IN our last number we have answered our friend's objections to the Sabbath; in this number we notice what he says concerning the man of sin. He thinks that the Papacy is represented in Rev. 17, but that it cannot be the man of sin of 2 Thess. 2. His reason is that the man of sin is said to exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; whereas the pope not only professes to worship God, but even to worship Mary and the consecrated host. He also professes to act as the vicegerent of God upon earth, which our friend thinks he could not do if he exalted himself above God. The pope professes faith in God and in Christ, but it is said that antichrist shall deny both (1 John 2:22); wherefore our friend thinks the pope cannot fulfill this prophecy.
He looks for an antichrist who shall say in so many words: "I deny the existence of God and of Christ, and I assert that I am greater than any other being to whom men pay adoration." But if antichrist were to come in this manner he would deceive no one. Every person who has the least knowledge of the Bible or the least regard for divine truth would recognize him as an atheist and a blasphemer. Even common sinners would say that this self-styled divinity was a presumptuous rebel against God. He would not come with all deceivableness of unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:9, 10), but he would come without deception and without disguise, and there would not be the slightest danger that he would deceive one of the elect. Matt. 24:24.
Satan does not do his work in this manner. He is a deceiver, and such are all his agents. Antichrist does his work by deception. 2 Thess. 2:8-10. He is, according to John, a liar and a seducer. 1 John 2:22-26; 4:1-3. There is such a thing as professing to know God while actually denying him in works. Titus 1:16. Antichrist denies the Father and the Son, but this denial is in works while making profession of allegiance with the lips. 2 Pet. 2:1-3; Jude 4.
It is true that the pope represents himself as the vicegerent of God upon earth. This seems to acknowledge the sovereignty of God; but if we examine his acts we shall find that he does not hesitate to set aside what God has said. He can release himself or any other person from the obligation of the most solemn oaths; but this is something that God cannot do. Men who have aspired to the office of pope have solemnly sworn to the cardinals that they would do certain important things if they should become pope. But on obtaining that office they have at once released themselves from the obligation of that oath. God could not do such a thing, because it is wicked; the pope could not do it if he did not exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped.
An immense number of cases might be given in which the popes have dared to transgress the law of God while acting professedly as the representatives of God and of Christ. The acts of Pope Alexander VI may be cited as examples. They are so vile that we do not wish to name them, but they are well known to all students of history. The popes have dared to do these things because they have, according to the prophecy of Dan. 7:25, thought themselves able to change the law of God.
But let us mention one recent fact as an illustration of this principle. Cardinal Manning, the head of the Romanists in England, was formerly a clergyman of the Church of England. He embraced Romanism and desired to become a priest. But there was one obstacle in his way. He was the husband of an amiable, virtuous lady, and Rome forbids that a priest should have a wife. God's ordinance makes the relation of husband and wife indissoluble except for crime, and there was no pretense that crime had been committed. The pope divorced Mr. M., but he had to exalt himself above God in order to do it.
Even the pretense that he is the vicegerent of God upon earth and the vicar of Christ is an exaltation above the Most High. For God never created the office of vicegerent, and Christ never gave to man his own office of head of the church. It is therefore direct rebellion against the Almighty for anyone to create for himself such offices, and to pretend that God has bestowed them upon him. He seems indeed to acknowledge God and Christ by professing to act as their vicegerent. But in fact he denies both by daring to create this great office, and by demanding that all the world shall obey him absolutely in the exercise of this usurped power.
But it is said the man of sin shall sit in the temple of God (2 Thess. 2:4); and as God's temple at Jerusalem has been destroyed, it is argued that the man of sin when he comes will rebuild the temple at Jerusalem and take his place therein. But in the epistles of Paul the term temple of God is used with reference to the church. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:20-22. And we know that the pope claims to be head of the universal church, not only of all members of the church of Rome, but of all Christian churches.
But there are certain facts that leave no room for doubt as to the one intended by the man of sin in 2 Thess. 2. Paul drew his account of the man of sin from the prophecy concerning the little horn in Dan. 7. And this prophecy is repeated in substance in Rev. 13:1-10. We find in these chapters the time when this man of sin should arise, the place where he should have his seat, the nature of the office that he should hold, the work that he should do, and the length of his dominion over the people of God.
Thus in Dan. 7 we learn that when the fourth or Roman empire should be divided into ten kingdoms, which was accomplished before the end of the fifth century, then the little horn should obtain dominion. Now it was at the commencement of the sixth century that the pope was elevated to power or head of the church. In Rev. 13 we learn that the beast (representing the same power as the little horn of Dan. 7) received from the dragon his power and seat and great authority. And from Rev. 12 we learn that the dragon represents the power which ruled the world at the birth of Christ. This was imperial Rome. Now it is a remarkable fact that the seat of the Roman empire was removed from Rome to Constantinople, and that Rome, the ancient seat of the dragon, was given to the pope.
The nature of this power represented by the man of sin is distinctly marked. It is diverse from the ten kings; it rules as the representative of God. In other words it is a priest-king. His work is to wear out the saints; and the inquisition and the wars which he has instigated against the people of God attest the accomplishment of this. He has thought to change times and laws. He has thought to change the ten commandments and the ordinances of the New Testament. He was to have dominion for a time and times and half a time, or 1260 days, meaning years. Rev. 12:6, 14. This dominion extended from the decree of Justinian till the captivity of the pope in 1798.
The man of sin was therefore to arise when the Roman empire was divided into ten kingdoms. This took place 1300 years ago. It cannot therefore be a future event. He is to have his place in Rome. We know therefore where to look for him. He was to be a priest-king. We know therefore who to look for. He was to persecute those who would not accept him, and to think to change the law of God. We know his work and how vast it has been. He was to have 1260 years of dominion. He has had that period, and he has seen the time when he could humble the mightiest monarchs of Europe. Paul told the Thessalonians that Christ was not coming in their time, because the prophecies concerning the man of sin were to be accomplished. But we now look for Christ's advent at hand, because all this has been fulfilled to the letter. J. N. A.
KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD.
By John Nevins Andrews
IF we would be kept by God's power we must yield to his power. He who would be kept from any sin must consent to abandon all sin. No man can be allowed to select the sins which he will commit and those which he will abandon. No man can be allowed to choose to follow the sins which he counts respectable, and expect to be kept from the sins which he esteems disgraceful. There are many men who would be glad to be kept from some disreputable sin, but they are unwilling to turn from all iniquity. They who put themselves into God's hands for keeping, submit soul, body, will, and everything they have and are, to the divine keeping; and to them the promise is made good, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Man must have a master. If he will not yield to God he must yield to Satan. It is only when he has accepted the Lord as his head and king, that he is safe under his protection from the wrath and fury of the adversary.
CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By James White
THE camp-meeting in Alameda was encouraging in every respect, and a cause of great encouragement to the believers in this State. It was the largest one ever held in California by Seventh-day Adventists, and we think it will prove of greater benefit to the cause than any other has. This is as it should be. Each succeeding meeting should be better than its predecessors. As I had attended only three camp-meetings in this State, one at Fairfax, one at Fresno, and one at Healdsburg, I must depend for comparisons largely on the expressions of the people. It was the general expression that this last one was the best of all.
The camping place was all that could be desired. Ample space, with a sufficiency of oak trees, ground clear and clean, and water pipes laid through it for the occasion. Provision was made for every want. The tents were nearly all pitched before the first meeting, and not one was taken down before the meeting closed. This is an important item; it ought to be the case at every camp-meeting, but unfortunately it is not. Three chartered cars came on Wednesday and Thursday, the 15th and 16th, and we think this year's experience will insure a larger number at future meetings.
The large tent, 60 by 100, was well seated, to which was added an additional canvas, 30 by 60, spread on the side opposite the stand, which was also seated. A 60-ft. tent was used for a restaurant, with a kitchen added, near which was erected a store-house, or sales-room. There were 97 family or residence tents besides a 50-ft. tent, the center of which was fitted up for a committee room, and around this it was partitioned into rooms. We give these particulars, as they will best afford an idea of the dimensions of the meeting.
The preaching was plain, the doctrinal and practical being combined throughout. The business meetings were interesting and harmonious. The interest rose from the beginning to the close, with both the campers and the outside attendants. Citizens of Alameda not only furnished flowers, but sent to us from their private conservatories, beautiful and valuable plants for decorating the stand. These were loaned, and, notwithstanding the largeness of the congregations, we are happy to say that the plants were returned without injury.428And what was perhaps most remarkable, and noticed by everybody, it was as quiet and orderly as any camp-meeting we ever attended. The papers of all these cities, Alameda, San Francisco, and Oakland, treated us with marked respect. A reporter of the S. F. Chronicle gave his report of "A Day and a Night on the Alameda Grounds," almost a column in length, in a humorous style, as is the wont of reporters; but, with all his humor he was constrained to give a creditable report of the meeting. He said:—
"The discouraged sinner searches in vain for the solid attractions of country meetings—the hospitable refreshment tent full of demure kegs, and resonant of the music of escaping corks, the obtrusive rifle gallery, the festive merry-go-round, and the hilarious hoodlum in search of a fight. All these luxuries are conspicuous by their absence."
The city editor of the same paper said to us, on the ground, that his remembrance of camp-meetings was that they called together a large amount of the baser element, but," he added, "there is none of it here." He expressed much surprise at the extent and arrangement of the camp, and the excellent order. This last item is the more worthy of mention in that many feared that we could not hold a meeting on that ground, or so near to San Francisco, without being greatly disturbed by "hoodlums." But they did not trouble us at all. We felt that, of a truth, the angel of the Lord encamped round about us, to deliver us.
The reports of the Conference, and the several Associations, show that the cause has been prosperous in this State the past year, in all its branches. The Sabbath-school interest has increased. The schools held on the ground were highly satisfactory. An aged Free Methodist minister who tented on the ground said he had conducted about forty camp-meetings, but he never saw the like of this. When Sabbath-school was announced, he said he thought that must be a failure, as there were so few children on the ground. But when he saw them swarming into the large tent, he could but express his astonishment that with so many children in the camp it was so peaceful and quiet.
The State Health and Temperance Association was organized last year at Healdsburg. Now it has 1139 members; and it is expected that this number will be considerably increased during the coming year.
The Tract and Missionary Society is in a prosperous condition. It has 511 members. There are 81 life members of the General Society, in California, including those who pledged at this meeting.
We were disappointed last spring—somewhat sadly disappointed—over the failure to procure ministerial help from the East. But we hope it will result in good, as there is now a determination to make the best possible use of the home help, and to depend more largely upon the development of this help. Few, if any, had an idea that the reports of labor would be so encouraging. Several churches have been raised up within the year, and the number of converts added is larger than was anticipated. The receipts of the Conference were double those of the year before. A fund of $2000 was raised at this meeting, to carry on the ship work, which had languished for want of means. This was an important step. Beside this, over $1200 were subscribed to the Reserve Fund. Every branch of the work is now provided for, so that there need be no failure in any direction for lack of means. It is to be hoped that the brethren will not slack their hands, but keep every fund supplied in the future, and thus give opportunity for the enlargement of the work.
The reports were so cheering—all were so highly gratified with the management during the past year—that the result of the election seemed like a matter of course. Elder Haskell was re-elected president with great unanimity and cheerfulness. Although he could not promise much in regard to his personal presence in the State during the year to come, it is believed that he will spend some time here, and there is a general desire that he shall direct in the work, and carry into full effect the plans which he has so carefully and prudently laid. If New England can show so prosperous a condition while being deprived of his presence year after year, California is willing to risk one year, expecting he will be here some part of the time.
The first Sabbath quite a number came forward for prayers. The second Sabbath a larger number came forward. There was not so nearly a rush as we have seen, but every one who came seemed to be very deeply convicted. Backsliders were reclaimed. Some started for the first time. On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, thirty-six persons were baptized at the beach south of the camp. A very large concourse of people assembled to witness this scene; but much of its impressiveness was lost as the location was not favorable for viewing by a large crowd. A little forethought and arrangement would have bettered this. But the result of the meeting in the community is only good.
We have learned of several in Alameda who have taken hold of the Sabbath already, and many others are deeply interested, among whom missionary work will be carried on. Could we have continued another week we are confident that a good-sized church in that place would result. This meeting held ten full days besides the opening and closing services, and it is the general feeling that it was too short. The closing meeting on Monday morning was the largest of all the morning meetings; and there was a unanimous vote in favor of holding over three Sabbaths next year.
God has been good to us in this meeting. Our prayers have been heard; our trust has not been disappointed. Special blessings in individual cases have been granted in answer to prayer. The feeble ministers were sustained to bear a part throughout the meeting. Praise and thanksgiving are due to the Lord.
The vote of the Conference in favor of my taking rest, which is doubtless absolutely necessary to my recovery, is a cause of gratitude to me. I have consented, however, not to ask for an entire cessation of labor, but to continue to work for the SIGNS, while I absent myself for a while from the cares of the office, and the atmosphere of this coast. I think it would be better for me, and expedite my recovery, to throw off all mental care and labor. But I shall meet, as far as possible, the wishes of those at the office and the friends in this State, who strongly urge to a different course. I ask the prayers of all, that I may be so restored that I can yet do acceptable service in this glorious cause. J. H. W.
The Missionary.
By S. N. Haskell
GEORGE WISHART.
HISTORY fails to give us the names of those who possessed a greater devotion to the cause of Christ than George Wishart. Actuated by a desire to preach the gospel to his countrymen, he returned to Scotland in 1544. He traveled in foreign countries, where he distinguished himself for his great learning, and ability for self-improvement. In his dress, and other habits of life, he exercised great plainness and economy, that he might have wherewith to benefit others.
"If," says one of his students, "I should declare his love to me, and to all men, his charity to the poor, in giving, relieving, caring, helping, providing, yea, infinitely studying how to do a good unto all, and hurt to none, I should sooner want words than just cause to commend him."
A historian speaking of him says: "Excelling all his countrymen at that period in learning, of the most persuasive eloquence, irreproachable in life, courteous and affable in manners, his fervent piety, zeal, and courage, in the cause of truth were tempered with uncommon meekness, modesty, patience, prudence, and charity." He traveled from one place to another, accompanied by a few friends, preaching to large concourses of people who flocked to hear him. Toward the latter part of the time, John Knox became intimately connected with him in his labor.
If shut out of the churches by his enemies, he preached in the open fields, and with a power that for a time confounded and paralyzed the efforts of those who would take his life. He at times seemed to be endowed with a prophetic gift. At one time, while preaching at Dundee, he was commanded to trouble the town no more, and forbidden to proceed. After a short pause, looking sorrowfully upon the speaker and the audience, he said: "God is my witness that I never intended you trouble, but your comfort, but I am assured that to refuse God's word, and to chase from you his messenger, shall not preserve you from trouble, but shall bring you into it, for God shall send you ministers that shall neither fear burning nor banishment. . . . If it be long prosperous with you, I am not led by the spirit of truth; but if unlooked for trouble comes upon you, acknowledge the cause, and turn to God, who is gracious and merciful." At the close of these remarks he retired from the pulpit.
Four days after the plague broke out in Dundee, and rejecting his friends entreaties with the remark, "They are now in trouble, and need comfort," he returned to the place. Taking his position at the gate of the city, where those in health within, and the sick without, could hear, he preached from the words, "He sent his word and healed them." This discourse affected the people deeply, and raised their minds above the dreadful scenes around them. While the plague continued he remained with them constantly, visiting those who lay in the greatest extremity, and comforting them by his exhortation.
While engaged in this labor of sacrifice and love, the papists laid a plot to his life. At the close of one of his sermons, he saw a priest standing at the foot of the stairs. "My friend," said he, "what would you have?" and immediately clapping his hand on a dagger which the priest had concealed under his gown, took it from him. The priest was terrified, and fell upon his knees, confessing his intention. At the same time, the people, indignant at the outrage, would have taken him by force and ended his miserable life, but for the noble reformer, who, putting his arms about him, exclaimed, "Whosoever shall hurt him shall hurt me."
Defeated in this plot against his life, a deeper one was laid. A forged letter, purporting to be from a familiar friend desiring his immediate presence on account of sudden illness, was handed to him by a boy, who brought him a horse for the journey.
After proceeding some distance he turned back, and said to his friends, "I will not go; I am forbidden of God; I am assured there is treason. Let some of you go to yonder place and tell me what you find." They went and found sixty armed men lying in wait for him.
Notwithstanding his danger he would not refrain from preaching publicly, saying to his friends, who were unwilling to ask his services, "If you dare hear, let God provide for me as best it pleaseth him." His whole life and soul were given to preaching the gospel, and in view of the fact that in some places but few came to listen to him, because the people feared for their lives, he at one time remarked to his companion, John Knox, that he was weary of the world because he saw that men were weary of God. He was impressed that he would have but a short time in which to labor, and toward the latter part of his ministry frequently spoke of the near approach of his death, and was known to arise in the middle of the night and plead earnestly with God that he might not shrink in the time of trial and suffering.
To his weeping brethren he said, "God shall send you comfort after me. This realm shall be illuminated with the light of Christ's gospel, as clearly as any realm since the days of the apostles. The house of God shall be built in it; yea, it shall not lack, in despite of all enemies, the top stone, neither will it be long before this shall be accomplished. Many shall not suffer after me, before the glory of God shall appear and triumph in despite of Satan. But alas, if the people afterward shall prove unthankful, then fearful and terrible will be the plagues that shall follow."
Finally, about two years after he returned to Scotland, he was taken prisoner, and at his trial was condemned to be burnt as a heretic. One of the charges brought against him was that he had said that "the soul of man should sleep till the great day, and not obtain immortal life till that time." At the stake he exhorted the spectators to hold fast the word of God which he had taught them according to the grace given unto him, and concluded with these words: "For the word of God's sake I now suffer, not sorrowfully, but with a glad heart and mind. For this cause I was sent, that I should suffer this fire for Christ's sake; behold my face, you shall not see me change my countenance; I fear not the fire; and if persecution come to you for the Word's sake, I pray you fear not them that kill the body, and have no power to hurt the soul." After the torch had been applied, upon being exhorted by one who stood near, to be of good cheer, he replied: "This flame occasions trouble to my body, indeed, but it hath in no wise broken my spirit."
S. N. HASKELL.
OPPORTUNITY.
By Asa Bullard
SOME one says, "Opportunity is the cream of time." And some one also says, "To improve the golden moments of opportunity and catch the good that is within our reach is the great art of life."
These are wise sayings, that all will do well to consider. Every disciple of Christ should watch for opportunities of doing good, as well as improve those that readily present themselves. If wise, he will make more than he finds. "If we observe the providences," it is said, "we shall have providences to observe;" and if we improve opportunities and watch for them, and strive to make them, we shall find opportunities on every hand to improve.429
No one should wait for an opportunity of doing some great thing—accomplish some great good, while he lets slip many an opportunity of doing little things. He should not forget the widow's offering, or the cup of cold water. The adage says, "Many littles make a mickle," also "Little strokes fell great oaks."
If a disciple sees no opportunity just now, to speak a word that will be "in season" to those with whom he is connected, on religious themes, he may show such an interest in their worldly concerns as will disarm and prepare them to receive his words of exhortation when the fitting occasion presents itself. If the teacher finds not the golden moment of opportunity to-day, for a special address to the heart and conscience of his class or an individual scholar, he should not neglect the favored moment to speak a word that may improve his mind, or his manners and general conduct at home and among his associates. Such a word may win their confidence and fit them for more serious instruction on another occasion; it may prove a word that shall help to shape their whole future life. Even a casual word, by the way, at home or among strangers, "fitly spoken, how good it is!"
But there is another view of this subject. A proverb says, "Opportunity makes the thief." The Italians say, "Where a chest lies open, a righteous man may sin;" and the Spaniards have a similar saying, "The open door tempts the saint." And a quaint divine says, "With opportunity at one hand and Satan at the other and the grace of God removed, who would not be tempted?" Now if opportunity for doing wrong may be so fascinating, even to the righteous, how earnest should every one be to break the charm by finding and making opportunities for doing right. May not such opportunities possess equal power of fascination? Instead of wasting time in vain regrets over the neglect of opportunities or other mistakes in the past, as many do, would not the time be better employed in efforts to prevent occasion for all soul regrets in the future?
Let no one repress any desire of doing good, from a vain fear of what may be the results. Duty is ours, results we must leave with Him whom we serve. Opportunities for charitable labors of all kinds, no one can fail to see. They were never more numerous or urgent. Give, Give, almost like prayer, is the Christian's daily breath:
"The sun gives ever; so the earth
What it can give, so much 'tis worth:
The ocean gives in many ways,
Gives paths, gives fishes, rivers, bays;
"So, too, the air, it gives us breath;
When it stops giving, in comes death;
Give, give, be always giving;
Who gives not, is not living.
The more you give,
The more you live.
"God's love hath in us wealth unheaped;
Only by giving, it is reaped;
The body withers, and the mind,
If pent in by a selfish rind.
Give strength, give thought, give deeds, give pelf.
"Give, give, be always giving;
Who gives not, is not living.
The more we give,
The more we live."
—Rev. Asa Bullard, in Advance.
ANNUAL SESSION OF THE CALIFORNIA TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
THE tenth annual session of the California T. and M. Society was held upon the Alameda camp-ground. The first meeting convened Sept. 19, at 9 A. M. After the usual opening exercises the president made some remarks relative to the extent and importance of the work. The minutes of the last annual meeting were then called for, read and approved, after which the report showing the amount of work for the present year, contrasted with that of the previous year, was read, as appears in the following table:—
It will be noticed that there is a decrease of 151,845 pages of tracts in this year's report, but the increase of periodicals distributed reduced to pages would make an aggregate increase of about 2,000,000 pages.
The present membership of the society is 511. The treasurer's report for the year was also read as follows:—
After some explanations and remarks concerning these reports by the president, Eld. Waggoner spoke favorably of the progress made by the society, its effective organization, and the important place it fills in extending the knowledge of our work. The Chair then appointed the following committees: On nominations, W. C. White, John Morrison, and W. A. Pratt; on resolutions, Wm. M. Healey, Wm. Saunders, and W. C. White; Auditing Committee, J. D. Rice, Wm. Saunders, and B. C. Stickney.
A second meeting was called Sept. 24, at 9 A. M. The Committee on Nominations reported the following who were duly elected as officers for the ensuing year: President, Eld. S. N. Haskell; Vice-President, Eld. C. Israel; Secretary, Barbara C. Stickney. For Directors, District No. 1, T. M. Chapman; No. 2, J. M. Loveland; No. 3, John Mavity; No. 4, J. D. Bandy; No. 5, Wm. Saunders; No. 6, D. S. Hemstreet; No. 7, W. J. Bostwick; No. 8, M. C. Israel; No. 9, Alexander F. Brown.
The Committee on Resolutions then submitted the following:—
Whereas, Our tract and missionary efforts are among the most efficient means to spread the truth, and those who take part therein receive an experience in the work of God, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend each of our brethren and sisters to join the society and so co-operate in the spread of the truth.
Whereas, We consider it of great importance that we have an individual understanding of present truth, and as our publications clearly present every point thereof, and as our ministerial laborers are few.
Resolved, That we consider it the duty of our brethren to provide themselves as far as possible with a complete set of our publications, and become familiar with their contents, the volumes of the Spirit of Prophecy and the Testimonies.
Resolved, That we consider the ship work an excellent means of spreading the truth, and hereby express our sympathy in this branch of the tract and missionary work, and recommend the raising of an additional $1000 for that purpose the coming year.
Resolved, That we recommend the raising of an additional $1000 for a reserve tract fund in this State.
Resolved, That we recommend each district to keep on hand, stationery, Sabbath-school appliances, and such works and helps as should be in demand by our brethren to assist them in this work.
Resolved, That we recommend all members of V. M. Societies to endeavor to realize the importance of the work in which they are engaged, and the value of salvation to man.
Whereas, The SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a very efficient means of spreading the knowledge of God and his truth in the earth, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend all our brethren, whether living in organized companies or alone, to take as many copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES as is consistent with their circumstances, and use them for missionary work, these papers to be paid for by monthly installments when necessary.
These resolutions were unanimously adopted, several of them calling forth remarks. Eld. Waggoner spoke to the second resolution, and urged the necessity and importance of complying with its recommendations, and becoming familiar with our publications, and also possessing them to loan to others. The third and fourth resolutions were considered and in about twenty minutes pledges were made amounting to over $2500. Before leaving the ground this was increased to $3,231.50. This with what had been previously pledged for the same purpose amounts to $5,139.75. Of this $416.50 has been paid. Thirty-four names were taken for life members of the General Tract and Missionary Society. Fourteen of these paid upon the ground, making thirty-two members in this State, beside forty-nine who are pledged to become members. One hundred and thirty-nine subscribers were obtained for our periodicals upon the camp-ground. Instructions in regard to the manner of keeping the member's pass book and librarian's journal were given, and the accounts illustrated on black-boards, upon which they had been previously arranged.
Many important questions were asked in regard to the system and the general working of the society which were of interest and called forth much desirable information.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
S. N. HASKELL, President.
BARBARA C. STICKNEY, Secretary.
CUSTER, BRECKENRIDGE CO., KY.
By S. Osborn; R. G. Garrett
WE commenced meetings here June 7, and closed August 8. Have had a large average attendance throughout. As the manifest result of these labors, twenty adults are keeping the Sabbath, most of whom are heads of families. Among them are two Methodist class-leaders and one Baptist licentiate. There is a great deal of prejudice manifested by some of the Methodists, because their leaders and others have left them, and turned Jews, as they term it. Thus far, their opposition has reacted in favor of the truth.
We struck the tent last Monday, the 9th, thinking to move to a place about ten miles distant; but the interest here is so great, and so many earnestly urged us to remain, proposing to pay all our tent expenses since we have been here, that, after prayerful consideration, we thought it best to move only one mile. Pray for the success of the truth here. S. OSBORN.
R. G. GARRETT.
IRONTON, SAUK CO., WISCONSIN.
By S. S. Smith, O. A. Johnson
WE closed our tent labor at North Freedom, Sunday, the 15th ult. Left two families keeping the Sabbath, and attesting the sincerity of their conversion by putting away their tobacco and adopting other reforms. One of us spends Sabbath and first-day with them, holding meetings in a school-house three miles from where our tent was pitched, with the design of fostering an interest manifested on the part of some of their neighbors. We obtained three subscriptions for the German paper. Sold books and tracts to the value of $2.61, and received $9.00 in donations.
Commenced meetings at Ironton the 19th ult. When the weather is favorable we have good congregations, who pay close attention. The truth so far presented is generally received.
S. S. SMITH.
O. A. JOHNSON.
DENVER, COLORADO.
By E. R. Jones
YESTERDAY was a good day to our people here. We had the largest congregation of Sabbath-keepers ever convened in this city; among them were Bro. and Sr. Bahler from Texas. The Sabbath-school in the morning was excellent.
After a discourse on baptism, in the afternoon we went to the water, where five were buried with their Lord in this solemn rite. Others who have newly come to the faith will go forward soon. The work has gone slowly here this season, but the present outlook is somewhat encouraging. E. R. JONES. Sept. 5.
GREENSBORO, INDIANA.
By William Covert; J. M. Rees
The truth is reaching some hearts here. Some who were spiritualists when we pitched our tent here have embraced the truth, and others are much interested. Seven who have lately decided to obey, signed the covenant last Sabbath. We hope for as many more. We thank our Heavenly Father for the bright rays of truth which can pierce the dark clouds of infidelity, and bring light and sunshine into hearts that were without God or hope in the world. Our courage is good.
Wм. COVERT.
J. M. REES.
Aug. 24.
DADE CO., MISSOURI.
By J. W. Watt
AUGUST 7 and 8 I was with the brethren in Dade county. We had a profitable meeting on the Sabbath. On the evening after the Sabbath and on Sunday, I spoke four times at Newport. Our meetings were well attended, and the people seemed interested. Seven here have covenanted to keep all of the commandments, and they have regular Sabbath-meetings. On Sunday afternoon three were baptized. J. W. WATT.
SPRINGFIELD, DAKOTA.
By S. B. Whitney
The interest here has proved to be lasting and successful. Ten or twelve have already decided to keep the Sabbath, and are taking hold of other duties. Baptized one more at Tyndall, Sabbath, Aug. 28. Last Sabbath held meetings both at Tyndall and in this place. The meeting here was good.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Sept. 6.
FT. HOWARD, WISCONSIN.
By O. A. Olsen; A. W. Bartlett
The interest here has not abated, but rather increased. Last Sunday evening twenty-one publicly signified their intention of living nearer the Lord. Some of this number were Sabbath-keepers, and some made their first start as Christians.