we can find words of encouragement here. The same God, who caused that the widow's handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse should not waste, will care for those who put their trust in him. That God lives and reigns to day. But we cannot expect him to work a miracle to save us, if we neglect the means of salvation he has provided. Let us search his word, that we may be able always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear. I will here copy a few sentences from Testimony No. 2. “I saw that young and old neglect their Bibles. They do not make that book their study and rule of life as they should, especially the young. * a day is coming, of clouds and thick darkness, when all will wish to be thoroughly furnished by the plain, simple truths of the word of God, that they may meekly, yet decidedly, give a reason of their hope. This reason of their hope, I saw they must have to strengthen their own souls for the fierce conflict. Without this they are wanting, and cannot have firmness and decision.” E. PUTNAM.
Battle Creek, Mich. California.
By John Norton Loughborough
My last report was made Jan. 14. Sabbath and first-day, the 18th and 19th, I had the privilege of attending with Bro. and sister White the excellent quarterly meeting at Healdsburg. The 25th and 26th, I was with the church in Santa Rosa. Held three meetings. Bro. and sister White were at the same time in San Francisco. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, we had the second session of our California Musical Convention in connection with a two days' meeting which Bro. White attended, sister White still remaining in San Francisco, to follow up their labors there. The idea of holding meetings occasionally, in which we could practice singing, seeking to promote harmony and correct some of our common errors in singing, was first proposed at our last State meeting. The first convention was held from the 2d to the 4th of last July, and was such a success that it was thought advisable to have the present one above named. It was very stormy just before and during the whole time of this second Convention, so that it was not largely attended; but connected as it was with the impressive discourses of Bro. White and the good social meeting of the Sabbath, it gave excellent satisfaction to those who did attend. The following resolutions were passed unanimously by the Convention in one of its sessions:— Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude for the presence of Bro. White at this Convention, and for the wholesome and timely remarks with which he has favored us upon the topic of singing. Resolved, That we express our thanks to Bro. Morton for the able manner in which he has performed his part, as instructor in this Convention. Whereas, We have listened to the remarks of Bro. White during this Convention, concerning the propriety of Seventh-day Adventists publishing two hymn books; one of hymns simply, and the other containing rudiments and tunes, therefore, Resolved, That this Convention fully indorse the idea of two books, as set forth by Bro. White. Whereas, Success has seemed to attend these Musical Conventions thus far, therefore, Resolved, That it is our mind that still another be held at such time and place as the directors may deem proper. At the closing session of the Convention, the California State Meeting Committee of Seventh-day Adventists, having previously consulted upon the propriety of holding our State Meeting immediately, instead of waiting till May first, our usual time, referred the matter to the brethren and sisters assembled, and it was Resolved, That we hold our next State Meeting with the Bloomfield church, Feb. 22, 1873. It was also unanimously Resolved, That Brn. Loughborough, Ferguson, and Judson, be requested to write a call for said meeting. The call was accordingly made and sent to the REVIEW for publication, but it was afterwards decided, under all the circumstances, to hold the meeting from Feb. 14–16, instead of from 21–23. Letters were immediately dispatched to our brethren and sisters, calling them to the Conference. I write this to explain the apparent discrepancy between the appointment sent to the REVIEW and the actual time of holding the meeting. The meeting closed last evening, and has been quite well attended, considering the short notice. Everything moved off with perfect harmony and good feeling, and it was a source of deepest gratitude to us all, that we were favored in our deliberations and meetings with the presence of Bro. and sister White. The preaching at this Conference was solemn, searching, cheering, and impressive; especially we call to mind the triumphant discourse of Bro. White, first-day morning, on the great theme of the near advent of Christ, and sister White's discourse the same day, at evening, on the words of Christ: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.” It was rich, stirring, and thrilling, and seemed like the words of one who had had a glimpse of glory and esteemed it of more value than all things earthly. During the Conference there were searching testimonies given, reproving wrongs existing in some present, which brought forth in the social meetings, feeling confessions, and vows to do better in future. The love for plain testimony, and a desire to know our wrongs and put them away, is, to say the least, a very hopeful frame of mind to be in, if we would be used of the Lord in disseminating the light of truth. During this State Meeting our organization was resolved into a State Conference; and the second yearly session of the California State Missionary Society was held. Reports of the business transactions of each of these organizations will appear soon in the REVIEW. The selection of officers in these two organizations has been such as to divide the labor incident to the financial and missionary department of the work, so that so much shall not rest upon one individual as heretofore. Our brethren have gone from the meetings encouraged, and determined each to labor earnestly in his proper sphere. For myself, I would say that the action of the Conference has so relieved me relative to financial burdens, that I shall now be more free to throw my energies entirely into the spiritual interests of the cause, still I am willing to counsel with my brethren in their various offices as they may desire, and the cause demands. While writing this, we receive REVIEW No. 9, with the appointment of General Conference, with the call for Bro. and sister White to attend. So we perceive that our Conference here was none too early to secure their attendance before going East. May the Lord go with them and guide his people as they assemble in the General Conference is our prayer. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Ingham Co., Mich.
By D. W. Milk
FEB. 5, I left home hoping to find a place to hold meetings in Shiawassee County. Came to Perry Center, and on learning of a protracted meeting's being held there, I came to Locke. Here I found Bro. Stoddard filling his previous appointments, much worn and nearly sick. That evening was his last appointment, which he invited me to fill. He, with the the brethren here, had decided that a course of lectures at the present time was needed in this place, and had written that day for Bro. Van Horn to come. It is about eighteen years since Bro. M. E. Cornell first introduced the truth into this place, and some of the fruits are yet plainly to be seen. The consistent lives of the Bro. Avery and Brown, and some of their children, with others, speak well for the cause which they love. They love to talk of the blessed hope at the fireside. They feast when they hear the word spoken in demonstration of the Spirit. In short, there is a readiness among them to fill in meetings, instead of being dead weights. Our united prayer is that the Lord in mercy will help some of their neighbors and children (who are not already in the truth) to see this precious light. I have now held eight meetings here, with some interest, though it was not as deep as was anticipated. Some of the professing community are using the strongest and most dangerous argument—Keep away—yet all do not heed it. The house being occupied part of the time by other entertainments, I decided to improve all the time, and accordingly commenced meetings each alternate evening four miles west, in the brick school-house. I have spoken five times there, to a congregation increasing from about forty the first night, until last evening one hundred and fifty were present. The house was literally packed. Good attention was given. I spoke about an hour and a half. Subject, The Sanctuary. The Lord gave liberty. Praise his holy name. What the fruits will be, remains unseen as yet. I am trying to make God my refuge and strength. The Solemn Appeal and Testimonies the Lord is giving us in mercy, through his humble servant, I feel are just what I need. The Lord help me to heed them, is my prayer. Feb. 12, I spoke at the funeral of James Cole, at the Bell Oak school-house, to a large congregation, from 1 Cor. 15:21-23. “For since by man came death,” &c. Formerly he was a commandment-keeper. He leaves one sister (in this region), and an orphan daughter of about thirteen years of age, to mourn their loss. May she heed the counsel of those that seek her good. Light Given Must not Be Neglected.
By W. S. Ingraham
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I wish to speak a few words to you through the REVIEW in relation to my case. I have been reviewing my past life, and I find by so doing that my character has been very imperfect; especially as a minister of the gospel, it has been deficient in many respects. I embraced the Advent doctrine in 1839, under the preaching of Father Miller, and tried to get ready for the coming of the Lord, which it was expected would soon take place. With others, I was disappointed in not seeing the King in his beauty. The nature of this disappointment was fully explained to my mind by the third angel's message, which I gladly received over twenty years ago. From that time I have been identified with my ministering brethren in preaching this message, with its kindred doctrines. But how far have I come short of doing my Heavenly Father's will! Light from Heaven has shone upon my pathway, and by the testimonies given, my defects and errors have been pointed out. But, how have I treated this light? is the great question. I have not risen up against the Testimonies, nor ever doubted them; but have ever believed that they were from Heaven. But why is it that I have not corrected my defects of character, as the light has shone upon my pathway? This is the point. Time after time, light has been given relative to my duty in my family. My children, as soon as they could discern between right and wrong, should have been trained and educated for the better world. Their wrong habits should have been corrected, and they pointed upward to God and Heaven. Here I have failed. In neglecting to live out the95 light given relative to my duty to my family, the devil was permitted to open another door, and lead me into danger. Back in 1844, I was dead to the world, and remained so for years; but after neglecting to live out the light given in the Testimonies, Satan was permitted to inspire in my heart a love for the world. When I first became aware of it, I was really astonished, and feared and trembled in view of my case. When the love of the world once takes root in the heart, it is not an easy thing to overcome. I saw others engaged in speculation for the purpose of accumulating the treasures of earth, and as I had ability to some extent in this direction, I thought I would try my hand in doing the same. I cannot say that I ever purposed in my heart to take advantage of any one; but oh! how easy it is for Satan so to blind our eyes that we too highly estimate our own things, and undervalue the things of another. In turning my attention to the things of this life, mostly for the benefit of my children, I soon found my hands tied by increasing cares. My time was so divided between the cause of God and the world, that my labor was worth but little for the advancement of the third angel's message; and while thus entangled in worldly affairs, the church was aiding me with their means. As I now look over the past, I heartily regret my indifference to the light God has given for my benefit. As I look at the present state of the church, I find many in darkness, and, probably, from the same cause. Light, if not rejected, has been neglected. To neglect the light, will as surely bring down the frown of God as to reject it. For some time past my whole soul has been filled with sorrow. Tears run from my eyes, and agonizingly I cry to God for help. Will the saints, in my present affliction, remember me in their prayers? I have been greatly encouraged of late by receiving letters from different ones, in which I learn some have had great liberty in praying for my recovery. I think I have fully learned how to prize the blessing of health. I long to enter the great harvest field again, with renewed faith and vigor to preach the present truth to a world of sinners. For this I ever pray, and ask an interest in the prayers of my brethren. I must be free. I will cut asunder every tie that binds me to earth. I will travel back and gather up the rays of light that have shone on my pathway, and carry them into practice. All Heaven is interested in our behalf. The Lord is calling upon us to awake. Shall we listen to his voice? It cannot be long before the wrath of God will be poured out upon a guilty world. The seven last plagues will desolate the earth, and fall upon the defenseless head of a wretched race. In view of these events which will soon take place, can we sleep any longer? Oh! rally around the heavenly banner, rally once again, upward looking for help, sacrificing all for Christ and the cause of truth. Your afflicted brother in hope,
W. S. Ingraham.
Health Institute, March, 1873. To toil for the Saviour is sweet,
All his trials and sorrows to share,
If with him at last we may meet,
And his praises recount over there. Though thorny the path that we tread,
Though here scorn and derision we bear,
Think that thorns once encircled his head,
And of reigning with him over there. Let others, deceived by the foe,
Upon earth seek a home to prepare.
Pain mingles with pleasure below;
But not so in our home over there. Over there, is no sorrow or pain,
Over there, all is joyous and fair.
Our loss over there will be gain,
All is peace in our home over there. Oh! give me a home with the blest,
Where, released from all sorrow and care,
The weary are ever at rest,
On the evergreen shore—over there.
N. ORCUTT. Oak Orchard, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
THERE were several unfavorable circumstances in connection with my labors there which caused the meetings to be discontinued. But we hope that the labor is not lost. Intelligence has just come that one family have embraced the Sabbath, and that others desire more meetings. So we expect to renew our labor there. R. F. COTTRELL. Feb. 21. Report from Eld. D. T. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SINCE reporting last, I have spent my time in writing, translating, and holding three or more meetings a week. Two weeks ago, by sudden and unexpected exposure, I took a severe cold and had an attack of fever; but I am now better, and am prepared to labor as Providence shall direct. I greatly desire to move aright. I have read the last testimony with interest, and intend to be profited by its reproofs and instructions. How encouraging is the thought that we can get right by humbly confessing our wrongs. Here is where the blessing of God comes to the soul. Let us try it, dear brethren and sisters. I know this is a mortifying duty; but it will do us good to die to self. How exceeding sinful our wrongs are in the light of our special privileges. How merciful God has been to us as a people. What has he not done for us that he could do? How wicked it would be in us not to respond to his great goodness by hearty repentance and thorough reform. But there is danger of being indifferent and losing our strong impressions and convictions. The least sin unconfessed and unrepented of, will shut us from Heaven. We cannot afford to pass over this work carelessly. I intend not to do this. Why not make a thorough work, and have God's purpose respecting us carried out, that we may enjoy the fullness of his blessing and the help we so much need to do his will. I realize in a measure the solemnity of the times and the importance of the work in which we are engaged. One encouraging feature to me is, that the time has come for the message to go to other nations. Praise God, we are nearing the end and the work will soon wind up. Are we as a people prepared to meet the claims God has on us in the light of talent or means to advance his cause? Are we awake to our duty? I receive encouraging letters from Kentucky. Two have recently embraced the truth. The friends there are anxious to have help. Has Bro. Osborn received my letters? My P. O. address, until further notice, will be Barton Landing, Vermont. Irasburgh, Vt., Feb. 21, 1873. A. S. HUTCHINS
By A. S. Hutchins
SINCE my last report, I have attended meetings two Sabbaths and first-days, at East Charleston, at Burk one Sabbath and first-day. On very short notice, Sabbath, Dec. 21, some twenty-five persons convened, at the house of Bro. G. M. Dean, who attentively heard the word spoken. The next day, I spoke to a candid audience in the meeting-house. These were the first discourses ever preached by one of our faith in this town. Formed some pleasant acquaintances, left some tracts with the friends and obtained one subscriber for the Reformer. I learn there is an anxiety to hear further on our views here. Have visited the friends at West Bolton, and held three meetings with them. Found them with unshaken confidence in the truth, on which they have taken a good stand. These friends are all near to my heart. May the motto of each one of these dear brethren and sisters be Bible holiness. And through obedience to the whole truth, may each one know from personal experience the power of Bible sanctification. I have preached three times in the village of Irasburgh. Once, by invitation of the Methodist minister in the meeting-house, and twice, on Sabbaths, in the dwelling-house of Bro. J. Barrows. These are the first meetings ever held by S. D. Adventists in this place. Some of the citizens manifest a very friendly feeling toward us. Some of our tracts and pamphlets, also the REVIEW and Reformer, are being read with interest. Though there is but one Sabbath-keeping family in this village, we hope so to let our light shine that some may be led to glorify God. Already, some confess we have the truth on the Sabbath question. Oh! for more of the Spirit of the Most High to accompany this truth, that we may burn our way into the hearts and consciences of perishing souls. Greenup Co., Ky.
By S. Osborn
I came to this State the 17th of last November, and found things in rather a bad condition. About one-half of those who came out last winter had given up the Sabbath, and those who were holding on had not that life in them that they should have. I spent the time up to December 6th, in arranging and getting ready for winter, and in making my family comfortable. Dec. 6th, commenced a course of lectures at the Fairhaven school-house, in this county. At the first, it was good weather and we had a very good hearing; but the weather became so disagreeable, in sleeting, snowing, and storming, that our meeting was partly a failure, though two good, strong souls came out to keep the Sabbath, and are satisfied on all points of our faith. What is peculiar, the entire community (except the Disciples) are convinced that we have the truth (so they say), but they do not move out to keep God's commandments. I don't know what will be the result of this meeting. There is a great excitement just now. On the evening of the 1st inst., a Disciple evangelist preached a discourse against us, and I, being present, reviewed him before the same audience. God gave liberty, and the review was a success. This excited that party, and they announced that on the next Saturday evening they would have a man there to review me. So last evening I attended to hear him; but instead of reviewing me, he said but little, so far as argument is concerned, against us, but uttered a great deal of slang, made many assertions, and brought in the hog from time to time, to excite the mirth of the unconsecrated. I reviewed him before the same audience, and some of the oldest and best citizens said to some of his friends that they had better take him home and take care of him. To-night, I speak on the law in the New Testament, and on the 11th, will start on a visit to the brethren in Hardin County. I have been hindered from going there until now on account of the ice in the river. Oh! may God work for the cause in this State. I feel my littleness and unworthiness to take such responsible positions as leading out in this work. I pray for heavenly wisdom to move aright. I ask the prayers of all the brethren for help. S. OSBORN.
Feb. 10, 1873. RUFUS BAKER
By Rufus Baker
I have been holding meetings near Westfield, Marquette Co., Wis., for the last three weeks. The vicinity in which these meetings were held being thinly settled, the congregations were not large, yet a good interest to hear was manifest from the beginning, which increased as the meetings progressed. The Lord gave freedom in presenting his truth, which I trust has resulted in some good. A few have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested and think we have the truth, who have not yet decided to obey. May God help them, is my prayer. I have distributed quite a number of books, and obtained four subscribers for the REVIEW, and one for the Health Reformer. I feel like laboring on in this good cause, hoping that the Lord will bless my labors and make me successful in winning souls to him. Westfield, Wis., Feb. 13, 1873. Tract and Missionary Department.
By John Judson; J. W. Bond
Cal. Tract and Missionary Society.
The second session of the Cal. Tract and Missionary Society was held in connection with the Cal. Conference, at Bloomfield, Feb. 16, 1873. Meeting called to order by the President, J. N. Loughborough. The Secretary being absent, J. W. Bond was elected Secretary pro. tem. The Secretary's report of the rise and progress of the missionary society on this coast, in connection with the report of the last meeting, was read and accepted. The Treasurer's report was made and accepted as follows:—
In the Treasury, May 1, 1872, $ 82.12
Received during the year, 316.86
Total, $398.98
Paid for books and papers, 393.90
Balance in Treasury, $5.08
No. of paid members, 130.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Treas. Owing to the absence of the Secretary, no written report was made of the workings of the society for the last year. Verbal reports, however, were made by several members present who had embraced the truth by reading tracts during the year. Excellent and timely remarks were made by Bro. White, showing the objects of missionary societies; how effective a means they are of extending the work and how, by them, the way is opened for all to become laborers in the cause of present truth. This drew out remarks from several members showing a determination to take hold of the work with greater earnestness in the future. The election of officers was then made for the next term, resulting as follows: President, John Judson, Bloomfield; Vice. President, W. B. Dennison, Santa Rosa; Secretary, J. W. Bond, Healdsburg; Treasurer, G. D. Hager, Santa Rosa; Executive Committee, William Harmon, of Healdsburg, and J. B. E. Young, of Santa Rosa. The following preamble and resolution were then adopted. Whereas, The funds of the Tract and Missionary Society have to be replenished from time to time, therefore,
Resolved, That all those members who are able to do so, be requested to donate one dollar or more each, annually, for this purpose. Quarterly Report of the Vermont T. and M. Society.
By A. C. BOURDEAU
According to appointment in REVIEW, I attended the quarterly Tract and Missionary meetings for the five districts in Vermont, in December last and the first week in January. Reports of the working of the Society during the quarter were presented, showing the following results:— Money received for memberships, $37.00
Donations, $247.35
Received on book sales, $13.37
Whole amount of money rec’d, $297.72
No. of families visited, 233.
No. of subscribers for REVIEW, 61; Reformer, 126; Instructor, 11.
Amount pledged on poor fund, $157.35
of which there has been raised, $120.35
Raised for shares in Publishing Association, $20.00
Raised for shares in Health Institute, $50.00
Amount pledged on Hygienic Book Fund, $73.00
of which there has been raised, $57.00
Value of books and tracts given away, $43.49
Value of books and tracts loaned, $23.80 The general agent and the assistant agents in the several districts have tried to do their part in collecting dues on periodicals. Measures are now being taken to settle all arrearages up to Feb. 15, 1873, and to ascertain who are the worthy poor who should receive the REVIEW free. A. C. BOURDEAU, Pres. Vt. T. & M. Society. Tract Meeting at Wright, Mich.
By C. Buck
The quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of District No. 7, of Michigan, was held at Wright, Feb. 22 and 23, according to appointment. All the churches in this district were represented except Oceana. Eld. S. N. Haskell was not present. Meeting opened with prayer by Bro. E. H. Root, after which a discourse was delivered by Eld. J. Byington, from Rev. 22 : 3. He spoke of the curse that is resting on the earth and the inhabitants thereof, on account of sin; and also brought to our minds the beauty and joy of the earth when it will be brought back to its Eden state. It inspired us with a hope that we should be found worthy to be there. In the afternoon, interesting remarks were made by E. H. Root and others. The second day there was a prayer and conference meeting at half past nine, in which eighteen testimonies were given, after which a discourse was given by Bro. A. Smith. The report of the last quarter was then read, and business of the district attended to. After some further remarks by E. H. Root and Eld. J. Byington, the meeting adjourned. THEY are the two oars of a boat. Row with the right oar alone, and the boat describes a useless circle on the water. Row with the left oar alone, and it merely goes in the opposite direction. But use both oars with equal force, and it moves swiftly and evenly forward. Faith and works: they are the two wings of a bird. Using but the right wing, the bird flutters helplessly on the earth. Using the left wing alone, there is the same result. But flying both with equal vigor, it plumes its flight heavenward. So faith alone, or works alone, distract the soul—bind it in helplessness to earth, or turn it in idle circles; but give faith and works in equal strength, and movement is uniform! “What God has joined together let no man put asunder.
—American Messenger. God crowns with mercy, says Jenkyn; but a swollen head is not fit to have that crown put upon it. A proud man, is seldom a grateful man; for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. When any mercy falls, he says, “Yes; but it ought to be more. It is only manna as large as a coriander seed, whereas it ought to be like a baker’s loaf.” “If thou faint in the day of adversity thy strength is small.”—
Prov. 24 : 10. FAINT not beneath thy burden, though it seems
Too heavy for thee, and thy strength is small;
Though the fierce raging of the moontide beams
On thy defenseless head untempered fall. Though sad and heart-sick with the weight of woe
Which to the earth would crush thee, journey on;
What though it be with faltering steps and slow,
Thou wilt forget the toil, when rest is won. Nay, murmur not, because no kindred heart
May share thy burden with thee, but alone
Still struggle bravely on, though all depart.
Is it not said, that each must bear his own? All have not equally the power to bless,
And of the many, few could choose our lot,
For each heart knoweth its own bitterness,
And with its joys a stranger meddleth not. Then be not faithless though thy soul be dark,
Is not thy Master's seal upon thy brow?
Oft has his presence saved thy sinking bark,
And thinkest thou he will forsake thee now? Hath he not bid thee cast on him thy care,
Saying, he careth for thee? Then arise,
And on thy path, if trod in faith and prayer,
The thorns shall turn to flowers of Paradise.
—Sel. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. DIED, of typhoid fever, in Peace Dale, R. I., Willie A., only son of Bro. Arnold, and sister Ruth A. Holland, aged fifteen years, eight months, and eight days. Willie was ever a dutiful son, never associating with other village boys, but with those only that are keeping the commandments. He was a reader and lover of the Instructor. His father, mother, and sisters, and the members of the Sabbath-school and church, feel and mourn their loss. But we expect he will come forth at the first resurrection, clothed in immortal beauty, and eternal life. Words of comfort were spoken by Eld. J. A. Sullivan from 1 Cor. 15 : 22. Kingston, R. I., Feb. 19, 1873. DIED, in Monterey, Allegan Co., Mich., of black jaundice, Sally Howard, wife of Salmon Howard, aged seventy-five years, one month, and fourteen days. She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, and now rests in hope. Her last hours were those of suffering, yet her mind was perfectly clear to the last. She died in full faith of the Saviour’s soon coming to wake the sleeping saints, change the living, and gather them home to rest. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand Providence permitting, the eleventh annual session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Battle Creek, Mich., Tuesday, March 11, 1873, at 9 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of considering all matters pertaining to the general prosperity and advancement of the cause, which may properly come before this body. The State Conferences will please prepare their reports immediately, to be sent in by delegates or letters. GEO. I. BUTLER, ) Gen.
S. N. HASKELL, ) Conf.
ERA ABBEY. } Com. We deem it of the utmost importance that Bro. and sister White attend this meeting; and we therefore invite and urge, in the strongest terms, their attendance at this session of the General Conference, if their health will permit them to do so. Will Brethren J. N. Andrews, T. J. Butler, and D. M. Canright, meet the Gen. Conf. Committee in Battle Creek, as early as March 6? The S. D. A. Publishing Association.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association will hold its thirteenth annual session at Battle Creek, Mich., Thursday, March 13, 1873, at 9 o'clock A. M., for the election of officers, and for the transaction of any other business that may come before the meeting. JAMES WHITE,
E. W. WHITNEY,
L. P. BAILEY,
J. N. ANDREWS,
J. H. WAGGONER,
MRS. A. P. VAN HORN,
MISS A. M. DRISCOLL. } Trustees. Quarterly Meetings in California.
Being instructed to re-arrange quarterly meetings for California, we would give the following:— Santa Rosa, March 22, 23,
San Francisco, April 19, 20,
Bloomfield, May 17, 18,
Healdsburg, June 14, 15,
Petaluma, July 12, 13,
Green Valley, August 9, 10. Meetings to commence, if possible, in each case, with prayer-meeting at the commencement of the Sabbath; social meeting Sabbath morning; ordinances Sabbath afternoon; prayer-meeting evening after the Sabbath. Business meeting of the Tract and Missionary Societies, on Sunday mornings in Sonoma Co.; on Sunday evening at the San Francisco meeting. It will be expected that each church will have its report of missionary labor prepared, from time of last report to date of their meeting. Bro. Judson, President, or Bro. Dennison, Vice-president, of our State Tract and Missionary Society, design to attend the above appointments. It is the request of the committee that our brethren and sisters within reach of these meetings make it a special point to attend them both days. May God make the meetings a source of great good to his cause, and to you all. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, ) Cal.
JOHN JUDSON, } Conf.
JACKSON FERGUSON, ) Com. General quarterly meeting of the Ohio T. and M. Society, at Clyde, Sabbath and first-day, March 22, 23. Will Eld. Geo. I. Butler, or Eld. S. N. Haskell, attend? Each director is requested to send a report from his district to the secretary, M. E. Reynolds, Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co., Ohio, at least one week in advance of the meeting, or else bring a report to the meeting. O. F. GUILFORD. Quarterly meeting at Alaiedon, March 29, 30. All the brethren and sisters belonging to this church, that can attend, are expected to be present. Brethren and sisters from other churches are invited. And we most earnestly request some one of the preaching brethren to attend this meeting. D. V. WINNE, Clerk. Quarterly meeting for Rhode Island will be held at LaFayette, March 15, 16, 1873. A meeting of the T. and M. Society will be held on first-day, the 16th. It is hoped that the members of the Society will send their reports to M. J. Prosser, Wakefield, R. I., as soon as the 10th of March. It is also hoped that the friends of the cause will make an especial effort to attend this meeting. A. P. GREEN, Director. Quarterly meeting for churches of District No. 8, April 5 and 6, at Vergennes. E. VAN DEUSEN. Monthly meeting for the churches of Oswego County, will be held at the church in West Monroe, N. Y., March 8 and 9, 1873. All are invited to attend. DANIEL BOWE. Monthly meeting for Western N. Y. at Olcott, Niagara Co., March 8, 1873. E. TARBОX, Clerk. ALMONT, Sabbath, March 8, at 10:30 A. M. Will the friends at the Webster meet with us. Webster School-house, Sunday, March 9, 10:30 A. M., and in the evening. H. M. KENYON.