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Review and Herald, Vol. 46, No. 25.

THE TURKISH DIFFICULTY
Earlier text: S. B. Books,—How They Should Be Kept

The President on our National Progress.

The President’s message, transmitted to Congress at the opening of the present session, speaks as follows of the advancement of the United States during the past hundred years:—
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
In submitting my seventh annual message to Congress in this centennial year of our national existence as a free and independent people, it affords me great pleasure to recur to the advancement that has been made from the time of the colonies, one hundred years ago.

THE PROGRESS OF A CENTURY.

We were then a people numbering only three millions. Now we number more than forty millions. Then industries were confined almost exclusively to the tillage of the soil. Now manufactories absorb much of the labor of the country. Our liberties remain unimpaired. The bondsmen have been freed from slavery. We have become possessed of the respect if not the friendship of all civilized nations. Our progress has been great in all the arts, in science, agriculture, commerce, navigation, mining, mechanics, law, medicine, etc., and in general education the progress is likewise encouraging. Our thirteen States have become thirty-eight, including Colorado (which has taken the initiatory steps to become a State), and eight territories, including the Indian Territory and Alaska, and excluding Colorado, making a territory extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. On the south we have extended to the Gulf of Mexico, and in the west from the Mississippi to the Pacific.
One hundred years ago the cotton-gin, the steamship, the railroad, the telegraph, the reaping, sewing, and modern printing machines, and numerous other inventions of scarcely less value to our business and happiness, were entirely unknown.
In 1776 manufactories scarcely existed, even in name, in all this vast territory. In 1870 more than two millions of persons were employed in manufactories, producing more than $2,100,000,000 of products in amount annually, nearly equal to our national debt. From nearly the whole of the population of 1776 being engaged in the one occupation of agriculture, in 1870, so numerous and diversified had become the occupations of our people that less than six millions out of more than forty millions were so engaged. The extraordinary effect produced in our country by a resort to diversified occupations, has built a market for the products of fertile land distant from the sea-board and the markets of the world.
The American system of locating various and extensive manufactories next to the plow and the pasture, and adding connecting railroads and steamboats, has produced in our distant interior country a result noticeable by the intelligent parts of the commercial nation.
The ingenuity and skill of American mechanics have been demonstrated at home and abroad in a manner most flattering to their pride; but for the extraordinary genius and ability of our mechanics, the achievements of our agriculturists, manufacturers, and transporters throughout the country would have been impossible of attainment.
The progress of the miner has also been great. Of coal, our production was small; now many millions of tons are mined annually. So with iron which formed scarcely an appreciable part of our products half a century ago; we now produce more than the world consumed at the beginning of our national existence. Lead, zinc, and copper, from being articles of import, we may expect to be large exporters of in the near future. The development of gold and silver mines in the United States and territories has not only been remarkable, but has had a large influence upon the business of all commercial nations. Our merchants in the last hundred years have had a success and have established a reputation for enterprise, sagacity, progress and integrity unsurpassed by the peoples of older nationalities. This “good name” is not confined to their homes, but goes out upon every sea and into every port where commerce enters. With equal pride we can point to our progress in all of the learned professions.
As we are now about to enter upon our second centennial commencing our manhood as a nation, it is well to look back upon the past and study what will be best to preserve and advance our future greatness. From the fall of Adam for his transgressions to the present day, no nation has ever been free from threatened danger to its prosperity and happiness. We should look to the dangers threatening us and remedy them so far as lies in our power. We are a republic, where one man is as good as another before the law. Under such a form of government it is of the greatest importance that all should be possessed of education and intelligence—enough to cast a vote with a right understanding of its meaning. A large association of ignorant men cannot for any considerable period oppose a successful resistance to tyranny and oppression from the educated few, but will inevitably sink into acquiescence to the will of intelligence, whether directed by the demagogue or by priestcraft. Hence the education of the masses becomes of the first necessity for the preservation of our Institutions. They are worth preserving because they have secured the greatest good to the greatest number of the population of any form of government yet devised. All other forms of government approach it just in proportion to the general diffusion of education and independence of thought and action.

Baptism, How it Should be Conducted.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Having attended several baptisms of late, I wish to offer some suggestions concerning the proper way of conducting them. Others may take different views of the matter perhaps. Baptism should be a very solemn ordinance, conducted in such a manner as to make a good, pleasant, and sacred impression upon the mind of the one baptized and the one beholding it. Ordinarily, it is an event that takes place but once in a person’s lifetime. It is designed to mark a new and important era in a person’s life. It marks our death to sin and the world, and our birth into the church of Christ. It is a solemn representation of the burial and resurrection of the divine Son of God.
Generally, there are many present to witness it, not only friends but opposers and scoffers, who are ready to take exceptions to the least impropriety or unseemly action. Hence great care should be taken to give no occasion for scoffers to make sport.
1. The minister himself should be properly and neatly dressed. I have sometimes seen them put on old, faded and worn clothes in which to perform the ceremony—clothes that they would ordinarily use in the most common labor. I am satisfied that this is not right. If ever a minister ought to dress neatly or tastily, it is on such an occasion as this.
2. The candidate to be baptized should also be neatly dressed. I have sometimes seen brethren go into the water barefooted, or in their stockings, with coat and vest off, and perhaps with patched and faded clothes. To appear thus looks untasteful and irreverent. If a person is so poor that he cannot provide a whole, clean suit of clothes, probably he could borrow them for once from somebody. For the sisters a black alpaca or waterproof robe, with weights in the bottom to keep the dress down is generally the best. Where this is not provided, a loose-fitting dress, of some dark, worsted material will do very well. Light calico or muslin is only admissible in very warm weather, and then only provided that the person puts on plenty of underclothes. In either case, it is a mistake to think that one wants but few underclothes on when baptized. With woolen underclothes one does not chill through as readily, and the water which comes in contact with the person does not change so rapidly as with cotton underwear; hence it stays warm longer. But with thin cotton underclothes the person is not only soon chilled, but as soon as the garments are wet the form of the wearer is more exposed. Plenty of underclothing will obviate this largely.
3. A proper place should be chosen for the baptism. All these things make an impression on the beholder and on the candidate. Hence it is very desirable to have a pleasant location. It is bad to baptize a person in a dirty place, or in muddy water. One can afford to take a great deal of pains rather than to do it.
4. Very much depends upon the preacher’s knowing how to perform the act properly. Where a candidate is immersed in a proper manner, it is possible for him to avoid strangling or struggling in the water. This results generally from ignorance on the part of the administrator. They should go out into the water till it is deep enough to come well up on the hips. The shallower the water the harder it is to baptize. When everything is ready, the candidate should be instructed to take a deep, full breath, filling the lungs full of air just as he is being put under the water. Then as he rises out of the water, he will throw his breath out, and thus save strangling. Candidates should be instructed also to slightly throw the head back and not to double forward, as many are inclined to do. This makes it hard to get the head entirely under water. By throwing the head backward a little just as they go down, they are easily immersed. After the minister has said the ceremony, then he should gently and slowly put the person backward till the back of the head is in the water. Then quickly put them under and raise them up. This prevents all excitement, struggling, strangling, &c. When the person rises, he should stand perfectly still till he has had time to get his breath and compose himself.
5. Too much singing is not good at a baptism. The attention of the people is upon what is being done, and it is hard to get their attention to singing. Hence, unless there is a well-trained company of singers, it is best not to sing very much. One solemn hymn, well sung, before prayer is always proper. After that, circumstances should direct with regard to the rest. I have sometimes seen singers sing themselves hoarse in competing with the roaring waves, talking people, and blowing wind. This is only mockery. If the air is still, and everything pleasant, an occasional verse, well sung, is very proper. Otherwise, it is best omitted. Hoping that these remarks will help some inexperienced ones, I have written them out.
D. M. Canright.
Vassar, Mich.

JAMES WHITE

By James White

NOTE.—The foregoing appeal for books from sister Van Horn is worthy of notice. And as it was sent to us for consideration as to the feasibility of the plan, we take the liberty to suggest,
  1. That no books be forwarded that are much worn and soiled.
  2. That all books forwarded shall be those that are well written, and upon subjects suitable for a Sabbath-school library.
  3. That they be wrapped carefully with several thicknesses of firm paper, and plainly directed as ordered.

JAMES WHITE

Oakland, Cal.

Who Should Come?

By H. A. St. John

Who should come to our State quarterly meetings of the Tract and Missionary Society? This is a question, it seems to me, worthy of serious consideration by the army of Tract and Missionary members. These meetings are attended with some expense, and this is not confined wholly to those that come. They should be councils of solemnity and importance. If it would be right for me to be so presumptuous, I would here humbly offer two or three suggestions in answer to the question, Who should come?
1. If at all practicable, every director should come. If he is a minister (which may occasionally be the case), and should, at the time, be engaged in a series of meetings, we would say, Hold on to your meetings by all means; you are clearly excused. In case any director cannot come, let him represent himself by letter, containing words of encouragement, counsel &c., if he has them, and also clear statements of business that he may think necessary to be considered. He should see to it, also, that his district is fully reported.
2. District secretaries should come if they can, reasonably, bringing their book of record with them. If they do not come, they should have their district report all ready and send it to the State secretary before the meetings.
3. Those whose hearts burn within them to labor in some way in the Master's vineyard will be heartily welcome.
4. Nobody of Christian deportment is excluded. H. A. St. JOHN.

Wanted: Sabbath-Keeper Experienced in Turning

Wanted.

A SABBATH-KEEPER that has experience in turning. Address, C. W. MIDDLETON & BRO., Gallatin, Mo.

Sabbath-Keepers Welcome at South Cleveland Home

Sister L. C. Tollhurst, living at No. 2350 Independence Street, South Cleveland, O., would be glad to have any Sabbath-keepers passing through the place call on them.

Appointments.

By Wm. H. Canfield

Quarterly meeting at Lyons (one mile west of Baraboo), Sauk Co., Wis., commencing the evening before the Sabbath, Dec. 30, and continuing until first-day evening. Our brethren of Douglass Center, Dell Prairie, and Hundred Mile Grove, are requested to meet with us. Scattered brethren, the Seventh-day Baptists, and all friends are invited. Let us meet together and open the year with prayer. Brn. Sanborn and Jordan are expected.
Wm. H. Canfield, Clerk.

H. A. St. John's Ohio Meeting Schedule, 1876

By H. A. St. John

The Lord willing, I will hold meetings in Ohio as follows:—
Troy, Jan. 6-10, 1876. Bellville, “ 13-17, “ Waterford, “ 20-24, “ Appleton, “ 27-31, “ Bowersville, Feb. 3-7, “
H. A. St. John.

Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, N. Y.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

I HAVE spent one Sabbath with the friends and brethren in each of the following places: Akron, East Elma, Glenwood, East Otto, Cottage, and Randolph. My object has been to find an opening for labor in some new place. But though in several places I found some who would be glad to hear, no place for meetings could be obtained.
Most professors of the religion of the Bible are determined to shut out, with bolts and bars, the light that is now shining from the Sacred Volume on the signs of the present times. We are reminded of those of whom the Saviour said, “Ye shut the kingdom of Heaven against men.” Those that would go in, if possible, they would hinder. But the Lord is sending forth the promised message of his word, and some will hear it. There is no cause of discouragement. If a hearing cannot be had in one place, the word of command is, “Go to another.” The Lord will carry forward his own work; and, if faithful, we shall have a reward and be satisfied.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Cherry Creek, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1875.

Labors in Iowa and Nebraska.

By George I. Butler

AFTER my return to Iowa from Rolla, Mo., I filled my appointment at Decatur City. I found the little church here rather discouraged because of internal difficulties, but left them apparently much revived. Several who had not attended meeting for months promised to do so, and, on the whole, I thought considerable good was done. There was a good attendance from the churches of Afton, Osceola, and Woodburn. It was a real pleasure to meet so many of my old friends again. One member who had been previously disfellowshiped was received back into the church. Altogether, it was thought by the brethren to be a profitable meeting.
The following week I commenced a course of lectures in Blue Valley, York Co., Nebraska. While on a visit to friends living there, a year ago last spring, I preached three times. These sermons, with reading matter, had created something of an interest, so that a petition had been sent me, desiring my return. I have never seen time to comply with this request until recently. Bro. Boyd had also spoken there at another time. I lectured seven weeks, with the exception of nearly a week during which I filled an appointment at Afton, Iowa. The meetings were held in a school-house in the country. After the interest came up, the attendance was fair for such a place, when the weather was good. During the latter part of the time the weather was rather cold, which interfered somewhat with the meetings.
On the whole, the meetings have been encouraging. Thirty have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Six others were keeping it before. Thirty-three of these signed the covenant. I have no doubt others will. My labor closed there last Sunday night. I baptized ten Sunday afternoon in the beautiful Blue River. Bro. Boyd was with me some during the last of my meetings, and gave three or four discourses. He will continue to labor in school-houses near there until the interest is fully developed. I hope for the largest body of Sabbath-keepers in Nebraska at Blue Valley. I sold some fifty dollars’ worth of books, and obtained eleven full-paying subscribers for our periodicals. The last Sabbath meeting I held with them was a blessed season. The Spirit of God was graciously granted to us. Nearly all present were in tears, believers and unbelievers alike, and some who had been opposed took their stand for the truth. Others made their first start. It was a great encouragement to me.
My meeting at Afton was also an encouraging season. Spiritualism has gained quite a foothold there. The night I reached that place, one of their lecturers closed a series of meetings. Spiritualism put on a very plausible exterior at Afton, and even tried to shelter its deformities behind the Bible. I got out handbills and spoke on this subject; and by this means I had quite a large attendance of the best citizens, whose presence I should not otherwise have secured. There has been a great prejudice against us there, but it is breaking away some. Our meetings in Afton were profitable. Four united with the church. Three were baptized. Our brethren there deserve credit for their perseverance in putting up a neat house of worship, and for keeping everything about it in good repair. I expect God’s blessing will rest upon them.
I have stopped at this place to hold a few meetings before returning home. My health and courage are good, and I hope to be some help to the cause in this Conference the coming season.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Addel, Iowa, Dec. 8, 1875.

Rantoul, Kansas.

By J. Lamont

IMMEDIATELY after our camp-meeting, I returned to our former field, near Osawatomie, Miami Co., and remained there from Sept. 17 to Sept. 21. I then selected a location, and pitched the tent eight or ten miles from where it had last been, in Franklin Co. We, Bro. G. V. Kilgore and myself, began meetings Sept. 23. In anticipation of cool weather, we pitched just across the way from a meeting-house, which we found it necessary to use almost all the time, as the evenings were unusually cold for the time of year. We had very small congregations and little interest at first.
At one of our meetings, a Universalist minister asked some questions which were answered with much better satisfaction to the congregation than to himself. This was decidedly the case; so that, with our permission, he made a short speech. This not seeming to accomplish the desired result, the next evening the moment our meeting was dismissed he was on his feet haranguing the people. His tirade of abuse flowed very freely for about half an hour. The sympathies of the entire audience were with us; and several substantial citizens expressed both regret for and disgust at his proceedings. He spoke again, using milder phrases, and this time we replied, briefly, setting forth our object in coming to this place. At the close of our remarks, hearty amens were heard from all parts of the house. Thus were the words of the Lord by the mouth of David fulfilled: “The wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” The interest was now assured; but there was so much sickness (mostly chills and fever) in the neighborhood that we, at the request of the citizens, discontinued our meetings for a little over three weeks.
We now took down the tent and stored it for the winter. Bro. Kilgore went back to Nebraska. I spent the intervening time with the new church in Miami Co., trying to get them established in the good work, but I cannot report that degree of progress among them that I greatly desire to see.
At the appointed time, Oct. 22, I came to this place again, and found the interest to hear still good. The chills were about gone. The congregations were good—from fifty to one hundred and fifty, sometimes more. I continued here a month. Ten have decided to keep all the commandments.
I then moved the meetings to a school-house four or five miles north-west, as the interest seemed to be extending in that direction. I had been there nearly a week when I was called away to attend the funeral of Eld. Sharp’s son. By request of Bro. Ayers I attended the Mound City quarterly meeting, Nov. 27, 28, and the general quarterly meeting at Rock Creek, Dec. 3–6. I came back yesterday evening. I find things all well. Several in the vicinity are convinced and considerably interested. For these I intend to work during the next two weeks.
J. LAMONT.
Dec. 8, 1875.

Michigan Church Visits at Mount Morris, Pine Run, and Flushing

By R. J. Lawrence

Michigan.

From the 19th to the 26th of November, I was with the church at Mount Morris. This church, numbering about twenty members, was raised up under the labors of Bro. S. H. Lane. I found them much discouraged. Some have apostatized, and others have moved away, so they now number only thirteen. I spoke five times, visited them at their houses, and had an ordinance meeting.
The 27th and 28th, I was at Pine Run. The weather was bad, and only a few came out. I spoke four times. The most of the brethren live from three to six miles from the village, and their meetings had been entirely discontinued. As I could not get them together at the village, I went out into the country. I talked to them of the cause, the shortness of time, and the necessity of a preparation to meet the coming events. Twelve covenanted to hold meetings in the neighborhood. There are three or four more Sabbath keepers some three miles farther away who were once members of the Thetford church. They expect these persons will unite with the church here.
I spent Dec. 4 and 5 in Flushing. Spoke three times, and had a business meeting to settle up some matters for the year. There has been a feeling existing here from the time the truth was first presented, on the part of the Hazleton brethren, that there should be a church organized in their town. So a meeting was appointed for Wednesday evening at which a petition was presented by the brethren in Hazleton to the church of Flushing for a withdrawal for the purpose of effecting a separate organization, which was granted by a unanimous vote.
I spent Dec. 10 and 11 in Saranac. I spoke three times, and Bro. Van Deusen twice. The friends here are firm. There is a growing interest. Our meetings here are held in a private house. The room has been filled, and a good number of outsiders have been in. I expect to remain here another week. Some want to be baptized. The Lord has helped in preaching the word. R. J. LAWRENCE.

GLAD TIDINGS.

By Mary A. Davis

Joy, joy to earth, a Saviour, The Promised One, has come— The glory of the courts above, Best token of the Father's love, The Star of Bethlehem, whose light Illuminates earth's moral night, Our Prophet—Sacrifice.
In all her spacious mansions What place had earth for him? A manger for his cradle bed, A life of toil for daily bread, Gethsemane, the thorny crown, And mocking soldiers bowing down, The cross on Calvary.
And yet he came to open Heaven's golden gates to man. He spoke—the palsied hand was strong, And dumb lips woke in joyful song; He drank for us the cup of woe, Conquered for us the wily foe, And set the captives free.
The first-fruits of earth's harvest, He rose to endless life, And upward led a shining train Rescued from Satan's dark domain; While to his sorrowing children here This promise left their hearts to cheer, I will return again.
Lift up thine eyes in worship Unto the hills afar; For there the Saviour intercedes, His precious blood for us he pleads, Our humble prayers like incense sweet Offers before the mercy-seat: Our Priest—our Advocate.
Behold, again he cometh! Not now the Man of grief; In majesty he will descend; Angelic hosts his steps attend; Faithful and True, the Lamb once slain, In righteousness on earth will reign, A King forevermore.
Our blighted earth will blossom As Eden long ago; The morning stars again will sing, And all the heavenly arches ring; While every voice will join the strain And higher lift the glad refrain, Over a world redeemed.
Send forth the joyful tidings To earth's remotest bound; Haste! the last gracious call of Heaven To man in mercy now is given; To every nation, every tongue, Let it go forth—redemption's song, The glad, sweet song of old.
MARY A. DAVIS.
Battle Creek, Mich.

Among the Swedes.

By Charles Lee; Julia Lee

We left Cambridge the 1st of November, and entered an entirely new field in another part of Isanti Co., Minn. God has been with us here. He has blessed us and the hearers much. The Lutheran minister, whose influence we broke in upon, tried to cause some confusion; but he only helped us. Thirty-three dear souls signed the covenant. Blessed be God for every soul that is gained for the eternal kingdom.
CHARLES LEE, JULIA LEE.
Isanti, Minn., Dec. 10, 1875.

R. M. KILGORE

By R. M. Kilgore

Iowa.

SINCE my last report, I have visited the Hook’s Point, Nevada, Iowa Center, Victor, Washington, and Pilot Grove churches. Returned to Story Co., and found the believers there all holding on. Two more had been added to their numbers, and they had had good meetings in our absence.
Last Monday evening, I reviewed Eld. Layton (Methodist) after hearing him endeavor to prove that Christians are now keeping the true, original Sabbath from creation. His positions were, 1. That man’s first day was God’s seventh; 2. That the heathen nations, from antiquity, have kept the first day of the week, thus handing it down to us; and, 3. That the Jews (God’s people) did not keep the true Sabbath in their generations.
The first of these we tried to show was a palpable absurdity; the second we partially admitted, and the third we endeavored to prove was an absolute falsehood.
I am now with Bro. Barlow at Fonda, Pocahontas Co., holding meetings. Commenced last night.

R. M. KILGORE

Dec. 10, 1875.

Estella, Mich.

By E. Van Deusen

CAME to this place Sept. 12, and commenced meetings with a fair attendance and good attention. The Lord helped in presenting his truth, and as the result souls have accepted it. To him be all the praise. Had some opposition and some hinderances, which have made it necessary to stay here longer than I intended, yet I think all has resulted in good. When I came, I found one family in the place keeping the Sabbath and three other persons about two and one-half miles north of here. These, being alone and isolated, were somewhat discouraged. I have tried to help them, and together with those who have recently accepted the Sabbath, there is now a company of seventeen grown persons here.
E. VAN DEUSEN.
Estella, Mich., Dec. 18, 1875.

Business Meeting at Monroe, Wis.

By R. F. Andrews; G. W. Colcord

A BUSINESS session was called to order in the S. D. Adventist house of worship at Monroe, Wis., by Eld. O. A. Olsen, president of the Wisconsin Conference, on first day, Dec. 5, 1875, at 9:30 A. M. The object of this meeting was to consider the propriety of dividing the Wisconsin and Illinois Conferences.
After prayer, Eld. R. F. Andrews was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Bro. G. W. Colcord clerk. The object of the meeting was stated by the Chair; whereupon Bro. Olsen, Pratt, Ballenger, Gillett, I. Colcord, Olds, Bennett, Newton, and others, freely expressed their mind with reference to the proposed change in our Conference boundary lines.
Voted, That the clerk read before this meeting an instrument in his possession addressed to the General Conference Committee.
He read as follows:—
“To the General Conference Committee of Seventh-day Adventists, Dear Brethren: We, the brethren and sisters from various points in Wisconsin and Illinois, assembled in a business meeting at Monroe, Wis., Dec. 5, 1875, believe that, in the providence of God, the time has come when the division of these Conferences would be in harmony with the work of God. Therefore, we would respectfully petition that, if it be in accordance with your judgment, you should grant us permission to divide as follows:—
“Three tiers of counties off from the northern part of Illinois, and two off from the southern part of Wisconsin, and let this territory be known as the Union Conference.
“Our reasons for forming a new Conference are, first, to save traveling expenses, and secondly, to give our brethren and sisters a better opportunity for attending our annual gatherings in their own Conference.
“We would suggest that three camp-meetings be held the coming year in Illinois and Wisconsin as follows: One in Southern Illinois, one in Northern Wisconsin, and a third—a union meeting—at, or near, Freeport, Ill., in which the Conference business of both States should be transacted.
“We further ask that this union meeting may be held in the month of September, and that ministerial aid be furnished us by the General Conference; but we leave time and place subject to your decision.”
After due deliberation a vote of all interested was called for and taken, which showed the following:—
In favor of division, 45; opposed to division, 2; undecided, 7.
Voted, To send a report of this meeting to the REVIEW AND HERALD for publication.
Voted, To adjourn without date.
R. F. Andrews, Chairman, G. W. Colcord, Clerk.
P. S. I voted for “division,” still I am not now fully in favor of it. I incline to this change: Divide each Conference separately, and make four Conferences of the two; perhaps not in 1876. G. W. C.

Appointments and Quarterly Meeting Schedules

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago are invited to attend.

Appointment.

After obtaining the best information I can as to the location of the churches, I decide to hold a general meeting at Greenville, Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 1, 2. We design this for a large gathering. We especially urge the brethren from the following places to attend, viz., Bushnell, Muir, Orleans, Saranac, Vergennes, Cedar Springs, Montcalm, and Lake View. If these churches wish meetings to be held with them, let them be at this meeting, and arrangements can be made for them. Meeting will commence at 6 o’clock Friday evening. D. M. Canright.
There will be quarterly meetings in Minnesota as follows:
Place Date
Blue Earth City, Dec. 25, 26, 1875.
Mankato, Jan. 1, 2, 1876.
Tenhassen, “ 8, 9, “
Round Grove, “ 8, 9, “
Hutchinson, “ 15, 16, “
Kingston, “ 22, 23, “
North Kingston, Tuesday, “ 25, “
River Falls, “ 8, 9, “
Maiden Rock, “ 15, 16, “
Lake City, Tuesday, “ 18, “
Harrison Grant.
The Lord willing, I will meet with the church at Plainfield, Wis., quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 6, Jan. 1, 2. Also with Dist. No. 11, at Poy Sippi, Jan. 15, 16. Let there be a general attendance of all the friends in the vicinity of these meetings. Will all the members of the Tract Society of these districts bring in reports? O. A. Olsen.
The next quarterly meeting of the Wisconsin T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 2, comprising the churches of Avon, Albany, and Monroe, will be held at Monroe, evening after the Sabbath, Jan. 15, 1876. All the scattered brethren and sisters belonging to these churches will please send in their reports in season for this meeting. Will the librarians see that every member is furnished with a blank report? E. O. Hammond, Director.
Quarterly meeting of Ohio T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 5, at Bowling Green, Dec. 25, 26. All are earnestly invited to attend. James L. Boardman, Director.
There will be a quarterly meeting held in Quincy, Branch Co., Mich., on the first Sabbath and Sunday in January, at the S. D. A. church. All are cordially invited. H. J. Melvin, Clerk.
We design holding a two day’s meeting Jan. 1, 2, 1876, in Bro. Elliott’s neighborhood, four miles north-east of Salem, Richardson Co., Neb., for the spiritual welfare of all who wish to attend. We desire to see the brethren of Arago, Nebraska City, and Table Rock, at this meeting. Come friends, and with us seek the Lord. Meetings will commence Friday evening. G. V. Kilgore, M. Wing.
Quarterly meeting at Prairie Valley, Daviess Co., Mo., Jan. 1, 1876. The quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society will be held in connection, commencing the evening before the Sabbath and continuing over Sabbath and first-day. The brethren from Hamilton and other places are invited to attend. Bro. Long and Chaffee are expected to be present. E. Emmitt Mallory, Clerk.
The State quarterly meeting for the Ohio T. & M. Society will be held at Clyde, Ohio, Jan. 1, 2, 1876. The quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 4 will be held in connection with the same. Members of the T. & M. Society, you all have a duty with reference to this meeting; it is to fill out your blank report and hand it to your agent, librarian, or director, at your district quarterly meeting, or somehow get it into his hands, so that he may come to the above State meeting prepared to report. We have 261 members of the T. & M. Society in Ohio. Shall we not have 261 reports represented at our State meeting? Why not? H. A. St. John.
Quarterly meeting for Calhoun Co., Mich., Sabbath and Sunday Jan. 8 and 9, 1876, at Marshall, Mich. Neighboring churches invited. Will some minister meet with us? J. Dickey.
Monthly meeting of the Jackson Church, at the house of Bro. H. H. Bramhall, in Springport, Mich., Jan. 1, 1876. E. P. Giles.
The quarterly meeting of the S. D. A. church of Norridgewock, will be held at South Norridgewock, Me. Jan. 1, 1876. All who cannot attend are requested to report by letter, one week before the time appointed for the meeting, so that the reports will reach us in season. F. J. Kilgore, Clerk.
General meeting for the Tract and Missionary Society of Wisconsin, at Oakland, Jan. 21–23, 1876. Let every district in the State hold a quarterly meeting one or two weeks before the general meeting; and let every director do his duty, that we may have a full report from every district. Send reports immediately after your meeting to the State secretary, E. R. Gillett, Monroe, Green Co., Wis. Be faithful in the work of God. Let us have a general gathering of our people. O. A. Olsen, Pres.
District meeting for Dist. No. 14, at Burnside, Buffalo Co., Wis., Jan. 1, 2, 1876. Dist. No. 6, Jan. 8, 9. Let all the members bring in their reports to the district secretary in season. Bro. John Atkinson will attend these meetings. We hope there will be a general gathering of the friends in their vicinity. O. A. Olsen.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 10, at Lovington, Moultrie Co., Ill., Dec. 26, 1875, at 2 o’clock P. M. All the friends in the district are expected. Come with a good report. Jerred Mallernee, Director.
Monthly meeting for the churches of Allegan Co., Mich., at Allegan, Sabbath, Jan. 1, 1876. Bro. H. M. Kenyon will meet with us. J. L. Rumery.

To the Members of the Ohio T. & M. Society.

By H. A. St. John

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I feel very anxious about the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I mean by this that as our dear Bro. White has called for 10,000 subscribers for the SIGNS, east of the Rocky Mountains, at $1.50 per year, I am deeply anxious that we should do our part in furnishing them. This cannot be done without an effort, an individual effort. There is hardly a person, or at least but few, that can properly feel excused in this matter. They should not be gathered up carelessly, nor will it rarely be best to send the paper quite gratuitously. If the subscriber pays something, perhaps from twenty-five cents to $1.50, he will be far more certain to read it. Who is it that by diligent effort cannot obtain from one to four subscribers for the SIGNS? You need have no fears or scruples in recommending this excellent paper.
Perhaps, as our proportion of the 10,000, we should raise 800 or 1,000. Shall we do it? Who says, We will? Now is the most favorable time to work for this. As a Society, shall we fail to discharge this apparent duty? Let the dear servants of God not call upon us in vain. If each individual member will obtain three or four subscribers, it will be done. Dear brethren and sisters, be entreated to take hold of the matter at once. Do not, I beseech you, let this opportunity pass by unimproved. You may distribute tracts, and especially Health Almanacs, while getting subscribers, but I think you may be excused for making the SIGNS a specialty for the time being.
Now, if you have done nothing, I trust you are fully resolved to go about it at once. And as you start, allow me to say a word about doing the business properly. Write the name plainly, with P. O., county, and State, and the amount you get from each, pass them into the hands of your director, who will send them to the State secretary. And may God bless you in your noble mission. H. A. St. John.
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