Earlier text: WISDOMThe Seventh-Day Adventists.
A BRIEF SKETCH OF THEIR ORIGIN, PROGRESS, AND PRINCIPLES.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF S. D. ADVENTISTS.
As already stated, S. D. Adventists have no creed but the Bible; but they hold to certain well defined points of faith, for which they feel prepared to give a reason to every man that asketh them. The following propositions may be taken as a summary of the principal features of their religious faith, upon which there is, so far as we know, entire unanimity throughout the body. They believe, 1. That there is one God, a personal, spiritual being, the creator of all things, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal, infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy; unchangeable, and everywhere present by his representative, the Holy Spirit. Ps. 139 : 7. 2. That there is one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal Father, the one by whom God created all things, and by whom they do consist; that he took on him the nature of the seed of Abraham for the redemption of our fallen race; that he dwelt among men, full of grace and truth, lived our example, died our sacrifice, was raised for our justification, ascended on high to be our only mediator in the sanctuary in Heaven, where, with his own blood he makes atonement for our sins; which atonement, so far from being made on the cross, which was but the offering of the sacrifice, is the very last portion of his work as priest, according to the example of the Levitical priesthood, which foreshadowed and prefigured the ministry of our Lord in Heaven. See Lev. 16; Heb. 8 : 4, 5 ; 9 : 6, 7; &c. 3. That the Holy Scriptures, of the Old and New Testaments, were given by inspiration of God, contain a full revelation of his will to man, and are the only infallible rule of faith and practice. 4. That baptism is an ordinance of the Christian church, to follow faith and repentance, an ordinance by which we commemorate the resurrection of Christ, as by this act we show our faith in his burial and resurrection, and, through that, of the resurrection of all the saints at the last day; and that no other mode fitly represents these facts than that which the Scriptures prescribe, namely, immersion. Rom. 6 : 3–5; Col. 2 : 12. 5. That the new birth comprises the entire change necessary to fit us for the kingdom of God, and consists of two parts : First a moral change, wrought by conversion and a Christian life; second, a physical change at the second coming of Christ, whereby, if dead, we are raised incorruptible, and, if living, are changed to immortality in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. John 3 : 3, 5 ; Luke 20 : 36 ; 1 Cor. 15 : 51, 52. 6. We believe that prophecy is a part of God's revelation to man; that it is included in that scripture which is profitable for instruction; 2 Tim. 3 : 16; that it is designed for us and our children; Deut. 29 : 29; that so far from being enshrouded in impenetrable mystery, it is that which especially constitutes the word of God a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; Ps. 119 : 105 ; 2 Pet. 2 : 19 ; that a blessing is pronounced upon those who study it; Rev. 1 : 3; and that, consequently, it is to be understood by the people of God, sufficiently to show them their position in the world's history, and the special duties required at their hands. 7. That the world's history from specified dates in the past, the rise and fall of empires, and chronological succession of events down to the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom, are outlined in numerous great chains of prophecy ; and that these prophecies are now all fulfilled except the closing scenes. 8. That the doctrine of the world's conversion and temporal millennium is a fable of these last days, calculated to lull men into a state of carnal security, and cause them to be overtaken by the great day of the Lord as by a thief in the night; that the second coming of Christ is to precede, not follow, the millennium; for until the Lord appears, the papal power, with all its abominations, is to continue, the wheat and tares grow together, and evil men and seducers wax worse and worse, as the word of God declares. 9. That the mistake of Adventists in 1844 pertained to the nature of the event then to transpire, not to the time; that no prophetic period is given to reach to the second advent, but that the longest one, the two thousand and three hundred days of Dan. 8 : 14, terminated in that year, and brought us to an event called the cleansing of the sanctuary. 10. That the sanctuary of the new covenant is the tabernacle of God in Heaven, of which Paul speaks in Hebrews 8, and onward, of which our Lord, as great High Priest, is minister ; that this sanctuary is the antitype of the Mosaic tabernacle, and that the priestly work of our Lord, connected therewith, is the antitype of the work of the Jewish priests of the former dispensation ; Heb. 8 : 1–5, &c.; that this is the sanctuary to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, what is termed its cleansing being in this case, as in the type, simply the entrance of the high priest into the most holy place, to finish the round of service connected therewith, by blotting out and removing from the sanctuary the sins which had been transferred to it by means of the ministration in the first apartment; Heb. 9 : 22, 23; and that this work, in the antitype, commencing in 1844, occupies a brief but indefinite space, at the conclusion of which the work of mercy for the world will be finished, and the second advent of Christ will take place. 11. That God's moral requirements are the same upon all men in all dispensations; that these are summarily contained in the commandments spoken by Jehovah from Sinai, engraven on the tables of stone, and deposited in the ark, which was in consequence called the “ark of the covenant,” or testament ; Num. 10 : 33 ; Heb. 9 : 4, &c.; that this law is immutable and perpetual, being a transcript of the tables deposited in the ark in the true sanctuary on high, which is also, for the same reason, called the ark of God's testament; for under the sounding of the seventh trumpet we are told that “the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Rev. 11 : 19. 12. That the fourth commandment of this law requires that we devote the seventh day of each week, commonly called Saturday, to abstinence from our own labor, and to the performance of sacred and religious duties; that this is the only weekly Sabbath known to the Bible, being the day that was set apart before paradise was lost, Gen. 2 : 2, 3, and which will be observed in paradise restored, Isa. 66 : 22, 23; that the facts upon which the Sabbath institution is based confine it to the seventh day, as they are not true of any other day; and that the terms, Jewish Sabbath and Christian Sabbath, as applied to the weekly rest-day, are names of human invention, unscriptural in fact, and false in meaning. 13. That, as the man of sin, the papacy, has thought to change times and laws (the laws of God), Dan. 7 : 25, and has misled almost all Christendom in regard to the fourth commandment, we find a prophecy of a reform in this respect to be wrought among believers just before the coming of Christ. Isa. 56 : 1, 2 ; 1 Pet. 1 : 5 ; Rev. 14 : 12, &c. 14. That, as the natural or carnal heart is at enmity with God and his law, this enmity can be subdued only by a radical transformation of the affections, the exchange of unholy for holy principles ; that this transformation follows repentance and faith, is the special work of the Holy Spirit, and constitutes regeneration or conversion. 15. That, as all have violated the law of God, and cannot of themselves render obedience to his just requirements, we are dependent on Christ, first for justification from our past offenses, and, secondly, for grace whereby to render acceptable obedience to his holy law in time to come. 16. That the Spirit of God was promised to manifest itself in the church through certain gifts, enumerated especially in 1 Cor. 12 and Eph. 4; that these gifts are not designed to supersede, or take the place of, the Bible, which is sufficient to make us wise unto salvation, any more than the Bible can take the place of the Holy Spirit; that, in specifying the various channels of its operation, that Spirit has simply made provision for its own existence and presence with the people of God to the end of time, to lead to an understanding of that word which it had inspired, to convince of sin, and work a transformation in the heart and life; and that those who deny to the Spirit its place and operation do plainly deny that part of the Bible which assigns to it this work and position. 17. That God, in accordance with his uniform dealings with the race, sends forth a proclamation of the approach of the second advent of Christ; that this work is symbolized by the three messages of Rev. 14, the last one bringing to view the work of reform on the law of God, that his people may acquire a complete readiness for that event. 18. That the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary (see proposition 10), synchronizing with the time of the proclamation of the third message, is a time of investigative judgment, first, with reference to the dead, and, at the close of probation, with reference to the living, to determine who of the myriads now sleeping in the dust of the earth are worthy of a part in the first resurrection, and who of its living multitudes are worthy of translation—points which must be determined before the Lord appears. 19. That the grave, whither we all tend, expressed by the Hebrew sheol and the Greek hades, is a place of darkness in which there is no work, device, wisdom, or knowledge. Eccl. 9 : 10. 21. That out of this prison house of the grave, mankind are to be brought by a bodily resurrection ; the righteous having part in the first resurrection, which takes place at the second coming of Christ ; the wicked, in the second resurrection, which takes place a thousand years thereafter. Rev. 20 : 4–6. 22. That at the last trump, the living righteous are to be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and with the resurrected righteous are to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so forever to be with the Lord. 23. That these immortalized ones are then taken to Heaven, to the New Jerusalem, the Father's house in which there are many mansions, John 14 : 1–3, where they reign with Christ a thousand years, judging the world and fallen angels, that is, apportioning the punishment to be executed upon them at the close of the one thousand years; Rev. 20 : 4 ; 1 Cor. 6 : 2, 3 ; that during this time the earth lies in a desolate and chaotic condition, Jer. 4 : 20–27, described, as in the beginning, by the Greek term abussos (ἄβυσσος) bottomless pit (Septuagint of Gen. 1 : 2); and that here Satan is confined during the thousand years ; Rev. 20 : 1, 2, and here finally destroyed ; Rev. 20 : 10 ; Mal. 4 : 1 ; the theater of the ruin he has wrought in the universe, being appropriately made for a time his gloomy prison house, and then the place of his final execution. 24. That at the end of the thousand years, the Lord descends with his people and the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21 : 2, the wicked dead are raised and come up upon the surface of the yet unrenewed earth, and gather about the city, the camp of the saints, Rev. 20 : 9, and fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. They are then consumed root and branch, Mal. 4 : 1, becoming as though they had not been. Obad. 15, 16. In this everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, 2 Thess. 1 : 9, the wicked meet the everlasting punishment threatened against them. Matt. 25 : 46. This is the perdition of ungodly men, the fire which consumes them being the fire for which “the heavens and the earth which are now” are kept in store, which shall melt even the elements with its intensity, and purge the earth from the deepest stains of the curse of sin. 2 Pet. 3 : 7–12. 25. That a new heavens and earth shall spring by the power of God from the ashes of the old, to be, with the New Jerusalem for its metropolis and capital, the eternal inheritance of the saints, the place where the righteous shall evermore dwell. 2 Pet. 3 : 13 ; Ps. 37 : 11, 29 ; Matt. 5 : 5. Sabbath-keepers in Prussia.
By John Nevins Andrews
I HAVE recently stated in the REVIEW that I have authentic information that there are many Sabbath-keeping Christians in Russia. I have now the pleasure to state that there are also some in Prussia who observe the Lord's Sabbath. One of our brethren residing in Basel, or near to that city, in some way became known to these Sabbath-keepers. They have written to him stating that they have been led to the Sabbath of the Lord by reading the Bible; also that they have adopted believers' baptism from the study of the Scriptures. They desire to become acquainted with the Swiss Sabbath-keepers. They number about forty. Certainly this is the Lord's work. If it please God I will soon see these witnesses for the truth. It is my conviction that there are Sabbath-keeping Christians in most of the countries of Europe. I hope to ascertain many facts of this kind of deep interest, and to be instrumental also in leading many to the commandments of God who do not now observe them. Seventh-day Keeping Consistent.
By Uriah Smith
CLARK BRADEN, in the Christian Standard of Sept. 26, 1874, states four general positions that are taken on the Sabbath question. With three of these he acknowledges that the keeping of the seventh day is consistent, and the keeping of the first day inconsistent, as follows:— “Then let us examine briefly the various positions taken by the different parties in reference to this subject:—
“1. The law of the Sabbath was given by God to Adam and is of universal obligation. Some entertaining this view observe the seventh day. They are consistent. Others claim, without one scrap of evidence, that this universal law has been changed from the seventh day to the first.
“2. Not only was the law of the Sabbath given at creation, but it was reaffirmed in the decalogue, which is the law of God in a universal sense, and was, and is now, binding on all men in the form in which it was given at Sinai. Some of these observe the seventh day. They are consistent. Others observe the first day, contending, without one particle of evidence, that the commandment has been changed from the seventh day to the first.
“3. Some, while admitting that originally the decalogue was given to the Hebrews, contend that in the gospel it has been extended to all mankind, and appeal to the fourth commandment as now binding on all men. Some of these consistently observe the seventh day. Most of them, however, take the inconsistent position that the observance of the first day can be sustained by an appeal to the fourth commandment, which enjoined the observance of the seventh day.”
Mr. Braden then states the fourth, his own, position as follows:— “4. The Sabbath, or the observance of the seventh day, was given to the Hebrews alone after the exodus, and was national in its character, and was abrogated by the death of Christ, and is now binding on no one. The first day is to be observed as the Lord’s day, in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ, in obedience to the inspired example of the apostles and apostolic churches. This we believe to be the only tenable and the true position. Although the first position has the prestige of the name of Alexander Campbell to sustain it, and the prepossessions and prejudices of our older brethren in its favor, we are compelled to regard it as utterly untenable.”
This is a surrender of the entire Sabbatic institution; for if the seventh day is now binding on no one, there is no Sabbath binding; inasmuch as the fourth commandment, which he admits enjoins the seventh day, is the only Sabbath law in all the Bible. Nothing is easier than to show that the Sabbath was not given to the Hebrews alone, but was instituted in Eden, and through Adam given to all the human family. Nothing is easier than to show that the first day of the week is not the Lord’s day; it does not commemorate the resurrection of Christ; there is no example, inspired or uninspired, of apostles or apostolic churches, for its observance as a sacred day; there is no law concerning it, nor the least intimation of any duty peculiar to that day, above any other of the laboring days of the week. What then becomes of Mr. Braden’s “only tenable position”? It has no existence. Being made of nothing it instantly vanishes when submitted to the test of fact. Work for This Winter.
By George Ide Butler
We have many evidences of progress to encourage us in connection with the work in which we are engaged. Those who carefully mark these as they open from time to time in the REVIEW cannot reasonably draw any other conclusion than that this work is onward. While nothing would be gained by trying to make an impression of great progress if it did not really exist, it is both reasonable and important to consider facts which demonstrate the growth of this cause. If this be God’s work, it must go to the nations of the world, because the message of which this is thought to be a fulfillment is to go to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” Evidences which go to show that the work is taking this extent, of course corroborates the application of the prophecy to this movement. If there were no evidences that it was increasing, it would be plain that it could not be the work foretold in the prophecy. Hence, we are justified in noting carefully every step which shows progress. Even the casual observer can see plenty of these. The growth of the work itself, east, west, north, and south, its extension to the Pacific coast and to Europe, is a great fact of itself. The establishment of the printing work, and the bringing of it up to its present prosperity when it issues seven periodicals, publishing works in several different languages, sending forth tons of printed matter in the form of books, pamphlets, tracts, and periodicals, weekly, which are circulating very largely among new readers, is no mean evidence of progress. The work of health reform inaugurated among Seventh-day Adventists which has cleansed their ranks from alcohol and tobacco, and from many other pernicious habits of living, and resulted in the erection of a Health Institute where hundreds of patients are annually treated successfully with nature’s own remedies, and in the wide dissemination of health publications, is certainly a step of great magnitude, and no small evidence of prosperity. The school enterprise now almost a consummation, in which our people have pledged upwards of fifty thousand dollars and erected a building capable of accommodating upwards of four hundred pupils, many of whom we trust will be qualified to enter the great harvest field as missionaries in this and foreign lands, and thus work for the furtherance of the cause, is a recent and very striking evidence of progress. The perfection of our system of organization which, as shown by years of practical experience, is adapted to a world-wide work; the bringing out of a scriptural plan for the support of ministers designed to be missionaries all over the world, which is capable of expanding as the work expands and which works admirably after years of experience, and is found to be oppressive on none, the establishment of our book funds, by means of which our publications can be furnished at very low prices for general circulation; and, finally, the growth of our Tract and Missionary Societies themselves, the very agencies by which these are to be circulated through the earth;—all these give evidence of progress, stability, and sound forethought worthy of the cause of God, and of a work of world-wide importance. The growth of which we have been speaking is not spasmodic and comet-like such as is sometimes seen, but it is a building up upon a well-laid foundation of permanence and solidity. As each year passes, a gratifying increase is seen. New institutions are formed, and older ones gain in strength. This has been remarkably true within the last few years. Our circle of influence is rapidly widening. We can get access in many quarters now where it was utterly impossible to do it a few years since. The people want to hear the truth all around us. Openings for labor exist in almost every quarter. The great thing for us to do is to fill these openings as well as we can. We rejoice that the tract and missionary organization has been formed which is so well calculated to work the truth into so many of these openings. Every tract, pamphlet, or periodical, read by a person who never knew our views before, is one more blow struck in the great work which is to warn the world of its impending doom. These blows should be showered thick and fast till old earth resounds with their echo. Our tract and missionary workers are the army which must make a mighty march upon the enemies of God’s truth, with these weapons in their hands, designed to break down the barriers of error and let in the light and glory of divine truth. We want to see our efforts every coming year cumulative, increasing in something like geometrical progression. Why should not this be so? Every person has his circle of influence where he can affect certain others. There he can work most effectually. There are few who can say, as was said of one in our Saviour’s time, We have done what we could. But every one of us ought to be able to say it. What a mighty power would be manifest were all thus engaged. Then as hundreds and thousands of others come in to swell the ranks of this army, and each one goes forth in his sphere and circle of influence to labor for the common cause, what wonderful progress would be seen. It would be like capturing a battery from the enemy on the field of battle and turning it upon their ranks; the very means employed by them to destroy others, now turned about and destroying them. So with us, every recruit from the enemy’s ranks truly converted to God, becomes a helper to send the truth to others. The great enemy’s ranks have not only lost one but that one becomes an instrument of righteousness to still further work against his kingdom. Our march onward would thus be rapid. The work of circulating our periodicals last year was truly encouraging as an evidence of what organized effort might do. Some 15,000 copies of the REVIEW were circulated, and have made a favorable impression upon many minds. But we should not be satisfied with what has been done or only doing just so much each succeeding year. Our workers are all the time gaining an experience, and learning how to work more effectually. This principle is seen with persons just commencing to preach. A new licentiate can do but little compared with what he can after becoming acquainted with his work. His efforts are largely thrown away. He knows not how to approach men. This principle applies to every calling. So our tract and missionary workers can work more and more efficiently as they become experienced. If they could get 15,000 subscribers last fall, they ought to secure 30,000 this, 50,000 next, and so on. Should all work as they might, this result could easily be reached, and so of other branches of reading matter. We ought to work with such determination, every one of us to do our utmost. The starting of the pioneer paper which now seems certain, calculated especially for those investigating our views, is another point of progress in this work. It will be just the thing for those trying to find out our views. While our old Sabbath-keepers who have become thoroughly acquainted with our views will have the REVIEW adapted to their wants, those who investigate the truth will have their wants met. Here is a glorious opportunity for us to work the present season. The long winter nights are before us, when many will have an opportunity and leisure to read. Why should not our people make a special effort? As was seen in last week’s REVIEW, Michigan has taken a noble stand, as becomes her position in the center of the work. We hope the other Tract Societies all over the land will imitate this noble example to the utmost of their ability. “Still onward” is the rallying cry to which all should respond. Let us rouse up, brethren173 and sisters. Let us go to work for God. Hunt up those who will read. Approach your neighbors and acquaintances with the spirit of heavenly love. Show them in humility that you have something worthy their attention. Let us do our very best this winter to advance the work of God, and who can predict the result? It will be found in eternity. “Cast thy bread upon the waters.” We shall see the result after many days, if not before. What can we better do than to work in the cause of God—the cause of truth and purity? Kalamazoo, Mich., Nov. 20, 1874. Meeting of Sabbath-keepers in Neuchatel.
By John Nevins Andrews
In accordance with an appointment, a general business meeting of Swiss Sabbath-keepers was held at Neuchatel, Nov. 1. The little companies in Tramelan, Locle, Chaux de Fonds, Fleurier, Bienne, and Buckten were represented, as also those in this place. It was appointed for the purpose of considering what we can do in order to advance the work of God in this part of the world. We had a very free interchange of thought with respect to our duties and responsibilities. I gave a history of the work in America and spoke of the labors and sacrifices of those who have shared in that work. I also spoke of the purpose that the brethren in America cherish of sending the truth to foreign lands, and of the sacrifices which they are willing to make in order to do it. I stated the nature and importance of our work in giving to the world the warning of the near approach of the Judgment, and in setting forth the sacred character of the law of God, as the rule of our lives and of the final Judgment, and the obligation of mankind to keep God's commandments. I also spoke of the brevity of the time in which we must accomplish the work assigned us. I then suggested several plans of action, and invited the brethren to give them thought. I also asked them to make suggestions as to the best methods by which we may reach the people in this country. I told them that the brethren in America felt a very deep interest in the work in Europe, and that they expected the brethren here to manifest the spirit of labor and sacrifice to help themselves. I asked them not to disappoint these hopes by the response which their works should make. It gives me great pleasure to say that these brethren seem to be in earnest to do their whole duty. They expressed their gratitude that help had been sent from America, and their willingness to co-operate in any way in their power to advance the work of God. In two weeks we convene again at Locle for more definite action. The brethren in America will be interested to know something respecting Bro. Ertzenberger. I was glad to meet him on this occasion, though our meeting was not without pain. It is necessary that I should state a few words relative to his case which I would gladly be excused from speaking. When Bro. E. returned from America, it seems that he forgot his dependence upon God. Satan gained advantage of him in leading him from God and causing him to disregard the counsel of his brethren in this country. He has sustained much loss himself, and has been a grief to his brethren. I hope Bro. E. has learned wisdom by what he has suffered. When we become wise in our own eyes, God gives us an opportunity to learn whether we are capable of going on without his help. I gave Bro. E. the best counsel in my power, and I trust that he feels in his heart determined to regard it. Our meeting has given me courage. There are true-hearted brethren in Switzerland. I feel in my heart that God is ready to help. I hope within a short time to be able to speak in the French language. I trust, also, we shall soon have publications in this language. May God help us; and may the brethren in America remember in their prayers these friends of Christ in Europe. God is in this work. He will help us in carrying it forward if we do not forget him. P. S. THE REVIEW of Oct. 20, has this moment come to hand. As it contains no mention of our arrival at Liverpool, I would say that I wrote to the REVIEW the very night of our arrival at L., which was Sept. 26, which has failed to reach the Office. A Frank Confession.
By Uriah Smith
In an article on the Sabbath question in the Christian Standard of Sept. 26, 1874, Clark Braden says:— “One of the many questions that are now causing discussion and confusion in various parts of the country, is what is called the Sabbath Question. Often our congregations are divided and destroyed by the persistent proselyting efforts of perambulatory propagandists on this subject. Our preachers are by no means agreed in their teaching, and have no well-defined views on the subject, and are defeated when they attempt a defense of our practice of observing the first day, or a review of the arguments of the advocates of the seventh day. Nor are we alone in this. There is no clear, tenable teaching on this subject in our theological works and commentaries, or by our religious press. Advocates of the observance of the first day stultify themselves by taking contradictory and inconsistent positions.” To say that the defenders of the first day do not agree in their teaching, and have no well-defined views on the subject, is a significant and humiliating admission. How does this happen if the Bible is as clear as it is claimed to be on this subject? To acknowledge that their preachers “are defeated when they attempt a defense of our practice of observing the first day, or a review of the arguments of the advocates of the seventh day,” is frank. To admit that there is no clear tenable teaching on this subject in their theological works and commentaries, is owning a very apparent truth. And we may add that there never will be any except in favor of the seventh day; for there only is the strength and harmony of the testimony of the Bible to be found. U. S. To the Tract and Missionary Societies.
By S. N. Haskell
Thirty Thousand Subscribers Wanted Immediately.
HOW THE NUMBER CAN BE OBTAINED.
1. Upon receiving this notice, let the presidents of the various Tract Societies notify their several directors how many names are expected from their district, and then let the director see that they are obtained at once and forwarded to the State Tract Society secretaries. 2. Let there be canvassers appointed for this purpose in each district. The directors should have control of the canvassing in their respective districts, and should lead out in it. There is no reason why this work should be done wholly by the brethren; there are sisters who would be successful canvassers. Those canvassing should be individuals of good deportment, such as fear God, and will make a good impression upon those with whom they come in contact. Let them visit public reading rooms and respectable families. Show the persons you call upon The Voice of Truth and Health Reformer, and, where they would be interested to read them, say to them that you propose to send them the paper one year on trial. If the individuals themselves propose to pay for it, always give them the privilege of paying full price. The reduction of price is made to Tract Societies and individuals when they themselves pay for the periodicals to be sent to others. Neighborhoods, villages, and cities, can thus be canvassed within six weeks’ time from the receipt of this notice and any Conference where the Tract Societies are organized, can furnish the desired number of names. 3. Do all your business through your State Tract Society secretaries. Send them the names and addresses, and they will forward a copy of them to the Office. Then those at the Office will return to the State Tract Society secretary a statement of the business. This system will save much perplexity and many mistakes that might otherwise occur. About one year ago, there was a call made for 10,000 names, and there was a ready response of 15,000. Then the Tract Societies were in their infancy, many of them were scarcely organized, yet the names came in from every part of the country. Also to many parts of Europe, New Zealand, and India, were the periodicals sent. Then the Tract Societies were weak financially, but a small fund was on hand in the various Tract Societies. But figures show that since that time the Tract Societies have invested in this enterprise, placing reading matter into libraries and in sending out tracts and pamphlets, about $15,000. As the result of this move, hundreds have embraced the Sabbath in this and other nations. Men of influence, including professors of colleges, prominent teachers in seminaries, missionaries, local pastors, and professional men in both church and State, have stepped out upon present truth. Now we call for the largest strike that has ever been made for the obtaining of subscribers for the Health Reformer and The Voice of Truth, which will be a pioneer paper to go into new fields. We want names for not less than one year. The Health Reformer will cost the Tract Societies 50 cts, and The Voice of Truth one dollar. We want 15,000 subscribers on each of these periodicals. We suggest the following number from the Conferences here mentioned as being about the respective proportion. Michigan, which is more than one third the strength of all the organized body of S. D. Adventists this side of the Rocky Mountains 10,000 names—5000 on the Health Reformer, and 5000 on The Voice of Truth; Iowa, 4700; N. Y., 2700; Wisconsin, 2700; Illinois, 2000; Minnesota, 2400; Ohio, 2000; New England, 1600; Indiana, 800; Vermont, 600; Missouri and Kansas, 300; Maine, 200. This is not to take the place of scattered individuals sending the Voice or Reformer to their friends. We say to such, Go on, and send in your names and 50 cents for the Health Reformer and $1.00 for The Voice of Truth. Neither is it designed to interfere with those that have moved out as canvassers on the Health Reformer and hygienic works on premiums. But this is to be an effort of the Tract Societies at this especial time. And while we recommend the canvassing to be done in each district under the supervision of the directors, it does not prevent any individual member taking a part in it, and sending the periodicals to their friends far and near. All are invited to take part in this matter. The expense must be met by donations to the Tract Societies by its members and others. Nearly, if not quite, all of the various Societies in the Conferences have sufficient funds to a large extent to do this, but the fund must be kept good. There will, therefore, be an especial call for donations in each Tract Society to meet the expenses of this work in each Conference. Then at your general quarterly meeting, when the board of directors meet, they will apportion to each district what will properly belong to it to pay. Let no Society hold back, thinking that the expense can not be met. There are individuals in each Conference that will consider it a privilege to pay from one hundred to five hundred dollars rather than to see an enterprise like this prove a failure. Then all, even to the children, will bring in their offerings and cast them into the treasury, and thus help make up this sum. The time has come for action. What has hitherto been done has been simply getting ready to do something. Let there be a move made here that will tell on the ranks of Satan. Let the truth find its way into every respectable reading room in this country and in different parts of the world. The cloud is arising, and along the whole line there should be a move forward. Onward is our watchword! And we are confident that each Conference Tract Society will fill its quota of names. We expect to see this all accomplished within six weeks from the time this notice reaches the Tract Societies. The Office will open accounts with the Tract Societies for three months, until their next general quarterly meeting, when this money will be expected. There is, therefore, nothing in the way before the Tract Societies. We shall be anxious to see what Conference first fills up its list of names. In obtaining names for the periodicals, we positively object to a reckless gathering up of names anywhere. But find those who will be interested to read. Those who are anxious for light are everywhere. The following from the Signs of the Times, written by Bro. White, is very much to the point. 1. “The agent who obtains them (the names) should have some evidence at least that the persons would candidly examine Bible subjects
2. The agent must obtain the request or at least the consent (either by word of mouth or by letter), from persons to become subscribers, and must so report.
3. The agent should preserve a list of all the names sent to this Office, and should feel in duty bound to visit the persons or write to them as often as circumstances will admit, and learn whether they read the periodicals sent with any degree of interest, and if they would like to have them continued, and if they wish to pay the subscription price, or donate to its publications. Here is a cross to take up, an excellent field of missionary labor. Here is a chance for some of our people who are inclined to exclusiveness, to move out and become broader in their feelings and in their labors.”
When the quota for any Conference is filled on either the Health Reformer or The Voice of Truth, the Secretary of your Tract Society will notify the one sending names. We expect this matter will be engaged in with such energy that by January, 1875, the work will all be closed up, and not drag along six months into next year. Prompt, decided, cheerful action is what is wanted.