p. 77 | Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 10. (3/9/1876)

ILLINOIS TRACT WORK.

By G. W. Colcord

Members of the Illinois T. & M. Society, I appeal to you: Is it right to allow quarter after quarter to glide by, and we do no more than we have done?

It is true that some labor has been performed, and we hope fruit therefrom will be seen in the world to come; nevertheless, the stern fact is before us: “We are not doing one-twentieth” of what should be done for the salvation of souls! Illinois is a promising field of labor. Men of means, men of intelligence, men of piety, and men of holy influence, can be brought into the truth. Then, with God’s blessing, these souls will aid us in pushing forward the work in our Conference as never before. Our State must, and surely will, furnish its quota for redemption at the return of the Lifegiver; but, where, just now.

“Are the reapers to garner in The sheaves of good from the fields of sin?”

I don’t ask, Where are the members of the Illinois T. & M. Society? We know all about the standing of our Society; our secretary has a complete list of the names. This is the question: “Where are the reapers?” Where are the hard workers—the earnest laborers for Christ?

Every member of our Society should see to it that not one quarter is allowed to pass without his having done something; then more, and more, and more.

Some, however, offer excuses. One brother says, “I have given tracts to my neighbors till they will receive no more.” My answer is, Handing out tracts is a very small part of real tract work. With your heart full of the love of God, visit those to whom you give papers and tracts, and pray with them. Follow up the effort. Be wise; be kind; be earnest. Try it, brethren and sisters, and may the Lord give you fruit. Aye, I must go further: We must do something to save others, or we ourselves will be lost! There are no starless crowns to be worn on high!

Another says, “Just now I have no tracts.” I reply: “Very true; but look at your paper-rack! I sometimes enter the homes of our brethren and sisters where I behold more than fifty of our different papers. There they lie, doing no good! Did you not pray this morning, “Lord, send forth thy light?” Then be an instrument in his hands of answering your own prayers. Scatter the papers.

A third brother says, “I do give away my papers, besides distributing tracts every quarter.” I respond, Why, then, don’t you report? More than one-half of the present quarter is already past, and what has been done? Who have carefully and prayerfully given away a goodly number of our papers? sold, loaned, or given tracts? sold or given away almanacs? And, last of all, who have labored hard to secure good names for the SIGNS, and our other periodicals, and then closed each effort by faithfully recording in the “memorandum book” all work done? Who will work with zeal till the next quarterly meeting? Who will fail to report? Brethren and sisters, I entreat you all to act nobly your part for God.

G. W. Colcord.

Mt. Vernon, Ill., Feb. 29, 1876.

NEARING THE END.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

It is becoming more and more evident that we are near the close of time. The last of the last days is at hand. The work of atonement will soon be completed—the decisions of the Judgment will soon be passed upon all, the sanctuary cleansed, and the priestly office of our High Priest vacated forever; the destiny of each member of the human race being unalterably and irrevocably fixed.

Are any that have waited many years growing weary of the way, saying in the heart, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” smiting their fellow-servant, or drinking in the spirit of worldliness? To those who pursue such a course, the great day, though once looked for, will still come as a thief in the night. How sad the condition of such! But to the overcomer how glorious the prospect! The finally faithful are nearing home! Soon will be heard the soul-cheering “Well done!” Soon will they enter into the joy of their Lord! “Oh, glorious day! Oh, blessed hope!”

But there is a space between us and this glorious consummation. A little time remains to be filled up; and all depends upon how we fill it up. We are still on probation; mercy is still offered. The fiat has not yet gone forth, “He that is filthy, let him be filthy still.” There still is hope for the straying. Thank God for it!

Let the backslider return to the Lord. Let all renew their efforts so to walk as to please God. The voice of the Master is still sounding, “Go work in my vineyard.” There are yet multitudes of souls to be blessed with the light of present truth, and with the joys of eternal salvation as the result. The efforts of the most feeble may bring great results, if put forth with pure motives from a heart glowing with love to God and man. God knows the heart, and judges in accordance with our motives. If we are lukewarm and dilatory he knows it. May God give the reader and the writer a part in the work, and when it is finished, may we share in the rest. R. F. COTTRELL.

False Lights and Great Noise

It is in disputes as in armies; the weaker side sets up false lights, and makes a great noise, to make the enemy believe them more numerous and strong than they really are.—Swift.

RULES OF LIFE.

By Joseph Clarke

Guard against anger and passion.
Beware of hasty words.
Move understandingly and with caution.
Let no time run to waste.
Keep the mind from useless occupation.
Speak without exaggeration.
Keep the heart from evil thoughts.
In all difficulties be humble.
When slandered, do not retaliate.
Never hunt up evil reports.
Be slow to promise, and swift to perform.
Always pray in faith and never despair.
Read the Bible and pray with a firm resolve to profit by these exercises.
Beware of careless, vain, light, conversation.
Never eat more than nature demands.
Always speak in a proper tone and spirit.
Get out of debt as soon as possible.
Contract as few debts as possible.
Attend closely to business.
Do not arm for battle because your enemy does.
Speak against no one.
Beware of mental confusion.
Despise no one; hate no one; surmise not.
In a mixed company, put a tight rein upon your tongue, and a fetter upon your heart.
Wound no one's feelings unnecessarily.
Be not desirous of others' praise.
Be not cast down when spoken against.
Silence is better than unwise talk.
Always endeavor to please; but do not overdo the matter, lest your efforts cause a surfeit.
Have a good conscience, and keep it good.
Cherish calmness, and all good thoughts.
If you have a good train of thoughts, do not let the enemy steal them out of your heart.
Never fear to rebuke profanity and obscenity.
Do not fear to adopt too many good rules.
Be not discouraged in overcoming; it takes many blows to cut down a tree, and many years to accumulate a fortune.
Approach serious subjects with seriousness, and solemn subjects with solemnity.
Let every day's record, be an improvement upon the preceding day.
It is a good mark, if you know when to smile, when to laugh, when to frown, and when to weep. JOSEPH CLARKE.

THE CARNIVAL OF CRIME.

By Uriah Smith

REVELATIONS are continually coming to light, going beyond the worst fears of those who are even the most apprehensive of wrongs committed among all classes of society at the present time. The nation stands aghast to-day at the evidence of corruption in high places, which is thrust before its face. Yet a popular ministry in their softest and most soothing tones declare that the world is growing better, and sing of a good time coming. The Detroit Evening News of March 4, referring to Secretary Belknap's fall, says:—

“The revelations of corruption in connection with the administration of the Federal government have gone further than anybody's worst fears, in the humiliating intelligence of Secretary Belknap's disgrace. That among the underlings there were to be found rascals might have been expected in such times as these, but that a minister of the cabinet should have turned out to be nothing better than a vulgar thief is something which must fill this nation with dismay, and the civilized world with contempt. Where is all this to stop? Are we so utterly rotten as a people that nothing but vileness can come uppermost, that we cannot preserve even the great offices of the cabinet from the possession of rascals?”

Again it says:—

“Washington seems to be ingulfed in iniquity and steeped in corruption. Disclosures of fraud in high places are pushing one another toward the light. Belknap, Logan, Delano, Ingalls, and where the black list will stop Heaven only knows.”

U. S.

THE COLLEGE.

By Uriah Smith

The present term closes March 24, and the spring term begins April 3, and continues to June 23. We hope for a large attendance during the spring term.

In the lectures the subjects thus far canvassed are, Dan. 2, 7, and 8. The prophetic periods. The sanctuary. Revelation 10. The three messages of Rev. 14. The prophecy of Rev. 12 and 13. The two-horned beast. The mark, image, and worship of the beast. The seal of God. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. The present term will not complete the course; but the lectures will continue into next term till all the subjects connected with the present message are examined.

The special classes in Physiology and Chemistry are doing finely. Quite a comprehensive apparatus has been obtained, which, under the able handling of Dr. Kellogg, makes the instruction in those branches very successful.

The ordinary courses and methods of instruction have already gained a reputation which needs no additional commendation.

U. S.

WHAT THEY SAY.

R. Thompson, of Philadelphia, who has been for thirty years a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in a good letter just received says, “Since this message has been revealed to me I am in a new life. I always regarded the Bible with reverence as the word of God; now more than ever do I love God and his Son Jesus, his word and his law revealed therein.”

M. J. Casselman, speaks of his missionary efforts as follows:—

“I feel greatly encouraged to labor on in the cause of truth. This season, while canvassing the same ground that I canvassed last year, I was cheered by hearing those who had taken the VOICE OF TRUTH and REFORMER remark that they never had such a good paper as the VOICE before. The REFORMER is doing a good work in the community where it has been circulated. Some that a year ago were quite prejudiced against any of our publications now say they think the REFORMER one of the best health journals published. It appears plain to me that the truths we hold are making very favorable impressions on the minds of many. I am impressed with the importance of more fully engaging in this work.”

Sister S. Sisley, of Battle Creek, has recently received a letter from a lady residing in Lincolnshire, England. This lady, sister Anna Wilkinson, with her husband, was brought to a knowledge of the truth through the influence of the REVIEW and other publications, sent them by their daughter, now deceased. The following is an extract from her letter:—

“My husband wishes me to inform you that he is a firm believer in the seventh-day Sabbath. We wish there could be a society of Sabbath-keepers formed here. We, my husband and myself, have kept it nearly two years, and I think many others believe it to be right, and would observe it if there was a church here. I hope your society will endeavor to supply England with suitable laborers to carry on this important work.”

“Some sneer, and try to bring forced arguments to baffle us and destroy our faith; others have written at length upon the subject; but the more they sneer and the more they try to deceive, the more fully are we convinced that this is the truth. We now read God’s word with our eyes open to see the truth in its purity as we never saw it before. We are not eminent scholars, but the things that are hidden from the wise and prudent are revealed to babes. I trust we have come as babes to Christ. In him is all wisdom. Oh! may we cleave to him more closely.”

“My husband wishes me to ask you if you can send us the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and if you will be so kind as to let us know through what medium we can pay for it and the REVIEW.”

MICHIGAN

By Dudley Marvin Canright

ALAIEDON.

Friday, February 18, we came to Alaiedon. Bro. Kenyon was with us. As it was the State quarterly meeting, quite a number of brethren came from other places. Bro. Root, Fargo, Frisbie and others were there. Friday evening the meeting-house was filled up with our people and some outsiders. I preached with some freedom.

Sabbath day the house was filled with our own people. Bro. Kenyon gave us a good discourse on the Judgment. I felt very free in the afternoon in preaching to the unconverted and backsliders. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to move on many hearts. When an opportunity was given, over thirty came forward to seek the Lord. I have seldom seen deeper feeling in any meeting than we had here. Several times nearly every one in the house was weeping. Two or three brethren who had once been strong in the truth, but had fallen away from it, now came forward with the rest. This caused great rejoicing and hearty thanksgiving to the Lord. The most of those who came forward then arose and expressed their feelings and their determination to seek the Lord. This was an excellent meeting, one long to be remembered. The house was filled again in the evening.

Sunday morning I spoke upon the subject of S. B. As it has been in many other places so it was here, but few, if any, of the brethren had come up to the Bible plan in pledging or in paying. But after having the matter set before them, all renewed their pledges, raising the pledge of the church from $140 to $335. I strongly urged upon them the necessity of paying their pledges by laying apart the first-fruits of all they receive. We hope they will do it here now.

Sunday evening our house was simply packed full. Eld. Frisbie preached. We can form some idea of how numerous our people are becoming in Michigan from the fact that every Sabbath for the last four months, each Sabbath in a new place, I have met with just such a crowd of Sabbath-keepers as this, sometimes larger, and in a very few cases smaller, besides holding a great many smaller meetings during the week, and yet I have visited only about one-half of the brethren in the State.

I was sorry to find that this church had fallen into the bad habit of being very noisy during meeting. Many go out and come in, shift their seats, and in other ways disturb the meetings; and children are allowed to do the same. I spoke of it several times, but it did not have much effect. I am glad this is not so generally with churches that I have visited. I advise them to set themselves earnestly at work to correct this fault.

Business meetings were held Monday and Tuesday, and some matters of trial were looked after. There has not been that harmony and union here that there ought to be, and they have suffered in consequence. Had the church walked in the light and kept up with the spirit of the message, it would have been different. I am ashamed to say that both the elders of this church, with several others, had joined the Grangers; but I am happy to say that they were now ready to heartily confess their mistake, and stand clear in this matter. It may do for other people to join the Grangers, but it is entirely out of harmony with all the principles of S. D. Adventists, and these brethren so stated. The members of this church need to drink deeper into the spirit of the message. Theoretically, they are in harmony with all the work, but they do not seem to realize its sacredness. However, we found them a good-hearted people, and willing to be taught.

While here we had the pleasure of visiting the family of our uncle, Mr. Manning North. They attended our meeting and received us very cordially. We did not find them opposed to our people, as we had supposed they were. We enjoyed our visit with them very much.

LOCKE AND ANTRIM.

Wednesday Bro. Root and I went to Locke, and held meetings all day and evening with the churches of Locke and Antrim. We had a good turnout of both churches, as nearly every one was present. We re-organized S. B., raising that of Locke from $34 to $125, and that of Antrim from $70 to $143. Locke is an old church. They were in a trial of a very peculiar nature. Their elder had joined in with the Free Methodists, claiming that they were raised up by the Lord to work in union with us, in giving the message of Rev. 18: 1–4. It seemed astonishing to us that any man should be so blinded. He had used his influence to draw the entire church into it, but both churches stood straight and square on the question. The matter was freely examined, and I think there will be no further trouble about it now. Bro. J. M. Avery was elected and ordained deacon, and appointed leader of the Locke church. Bro. Olmstead was elected and ordained elder of the Antrim church, and Bro. Henry Banks deacon. The church at Antrim is young and promising. I liked the appearance of the brethren very much. We left the brethren feeling in good spirits. Bro. Root remained to spend the Sabbath at Antrim.

GENOA.

Thursday I met with the church at Genoa, in the house of Bro. Carpenter. All the members were out, and I had a very pleasant interview with them. They are so scattered that they only have monthly meetings. We found them all in harmony, and of good courage. They raised their S. B. from $129 to $167. They are very anxious that a tent should be pitched in Howell, six miles from Bro. Carpenter’s. There are several Sabbath-keepers in Howell now, and most of the others could meet there. I should judge that this is as good an opening as I have seen in the State.

D. M. Canright.

NEW MARKET, VA.

By E. B. Lane; John O. Corliss

We came here Jan. 28, 1876, and engaged a large hall and commenced meetings Feb. 1, but, through the influence of others, the trustees closed the hall against us after we had held one meeting. We then went about five miles into the country, and engaged a Christian church and gave out an appointment.

In the meantime, however, the citizens of the town had become so aroused that they severely censured the course these individuals had taken, and determined to hear for themselves. They accordingly applied to the M. E. minister for permission to use the Methodist church, which was kindly granted, and sent a man to recall us. We returned, and have since held meetings in their house between other appointments, which gave us five evenings each week. The remainder of the time we have occupied the Christian church, carrying on two series of meetings at the same time.

The Sabbath question has been pretty thoroughly canvassed, and meetings were held in both places last Sabbath, with an attendance of about sixty in each place. Of this number, perhaps one-half or more kept the Sabbath for the first time. Among these were quite a number of colored people. The meetings were truly affecting. A colored man arose in one of the congregations, and in brokenness of heart said, “I thank God that I have lived to see this day, and that I am here and enjoy his blessing. I am determined to keep all of God's commandments. I know my skin is black, but I do want to be saved. I believe Heaven is for me as well as others, and by the help of God I mean to be there.” There was scarcely a dry eye in the house, and many wept aloud. The Spirit and power of God was in our midst in a wonderful manner, and to him be all the praise.

Urgent invitations come in from every quarter for us to go and hold meetings. We have already ten such calls, and every few days a man will ride over to see us, and ask why we do not go and speak to them. It is truly affecting at times to hear their earnest pleadings for the truth. But opposition begins to show itself on the part of the ministry, and we expect it will grow more bitter as the truth advances. We need a tent for the summer campaign, and hope to procure one.

We find the people of the South very hospitable, and although we came here entire strangers, not knowing an S. D. Adventist in the State, we have found many warm friends and homes in which we are welcome. Our courage in the Lord is good, and we enjoy great freedom, and much of his blessing in presenting the truth.

E. B. LANE, J. O. CORLISS.

New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va., Feb. 28, 1876.

THE CAUSE AMONG THE SWEDES.

By James Sawyer

For a few months past we have occasionally received cheering letters from Swedish friends in Maine. One who offered to sell and distribute tracts and papers met with very good success. Another, having our publications sent to Aroostook Co., was the means of creating a great interest among the Swedes in that colony. A brother said of this place, “The fields are already white for the harvest.” God is raising up friends for this people, in every direction. A letter lately came from a subscriber to the HAROLD who lives in Indiana, and is now rejoicing in the truth. The paper was first furnished to this person by the A. & M. Society.

Bro. Carlstedt writes from Porter County, Indiana: “There is an interesting company here ready to be organized. Mr. Berg, from Chicago, was there two weeks ago, and baptized two.” Brethren Olmsted and Carlson are now there visiting from house to house, soliciting subscriptions, distributing tracts, and holding meetings. Bro. Harvey, with other helpers, will soon visit them, and bring this company into relation with the Indiana Conference.

An interesting letter from St. Paul states that a few there who embraced the truth from reading are still firm. A few weeks ago, Bro. C. wrote from Chicago that there were eleven Swedes in that city keeping the Sabbath. About the same time there came a call for a Swedish minister to go to Kansas. In one place eight have embraced the truth from reading, and as many more are interested. A letter from Texas announces that a Swede has just accepted the Sabbath and wishes to be baptized, and expects soon to return to Sweden. A friend from Fillmore Co., Minn., says, “A friend who stopped with me recommended the HAROLD. I have read it, am thankful for it, and wish to tell others of these precious truths.”

Bro. Whisby, from Alameda Co., sends a letter which he received from Gotland District, Sweden, from which we translate the following:—

“MR. WHISBY: I had an opportunity to read the HAROLD and the papers you sent your sister, and I find them a great light to men. I would gladly circulate them among my friends; but those I received first are so worn out and soiled that I can not use them longer in that way. I was poor, but through divine grace I have been taken as a brand from the fire. I believe in our Saviour’s mercy, and I wish all would come and enjoy his abundant grace. I believe that the reading of these publications would help turn the attention of men to what is coming on the earth. If you could send me the entire volume of the HAROLD, 1874 (same as you sent your sister), perhaps those who might read would become subscribers, so that you would be rewarded at the end. Those who are so fortunate as to be able to send out publications may obtain a rich reward for causing others to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

ANDREAS BRUCE.

Last week we received a letter from Wollsjo District, Sweden. One there became so much interested in the truth that he determined to study the English language. Although there was no one near him who could understand English, he was impelled to apply himself to the work, and now he can quite readily translate from the REVIEW and the INSTRUCTOR. He sent two fine translations for the HAROLD.

Another writes from Iowa that the good cause is progressing among his countrymen.

Eld. Webber, an American brother in Maine, wrote last week: “I have been laboring among the Swedes in Portland. Five have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested. In Aroostook Co., six have made a start to keep the Lord’s Sabbath from reading our Swedish publications. There is much excitement there on account of it. Some have been brought before the church, but nothing could be done with them, as they could not get a vote to turn them out. I expect to see a Swedish tent on the camp-ground next season.”

The Spirit of God is working on the hearts of this dear people. Men of the nationality, from the workshop and from the field, are being aroused to the importance of this work. Some are seizing the pen, and are beginning to set forth the truth in a wonderful manner. A young man by the name of Gronstam, who has been working on farms in Illinois and Indiana for the past six years, happened

to learn of our people a few months ago by reading the HEALTH REFORMER. He sent for Swedish publications, became interested, and began to keep the Sabbath. By correspondence it was found that he had a good Swedish education, and the way seemed to open readily for him to become connected with our work at this place.

God is taking men from the humble walks of life. When men of learning, men of profession, will not write, the Lord can raise up others to do such work. Once he took fishermen and made successful evangelists of them. To start the great temperance reformation at a time when the nominal Christian churches began to be greatly corrupted, the Lord made use of drunkards. The world is not ignorant of the fact that this reform began in a grogshop. Six drunkards pledged to turn from sin. The church had to listen to this all over the land. Yes, in a grogshop the reform had to begin.

And in the Swedish cause God has waited for men to act, for men to write, for men to get a burden of soul on them and proclaim as Paul did: “Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel,” but they would not; and now when the calls for Swedish preachers come in from Maine to Kansas, an American brother is the only one found who is in any way able to answer the demand. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few!”

And now a word to the members of the Tract Society. Brethren, both Swedish and American, who have the light already shining in their own homes, are called upon to aid in this work. Will you do it? If you are Christ’s, your light cannot be hid, but others, by seeing your good works, will be led to glorify your Father who is in heaven. If you meet a Swede, a Dane, a Finn, a German, or a Frenchman, take an interest in him, and treat him courteously. Have a tract ready to offer him, if the way opens. You see how much has been accomplished by reading. There are plenty of publications to meet the wants of the above-named nationalities, and these can be obtained at reasonable rates by those who have an interest in the reformation.

JAMES SAWYER.

Battle Creek, Feb. 27, 1876.

WORK FOR THE MASTER.

By P. Alderman

OH! why do we toil so late and so early? Toil for the mammon that worldlings have won— Toil for the things that will perish with using— And leave all the work for the Master undone?

Go to the sorrowing; heal the heart-broken; Love has a thousand sweet words of relief; Pity the erring ones. Did not our Saviour; Die for the sinner—even of sinners the chief?

Could we not lift from the careworn some burden? A smile for the weary may lighten his woe; If in the steps of the Master we follow, Errands of mercy we'll do as we go.

The field of his harvest is whitening around us, Lo! he is calling for laborers true. Watches he for us; the Lord of the vineyard Is watching and waiting for me and for you.

Shall we not heed him? His hand is bestowing Richest reward for the labor we give. Fain would he lead us up out of the desert, Stands he inviting us, Labor and live.

P. ALDERMAN. Windsor Mills, Ohio.

IOWA

By R. M. Kilgore

SINCE my last report, I have been holding meetings near Marshalltown, with a good interest. The house was crowded to its utmost capacity most of the time, additional seats being required. Gave thirty-three discourses. Fourteen have signed the covenant, and have taken advanced steps in the heavenly journey.

Sold a few books and gave away some. Obtained seven full-paying subscribers for the REVIEW, and three for the REFORMER.

I am now at home for a few days after an absence of three months. The meetings in which I have been engaged this winter have been of more than usual interest, and the Lord has especially blessed in the proclamation of his truth. R. M. KILGORE.

SOUTHERN MICH.

By John Byington

About every evening last week, I held meetings in Otsego in the school-house near sister Aaron Hilliard’s. Some in the district were anxious to hear. Bro. Hilliard (who died last August) had appointed a meeting to talk present truth to his neighbors, but was taken sick and could not fill the appointment. By request I met with them. There was a good attendance of interested hearers through the week. We trust that some may obey the truth.

In connection with these meetings I spent two Sabbaths with the church in Otsego. They have a weekly prayer-meeting for the especial benefit of the youth and children who started to seek the Lord when Bro. Canright was with them. Sister Robinson of this church buried her husband last Sabbath. This sister, though alone in the family, has stood firm in the truth. May her afflictions all work for her good. How dear to us are our friends that we lay in the grave!

J. BYINGTON.

Battle Creek, Feb. 28, 1876.

NEBRASKA

By Chas. L. Boyd

Since reporting, I have held a series of meetings in the Smith school-house, York Co. This is the third course of lectures given in three adjoining districts. The first was given by Bro. Butler, and reported by him a few weeks since. As a result of these meetings, forty-five have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

The work here has not been without opposition. Ministers of different denominations were summoned to support the Sunday, immortal-soul, and eternal-burning, theories. To support Sunday, or rather to disprove the seventh-day Sabbath, the statements of the ministers conflicted, and each undermined the foundation laid by the other. These discourses were replied to when the interests of the cause and voice of the people called for it. The result of these efforts was to disgust some of their own members, to more fully establish the commandment-keepers, and to lead others to investigate to see if these things are so.

The minds of the people in this vicinity were in a measure prepared to listen, by the judicious efforts of Bro. and Sr. Rinder in scattering our publications. And still may they be useful in keeping this band of believers united and built up on the great Advent truths is my prayer.

I have now, by invitation, commenced a series of meetings at Farmers Valley, Hamilton Co. I request the prayers of those who desire the triumph of the truth.

CHAS. L. BOYD.

Sutton, Clay Co., Neb., Feb. 22, 1876.

Mankind Loves to Be Deceived

MANKIND, in the gross, is a gaping monster, that loves to be deceived, and has seldom been disappointed.—Mackenzie.

Progress of the Cause.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth,”

DIED, of consumption, at Oshkosh, Wis., Feb. 22, 1876, Nancy Sparks, daughter of A. C. Yount, in the twenty-sixth year of her age. She had kept the Sabbath about a year, and died trusting in the Lord. A. YOUNT.

FELL asleep in Jesus, at Grove Lake, Minn., Feb. 10, 1876, sister Emma Jane Decker, daughter of Bro. John Curtis, aged nineteen years. With her parents she received the truths of the third angel's message some three years ago. Her consistent, prayerful, godly life has left good evidence to the mourning husband and relatives that if they are faithful they will meet her again in the morning of the resurrection. Comforting discourse by Eld. Batin, who has lately commenced to observe the Sabbath, from Job 14:14; “If a man die shall he live again?” HARRISON GRANT.

DAKOTAH

By E. M. Fredrickson

The work at Swan Lake began some three years ago by reading a few numbers of the ADVENT TIDENDE that were sent into the neighborhood. Then several of the neighbors began to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, but after a while they all gave it up except one family which remained firm.

A little more than a year ago, Eld. John F. Hanson came here. As the result of his efforts two more families began to keep the Sabbath. Four persons were baptized at this time. Last fall Bro. Hanson came again, and two others were baptized, and a little church was organized consisting of seven members. Bro. O. A. Fredrickson, the leader, has labored faithfully, and Sabbath-keepers have been added from time to time.

February 3, 1876, Bro. Hanson returned, and has labored successfully. Fourteen members have been added to the church, eleven of whom were baptized. The meetings have all been well attended.

There has been a good spirit manifested all through the meetings. People who thought they could not keep the Sabbath have now fully accepted the truth, and are rejoicing in the work of preparation for the second coming of the Lord. Men who have used tobacco since they were small boys have laid it aside, and are willing to give their money to help forward the good cause.

There are between forty and fifty Sabbath-keepers here. Except myself there are no Americans that have embraced the truths of the third angel's, message, but there are a number who say we have the truth on our side. Perhaps a missionary could do well here. We feel much interested in the present truth, and long for the day that there will be something done in our own language.

E. M. FREDRICKSON.

REPORT OF MICH. T. & M. SOCIETY.

By E. H. Root; R. Sawyer

The quarterly meeting of this Society was held at Alaiedon, Feb. 20, 1876. Five directors were present: J. Fargo, J. S. Wicks, Alex. Carpenter, H. S. Guilford, and R. Sawyer.

No reports were received from districts 1, 4, and 12, consequently, a complete report of the work done by the Society during the last quarter could not be presented.

The following is a summary of the reports received:—

No. of families visited, 1534; letters written, 281; periodicals distributed, 2289; No. of new subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 52; INSTRUCTOR, 184; REFORMER, 204; VOICE, 60; SIGNS, 44; TIDENDE, 4; HERALD, 1. Whole number obtained, 497. No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed by the different districts, 307,194. No. of pages taken by the different districts, 273,088. Almanacs, nearly 5,000; German and French tracts 5,406 pages.

Resolutions being called for, the following were offered:—

Resolved, That the vote concerning the apportionment of the indebtedness of the T. & M. Society of the State of Michigan, passed at the State quarterly meeting at St. Charles, be rescinded.

Resolved, That the President direct in circulating the HEALTH REFORMER within the State outside of our T. and M. Society organization.

The above resolutions were adopted, and the following offered:

Whereas, In view of the apparent necessity existing for help to place the SIGNS OF THE TIMES on a firm basis, that it may go forth on its mission, as a pioneer paper; therefore,

Resolved, That this meeting recommend to all missionary workers, that they make earnest efforts to obtain subscribers for the same, as recommended by Brn. White and Haskell.

This resolution was also adopted. The following resolution was then offered and adopted:—

Resolved, That we recommend the districts to see that the circumstances of their directors shall not hinder them from doing their duty for lack of means.

Remarks were made by the President, setting forth the object of the Society, and the importance of more earnest effort.

On motion, the meeting adjourned to the call of the President.

E. H. Root, Pres.

R. Sawyer, Sec. pro. tem.

BEWARE

By H. NICOLA

“CURSED be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully [negligently, margin].” Jer. 47:10. Ministers, elders, deacons, church-clerks, s. s. treasurers, directors, secretaries, librarians, this means you. Indeed, may it not mean all that have anything to do in the work of the Lord? and what servant is there that has not a part to act somewhere? But the attention of the above-named class is especially invited to this text. Read carefully; ponder well. I am fully satisfied, from personal observation and experience, that the greatest cause of stagnation and death in our churches is the sluggish, negligent manner in which these officers perform their duties. To accept any position of trust in the cause of God, let it be ever so small and then neglect to perform its duties as they should be done, at least to the very best of our ability, incurs a fearful responsibility. Doubtless all who fill these positions have much to learn, and many of us nearly everything.

The elders of some small churches (for churches with such elders always remain small) while attending meeting on the Sabbath permit their children to run around town. When the minister comes the elder takes a front seat, and while the burning truths of God's word are being poured forth from a burdened soul the elder takes a good nap, and wakes up just in time for the benediction. These things are very painful to one who visits the churches and labors for them.

I wonder how long a minister would have to preach to convert either the elder or any of his neighbors. May God pity the members of these churches and wake up the sleepy elders; and may all church officers and all God's dear people arouse and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, that the time may speedily come that tobacco-mongers and wine-bibbers will feel ill at ease in the assembly of the saints, and that the sinners in Zion may tremble, and fearfulness surprise the hypocrite. This is to apply to the Iowa and Nebraska Conference. H. NICOLA.

CLINTON CO., MICH.

By John Sisler

AFTER holding fifteen meetings with a good interest in Lebanon, Clinton Co., the house was closed that it might be repaired, so I commenced meetings in Matherton, where some five or six have commenced keeping the Sabbath, mostly by reading. Visited some scattered Sabbath-keepers, who, through discouragement, had nearly given up the truth, and I was greatly cheered by seeing them start again in the service of the Lord.

The work of repairing the house was prolonged to an unreasonable length of time, so I commenced meetings in the Birch school-house, and after holding fifteen meetings this house was also closed. Four have come out fully in the truth and we expect as many more will do so soon.

It is encouraging to see the truth take hold of wicked men and reform them. One man was greatly addicted to the use of tobacco. He had made several unsuccessful attempts to give it up. When the truth reached him, he decided that he must give it up. He made one earnest effort with the help of God, and gained a complete victory.

Held some meetings in North Shade. They are all holding on to the truth, and growing in grace. One family received a visit from their father, who came to turn them from the observance of the Sabbath, but he became convinced of the truth and returned home to obey it. His wife also joined him in the good work, and thus the truth is spreading.

I am of good courage to do what I can in this precious cause. JOHN SISLER.

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