HAVE just finished my lectures in this place. I have been laboring in two fields about five miles apart. Seventy-one have signed the covenant. Thirteen have gone forward in baptism. Several more are keeping the Sabbath, and a great many are almost persuaded. Some are taking their stand on the side of truth almost every day.
Bro. Ayers, Lamont, and Stansbury have helped the cause here by coming to my help in time of need. These brethren have a warm place in my heart, and I appreciate their timely aid. They go away in a few days, and I shall be left to keep the fort, which, by the help of God, I expect to do.
My courage is good, and I mean to go forward. I wish there were ten men to respond to the calls around here. We might reap a large harvest just now while the waters are troubled. If there is any one in the Kansas Conference who wants something to do, let him come here and I can give him work.
GEO. KENNEDY,
Oskaloosa, Kan., Feb. 20 1876.
Ottawa Co., Mich.
By Adolphus Smith
By request of Eld. D. M. Canright, Eld. A. O. Burrill met with the church at Blendon, Mich., Feb. 19 and 20.
These meetings opened with an interesting discourse on the rise and progress of the cause. From the first the interest deepened. On Sabbath afternoon an earnest appeal was made to sinners and backsliders, after which eleven went forward for prayers. On first day the attendance was large for this place.
In the afternoon we repaired to the river side, where two youthful candidates received baptism.
At a business meeting, S. B. was reorganized, raising the figures from $28.20 for 1875, to $90.48 for 1876. Four persons were received into church fellowship.
These meetings were a source of encouragement to the church; and friends from Ravenna and Wright, by their true Christian sympathy and cheering testimonies, contributed much to their interest.
We have never seen so marked a desire to hear the truth at this place as now appears. ADOLPHUS SMITH.
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
By R. Sawyer
I FEEL much encouraged because of the increase in labor performed, and in the number of reports returned for the quarter ending Feb. 14, 1876—an increase of from one-third to one-half. I greatly desire that the other half may come up to the work, that a full report may be obtained.
Now let us see what could be done if each of the one hundred T. & M. members of our district would, for the next three months, be as earnest in the work of saving souls as they are in caring for themselves. Seventy-five members can each visit a family a week; in twelve weeks nine hundred families could be visited. Ninety members can each write three postal cards a week to their friends, to warn them of the things which are coming upon the earth and tell them how to escape them.
On each card may be written a verse or two of Scripture, such as: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.” “Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” “Repent ye therefore, and be converted.” “Search the Scriptures.” John 5:39. Thus more than three thousand cards would be written, and many precious promises and invitations from the Bible would be brought to their minds.
Twenty-five members can each write a letter each week, and enclose a four-page tract, making three hundred letters written with twelve hundred pages of tracts circulated.
Again, twenty-five members can each pay twenty cents a week. This will amount in a year to $260; fifty can pay ten cents a week, making $260; twenty-five can pay two cents a week, making $26. This would make the sum of $546, with which to carry forward tract and missionary work for one year. Then $150 of this sum could be used to furnish one hundred families with our excellent pioneer paper, the SIGNS, for one year. For $75, our good denominational paper, the REVIEW, could be sent to seventy-five worthy poor families for one year. Fifty dollars would send the HEALTH REFORMER to one hundred new readers for one year, and help prepare the way for the truth. Twenty-five dollars would send our valuable youth’s paper, the INSTRUCTOR, to one hundred new readers for one year. And we should then have $246 left, with which to buy tracts and publications to further carry on the work.
Let each member of the Tract Society learn by experience the meaning of the 126th psalm. Oh! that our captivity to this world might be truly turned, that we might go forth weeping, bearing the precious seed of truth; then, if truly wise, we should return with rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us. May the Lord help us to remember that
“The fields are all ripening, and far and wide
The world now is waiting the harvest tide;
But reapers are few, and the work is great,
And much will be lost should the harvest wait.”
R. SAWYER.
Potterville, Mich., Feb. 24, 1876.
Shakespeare on Deceit
Oh! that deceit should dwell in such a gorgeous place.—Shakespeare.
MO. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By J. H. Rogers; Wm. Evans
The first quarterly meeting of the Mo. T. & M. Society was held with the Lincoln church, in Johnson Co., Dec. 26, 1875. Reports were received from only three of the five districts. These show the following:—
No. families visited, 57; No. letters written, 87; No. of new subscribers for Review, 5; Instructor, 34; Reformer, 1; Signs, 14; No. of subscriptions renewed for Voice, 18; distribution of reading matter: Reviews, 332; Instructors, 79; Reformers, 76; Signs, 22; almanacs, 12; tracts and pamphlets, pages, 47,229; books furnished to libraries, 2.
Money rec’d for membership, $ 6.00
“ “ by donations, 15.00
“ “ from book sales, 13.34
Total amount of money rec’d, 36.34
J. H. Rogers, Pres.
Wm. Evans, Sec.
Believers in Rolla, Missouri
BRO. R. S. D. writes that the little company of believers in Rolla, Mo., are strong in the truth, and desirous to lend a helping hand by the distribution of tracts, &c., for the advancement of the cause. Openings are good for labor in that field.
Appointments.
By B. L. Whitney
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
THE State quarterly meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. & M. Society will be held at Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa., March 25, 26, 1876. We request that full reports from the districts be sent to the State secretary at least one week previous to this meeting. A general attendance of the brethren of this part of the Conference is expected. B. L. WHITNEY.
My P. O. address is changed from Stewartville, Olmstead Co., Minn., to Pleasant Grove, Olmstead Co., Minn.
OLIVER W. PIERCE, Minn., State Secretary.
RECEIPTS
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Vol. and Number of the Review & Herald to which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers of the Pastors. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should be given.
$2.00 EACH. Justus Mousehunt 49-9, Mrs Amy Hubbard 49-8, I H Frank 49-7, Charles Stratton 49-6, Samuel Basfort 49-10, H S Curtiss 49-10, Robert Kirk 49-6, J M Mathews 49-8, Ellen M Fulton 49-1, Carrie Dalby 49-8, Wm White 49-8, N A Starr 49-8, J L [illegible] 49-1, Kate Babcock 49-8, G W Pierce 48-24, [illegible] Maynard 49-8, Andrew Sigoney 49-10, E E Smith 49-8, Carroll Uhler 49-10, Truman Kibbe 49-8, Ellen [illegible] 49-8, Manny 49-10, J H Hobbs 48-16, J T Marr 49-8, A [illegible] Hall 49-10, Mrs J A Noble 49-10, Carrie M Ball 49-8, Mary S Wiselogel 49-9, Horace Shaw 49-7, C P W[illegible]ford 49-14.
$1.00 EACH. Frank P Hall 49-8, C Young 49-8, W Webber 48-8, Trueman Ramsey 48-10, Margaret [illegible] 49-8, [illegible] 49-8, S C Wetheral 48-8, A B Sheldon 49-9, Sally Barbour 49-8, Sarah Palmer 49-8, Mrs A Legrane 49-8, Wm Cooley 49-8, Stephen Pratt 49-8, Mrs S A Davis 49-8, Wm Hallsted 49-8, Charles Utter 49-8, Mrs Chappell 49-8, Anna M Oyer 48-8, W C Long 49-8, Patterson 49-8, Margaret Stuart 49-8, Dwight Cr[illegible] 48-4, Jno P Brock 49-4, W S Potts 48-21, Elvira Br[illegible] 49-8, Jane R Dewall 49-8, C R Fletcher 48-9, Rob[illegible] Meeler 49-8, Mrs O Hewlin 49-8, F G Castle 48-10, R Turner 48-8, J M Logan 47-24, H W Hammett 49-8, Wm Elliot Esq 49-8, A Cudd 49-10, Alvinza Back[illegible] 49-8, Joseph Furney 49-10, G W Smith 49-10, Marg[illegible] Johnson 49-8, Helen Chandler 49-8, Eliza Hought[illegible] 49-8, L T Dysart 49-8, Eleanor Eaton 48-9, St[illegible] Asylum 49-10, Maria S Herring 48-10, James St[illegible] 49-10, Henry Hoover 49-10, F E Peck 48-10, Asa M[illegible]land 48-8, J Ings 48-9.
MISCELLANEOUS. Mrs B Toby 25c 47-20, J M Burt 50c 47-13, S D Lonsford 50c 48-2, Mrs M L Dow 50c 48-8, Elisha H Bowlby 50c 48-8, Charles Campbell 50c 48-8, A Donahoo 30c 47-9, J Pawley 50c 48-8, James W[illegible] 50c 48-10, M L Kellar 50c 48-8, C C Bradbury 35c 48-8, H C Legit 25c 47-23, E Adams 50c 48-10, L R[illegible] 2.80 48-11, S A Holden 50c 47-21.
Books Sent by Mail.
H M Kenyon 10c, C Bear 25c, S A Gilbert 40c, Swan 13c, W M Munseil 10c, W Cowles 10c, J Cowles 10c, Louis Kenfield 10c, Harriet Hornaday 25c, Mrs E Hartman 10c, John Mowat 2.00, J C Gross 25c, N[illegible] 1.25, Mrs E M Woodruff 15c, Conrad Mechleng 10c, Sarah Brimkley 10c, John E Chapin 1.45, Elijah Williams 35c, J C McGeorge 1.00, W J Boynton 10c, Samuel Dana 25c, Geo T Baker 20c, Miss R A H[illegible] 10c, Wm McKinney 50c, Thomas Pritchard 50c, G[illegible] Middleton 50c, C R Stickney 25c, Stephen D Salisbury 3.00, R Thompson 50c, M Wing 2.20, H Grant 1.00, James Ertzenberger 3.57, Miss Nellie Johnson 25c, Andrew Carlson 25c, H I Booth 1.40, Samuel Bos[illegible] 25c, John D Fasher 38c, James R Smith 1.00, Kate McNeil 15c, M P Krumno 1.75, Docie Power 1.00, J M Reynolds 20c, Richard Brock 35c, H W Wren 1.00, John Zamer 65c, O E McCord 10c, J W Covert 10c, Peter Johnson 35c, Mrs Ira Gardner 50c, H Hammer[illegible] 50c, J C Wright 3.40, M Wing 2.20, E H Cramp[illegible] 1.50, J Bartlett 1.44, H W Decker 2.10, N Lawrence 10c, T P Brush 10c, Mary C Bowers 40c, M F Miles 13c, Hacket 50c, Mary G Crosby 10c, Mrs Bealey 35c, David Fulton 1.00, W C Inman 35c, Daniel Maynard 50c, John M Singles 20c, W F Ross 15c, G W Preston 1.00, Oliver A Cegg 30c, John M Roach 25c, Sarah Flanders 25c, John Roberts 1.75, G W Smith 21c, Eliza J Connett 2.00, H W Hammett 40c, R Hall 1.00, Daniel Powell 2.80, A Smith 32c, J E Moore 50c, J W Sandoval 35c, W H Hall 10c, John McM[illegible] 23c, S S Trout 10c, James Ertzenberger 3.32, Lydia Perkins 14c, Mrs J House 1.50.
Books Sent by Express.
G W Golcord $9.00, E R Shorey & Co 5.42.
Books Sent by Freight.
D S Hibbard $44.90.
S. D. A. Educational Society.
F West $5.00, Adolphus Smith 10.00.
Mich. T. & M. Society.
Dist No 5 $2.90, Dist No 11 $5.54, Dist No 9 7.40, Dist No 5 per J S Wicks 90.00.
Book Fund.
Wm R $4.00, Josephine House 10.00.
Gen. Conf. Fund.
Wm McNitt $2.00.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
Vassar (s b) $15.00, Fairgrove (s b) 30.30, Watrousville 15.30, Ransom Center 81.75.
Swiss Mission.
Eliza J Connett $8.00.
Cash Rec'd on Account.
James Barvey $25.00, Ind T & M Society 10.00, Kans. Conf—Jennings .50, Kans. Conf—Hiller .50, A J Storrs 8.50, New Eng T & M Society 481.33.
Quarterly Tract and Missionary Society Meetings
QUARTERLY meeting of the N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society for Dist. No. 2, in connection with the monthly meeting at Roosevelt, N. Y., March 18, 19, 1876. The librarians of the different churches are requested to send in their reports at least one week before the meeting. I earnestly desire all who can to attend. Bro. B. L. Whitney is expected.
DANIEL BOWE, Director.
QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 2, Ill. T. M. Society, at Beaver, Ill., March 26, 1876. Brethren and sisters, do not fail to bring your reports. This is the work of the Lord, and he wants faithful workers.
R. VICKERY, Sec.
Important Works.
By Uriah Smith
We have received from the Signs Office, Oakland, Cal., Testimony to the Church No. 26, and also an Appeal from the General Conference Committee, entitled Dangers and Duties of our Time.
Testimony No. 26, a work of 208 pages, is filled with matter adapted to the wants of the people at this present time. The many admonitions it contains are most timely and important. We trust their force will be felt, and that they will be appreciated and heeded.
The Appeal from the Committee is equally timely. Some of its statements are startling, but who, candidly looking at the matters introduced, can say that they are not just. We expect it will be instrumental in producing the awakening so much needed among us at the present time.
As Bro. White elsewhere states, both these works are sent out without waiting for orders. The friends will approve of this plan, as thereby much time will be saved. The method proposed to meet the expense is also such as no one can take any exception to. All will agree that the expense should be met not from any existing fund, but from fresh contributions. And if more than enough to meet the actual cost of the works is sent in it will go into the General Conference treasury, where means is so much needed. Churches should at once take up collections, and individuals should make remittances, as suggested. Send either to Oakland, Cal., or to Battle Creek, Mich.
U. S.
ATTENTION, ALL!
By General Conference Committee
Special Session of General Conference, March 31—April 3.
In view of the many subjects demanding consideration at the opening of the campaign of 1876, the rapidly extending field for the spread of our message, the calls for help at home and abroad, arrangements for this year's camp-meetings, the interests of the different institutions, so providentially established and so remarkably prospered thus far,—it has been thought best to call a special session of the S. D. Adventist General Conference, to meet in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31 to April 3, 1876.
The time has fully come for broader and more extensive operations, and prompt and decisive action. Let all arise to new interest in the work. We wish every State Conference to be represented at this meeting, by delegates where it is practicable and convenient, and where it is not, by letter without fail, stating your situation, wants, plans, and wishes. The more distant and feebler Conferences can, if they prefer, represent themselves fully by letter, without incurring the expense of sending delegates. Scattered brethren, in fields where no organization exists, can represent themselves and their wants in the same way.
The time. We expect this paper will reach all especially concerned in this call, by the 14th of March. Then you will have ten days to March 24, to prepare your letters, appoint delegates, and get matters in readiness to bring before the Conference. One week will then remain in which to get your letters and delegates to this place. Thus it will be seen that while there is ample time, there is not a moment to be lost. Be in season.
GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
Special Notice.
By James White
We are forwarding packages of the Testimony to the Church, No. 26, to persons belonging to churches for them to hand to the other members of the churches who wish to read. Those copies they may not find immediate use for, they should keep until wanted.
We are also sending out packages of an important work entitled, “Dangers and Duties of our Time,” in a similar manner, which we wish similarly disposed of. When these works shall be received and read, we ask our churches and brethren to all donate more or less to meet the expenses of these books and the postage on them, which will be not less than $1,400.
Should more be received than to meet expenses, the surplus will be put into the General Conference treasury. Should there be a lack, it will be made up from that treasury. Please remit sums exceeding $2.00 in money orders. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
JAMES WHITE.
Encouraging.
By Uriah Smith
The reports in our Progress Department this week make mention of over two hundred and thirty new converts to the truth. We have also reports received too late for this number giving an account of over one hundred more who have just taken their stand upon the Sabbath. Such is the success beginning to attend the efforts of the laborers in the great harvest field. Speed on, O Lord, the work; and thine shall be the glory. U. S.
A Live Paper.
By Uriah Smith
The Signs of the Times, Vol. 2, No. 12, Feb. 24, 1876, is received. Its whole appearance is that of vigor and life. This paper contains just such matter as is calculated in these stirring times to go before all classes of readers. It should be sent to thousands where it now goes to hundreds. In the last number Bro. White ably shows up the confusion existing among the popular ministry on the Sabbath-question. He promises a revision of this article for the Review soon. U. S.
Looking for Those Things, &c.
By Uriah Smith
THESt. Louis Weekly Globe, of Jan. 14, 1876, contains a lengthy account of the predictions of a professed scientist, M. Victor Herault, who claims that New York is destined to be ere long utterly destroyed by a terrific earthquake, and the rest of the globe be fearfully shaken. He says that New York is situated in the current of the disturbance now manifesting itself in Vesuvius, which is preparing for another eruption, and which Mons. H. predicts will be the most terrible yet experienced. If nothing more, it is perhaps a significant fact that the minds of men are exercising themselves with reference to such events at just this time.
U. S.
Protracted Meeting at Woster Creek
By I. Sanborn
Notice.
On account of receiving a card from the president of the Wisconsin Conference, stating that Bro. Hill of the Minnesota Conference was at Rock Elm Center, where I had appointed to commence meetings Feb. 27, I felt excused from any further obligation concerning that call. I have therefore decided to commence a protracted meeting at Woster Creek, Vernon Co., Wis., March 5, 1876. My post-office address, until further notice, will be, High Hill, Vernon Co., Wis. I. SANBORN. Feb. 28, 1876.
Unorthodox Ways of Making Converts
WHILE Moody and Sankey are doing their best for the revival of religion in Brooklyn, some of the churches are assisting the evangelists to make converts in very unorthodox ways. At the last meeting of the Methodist Ministerial Convention it was stated that one church was trying to get out of debt by giving kissing festivals, and that another was offering a new chromo to every new convert. The latter process is a disgusting one, but for paying off a church debt nothing has yet been devised which can equal the first named.—Chicago Paper.
Correction to Hastings Meeting Report
By G. K. Owen
CORRECTION. A little inaccuracy occurs in the report of the meeting at Hastings, in REVIEW No. 8. It is stated that the S. B. was raised from $85 to $215. It should be, “from $166.44 to $206.12. G. K. OWEN.”
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
By Uriah Smith
“Does the Seal of God as used in the scriptures, refer to the Sabbath in every instance? See 2 Cor. 2: 22; Eph. 1: 13; 4: 30. If not, what does it refer to?” C. H. Bliss.
Ans: We think the seal in 2 Cor. 1: 22; Eph. 1: 13; and 4: 30, refers not to the seal of God, but to the seal of the covenant or promises. This is imparted by the Holy Spirit, which is the earnest or pledge of the coming possession. The seal of God we understand to be something different, and to refer to the Sabbath in every instance.
In reply to your query in regard to making the use of tobacco a test of fellowship, we reply that we consider that it should be made a test without restriction, and that it is a proper subject for labor and discipline.
If it were true that Jeremiah did hide the ark of the Lord in a cave, as recorded in 2 Maccabees 2: 5, how were the Jews supplied with an ark in the temple for the space of five or six hundred years between the time of the prophet’s death and the final destruction of the temple. And if the Jews were in possession of the ark at the time of the destruction of the temple, was the ark destroyed with the temple? H. Abbott.
Ans.: Prideaux, in his “Connexion,” Vol. i. p. 157, says that the Jews reckon up five things which were in the first temple, but which were lacking in the second temple after the captivity. These were, 1. The ark of the covenant, and the mercy-seat which was upon it. 2. The Shechinah, or divine presence. 3. The Urim and Thummim. 4. The holy fire upon the altar. And 5. The spirit of prophecy. He adds that to supply the place of the ark, they made another of like form and pattern as the first, but having no tables of the law to be deposited therein, they placed within it a copy of their Scriptures. This ark, if such an one was made, perished with its contents, at the destruction of Jerusalem, A. D. 70.
M. B. Pierce: For an explanation of “eternal fire,” Jude 7, and other like expressions, see “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” pp. 271-298.
D. D. Whitney: See a full discussion of the words of Christ to the thief on the cross in “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” published at this Office.
ANSWERED BY LETTER. E. O. Hammond, M. B. Miller, C. Lee, B. F. Terry, M. W. Harris, G. W. Hoyt, (wrote also to A. Carpenter) F. A. Barlow, A. C. Spicer, D. M. Canright, (to H. A. St. John). U. S.
H. A. ST. JOHN
By H. A. St. John
CLEVELAND, Ohio, at the residence of I. Edgerton, March 11, 12, 1876.
Yellow Springs, March 14, in evening to continue over Sabbath and first-day.
Gilboa, where Bro. Olds may appoint, March 21, to continue till Friday.
H. A. ST. JOHN
G. W. COLCORD
By G. W. Colcord
The next State quarterly meeting of the Ill. T. and M. Society will be held at Aledo, first-day, April 16, at 9 A. M. Each director is requested to see that the secretary in his district sends in to the State meeting a list of the names of all who report at his district meeting. Let it be seen who are faithful.
G. W. COLCORD
W. H. EGGLESTON
By W. H. Eggleston
QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 1, of the N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society, in connection with the regular meeting at Olcott, Niagara Co., N. Y., March 18 and 19, 1876.
W. H. EGGLESTON
Ohio T. & M. Society Quarterly Meetings
By H. A. St. John
DISTRICT quarterly meetings of the Ohio T. & M. Society, for the second quarter, will be held as follows:—
Dist. No. 1, at Yellow Springs, March 18, 19. J. W. Lucas, director.
Dist. No. 2, at Belleville, March 25, 26. A. M. Mann, director.
Dist. No. 3, at North Bloomfield, March 18, 19. R. A. Underwood, director.
Dist. No. 4, at Norwalk, March 25, 26. O. F. Guilford, director.
Dist. No. 5, at Bowling Green, March 25, 26. J. J. Boardman, director.
Dist. No. 6, Bethel church, near Bro. Daniel’s, Henry Co., March 25, 26. C. G. Daniels, director.
The P. O. address of O. F. Guilford, director Dist. No. 4, is now Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio.
Let the members in each district be very sure to get their reports into the hands of their director before the district quarterly meeting.
The State quarterly meeting will be held at Clyde, April 1, 2, 1876.
No hindering providence, I will attend the quarterly meetings in districts Nos. 1 and 6.
Let all pray for God’s rich blessing in all these meetings. Courage in the Lord, brethren.
H. A. St. JOHN.
Secular Items.
We learn that Bro. F. A. Barlow, of Ladora, Iowa, designing to give himself to the work of the ministry, wishes to dispose of his farm, that the care of it may not impede him in his work. The brethren of that church wish some Sabbath-keeper to take it.
L. L. Howard, Jr., North Leeds, Me., wishes to find a situation with a Sabbath-keeper, to cut granite, or learn to work marble or iron.
John Christianson of Maquoketa, Jackson Co., Iowa, Box 583, wishes to rent a farm of some Sabbath-keeper in that State.
A. H. Adams, of Parkville, St. Jo. Co., Mich., has a farm which he wishes to rent a Sabbath-keeper with a small family.
Meetings at Ligonier and Wolf Lake
By S. H. LANG
LIGONIER, Ind., March 18, 19, 20.
Wolf Lake, “ “ 25, 26, 27.
Hope to see a general turnout at these meetings. S. H. LANG.
Illinois Meeting Appointments
By G. W. Colcord
If the Lord will, I design holding meetings in Ill., as follows:—
Woodburn, April, 6-9, usual hours.
Aledo, “ 14-16, “ “
Rock Island, “ 18, eve. Bro. Kent appoint.
Hillsdale, April, 19, eve. Bro. Simon appoint.
Clyde Church, April, 22, 23, Bro. I. G. Colcord appoint. G. W. COLCORD
Quarterly Meeting for District No. 11
By S. THURSTON
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 11, N. Y. Pa. T. & M. Society, at Randolph, N. Y., March 18 and 19. All the librarians are especially requested to attend. Hope all will be prompt reporting. S. THURSTON, Director.