Earlier text: CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERSCAMP-MEETING AT MILTON, OREGON.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THIS meeting commenced according to appointment, and continued over two Sabbaths and first-days. No pains had been spared to make the grounds pleasant and attractive. Elds. Van Horn, Jones, and Raymond were present, also Eld. Colcord and wife, who arrived in time for the meeting. Eld. Colcord’s assistance in preaching was appreciated by all present, and both he and his wife seemed to win their way to the hearts of the people. The spiritual interest of the brethren was not what we had hoped to find it. Having had but little labor during the past year, and there having been no experienced brethren to properly instruct them in the nature of this work, and some other circumstances having been unfavorable, they were not as well prepared to appreciate such meetings as they would otherwise have been. At times the Lord drew especially near, and his presence was sensibly realized. On Sabbath, May 22, it seemed that the powers of darkness gave way and the Spirit of God moved on all hearts. As Sister White appealed to the congregation to seek God and have a living connection with him, a general move was made. About one hundred came forward for prayers. Among these were the gray-headed, the middle-aged, the youth, and the children. A heavenly influence pervaded the grounds. On several occasions after this there were similar manifestations. Much interest was taken in the Bible-class, and in instructions in the tract and missionary work. Nearly all who had not previously become members of the tract society, joined at this meeting. A reserve fund was started, and a few pledged between five and six hundred dollars for the same. A paper was circulated by Bro. Wood, on the last day of the meeting, for the purpose of raising means to defray the expenses of Eld. Colcord and wife to Oregon, and in a short time enough was pledged to meet their expenses in full. This showed that the brethren appreciated his coming to labor in their midst. From what I know of the feelings of our friends on this coast, there is no locality where the same interest and appreciation would not be manifested toward any minister who should come to them with the sanction of the General Conference Committee. It was thought advisable, under the circumstances, to divide the Conference. Eld. Colcord was chosen president of the North Columbia Conference, which lies east of the Cascade Mountains, including Idaho. He was also chosen president of the T. and M. society and of the Sabbath-school Association, and his wife secretary of the T. and M. society. A health and temperance organization was also effected, with Bro. William Russell as president, and Bro. William Smith as secretary. Ninety-five signed the pledges, eighty-six of whom were full members, seventy-four having signed the teetotal and twelve the anti-rum and tobacco pledge, leaving only nine pledge members. At no place on this coast which Sister White has visited, has her testimony been more needed than here, and we trust that here it will accomplish no less good in the end. A very interesting Sabbath-school was held each Sabbath, nearly all on the ground taking part in it. The lessons were well learned considering the limited time devoted to their preparation. At the close of Sister White’s remarks on the last Sabbath of the meeting, thirteen youth and children arose, expressing a desire to become Christians. A portion of these were baptized by Eld. Colcord Sunday night. Circumstances prevented quite a number of others from going forward at this time, who will do so at the first opportunity. The most of them started for the first time to serve God. From eight hundred to one thousand persons were present each Sunday, and gave good attention to the word spoken. There was, also, quite an attendance from outside, every evening. We trust that much good will be the result of this meeting. THE SANCTUARY.
By Joseph Clarke
In Lev. 19:30 and 26:2, the people of God were commanded to reverence his sanctuary. This was the earthly sanctuary built by Moses; and the people to whom the command was addressed were Israelites. But in Heb. 8:1, 2, we find that Christ is a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. From Heb. 9:24, it appears that this sanctuary is in Heaven; and from Dan. 8:14 we learn that an important work is to be performed in the heavenly sanctuary at the end of the 2300 prophetic days. This fact has been, to a great degree, lost sight of by the church, for many ages past; and the sanctuary has been lost sight of; but in Rev. 11:19, the sanctuary, or temple, is brought to view as connected with the scenes of the last days; and in Rev. 8:3-5, the ark of God’s testament, the golden altar, the censer, and the sacred fire, are mentioned in connection with the same scenes, as though the Lord would, in the last days, call his people to the consideration of the heavenly sanctuary, and the work to be there accomplished. This work is of the deepest interest to all who value the ministrations of Christ, our High Priest, who there pleads for his people, and there decides their cases. See Rev. 11:18. Beneath the mercy seat, before which our Saviour ministers, is the law of God, the ten commandments. In the bosom of that law is the fourth commandment, unchanged since God spoke it from Sinai, and engraved it with his own finger on the tables of stone. Thus the Sabbath and the sanctuary are closely connected. Now, is it not a fair and honest conclusion, that Sabbath-keepers who will stand in the terrible scenes of the last days, and be acquitted at last in the court of Heaven, must see the Sabbath in connection with the sanctuary, and the truths to be made clear at the same time? The rays of divine truth emanating from the sanctuary are lighting up the pages of inspiration with a clear and beautiful light. It seems to us that all must see this light and walk in it, or be left in darkness. MISSIONARY WORK IN SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
It gives me pleasure to say that our missionary work still makes encouraging progress. We are reaching a great number of people by means of our French journal, and we are receiving very interesting letters in response to the papers that we have sent out. We are reaching the better class of society, and some of our most favorable responses are from persons of education, influence, and wealth. We are also receiving very favorable responses from some ministers of the gospel and religious teachers. Thus we have received within a few days a subscription from a minister residing in the extreme south of France, who has served for a considerable period as missionary in Asia Minor. The letter expresses great satisfaction with the copies of our journal which the family had received and read. We have also just received a subscription for our journal from a missionary in Japan, who saw our paper on the ship which carried him to that country, and who said that he was much pleased with it, and wished he could receive it weekly. We have received a letter from a doctor of theology residing in the south of France, and author of a history of the Waldenses, who writes to say that himself and wife have read Les Signes with care and attention, and are deeply impressed with the subjects on which it treats. He speaks in the highest terms of the excellence of our paper, and expresses his Christian sympathy for us in our work. A gentleman writes from Delémont, a village in the Canton of Berne, to subscribe for our journal because it is so directly opposed to the philosophical ideas that he has hitherto entertained. He says that he passes each number to a Catholic priest residing near him, and hopes the result will be that he will put off his gown and become an Adventist. From one place in France we have received six letters of much interest. One person pays for the paper; another who has taken an interest to distribute our papers says he will subscribe as soon as he can raise the money; and still another wants the paper, but is unable to pay for it because he can get but little work to do. We have a letter from a man in the city of Neuchâtel, whom we have never seen, who says that our journal is a thousand times more worthy of esteem than the popular religious journals that teach error. He promises to send us the money for our journal as soon as he can obtain it. During the past week we have received seventeen interesting missionary letters. Occasionally we receive a letter filled with insult. I have just learned the cause of one of these insulting letters, and it may be an explanation of the occasion of these insults in most other cases. The family of the man who wrote us the insulting letter had read our paper, and were convinced that it teaches the truth; so we are by no means discouraged at the occasional reception of letters filled with bitterness and reproach. We have found out how to circulate our paper, and how to gain the attention of those who use the French language. I cannot express the distress I have suffered heretofore because it has seemed impossible to gain the attention of the French people. The difficulties in the way of the living preacher have been such that it has seemed impossible to vanquish them except by sending out the paper in advance. But of what use was it to send out papers, when in most cases they would be immediately returned to the office of publication? And what encouragement had we to print the paper, when it was so difficult to circulate it? And why should we use money to sustain the expense of the publishing work, when comparatively few seemed accessible to our publications? It was plain to me from the commencement that we should never succeed without the aid of a paper; and yet our paper, though prepared with the utmost care, and filled with excellent matter, had to be, to a large extent, stored away in our own house. Sometimes it seemed to me that to save expense we had better suspend its publication; but on prayerful reflection I always felt satisfied that this would be wrong. At other times I thought perhaps we ought only to print enough to supply the present demand; but this also has always seemed to me false economy, and I have felt constrained to say, I will take the responsibility of continuing to print two thousand copies, and in the meantime I will make every effort to get them into circulation. After many trials followed by disappointments, we have found how to circulate our papers without having many of them returned upon our hands; and God has by his providence given us one special testimony that he approves what we are doing. He has put it into the hearts of many persons to send us money expressly to pay the postage, so that we have been amply sustained in bearing this extra heavy expense, and still have something in the treasury for that purpose. And now we see the hand of God in our affairs. We have a large number of copies of our paper, each one of which contains a good variety of valuable articles, which are of permanent interest because all of them are Biblical; and there are none of them that contain objectionable articles. We can easily obtain any number of addresses, and we have the means, through God’s blessing, to pay the postage; and quite a number of our friends in Switzerland will take turns in helping us write addresses. I have heretofore explained our manner of conducting this business. I am now well satisfied that we can gain access to the French public generally, and that our paper will everywhere open the way for the living preacher. I have the promise of money from Switzerland to pay for the next purchase of white paper for our journal, and I hope that no expense of this kind will ever again have to be met by money from America. I am making preparations for my immediate departure for England to join Bro. Loughborough; but I am too feeble to undertake such a journey unless God shall interfere in my behalf. I shall, however, finish my preparations for departure within a few days, and I hope that God will make it possible for me to go. RESPONSIBILITY OF CHRIST’S MINISTERS.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The object of Christ’s ministry upon the earth was to reveal himself to mankind, and to exemplify the truths of his gospel. His was a life of disinterested benevolence. He was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. He was the captain of the Lord’s host, and the author of life, yet “he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” He had glory with the Father before the world was, and was adored by angels; but he “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” He was the Creator, and possessed all power in Heaven and in earth; but in his humiliation he became subject to the frailties of human nature. When emaciated with a fast of forty days, he refused to work a miracle to satisfy the demands of hunger. His divine power was never displayed to save himself from physical or mental suffering. He trod the wine-press alone, and of the people there was none with him. He strewed blessings wherever he went; he healed the sick, comforted the sorrowing, bound up the broken-hearted. His great heart of love comprehended human suffering, and administered sympathy to all who applied to him; yet he died broken-hearted. This was Christ. Christ’s ministers are his ambassadors. An “ambassador” is a minister of the highest rank, employed by a government to represent it, and manage its interests.” So the work of the gospel has been committed to representative men. “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us.” “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” How important, then, the work of the gospel minister. What a responsibility rests upon him who takes the position of an ambassador for Jesus Christ. He becomes responsible, not only for his personal influence, but for the work committed to him. In a special sense he is accountable to God for the use he makes of his time, his talents, and all that he possesses. All his influence should be devoted to the interests of his Master. In the day of Judgment the great Shepherd will make him answerable for the flock committed to his charge. If, through his neglect, souls fall a prey to Satan and are lost, or if sins which he has committed prove their ruin, unless he sincerely repents and makes amends in his life, the blood of their souls will be found upon his garments. The burden of the work of saving souls is not confined to the ministers. The church should be so instructed as to feel that the responsibility of this work rests on them also. God has committed to each talents of usefulness, and these he will require with usury. The minister should be an example to the flock in life, character, conversation, and self-denial. The most worthy minister is he who is most like his divine Lord, who ever feels that he is under obligation to lead a life of sacrifice and self-denial that others may receive the benefits of this great salvation. “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” He who consults his own interests or ease to the neglect of laboring for others, is unworthy the name and position of a gospel minister; so also is he who ever feels that others are under obligation to him, and who is continually looking for that honor and respect which he imagines is his due. It is a great privilege to suffer for Christ’s sake, and to bear in our bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” “If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.” “If we deny him, he also will deny us.” The apostle Paul “was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” None suffered more, none sacrificed more. His former advantages of worldly position and honor he counted as naught that he might win Christ. While lying upon his lacerated back in an inner prison, his feet fast in the stocks, he sang praises to God. He ever felt that he was under obligation to others for the glorious light he had received. Writing to the Romans he said, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” He became all things to all men, so that by all means he might save some. At the close of his life this hero of faith exclaimed, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” The work of the gospel is about to close. The last message of mercy, announcing the coming Judgment, is being proclaimed. Ministers enter the field, and take the responsibility of representing their self-denying Master. But oh, the contrast! Where is the self-sacrificing spirit which Christ and his early apostles manifested? Who feels the responsibility of “warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom,” that he “may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus”? To teach men in all wisdom embraces such instruction as will cause them to feel it a privilege to labor for the salvation of others. Many, very many precious hours are wasted in unnecessary sleep. Days, weeks, and months pass while some are getting ready to do something. The truth is nominally presented, and men and women profess the theory of it. Those who thus receive the truth feel no interest in the Sabbath-school or missionary work, nor in laboring for others. Laborers are wanted who feel that God holds them responsible for educating the people in the various interests of his work,—laborers who can build up the cause of God. The Saviour says, “Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition.” Have those who have embraced the truth under our labors been really converted to God and his truth? Have the general interests of the cause been presented, and men and women been instructed to feel a burden and responsibility for them? Have the sick been healed, the weak strengthened, and the wavering established? These questions are of serious import, and we shall be called to meet them in the great day of final reckoning, which is just before us. THE WORK OF OUR TRACT SOCIETIES.
By B. L. Whitney
In the providence of God, those who have embraced the truths of the third angel’s message are connected with one of the grandest enterprises ever intrusted to man. We may look at the work of God in the past, and wonder at what has been accomplished through the agencies he has employed, yet at no point in its history has the extent of the work been equal to that which now lies before his people. The truths by which men are to be prepared for the solemn events which transpire in connection with the second advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, must go to all nations of the earth. The world must be warned. In a special sense may we of to-day realize the force of the Saviour’s words, “The field is the world.” We may allow the mind to dwell upon this theme, we may search the Scriptures for those prophecies which speak of the extent of the warning to go to the inhabitants of the earth in the last days, we may look at what the providence of God has already accomplished in the world by means of humble instrumentalities, and thereby have our faith greatly strengthened in reference to the final accomplishment of all the Lord has396 spoken concerning this work; and yet, with all this, we shall fail to comprehend, in its full measure, the extent of the work which the Lord will accomplish through the instrumentality of his people in this generation. When we have thus considered the extent of the work, and then take into account the fact that it must be accomplished within a short time,—in fact, within an incredibly short time considering its magnitude,—we shall be better prepared to appreciate the great importance of those agencies which the Lord is employing for the accomplishment of his designs. Prominent among these agencies is the work of our Tract and Missionary Society. This proposition needs no argument; to those acquainted with the workings of the society it is self-evident. And yet the Lord has seen fit to speak to us as a people concerning this, to strengthen the faith of those who have had the most implicit confidence that God would vindicate the truthfulness of what he has spoken, and to stir to new activity and zeal those who are sluggish and indifferent in the work. To the degree in which we realize the importance of the work as a whole, shall we better comprehend the importance of the various steps which are taken for its advancement. The article by Eld. Haskell in REVIEW of June 3, entitled, “What Next?” suggests important features of the work now immediately before us. These suggestions should not be passed by with indifference or carelessness on the part of any. The providence of God is already far in advance of us in the work; and, as he has prepared the agencies to our hand, what account shall we render to him, if we do not with earnestness and zeal lay hold on the work before us, seeking God for help to enable us to make the most of them? The experience of the past has shown that the plans proposed are wise and timely, and, if thoroughly carried out, will accomplish more than we can estimate for the advancement of the present truth. Who will respond to these appeals for advance steps in our work? Those who have the work at heart will not rest with what has been done, but will be ready to work in harmony with any move that will tend to forward it. The Signs of the Times in its present form is the best missionary paper we have ever had; and thousands of copies ought to be in the hands of our vigilant missionary workers. We ought to have hundreds of these workers where we now have one. Scores are being brought into the present truth annually through this instrumentality in its present stage of development. Who, then, can estimate what would be accomplished if all who might engage in this work were doing their utmost to help carry it forward? Again, a favorable change in public sentiment respecting our work, and the unprecedented agitation of the public mind concerning some of the decisive features of our faith, demand of us that we place the Signs of the Times and Good Health in every respectable reading-room that will give them a place among its files; and with proper effort this privilege will be granted in nearly every instance. Hundreds of public libraries will gladly accept of such of our bound volumes as we should desire to furnish them, and thus place these books where the public can have free access to them, and become intelligent respecting our work. These agencies should be put in operation, and given opportunity to help mold the public sentiment so that the way may be prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. True, it will require means to carry out these enterprises; but surely there are those among us who will gladly help furnish money, in order that this work may not be hindered. These enterprises are legitimately the work of the tract society; and the Lord will put it into the hearts of those who have the ability, to help with their means as the needs of the cause demand. As Bro. Haskell truthfully remarks, “Instead of diminishing our sacrifices, we should increase them.” May the Lord imbue us more fully with the spirit of his work, and enable us to keep pace with his advancing providence. New England T. and M. Society.
The New England T. and M. Society held its quarterly meeting at Washington, N. H., May 29, 30. On account of the busy season of the year, but few of our brethren and sisters from a distance were present at this meeting, but those in the vicinity turned out generally. Eld. D. A. Robinson, the Vice-president of the society, was the only minister in attendance. Sabbath morning nearly all present participated in the exercises of the Sabbath-school, and during the day Eld. Robinson gave three practical discourses, two of which were followed by short seasons of social worship. On Sunday the unfavorable weather prevented the attendance of those from outside who had been expected; but three meetings were held by our people, two of them business sessions of the New England T. and M. and H. and T. societies. It is seldom that the friends in this section are favored with a general meeting, and we hope the earnest words of exhortation and counsel given here will prove a source of encouragement and strength to them, and that the blessing of the Lord will abide with them as in years past. The business meeting of the New England T. and M. Society was held May 30. It was called to order by the Vice-president at 9:30 A. M., and opened by singing and prayer. The report of the preceding meeting was then read and approved, and the reports of labor performed during the two past quarters were given. These reports showed an improvement in many respects, especially in the sales effected by the society. We then listened with interest to remarks from the Vice-president upon the true missionary spirit and work. This spirit must be possessed by all. It should be instilled into the minds of the children; and as we draw nearer the end we must drink in more and more of it, or we shall draw back and fail of eternal life. Those who are finally saved in the kingdom of God will be those who have had some practical part in the work of God, and our lives are none too precious to be worn out in the cause of truth. Those who remain indifferent in such a work as this are running a fearful risk. This kind of labor proves a real benefit to the church, since those companies who engage in it have something better than petty difficulties and trials to occupy their minds. We too often see the youth in the bloom and vigor of health with little interest or part in the missionary work; while those who are worn with the toils and cares of years, labor on in weariness and infirmities to help advance the cause which to them is dear as life. We should work on untiringly, although we may never be permitted to know the results of our efforts until we see them in the kingdom of God. Other officers of the tract society bore testimony to their love for the missionary work, relating some of their experience in connection with it; and some interesting letters were read. The subject of the Signs of the Times was here considered, and pledges were made by the friends in Washington and vicinity sufficient to pay for fifty-seven copies of the twelve-page edition, which is double the number taken by them the past year. At 12:30 P. M. the meeting adjourned. D. A. Robinson, Vice-pres.
Eliza Thayer, Sec. Kansas T. and M. Society.
First Meeting, May 20, 1880.—The minutes of the fourth annual session were read and approved. The President, having been authorized by vote to appoint the usual committees, announced the following: On Nominations: J. Lamont, John Gibbs, and G. C. Beach; On Resolutions: J. H. Coffman, N. W. Vincent, and Oscar Hill; To Audit Treasurer’s Account: John Gibbs and G. H. Rogers. On motion, it was voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, to consider the expediency of amending our Constitution by substituting such articles of the Constitution generally adopted by other State societies as differ from ours. J. Lamont, L. D. Santee, and Marshall Enoch were appointed such committee. Adjourned to call of Chair. Second Meeting, May 21.—Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. The Committee on Nominations submitted a partial report, as follows: For Vice-president, Eld. Joseph Lamont, Mound City, Kan.; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Ada A. Dawson, Ottawa; Directors: Dist. No. 1, J. A. Ashbaugh, Salem, Jewell Co.; No. 2, J. S. Bagby, Clifton, Washington Co.; No. 3, T. H. Wakeman, Palermo, Doniphan Co.; No. 4, W. M. Dail, Osawkee, Jefferson Co.; No. 5, John Gibbs, Williamsburg, Franklin Co.; No. 6, A. G. Miller, Topeka, Shawnee Co.; No. 7, —; No. 8, R. F. Barton, Elivon, Rice Co.; No. 9, H. C. Main, Clarion, Sedgwick Co.; No. 10, Oscar Hill, Grenola, Elk Co.; No. 11, A. W. Cone, Uniontown, Bourbon Co.; No. 12, Robert Aitken, Parsons, Labette Co. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which, after remarks by Elds. Butler and Corliss, and others, were unanimously adopted: Resolved, 1. That we hereby express gratitude to God for his abundant blessings which have attended the tract and missionary work in our State, notwithstanding the weakness of our efforts; and that we pledge ourselves to take a more earnest interest in the welfare of our fellow-men in the future than we have shown in the past. 2. That we will not rest satisfied until every Seventh-day Adventist in Kansas becomes a working member of our T. and M. society. 3. That we recommend the formation of vigilant missionary societies, where practicable, throughout the State. 4. That we urge our members to become life-members of the General Tract and Missionary Society. The Committee on the Amendment of the Constitution reported, recommending that we adopt the Constitution submitted to them for examination (the one in general use), in all points where said Constitution differs from ours, except Article VI. After these differences had been explained, the society adopted the amendment as recommended by the committee. Adjourned to call of Chair. Third Meeting, May 23.—Minutes of last meeting approved. The Committee on Nominations submitted an additional report, recommending for President, Eld. Smith Sharp, of Ottawa, Kan. Eld. Sharp was then unanimously elected. The society adjourned sine die. Smith Sharp, Pres.
Mrs. Ada A. Dawson, Sec. ENCOURAGING TO SHIP MISSIONARIES.
THE following extract from a letter received at this Office from Bro. Ings, Southampton, Eng., will be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW:— “I meet with some encouraging incidents in my ship labor, and as that which is encouraging to us may be interesting to you, I will mention some items. Publications, consisting of tracts and a liberal supply of Signs, were placed upon the ship Gold Hunter by Bro. Partridge in San Francisco, Cal., and by some means they were transferred to a ship loaded with wheat for this port. The captain and all on board became very much interested in reading these publications,—in fact, the former is fully convinced on the Sabbath question, and makes it known to all with whom he comes in contact. He is very much pleased with Sr. White’s articles, and inquires of all with whom he converses if they ever heard of Mrs. E. G. White, and tells them of her writings. He intends to return to San Francisco, and wishes to hear her speak. I have informed our friends in California of these circumstances, and, on his return, they will find in him a warm friend. “He says that we are the only people who advocate the truths of the Bible. He purchased the three volumes of ‘Spirit of Prophecy,’ also, ‘History of the Sabbath,’ ‘Plain Facts,’ and some pamphlets. He is very familiar with the names of Elds. White, Bates, Smith, and others of our people. Should he become fully converted, he would make a useful man in spreading the truth. His wife is a Baptist and bitterly opposed, otherwise he would have subscribed for the Signs.” “I became acquainted with another captain, and sold him several copies of the Signs. In a few days I called upon him again, and he was so much interested in these papers that he bought about $6.00 worth of books. I still visit the German steamers. Last Tuesday I sold all the German tracts we had on hand. The week before, I sold the last Stimme, but a few came in time for yesterday’s boat. I usually sell about twenty on each boat. “I have also canvassed some in a place called Romsey, eight miles from Southampton, where some interest is aroused on the second advent. Have sold more tracts there than in any other place in the same length of time. The Sabbath question has not yet been mentioned. Thus we are trying to do something to spread the truth both by sea and by land. TRIALS OF A MEXICAN CHRISTIAN.
A young man about twenty-five years of age, at Tuyahualco, an Indian town of Mexico, some years ago, obtained a Bible, and after perusing it awhile, he succeeded in gaining the attention of his mother, brother, and sister, while he read and explained it the best he could. He invited some of his neighbors at times to listen to the reading of the holy word, and has now a congregation of fifty-eight adults. But his father, who is mayor of the town, has disowned him, and the whole family likewise; forsaking his own wife and children. When they meet in the street, the father clasps his hands over his ears, and turns to the other side of the street. He says he would rather have seen his son hung, like a highway robber, to the branch of a tree, than have him become a Protestant. This simple incident, which is but one of a large class of cases, may give a faint idea of what it costs to espouse Christianity in some of the outskirts of Mexico, and may also show how surely Protestantism is progressing.—Illustrated Missionary News. The Publican's Prayer and the Danger of Presumption
—The publican in the temple, whose sudden conviction of sin prompted his heartfelt cry for mercy, was saved in answer to a very short prayer; but his case affords not a jot of encouragement to souls who stifle conviction beneath a vile purpose to sin up to the very boundary line of divine forbearance.—Zion’s Herald. Three Locusts, Marion Co., June 3.—We pitched our tent here May 27. Although the weather has been quite unfavorable, the interest is good, from fifty to two hundred attending. This is a small village on the A. & G. W. and C. C. C. & I. R. R. The truth had never been presented here. Brethren, pray for and help us. Our thanks to those who have already lent us a helping hand. A. M. MANN. N. J. BOWERS. Labor among the Churches.—Since the Institute at Dunkirk, I have visited the churches at Corsica, Bellville, Newark, and Waterford. The church at Corsica is still in a prosperous condition. The interest in the Sabbath-school work is increasing. Held two meetings with the church at Bellville. There is here a growing interest in the meetings and Sabbath-school. The superintendent has done his duty well. Three were baptized, and two united with the church. Also held meetings at Red Brush, where there is still a good interest. Bro. Bowers assisted me in these meetings. The church at Newark are much scattered. Several new members have united with them. The Waterford church is the largest in the district, but its members are scattered. However, there are few but that might attend meeting every Sabbath. May they awake to the importance of this. (Heb. 10:25.) Many things afforded us pleasure as we met with these brethren. They have an efficient Sabbath-school superintendent. Thayer Co.—I closed meetings in Thayer Co. last Sunday, having been there just two weeks. Seven who were probationers in the M. E. Church, all heads of families, have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I hope they will prove faithful, and that soon, under more favorable circumstances, others will have an opportunity to hear, and will be added to their number. June 7. CHAS. L. BOYD. Valparaiso and David City.—At Valparaiso five were added to the church, two by vote and three by baptism. The Lord met with us by his Holy Spirit. May he bless this little company, and keep them faithful till he comes. The church at David City is being scattered. We hope those who move to distant fields will so let their light shine that others may be brought to the truth, and that those who remain may wake up to a sense of their duty, and do it, lest they be rejected at last. H. SHULTZ. INDIANA
By Victor Thompson
Flora, June 7.—For five weeks I have been holding meetings at a place two miles east of Flora. The interest has been good, our congregations ranging from one hundred to three hundred. Eld. Covert has been with me twice, remaining one week each time, and has rendered valuable aid. It is generally believed in this vicinity that we have the truth. Several kept last Sabbath; others will observe the next. By the blessing of the Lord, we expect a goodly company will be brought out here to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Pray that the Lord may help in the work in this place. Somerset Mills and Burnham.—Our meetings at Somerset Mills, June 5, 6, were good and interesting. Bro. Webber and Blaisdell were present, and assisted in the preaching. One united with the church by baptism. A vigilant missionary society was organized, but as some were absent, it was not decided how many copies of the Signs they would take. There are some in this church who may become strong and efficient workers in the missionary field, and it was encouraging to see the interest manifested to help in the V. M. Work. There was some outside interest, and two or three requested prayers. Bro. W. remains a few evenings, to follow up the work. I was at Burnham, June 7. The brethren here are taking steps to organize a church; they have bought a house to be fitted up for a house of worship. Opposition is still strong, and reports fly thick and fast. I was informed a few days ago that they had nearly all given up the truth, but on coming here, I find that this is true of only one; and one has joined our ranks, so there is no loss to the cause. Some prefer to give up the truth rather than the filthy weed tobacco. But the truth is onward, and a people will be prepared for the kingdom of God. MARYLAND, AND WASHINGTON, D. C.
FROM Camden, N. J., I went to Calverton, Md., and held one meeting with the two Sabbath-keeping families now living there. The others have moved so far away that they cannot attend the meetings, but they remain faithful in the work of the Lord. I visited them all at their homes. Bro. Jones and Reed still keep up Sabbath-school and meetings, and their families are greatly benefited by these services. I next spent a week at Washington, D. C. Five are keeping the Sabbath here, one of whom never had heard any preaching on present truth. I spoke six times. Some of their neighbors attended, and all seemed to enjoy the meetings very much. Sister Dolton, who embraced the truth in Chicago over ten years ago, while I was holding a few meetings in the house of Sister Mills, is now with her daughter in Washington. Bro. Craig, a ship-carpenter belonging to the navy service, who embraced the truth under the preaching of Eld. Loughborough in California, is still faithful. Sister Hitchcock has kept the Sabbath several years. She has long desired baptism, and she and Sister Craig were baptized in the Potomac River. Bro. and Sister Craig have two daughters, and Sister Cook one, who desire to follow their Saviour in baptism. As they are young, I advised them to seek God and be faithful in the discharge of duty, promising to baptize them when I visited Washington again. Others are interested in the truth. These five Sabbath-keeping believers in Christ will hold meetings and Sabbath-school every Sabbath, and will do all the missionary work they can. Mr. Cook, though a member of the Episcopal Church, was very kind, and took care to make me feel at home in his family; so also did Mr. Hitchcock, though a member of the M. E. Church.