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Review and Herald, Vol. 51, No. 10.

THOUGHTS ON BAPTISM
Earlier text: NATIONAL REFORM ASSOCIATION

BORROWING TROUBLE.

By Eliza H. Morton

Much of the trouble connected with this mortal existence is borrowed. Imaginary evils, like the traditional goblins of old, haunt our rest; and unless we drive them from us, they make our lives gloomy and sad. If Satan cannot bring real misfortune upon the people of God, he will try to trouble their peace of mind with forebodings of coming woe, and success often attends his efforts. It is wrong to brood over what “may happen.” “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” If we were required to perform the work of years in one hour, we might become discouraged; if the sorrows of a life-time were laid upon us in one day, we might well despair; but our kind Heavenly Father has allotted to each day its own amount of toil and care, and when we look beyond and vainly try to grasp and bear the burdens of the future, we overstep the limit God has established and grieve the Spirit.
It has been said that “our life is what we make it,” and the sentiment is true. We can lead a miserable, blue, discouraged existence; or we can live a happy, hopeful, joyous life.
Trouble may come; but when it does come it is soon enough to fret about it. If you worry, and it doesn’t come, you lose much happiness which you might have enjoyed, and if you worry and it does come, you lose much vitality and energy, which, if preserved, might help you through your trial.
A sunny, cheerful disposition, that makes the best of everything as it comes along, is better than wealth. All should strive to form such a character, as it tends to smooth the rough places and brighten the dark spots of this life, and above all, serves to fit its possessor for that land of rest, where trouble never comes.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen’s Corner, Me.

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTS.

By S. N. Haskell; Uriah Smith

The Conference met according to appointment, in Battle Creek, March 1, 1878.
The president, Eld. James White, being absent, the meeting was called to order by the secretary, and Eld. S. N. Haskell was chosen president pro tem. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright.
The object of the meeting, and a general view of the business to come before it, was presented by the chairman.
Delegates were present as follows: R. F. Andrews and G. W. Colcord, from Illinois; H. A. St. John from Ohio; W. H. Hall, from Minnesota; A. W. Maynard, M. J. Cornell, J. Fargo, A. B. Oyen, W. K. Loughborough, J. S. Day, J. O. Corliss, and E. R. Jones, from Michigan; S. H. Lane and J. D. Shilling, from Indiana; D. M. Canright, from New England; H. W. Decker and Geo. C. Tenney, from Wisconsin; O. A. Olsen, from the Scandinavians of Wisconsin; B. L. Whitney from New York; A. S. Hutchins, from Vermont; S. H. King, from Texas, and W. C. White, from California.
Letters were read from J. N. Ayers, president of the Kansas Conference, Geo. I. Butler, president of the Missouri Conference, and John Fulton, from Ontario.
Remarks were made on the matters introduced in these letters, by Elds. S. N. Haskell, D. M. Canright, H. A. St. John, and E. W. Farnsworth.
Moved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, to present a resolution on the time of holding camp-meetings, and on any other subjects to be considered by the Conference.—Carried.
The Chair thereupon appointed D. M. Canright, A. Swedeberg, and B. L. Whitney, as said committee.
The hour having arrived for the meeting of the Health Institute, the Conference adjourned till 2 P. M.

SECOND SESSION.

Met according to adjournment. Prayer by U. Smith. Minutes of last session read and approved.
The reading of letters was resumed. Communications were presented from Elds. J. G. Matteson and A. C. Bourdeau. Remarks were made on the Danish mission by O. A. Olsen and A. B. Oyen, and on the work in Canada by A. S. Hutchins.
Spirited remarks were made by Brn. Canright, Colcord, Farnsworth, Hutchins and Hall, in reference to the wants of their respective States, in the line of camp-meetings.
Moved, That the Chair appoint a committee of five to arrange the time for camp-meetings, and the distribution of labor the coming season.—Carried.
The following brethren were thereupon appointed as said committee: J. Fargo, of Michigan, W. H. Hall, of Minnesota, E. W. Farnsworth, of Iowa, B. L. Whitney, of New York, and A. S. Hutchins, of Vermont.
A letter was presented from E. B. Lane, of Virginia, and the remainder of this session was occupied in remarks upon the mission in that State.

THIRD SESSION.

Sunday, 8:30 A. M. Prayer by J. H. Waggoner. Minutes read and accepted.
A letter was presented from A. O. Burrill, of Alabama, followed by remarks from the chairman on the southern field. Letters were then read from J. N. Andrews, of Bâle, Suisse, and Dr. Ribton, of Naples, Italy. These called out full remarks upon the European mission by W. C. White, D. M. Canright, H. W. Decker, and J. H. Waggoner.
A resolution was thereupon offered and adopted, expressing thankfulness for the success of the European mission, and the openings for a wide-spread work among the nations, and again appealing to the friends of the cause to donate of their means to sustain the mission, as the General Conference Committee may suggest.
Interesting remarks were then made on the extent of the work, the greatly increased demands upon us, and the more complete facilities now possessed by the offices of publication, and other branches of the cause, for a rapid and extended work.
The committee on camp-meetings reported, suggesting that camp-meetings be held as follows:
Missouri, May 15-20.
Kansas, " 22-27.
Wisconsin, (1) May 29-June 3.
" (2) Sept. 11-16.
New York, (1) June 5-10.
" (2) Sept. 4-9.
Vermont, June 12-17.
Minnesota, " 19-24.
Ohio, Aug. 7-12.
Indiana, " 14-19.
Michigan, " 21-26.
Illinois, Sept. 4-9.
Iowa, " 18-23.
Nebraska, " 25-30.
New England, — —
Maine, — —
They recommended that one or more of the General Conf. Committee attend each of the camp-meetings.
The committee to draft a resolution touching the time of holding camp-meetings reported by submitting the following:—
Resolved, That we recommend to those Conferences which hold two camp-meetings, that the sessions of the State Conference be held in connection with one, and the annual meeting of the T. and M. Society with the other, thus giving a better opportunity for transacting the business of these meetings without interfering with the interests of the camp-meeting. Adopted.

FOURTH SESSION.

This session was devoted wholly to a consideration of the Sabbath-school interest, and the result of the session is embodied chiefly in the following resolutions:—
Resolved, 1. That an increase of interest and action in Sabbath-school work is greatly needed among us.
2. That a systematic and uniform method is necessary to greater efficiency in S. S. instruction.
3. That a General S. S. Association should be organized by our people, with State Conference auxiliary associations.
4. That a committee on Sabbath-school interests be appointed by this Conference, with instruction to report at its earliest convenience.
A committee, in accordance with the above, was thereupon appointed, consisting of Brn. W. C. White, G. H. Bell and A. C. Spicer, who reported a form for constitution, which upon consideration was referred back to the committee; and Elds. Waggoner and Canright were added to their number.
A committee to nominate officers for the contemplated S. S. organization was thereupon appointed as follows: Brn. Canright, Decker, and Brownsberger.
It was thought best not to delay the paper, which goes to press at this point in the session, leaving the remainder of the proceedings to the next issue.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres. pro tem.
U. SMITH, Sec.

IS IT CONSISTENT?

By A. S. Hutchins

Not long since, while conversing with an active gospel worker, I raised the question, Do you think the ten commandments are binding at present, as given upon Mount Sinai?
He readily replied, “Certainly I do. There is no drawback on the law; it is all binding.”
I then remarked, This is the ground on which I observe the seventh-day Sabbath.
Pausing a moment, he observed, “Well, that is a point I have not thought much upon.” “But,” continued he, “the holy Christian Sabbath is a blessed day to me.”
By this, said I, I conclude you mean the first day of the week.
“Oh! yes,” was the ready reply.
Pressing the matter a little further, I asked, Have you any commandment for keeping the first day, instead of the seventh?
“I have none,” was his reply.
Now we ask, How can a man who fears God, who believes his word, and teaches others to respect the precepts therein contained, each week disregard the Sabbath of the decalogue, substituting for it the first day, and then frankly admit, as did this man, 1. That the ten commandments are now binding as surely as when proclaimed upon Mount Sinai; and, 2. That there is no commandment for the observance of the first day? Is this consistent either with reason or the word of God?
Oh, that men could see the excellency, the immutability, and perpetuity of the law of God; that they could comprehend the goodness and wisdom of the Most High in giving it to man as a rule of obedience, and his justice in pointing to it as the rule by which we shall be judged in the Judgment of the great day! Oh, that men would cease to trifle with the law of the Lord; that we might each feel as did one anciently, “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed”! A. S. HUTCHINS.

TAKE THE BOOKS.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

OUR tract and missionary societies were formed to unite with and help our Publishing Association in spreading the truth, thus to save men. Publications and periodicals are offered to our societies at reduced rates, in order that we may be able to do the greater work in spreading the truth throughout the world. It is therefore our duty, as members of the tract societies, to do all we can to sustain the Publishing Association, by taking all our periodicals at full value for our own use, so that the tracts and periodicals for missionary purposes can be afforded at low rates.
The natural selfishness of depraved human nature causes some to forget their obligation to sacrifice to sustain the cause and our publishing interest, and, instead of this, they desire to get their own papers at the reduced rates offered to the tract societies for the benefit of those outside, who have not the knowledge of the present truth. Such a course is very reprehensible, because it is calculated to hinder instead of helping to advance the truth among our fellow men. We should pay full rates, that the benefit of the reduced rates may be more widely diffused.
There are at our Office of publication valuable books which should be in every family of our people. Those who are able should buy them. Such books as the three volumes of the Spirit of Prophecy, The Sanctuary, Thoughts on Daniel, and Thoughts on Revelation, should not only be read, but studied, by all, old and young. They should be upon our tables, so that the young, and our friends and neighbors, may have the opportunity to become interested and learn their contents. The time is at hand when we must all be able to give a reason of the hope that is in us, so that we can lean upon the truth in the hour of temptation when our faith shall be tried. Let all that are able have these books. The Association will furnish them to our societies at wholesale rates. Then by buying them at full rates we help our society and advance its object in the one great cause. Who would not desire to do this? And to those who are too poor to take them for themselves, the wealthy can furnish them, the same as to those without whom we labor to benefit.
Will you not, brethren, take hold of this work? It will help our societies to pay up at the Offices of publication, and this will help our Publishing Association to send out the truth that is to enlighten the world, ripen the harvest for the sickle of Him who will soon appear upon the white cloud. Who would not have a part in such a work as this? It is time that we were awake and laboring with our might. Soon the night cometh. Now is the time to labor self-sacrificingly and win immortal honors. How delightful, how transcendently glorious, to hear it said, “Well done,” and to see the fruit of our labor in the kingdom of God!
R. F. COTTRELL.

TWO THINGS.

By E. R. Jones

Two things are nearly always claimed by our opponents when we present the claims of the Sabbath of the Lord: 1. That it is a Jewish institution, which originated at Mount Sinai when the Lord came down upon that mount and made known to them his holy Sabbath, Neh. 9:14; and, 2. That being a peculiar institution for that peculiar people, the Sabbath was to end, and did end, at the crucifixion of Christ. They quote: “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances.” Eph. 2:15. “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days.” Col. 2:16. These two positions they confidently assert to be true.
Two things trouble them greatly: 1. That the Sabbath was known and familiarly spoken of at least thirty-two days before the children of Israel came to Sinai, Ex. 16:23; and, 2. That it was observed by the followers of Christ after his crucifixion, and that, too, according to the commandment. Luke 23:56. These two facts show most conclusively that the Sabbath neither originated at Sinai nor ended at the cross. E. R. JONES.

THE HEART.

By J. Clarke

THE Bible commands us to keep the heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. It says that out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, and from these evil thoughts proceed evil acts and crimes of all kinds. It says that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things.
The heart is to the life what the workshop is to the mechanic; in it are forged all those weapons of rebellion, discord, and disobedience, which are brought by the sinner to use in his warfare against the government of God. When the heart is carefully kept from evil thoughts and wrong intentions and is constantly guarded against the suggestions of the evil one, when it is occupied by holy meditations or in useful plans and good works, then joy and peace light up the inner man, and a heavenly influence is exerted.
A heart thus kept, thus guarded and occupied, will infallibly lead to a life of usefulness and good works. No wrong act will flow from it; no, it is when the watchman lets down the standard, and leaves the heart defenseless and unkept, that Satan comes in with his wily arts and causes blindness and indifference to spiritual things. It has been truly said that the heart is the worst part of a man before conversion, and the best afterwards. The life of a man shows how he keeps his heart. If it is well-kept it induces a state of mind perfectly peaceful and harmonious; it smooths down mountains to level plains, and gently leads on to virtue and glory. Sin is like abundance of soot in the chimney flue, which smothering the cheerful blaze, at once fills the room with suffocating smoke; but when this is removed how soon the fire resumes its cheerful warmth.
J. CLARKE.

The Peril of Losing Courage

THE most perilous hour of a person's life is when he is tempted to despond. The man who loses his courage loses all; there is no more hope of him than of a dead man; but it matters not how poor he may be, how much pushed by circumstances, how much deserted by friends, how much lost to the world,—if he only keeps his courage, holds up his head, works on with his hands and with unconquerable will determines to be and to do what becomes a man, all will be well. It is nothing outside, but what is within, that makes or unmakes.

The Value of a Good Conscience

A GOOD conscience is better than two witnesses. It will consume your grief as the sun dissolves ice. It is a spring when you are thirsty, a staff when you are weary, a screen when the sun burns you, and a pillow in death.

NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.

Covington, Pa.
The interest here is on the increase. The Baptists became a little alarmed for the safety of their church, and last Sunday night decided not to let us use their house longer; so we decided to return to the hall which we first occupied, and which was freely opened to us, without charge, as long as we wished it. The hall belongs to the Odd Fellows, and they refused to take anything for what we had used it, though a price was stipulated when it was first engaged. But the next day the Presbyterian and Disciple churches were both opened to us, so that we had our choice between them. We selected the Presbyterian house, which is as large and commodious as that of the Baptists, and last evening, February 26, it was filled with interested and attentive listeners. Have presented the immortality question and spoken four times on the Sabbath question. Several have acknowledged that they are convinced, and some have already expressed their purpose to keep the Sabbath.
A severe cold on my lungs has almost unfitted me for labor some of the time, and it has looked doubtful about my being able to go through with this campaign successfully; but I have kept up so far, and trust in the Lord for the future.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Glensdale, Lewis Co., N. Y., Feb. 26.
WE have had considerable opposition lately from the popular clergy and others, who seemed to delight in using hard words rather than hard arguments, and who would fill their capacious mouths with the “weed,” and eject a pool of tobacco juice on the floor in front of them, in addition to what rested on the clothes and in the eyes of those occupying seats near them. I believe we have succeeded in defending the truth so far, and our trust is still in God. Two have united with our class during the last ten days, both heads of families, and five others since my late report in the Review. Bro. A. P. Bump is now with us. We desire an interest in your prayers.
J. WILBUR.
Eagle Harbor, Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb. 24.
AT our Sabbath meeting yesterday we counted over seventy. Eleven are keeping the Sabbath, through the labors of Bro. Reynolds, and a score or more are convinced.
We organized a Sabbath-school of thirty-four members. We shall make an effort to have this the best school of its kind in the place. The Lord has certainly given us favor among the people, for which we praise his name.
E. B. GASKILL.

MICHIGAN

Labor among the Churches.

Feb. 18 we left Quincy for Orleans. We remained with the brethren in that place something more than one week. The object of our visit was to assist Eld. J. O. Corliss, who had been laboring there assiduously for something more than two months. The interest, from the beginning to the end of his meetings, had been remarkably good as was evidenced by steady attendance on the part of the people during the whole of the time. When tested, however, in the crucible of obedience it was found to lack those characteristics which belong to a deep and thorough heart-work. In the end it became evident that the great majority of those who had listened so long and so attentively to the preaching of the word, were, like the hearers of Paul at Athens, inclined to hear and tell some new thing rather than to obey the light when once it had become visible. Only nine finally decided to accept the truth. The brethren had manifested a most commendable zeal to make the meetings a success, even erecting temporary shelter for teams, to secure an attendance in stormy weather.
We trust that the few who have concluded to obey God will prove to be so devoted, and so energetic in his service, that the brethren will feel compensated for their sacrifices, and Bro. Corliss for his labors. If but one of the souls should be saved the joy which he will experience in the eternal ages, will be of infinitely more value than all the labor put forth by human instrumentalities in bringing him to Christ.
W. H. Littlejohn. M. S. Burnham.

Newton.

Our meeting in Newton, held Feb. 16 and 17, was one of interest. Eld. Strong, Congregational minister, had given notice of the meeting in two different congregations, requesting his hearers to attend and promising to do so himself. He was present on the Sabbath, and took part in the social meeting. There was a good representation of outside hearers on both Sabbath and first-day. On the Sabbath, Bro. R. F. Andrews gave us a good discourse, showing the strong enemy we have to contend with, and the necessity of putting on all the Christian armor. In the evening, Bro. E. R. Jones spoke of the danger of backsliding. On first-day, Bro. Andrews gave us a heart-searching discourse on “Repentance and Conversion,” showing that godly sorrow for sin implies making restitution for past wrongs and turning away from our iniquities.
Bro. Jones was invited to the Francisco school-house first-day evening, where he gave to a good congregation, mostly outsiders, a discourse on present truth. All through our meeting the best attention and interest were manifested. Some of our neighbors are reading, and looking more into present truth. We trust the Lord will yet bless the little church in Newton.
J. Byington.

Genesee Co., Feb. 27.

Commenced meetings in the Whitesburg school-house, Feb. 8. There is a small Methodist class here, and we had a little difficulty in obtaining the house; but as the majority wished to hear and feared it would be closed against all, we were granted its use. Thus far we have had good congregations and the very best of attention. Some are becoming deeply interested. We shall commence on the Sabbath question to-night.
D. A. Wellman.

Carson City.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, we went to Carson City and remained till the following Sunday. We gave seven discourses, and held three business sessions. This church, like all others made up of different elements and coming together in church relationship without previous acquaintance, has had lessons of patience and Christian forbearance to learn, which we trust they will not soon forget.
One thing here, as in other places, we very much regret; that is, a lack of interest on the part of some in the REVIEW. No family should be without this paper; and our experience is, that where any feel too poor to take it, and yet indulge in many things that they would be better off without, they live far beneath their privilege in spiritual things; and consequently will be losers in the end. There are noble minds in the Carson church, which, with proper training, and consecration, can be helps in the work of God.
We consider our visit with these brethren timely, and were made glad before the meeting closed to see the noble stand taken by them in response to the plain testimony borne. We believe, if faithful to their vows, God will make them a strong church.
J. Fargo. J. O. Corliss.

Gaines and Alaiedon, Feb. 28.

Feb. 16, 17, met with the church at Gaines. The brethren here are very much scattered, yet a goodly number were present at the meeting, also quite a number from Blendon, Ottawa Co. The burden of the work here now rests almost wholly on Bro. W. J. Hardy. He has the confidence of the people where he lives, and we trust the time is not far distant when the few that remain may have some additions to their number.
By request of the president of the Conference, I went to Alaiedon. Held meetings with them Feb. 23, 24. The Spirit of the Lord was present to help in preaching. Our social meeting Sabbath was interesting, several bearing testimony who had but recently embraced the truth. The brethren here have shown commendable zeal in the circulation of our tracts and papers, especially among their neighbors, and they are now reaping the fruits of their labors. I came to this place expecting to hold a series of meetings; but as the Methodists are holding a protracted meeting near our place of worship, it was thought best to defer our meeting. Several who have professed conversion in this meeting have commenced the observance of the Sabbath.
Sunday afternoon our house of worship was well filled with attentive listeners to a discourse from Acts 2:37, 38, after which we repaired to the river and two were buried with their Lord in baptism. Three united with the church. Others will join soon.
My address, for the present, is Allegan, Mich.
H. M. Kenyon.

Twin Lakes, Feb. 24.

Last week I held three meetings nine miles from Twin Lakes. Had good congregations, and spoke on the prophecies. Several became interested in the truth and wanted to hear more. I visited several families in the vicinity of the school-house where I lectured before. An aged Norwegian and his wife acknowledged the truth, and said they would join us if a class was formed here. He subscribed for the TIDENDE. Several others are convinced. Some that never read the Bible have commenced to read it now.
Yesterday we had an excellent meeting here in Twin Lakes. The Lord was present by his Spirit. One person who had long tried to resist the truth signed the covenant, with his whole family. Seven signed the covenant this Sabbath, the same number that signed it last Sabbath. The class here consists now of twenty-seven members.
I have obtained one subscriber each for the TIDENDE and REVIEW. Have invitations to lecture at Clam Lake and Ishpeming, Mich., and to go to Minnesota to labor among the Swedes.
I intend to go to Holton from here.
Gustaf A. Carlstedt.

MASSACHUSETTS

East Salisbury, Feb. 26.

This is a small place two miles from Newburyport, just across the Merrimac River, and two miles from the beach. It is the home of Eld. Haines. I came here Feb. 23 to assist him in a course of lectures. He had been called to Biddeford, Me., to attend the funeral of his mother, and the burden of the meetings fell on me. My first audience numbered about a dozen. There was nothing in the circumstances that was particularly inspiring.
I have spoken four times, and have sold $2.85 worth of books. The audience has increased to about seventy. The Methodists have appointed meetings for about every night ahead; and they don't see why we should still be “harping upon Daniel, where Miller was years ago.” C. W. STONE.

South Amherst.

I began meetings with the friends here Friday eve, Feb. 8, holding them every evening since, besides Sabbaths and first-days when we had three meetings each day. Since I was here nearly a year ago, about half a dozen in this vicinity, eight and ten miles from here, have embraced the truth from reading. On the Sabbath, these new friends were present, and heard their first sermon from a S. D. Adventist. We had two services in the daytime, yet they were so anxious to hear that they remained till after the evening meeting.
Some of these cases are very interesting. One man, a deacon of a Congregational church, to whom the SIGNS had been sent, after reading it about a year, felt almost impelled to take hold of the truth; but the opposition was so strong that he did not until about six months ago. In a little while he had his daughter, living near him, with him in the truth. At our first Sabbath meeting here, two weeks ago, this brother, with a son, came to the meeting. The son had heard much against our people (as he afterward said), and came with his father to see, I suppose, how fanatical we were and so induce his father to give up; but the truth took hold of his heart, and he went home deeply interested. Last Sabbath he came back, bringing the testimony with him that he had made up his mind to keep God's holy Sabbath with his father. It was a precious season. The father wept for joy, and nearly every one in the house was in tears. Three others made a start to serve God at the same time.
I have never had better freedom in speaking than here. These brethren have tried to do something in the missionary work. God has blessed their efforts, and they are seeing good results.
This week I hold meetings till Sabbath in a school-house eight miles from here, then will be here again next Sabbath and first-day, and organize this company more fully. D. A. ROBINSON.

NEVER MIND.

What's the use of always fretting At the trials we shall find Ever strewn along our pathway? Travel on, and “never mind.”
Travel onward, working, hoping; Cast no lingering glance behind At the trials once encountered; Look ahead, and “never mind.”
What is past is past forever, Let all fretting be resigned, It will never help the matter; Do your best, and “never mind.”
And if those who might befriend you, Whom the ties of nature bind, Should refuse to do their duty, Look to Heaven, and “never mind.”
Friendly words are often spoken When the feelings are unkind; Take them for their real value, Pass them by, and “never mind.”
Fate may threaten, clouds may lower, Enemies may be combined; If your trust in God is steadfast, He will help you, “never mind.”

VIRGINIA

By E. B. Lane

Another good meeting in Page Co. has just closed. The Methodist minister who has lately embraced the Sabbath remains firm, although the church to which he belonged have done and said all they could to cause him to retract. He is informed that they have scratched his name off from their church record without giving him a trial, contrary to the discipline of the church; still he remains unshaken and regularly preaches to the Sabbath-keepers in Page Co., and proves a great strength to them. Our congregations at the above place are very large, their house of worship being inadequate for their use. One more has embraced the Sabbath as a result of our labor a few weeks ago. We have many urgent calls for labor, and have plenty of room and work in this new field for a score or more of live, energetic, sacrificing men.
The brethren in Shenandoah and Rockingham Counties are of good courage, and the prospects of the cause here never looked brighter. Remember us in your prayers. Mrs. Lane is teaching a school this winter.
E. B. LANE.
Dayton, Rockingham Co., Va., Feb. 18.

NEBRASKA

By Charles L. Boyd

I COMMENCED meetings at New Erie, Feb. 15. All were strangers, and most of the people nonprofessors. Some were members of churches before coming to this new country, but admit that their lamp has well-nigh gone out. The people are very hospitable. I am more than welcome at their homes.
The interest is good. The school-house first occupied proving too small even to admit the congregation, we have secured another building near by, and moved to that.
Sabbath, the 23d, I spent with the friends on Sappa Creek, and found the most of them standing firm. Two others, for whom I have felt the deepest interest, have commenced to keep the Sabbath.
CHAS. L. BOYD.

MAINE

By J. B. Goodrich

Carson's Corner, Athens, Feb. 26.
I HAVE of late been holding meetings at Carson's Corner, Athens, with a fair interest. Some are convinced that we have the truth on the law question. The house is occupied a part of the time by singing-school and other meetings. Last Sunday the house was full of attentive listeners.
Pray that we may see the salvation of souls in this place. J. B. GOODRICH.

MISSOURI

By George I. Butler

Clintonville and Union Point.

Met with these churches according to appointment, Feb. 8 to 18. Gave twenty-two discourses, talking to the members days and to outsiders evenings. The former church is quite small, and the members somewhat scattered. Two were received into the church at the former place, and three at the latter.
There was a good interest at Union Point. The school-house was densely packed nearly every evening, and some of the time all were not able to get into the house. Bro. Cicero M. Holland, formerly of Iowa, is the elder of this church. He has labored in several places in this section of the country, with good results. The church seems united and quite earnest; and we had better meetings here than at any other place I have been in the State. I trust others will be added to their numbers.
The brethren are very poor, many of them; but they took a club of thirty SIGNS for distribution in the missionary work; and the little church at Clintonville took fourteen copies. The Nevada church have increased their club to thirty-nine copies. We trust the T. and M. work is advancing some in the State, and the work of God is moving onward. GEO. I. BUTLER.
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