This is a very important branch of our work in spreading the truth, and in the salvation of souls. And in many localities it has proved successful in the accomplishment of much good. Many brethren and sisters of piety and devotion to God, who study to judiciously reach hearts by acceptably laboring in this department of the work, may yet find a greater credit set against their names in the records of Heaven as a reward for their faithfulness than they anticipate. They may not have a call to publicly labor as preachers of the gospel, yet the Master may by his providences, by the avenues opening to do good, and by the ability with which he has blessed them, be saying: “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.”
We may not look for equal success in all parts of the field. The labors of Jesus himself were not equally successful in every city, and village, and place, that he entered. Yet faithfulness and devotion to the work, as a minister of the gospel, ever characterized him.
At the well of Samaria he seemed to forget his weariness and hunger, and with but one hearer, for a time he opened the plan of salvation to a person whom many of us under similar circumstances might pass in silence. Let us be profited as we reflect on the pleasing results of this occasion.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.
There may be localities where we may not feel inclined to put forth missionary labor. And yet if our hearts were overflowing with love to God, and with an anxiety for the salvation of souls, some of the very families of whom we have the least hope, if visited, talked with in love and affection, and prayed with and for, might possibly be brought to receive the truth. It is quite certain that our own spirituality might in this way be increased greatly. Visiting families with whom we are best acquainted, who have perhaps witnessed the most of our heart wanderings from God, visiting them to point them to the Lamb of God, and as his ambassadors to pray with, and for them, might lead to very profitable reflections, and confessions of sins of omission and sins of commission, and might help us to walk more circumspectly in the future.
As the new year opens upon us, we have tried to humble ourselves, to confess to God and to one another our sins and backslidings, and may He who knows the heart and who weighs our motives, accept of the consecration we make. “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.”
And as we desire to see souls gathering around the standard of truth, more than at any previous year, may the language of our souls be: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”
“Eternal Spirit, write thy law
Upon our inward parts;
And let the second Adam draw
His image on our hearts.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Jan. 3, 1876.
ITEMS
Confessions of sin are the only means of final disposal and adjustment of them. Excuses do not help the matter in the least, but rather complicate the case.
A wonderful instance of apostasy, and of the blinding effect of the influence of worldly prosperity, is to be seen in the history of Balaam, who took rewards and perverted his own judgment for gain.
It is not necessary to the establishment of a character for stability to continue in a wrong course because it is begun; but a continuance in right doing does establish one in decision and stability.
Our mistakes and errors should teach us to move cautiously; but we are a long time learning the lesson.
Worldly maxims generally fall below the Bible standard; yet they are generally preferred, because they are more easily carried out.
We can easily withstand temptation when we are in the Lord’s work; but when we get out of the path of duty, we are in peril.
Few know, or care to know, the intimate connection existing between mind and matter, or how close the relation of hygiene to practical Christianity.
The Christian warfare is a system; and he only succeeds who studies and practices its rules; and he must do this constantly and heartily.
No good mechanic would use soft wood for hard; yet such men often do worse than this in their daily diet. Jos. CLARKE.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
CARSON CITY.
Carson City is fifteen miles north of the Detroit and Milwaukee railroad, just in the eastern edge of Montcalm Co. It is in the center of four other churches. Under ordinary circumstances, we should have had a large gathering, but the roads were about as bad as they could well be and the weather stormy; hence but few came from other places. Probably about seventy attended the meeting, which was held in a fine, large school-house. Brn. Burrill, Van Deusen, and Sisley were here and took part in the meetings. There appears to be a good outside interest to hear. An intelligent young school-teacher at this place is much interested in the truth. He bought five dollars' worth of our books. Others are reading.
There are about fifty-five Sabbath-keepers in this section, largely the fruit of Bro. Burrill's labor. I like their appearance very much. They seem to be candid, intelligent people. All of them are middle-aged, and every family owns a home. Sabbath afternoon a dozen or fifteen came forward to seek the Lord and become Christians. At the close of the meeting, Bro. Burrill baptized nine, and fourteen united with the church. Bro. Hutchins was elected and ordained elder, and Bro. Evans, deacon. We organized S. B., raising it from $75.00 to $170.00.
As a meeting-house is greatly needed here, the brethren determined to build one, and have gone about it. This place being so central, the little churches around will be interested to help them some, as they will need the house for monthly and general meetings. There is no meeting-house in the village.
One brother who heard the present truth twenty years ago has lately come out upon the Sabbath. He has been under conviction ever since.
This shows how the truth will stick to men; and how in many cases we reap fruit of our labors long years after the seed was sown. Quite a number took the SIGNS.
NORTH SHADE.
Monday, Dec. 27, we went seven miles east on the edge of Gratiot Co., and held an all day's meeting with the friends there. They are virtually a part of the Carson City company, so they decided to unite with that church, but held separate meetings most of the time in their own neighborhood.
ESTELLA.
This place is ten miles north of Carson City. Bro. Van Deusen has labored earnestly and successfully here for three months. I came here Tuesday, and held meetings all day and in the evening. We organized a church of fifteen members. Bro. Langdon was elected and ordained elder. In the afternoon I baptized eight persons. They pledged S. B. to the amount of $80.00 per year. In the evening their large school-house was filled to its utmost capacity. Some had to sit on top of the desks. It was thought that every body in that section must have been out. I had good freedom.
Four came out on the Sabbath—two while attending our meetings at Carson City, and two more at this meeting. One of these is a deaf and dumb young lady. She is well educated and intelligent. Such persons will rise up in the Judgment and condemn those who having ears hear not. There is still a good interest to hear at this place. Those who have come out are a good, respectable, and influential class of people, well to do in life. This is a good proof that Bro. Van Deusen has something to do in this work.
MATHERTON.
Wednesday we came eighteen miles to Matherton, about half of which distance I walked. Commencing at one o'clock, we held meetings till dark. Some have lately embraced the truth in this section; and some who had given it up have returned to their duty. Five were received into the church, and S. B. was raised from $33.00 to $52.00. There are some trials here, which ought to be attended to, though they are not of a very serious nature. Not having time, I did nothing about it.
The four churches above named voted to join in a monthly meeting the last Sabbath in each month. The first one will be held at Carson City the last Sabbath and Sunday in January. Eld. Burrill expects to attend it. My health is good.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Greenville, Jan. 3, 1876.
MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By H. A. St. John
From Dec. 9 to 13, held meetings with the Wakeman church. These meetings were held in Norwalk, in a vacant private house owned by Bro. Geo. Smith. This church had so far gone down that regular meetings had been abandoned, and Systematic Benevolence also. We tried to do what we could by way of reviving the organization. The church has passed through trials and difficulties in the past, which have had the effect to weaken and scatter, and nearly destroy. I think we had some evidences that the Holy Spirit was with us, and good was accomplished. Two more were added to the church, making their present number sixteen, and S. B. was organized for 1876.
From Dec. 16 to 27, I was in North Bloomfield and Windsor. The few believers in Windsor appear strong, and alive in the cause. May they continue to grow up into Christ in all things. Some of our meetings in North Bloomfield were not very pleasant. One meeting began in the evening at 7 o’clock and continued till 4 o’clock next morning. We are happy, however, to be able to report that a good degree of union and brotherly love was restored. Indeed, from confessions and testimonies given, we were glad to be assured that every root of bitterness was removed, and a union of heart secured such as had not existed for many months. May this brotherly love abound more and more. If it does, there will be added to their number such as shall be saved. The ordinance meeting was a refreshing season. There were three accessions to the church. We tried to bring up the lagging S. B. May all watch, pray, and labor.
Jan. 2, 1876, I closed the meetings with the church in Clyde. Spent the day of fasting and prayer with this church. It was also the time of the State Tract Society quarterly meeting, and a few were in from abroad. In the afternoon of the Sabbath, several came forward for prayers. The ordinance meeting Sunday night was a very solemn meeting. The Holy Spirit was present indeed to unite the hearts of his children. I think none present will soon forget this solemn meeting. We have faith to believe that a brighter day is before the church in Clyde. There are some precious souls here. Steps are now being taken for the erection of a house of worship the coming season. This they greatly need, and we believe the Lord will prosper them in the good work.
Brethren in Ohio, we are one in faith. Now if we seek the Lord with faith and humility, put away all jealousies and feelings of alienation, and come near to one another, and become one in heart, I am sure we shall see the clouds lift in Ohio, and God’s salvation accompany his blessed truth everywhere. O my dear brethren, let us get a burden of soul for the cause of God in our Conference. H. A. St. John. Clyde, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1876.
LETTER FROM SWEDEN.
BRO. SAWYER furnishes us with the following translation of a letter he has just received from Sweden:—
DEAR BROTHER: I have received your letter, for which I heartily thank you. It was so much the more welcome because it was so long coming, and because it came, too, after I began to think you cared but little about writing to me. You ask what I am doing. The same as I was when I wrote to you before. I teach school, notwithstanding I am an offense to both the people and the ministers. Because they have not yet obtained any other teacher, they are keeping me; but it will not be long before I will have to leave, and I know not what I shall do. Were my condition such that I could, I would devote my time to giving lectures and conversing with the people concerning the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I here send you a translation from the REVIEW into the Swedish to show you my understanding of the English.
I will now say something concerning what the people express in regard to your writings. Some hold the same prejudice as the warning of Lot caused in his relatives, when “he seemed to them as one that mocked.” I will not say so of all. Others say, “What will this babbler say?” And again: “Much learning doth make thee mad.”
The doctrine of the soul’s mortality they do not tolerate. They teach and believe that man is a being of eternal existence. They cannot conceive that God alone has immortality.
I thank you for the publications you send me.
MONTHLY MEETING AT ASHA-WAY, R. I.
By P. C. Rodman
This meeting was quite well attended. Three social meetings were held. I believe all that attended the one held evening after the Sabbath bore testimony, and spoke of being encouraged to strive for the overcoming reward; and some who had become discouraged started anew for the better land. The melting Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and our hearts were drawn out anew after him. Some thought the meeting the best they had attended for a year; others called it the best they ever attended.
The preaching was listened to with marked attention. Signs that the end is near were presented.
We regretted that some of our brethren and sisters at Niantic, and others in this vicinity, were not with us. We hope the Lord will bless them, and that they will be at the15meeting to be held at Niantic, which will commence Jan. 14, at 6½ P. M., and continue over the Sabbath and perhaps first-day, the 16th, and will be held in the S. D. Baptist house of worship.
P. C. RODMAN.
Dec. 30, 1875.
FOR JESUS’ SAKE.
I walked in pleasant places
’Mid pastures green and fair;
The Lord marked out a hard, rough way,
He bade me enter there.
“Father,” I weeping said,
“That way I cannot tread;
My feet are all unused to thorny roads;
Grant me a smoother one to take!”
“Nay, this for Jesus’ sake.”
I ate at earthly tables,
Life’s rich wine gaily quaffed;
Pressed to my lips by God’s own hand
A cup of bitter draught.
“O Lord, forbear,” I cried,
“Let me not thus be tried!”
“The cup of death, belov’d, I drank for thee,
Fear not, for me, this cup to take.
Drink, then, for Jesus’ sake.”
Low at my feet came crouching,
One asking alms of me.
“Stoop down,” said Christ, “and raise
him up;
For I have sent him thee.”
“Nay, I am pure, he vile,
Shall I my robes defile
Made white in thine own blood? Ne’er,
Lord, can he
With thee and me communion take.”
“Raise him for Jesus’ sake.”
I’m now a pilgrim weary,
And long for rest on high,
Toward sunset looking wistfully,
My soul’s “sweet by and by.”
The rough way leadeth up;
Sweet is the bitter cup;
The one I raised will meet me soon above.
The latest prayer my lips shall make
Be this—“for Jesus’ sake.”
TONAWANDA, N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
CLOSED my labors at this place for the present, last Sunday. Have nothing very encouraging to report, as the brother referred to in my last report, who had decided that he must obey, after keeping one Sabbath, which raised a tremendous excitement both in the church and community, yielded to the pressure brought to bear upon him and gave it up, claiming that the ten commandments are the old covenant. This produced such a reaction that for the time being it looked as though all was lost; but subsequent developments showed that this is not the case, and I have hope that something may be gathered yet. The hall being occupied so nearly the whole time, and the interest at La Salle not being sufficient to warrant continuing there, I was obliged to leave them for the present, but design to return as soon as consistent.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Litchfield, Dec. 24, 1875.
IOWA
By R. M. Kilgore
We have spent twenty-six days in the vicinity of Fonda, and have given thirty-six discourses. Bro. Barlow spoke several times. The weather has been delightful, and our meetings were without interruption. The interest was good from the beginning, and increased till the close. The Lord especially blessed the word spoken, and conviction settled upon almost the entire congregation. At our last Sabbath meeting, where the good Spirit of the Lord was especially manifested, twenty-six declared themselves loyal to the government of God, and at the close of the meetings, on Sunday evening, nine more united with them, making in all thirty-five who have signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Among the number are seventeen who were not professors of religion. Some of these had been very profane and one an infidel. Three school teachers in this and adjoining districts are also among the number. There are about a dozen here who were keeping the Sabbath as the result of the faithful labors and influence of Bro. N. R. Rigby, under whose charge we now leave these dear souls for the present, trusting that God may help them, as children, to grow up into Christ the living and true vine, and that an entire transformation of life may be seen in every one.
Though the people here are poor, having suffered from the ravages of the grasshopper for the past two years, and live in a new and thinly settled part of the State, I sold about forty dollars’ worth of Bibles, books, and tracts, and obtained six subscribers for the REVIEW and one for the Reformer.
I now return to Story Co., to begin in another new field, and to strengthen the things which there remain.
The day of fasting was a profitable one to me; and I feel like doubling my diligence in the Master’s cause for the coming year. Brethren, pray the Lord of the harvest that he may bless the labors of his servants.
R. M. KILGORE.
Jan. 4, 1876.
MANKATO, MINN.
By F. W. Morse
Since I came from Todd Co., about the first of September, I have been burdened a portion of the time with preparations for winter. In the meantime I have also done what I could in Mankato, and with encouraging results. There are pressing calls for a course of lectures here, but the field is too extensive for one alone.
For some weeks past I have been looking up scattered families that have received the truth, mostly by reading. I have visited and held meetings at several points, and found six families that were pretty fully established in the truth. Have rejoiced to find some good fruit from tracts that were scattered while I was traveling on foot through the mud and snow more than a year ago.
Six have united with the church since I came home; four of them by baptism. There are from six to ten more who will very soon unite with us. There are a good number of very faithful workers among the brethren here, and the cause must progress in the vicinity of any church that is awake in missionary work.
F. W. MORSE.
Mankato, Minn.
WASHINGTON CO., KANSAS.
By J. H. Cook
My last report closed with an account of the meeting at Beloit, Mitchell Co., Nov. On the 22d, Bro. J. H. Coffman took me to Bro. Z. Swearingen’s, where I remained several days, preaching and visiting and trying to help the scattered ones.
From thence Bro. Alvin Swearingen took me to Washington Co., to the church formerly known as the Parallel, but now as Salem church. Here I found eleven names on the church book. These brethren were mostly from Talleyrand, Iowa, and have been in Kansas about four years. They had been twice visited by a minister during that time. They were very far behind, yet trying to keep up meetings. Their S. S. had been most entirely neglected. Remained with them seven days, and labored as best I could to help them get into harmony with the work of God. I fear that in the day of God many of our people will look back with deep anguish of heart to the precious hours of probation that have passed unimproved. Now is the time to build up a character in harmony with the word of God, and to fit ourselves for an abode in the city of God.
Brethren, our time to work is short. Jesus soon is coming. Are we getting ready? Can we look up and rejoice that our redemption draweth nigh? J. H. Cook.
LAKEVIEW, MICH.
By A. O. Burrill; Jerome Fargo
Friday, December 18, we reached this place, which is twenty miles north of Greenville. We held meetings here four days, and five young men and women, children of Bro. and Sr. Collard, decided to fully obey the Lord. Eight were baptized, and a church of sixteen members was formed, with Systematic Benevolence amounting to about $90.00. Bro. Elijah E. Collard was ordained elder. The members of this church are much scattered, which affords them an excellent opportunity for Tract Society work, and to let the light of present truth shine.
In this meeting the Lord greatly blessed us all, and to him be all the praise.
A. O. BURRILL,
JEROME FARGO.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 26, 1875, of congestive chill fever, sister Almira Pierce, wife of Eld. Stephen Pierce. Sister Pierce was the daughter of Oliver Tarbell, Esq., and was born in Cavendish, Vt., Nov. 22, 1806. She united with the Baptist church in 1831. She began to keep the Sabbath in 1852, and has been a full believer in the present truth ever since. She had been in feeble health for many years, which had a depressing influence upon her spirits, and being naturally inclined to think poorly of herself, she was led at times to doubt her acceptance with God, and take rather a sad view of life. But sister Pierce was an excellent woman, a lover of truth and righteousness, one who would not do a wrong knowingly for anything. She feared God greatly through her whole Christian life, and we cannot doubt but that like Mr. Fearing, in Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” she will triumphantly enter through the gates into the city. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
Geo. I. Butler.
Died, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, August 4, 1875, Bro. Stephen T. Fowler in the forty-eighth year of his age. His disease was jaundice. Bro. F. was born in St. John, New Brunswick, Oct. 26, 1827. He embraced the truth in Cleveland, Minn., in the autumn of 1862, under the labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews. He has lived at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, nearly seven years. His death is a real loss to our church, already weakened by the decease of other valuable members. He served acceptably as clerk and treasurer, and we miss him from our meetings. He was respected in the community as a man of integrity. We trust it is well with Bro. F., and hope to meet him in the better world.
Geo. I. Butler.
Died, of disease of the liver, in Genoa, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1875, sister Mary Eleanor Upson, in the thirty-eighth year of her age. Sister Upson embraced the truth when quite young, and was baptized by Bro. White, at Catlin, Chemung Co., N. Y., about 24 years ago. She has endeavored to live a consistent Christian life ever since that time, although on account of peculiar trials, for several years hope and courage seemed at times almost to give place to despair. But we are glad to say that for some time in the past she was enabled to trust more fully in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, whereby hope and courage seemed to spring up anew, and her prospects for eternal life to brighten, and that the evidences of her acceptance with the Lord remained with her till the close of life.
E. S. Lane.
Died, of liver complaint, at Hector, Renville Co., Minn., Dec. 6, 1875, sister Nancy J. Clarke, aged thirty years. Sister Clarke was formerly a member of the M. E. Church, but last winter she commenced to investigate the subject of present truth, and became convinced. She had no opportunity of uniting with a church of S. D. Adventists, but was in full sympathy with them. She was taken sick the first of November. During the first part of her sickness she experienced great darkness, but at last the victory was gained. She leaves four children to the care of her friends.
J. J. Clarke.
Died, of typhoid fever, at Mount Hope, Wis., Oct. 23, 1875, Martin Thomas, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. He was for fifty years a follower of Christ. Three years he was an observer of the Sabbath of the Lord and a believer in the truths of the third angel’s message. He died in the full assurance of a part in the first resurrection. Funeral discourse by Eld. John Atkinson from Rev. 14:13, to a large and attentive audience.
Mary Thomas.
Died, at Friendship, Wis., Dec. 8, 1875, after a short illness, Mary L., daughter of J. P. and Phebe Judd, of Douglas Center, aged twenty-three years and eleven months. She embraced the truth last spring, under the labors of Bro. Sanborn, and by a consistent Christian life won the confidence and esteem of all. She has left a large circle of relatives and friends who mourn their untimely loss. But our sorrow is mingled with hope; for she sleeps in Jesus, and is blessed. The funeral services were held in the meeting-house at Briggsville, and were conducted by Bro. Baker.
G. C. Tenney.
Died, of consumption, at Sandyville, Iowa, Dec. 2, 1875, sister Anna Hodge, only daughter of Noah Hodge, aged seventeen years and six months. She often expressed resignation to the will of God, and frequently repeated Ps. 23:4: “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” By request, a funeral discourse was given by the writer from the above text, to a large and attentive congregation.
J. H. Morrison.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord
My last report was dated Sept. 10. Sept. 11-14, I was with Bro. Bliss in the tent at Dalton. Thank the Lord, we have some fruit of our labor there.
Sept. 15, held an evening meeting at Lexington. This has been a field of some hard battles. Our friends commenced well here at L., now will they prove faithful? Will they overcome every fault, that they may stand in the Judgment?
Sept. 17-20, I labored in Wayne County. Preached four times, immersed one, held one ordinance meeting, and one Tract Society meeting. In 1871 there were only two observers of the Lord’s Sabbath in this county; now we have some thirty or more. Many were suffering from intermittent fever. I had one hard chill. On the Sabbath I spoke in favor of health reform, and said, “I have no time to devote to the ague. I determine to be free.” Some smiled at my confidence; but now I may say, With God’s blessing, that was my last chill. Truly, we ought to walk in the clear light of this reform.
Sept. 21, met a small company of Sabbath keepers in Jefferson County and spoke to them. These were all (save two from Ohio) brought into the light of the Sabbath without the instrumentality of the living preacher. Perhaps I shall report this fact more definitely in the future.
Sept. 24-28, I spent in Woodburn and vicinity. Met some of the first-fruits of my public labors. Our friends here appear to desire to “go through,” and yet they do not witness that prosperity which is desirable. And why? My answer is: Because this work, in which we as a people are engaged, is not regarded as a specialty. If we would cherish it as the third angel’s message, and obey it as precious light from Heaven, the sacred presence of the Author of this system of truth would be felt among us here in Illinois, as it has never been experienced by us. Sad thought! Many very many, are needlessly depriving themselves of power to overcome. “The love of many shall wax [grow] cold.” “Some shall depart from the faith.” “I will therefore put you in remembrance, . . . that the Lord having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.”
Dear friends of the cause everywhere, let me entreat you not to backslide. It is not only dangerous, but it is ungrateful—yes, sinful. How can we consent to ignore this heavenly light?
Lonely Sabbath-keepers, be pillars of the truth in your respective neighborhoods. Remember that though you are not seen by your brethren, even for weeks and months, God’s all-seeing eye is upon us all! All must appear in the Judgment to answer for all our influences here. Though standing alone, your only hope is in not backsliding. Gen. 16:13.
Heads of families, neglect not the family altar. This service is sacred. It is a means of grace. Jer. 10:25.
But I commenced to report. Sept. 29, I spoke to a congregation of Disciples at Vermont, Fulton Co. There is one Sabbath-keeper here, and another person who is very friendly, and studying.
Oct. 1-12, and Dec. 10-15, I was at Aledo and vicinity. Through the first series of meetings, I was alone in preaching. Labored hard, and the Lord gave us a decided victory. The evening of Oct. 11 will long be remembered by the brethren and sisters at A. We met at Bro. Douglass’. None but Sabbath-keepers were present. It was appointed as a confession meeting. The good Spirit was present, and we all felt free to do duty. Tears flowed as confessions were made. No one accused another. Alienated brethren were restored, and all were encouraged. The meeting closed at 12:05 A. M.
I went to our last series of meetings in Aledo with Bro. R. F. Andrews, who bore a straight testimony to his children in the faith. Being given in kindness, it was well received. Celebrated the rites of our dying Lord. Two refrained from partaking because of a sense of unworthiness. Let us all so live that we may feel free to partake at the Lord’s table here, and be worthy at last, through Christ, to be called to the marriage supper on high. Bro. J. R. Whitham was chosen elder, and Bro. Cary Dryden, deacon, of the church at A. They were ordained to their respective offices. Sister Mary Miller was elected clerk.
G. W. COLCORD.
KANSAS T. & M. SOCIETY.
By J. N. Ayers
The general quarterly meeting of the Kansas Tract and Missionary Society was to have been held at Rock Creek, Osage Co., Kan., Dec. 4 and 5. There was a notice of this meeting in the REVIEW for two or three weeks, requesting all the directors to be present, as there were important business matters to be considered. Now imagine my surprise on arriving at the place to find that not one of the directors was there, and no members of the Society except those who went with me, that none came during the meeting, and that only two districts reported (Nos. 2 and 3) although the appointment had been published over a month. We have six districts, and had but two reports. The following is a summary of these:—
No. of letters written, 10; No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 3; Instructor, 1. Distribution of reading matter: No. of REVIEWS given away or loaned, 10; Signs, 5; Instructors, 1; Reformers, 9; pages of tracts, 8,595.
Money Rec’d by donation, $7.00
“ “ from book sales, 4.70
Total, $11.70
Now, brethren and sisters of the Kansas Tract Society, what are we going to do? Are we determined to sleep on till Jesus comes and then be found with our “lamps gone out,” and no oil in our vessels, and to hear him say, “I know you not”? Or are we going to arouse, and go forward with the message? It is for us to decide. The message will go, and if we will not move on in the light God has given us, we shall be left out, and others will take our places and wear the crowns we might have worn, if we had proved faithful. Why is it that, while some societies are so active and zealous, we appear almost lifeless? Why is it that while others are doing so much for us, we are doing little or nothing for ourselves? How dare we be connected with the people of God, and yet not work when we have children, friends, and neighbors, who are in danger of losing eternal life? Why are we sleeping? Why not be up and doing while the day lasts? for we know that “the night cometh when no man can work.”
Oh, be entreated to arouse, shake off the stupor that holds you down, and go to work. Break away from the spell that has been brought upon you by your inactivity. Listen to the siren voice no longer. “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently [margin].” Jer. 48:10. Do we want to receive the curses of the Lord? or would we rather receive his blessing? If we would have his blessing, let us take hold with a will, and show by our works that we are on the Lord’s side; then at our next quarterly meeting let us see that we have something to report, and that we report it. And if the directors will not do their duty, others must take their places; for the Lord’s work must be done, and well done.
J. N. AYERS.
Fairville, Linn Co., Kan., Dec. 9, 1875.
Organization of Kansas T. & M. Society.
THE Tract and Missionary Society of Missouri and Kansas, heretofore existing, having been dissolved, the members from Kansas were called together for the purpose of organizing a Tract and Missionary Society for that State.
Voted, That Eld. D. M. Canright act as chairman and Chas. F. Stevens as Secretary pro tem.
Voted, That the chairman appoint a committee of three to nominate permanent officers.
The chairman named the following persons as such committee: Smith Sharp, C. S. Glover and Joseph Lamont.
The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, J. N. Ayers; Secretary, Jennie Robb; Treasurer, John Helligass. Directors: Dist. No. 1, O. O. Bridges; No. 2, T. H. Wakeman; No. 3, S. N. Ayers;
MONROE CO., NEW YORK.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
For some years, all efforts to present the truth in the vicinity of the Parma church have proved vain. Trials, errors, and causes of grief, had so scorched over the ground that the seeds of truth, if scattered, could not germinate. It seemed, the majority of the members being very aged and infirm, that the church must die out. During the past year the little company have made very earnest efforts to arise, and get above these difficulties. Each honest heart has prayed for help to come out of self, and has sought by love to God and one another to attain such a position that God could bless them.
The death of a little child, poisoned by an overdose of laudanum, resulted in my being solicited to preach the funeral sermon. God blessed the occasion to the awakening of an interest among the lowly in this neighborhood. At their solicitation, I consented to hold one meeting, not expecting over a dozen would attend; but the house was filled, and we continued night after night, despite severe weather, deep mud, and darkness.
For the first two weeks, Methodists, Free Methodists, and Baptists, all joined with us, and testified to being revived, and that God's Spirit was with us. Much good was done by a removal of prejudice. Many who had utterly refused to hear before, obtained a clear understanding of the reasons of our faith and hope. Each night some came forward for prayers. But I found some declaring their sins pardoned without a knowledge of what sin was, and claiming repentance without understanding what repentance implied. As the Lord helped in making plain the binding force and obligation of the law, the nominal professors used their influence against the truth; yet the Lord continued to bless. Held meetings five weeks. Last Sabbath, despite the intense cold, we cut a hole in the ice, and two happy souls were buried in the likeness of our Lord's death, and arose to walk in newness of life. There are several who have embraced the truth, and we hope they will have made such advancement as to be prepared to join the church by baptism on our return.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us look up. Let not doubts, fears, or discouragement fill our hearts. God is good. He will bless labor done solely for his honor and glory. Let us have faith. God loves us—cares for us.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Knapp's Corners, N. Y.
The T. & M. Work in District No. 1, Vt.
By Charles P. Whitford
The eighth quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 1, was held at Berkshire, Vt., Oct. 30 and 31, 1875. There was a good representation of our brethren and sisters from Bordoville and East Richford on the Sabbath, and while Bro. Hutchins reviewed the evidences of our position the Spirit of the Lord witnessed to the truth, and rested in a good degree upon his servant and the people. A Baptist preacher present, who had an idea that our religion was nothing but a cold, shelly theory, arose in our meeting and with deep emotion said, “I am happily disappointed. The Spirit of the Lord is here.” We trust he may yet be led by the same Spirit to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Before our meeting closed on the Sabbath, the friends were all reminded that this was a Tract and Missionary meeting, and that the business pertaining to this branch of the work would be attended to on the following day. All were earnestly exhorted to remain until the close of the meeting, but strange to say, some who should have remained and assisted in the business to be done, excused themselves and returned to their homes, leaving a few to do the work which should be shared by all. But we are happy to say that, notwithstanding these discouragements, our meeting was one of interest, and as successful as any previously held.
A unanimous vote was given in favor of our district’s taking 1000 of the Health Almanacs. We have some here who will not see an enterprise like this fail. We believe that when our General Conference (which we accept as our highest earthly authority) decide upon a course of action, the object of which is to advance the light of truth in the world, it is the voice of God speaking to his people. Hence we believe the almanac enterprise is in the order of the Lord, and our people have acted their faith by taking from our hands these almanacs and paying their money for them. One little boy eleven years of age sold 52 in three and one-half days. He will dispose of 48 more. Others have the same spirit.
Bro. Bean and myself have been out on the road the last week introducing our publications and the almanac. We can sell them at nearly every house. We are not discouraged in our work, but shall continue to labor in this direction. Personal effort is what is needed. The Lord is coming. Are we doing all we can to get the light of truth before the people? Will our skirts be clear from the blood of souls in the great reckoning day? Brethren and sisters of Dist. No. 1, let us gird on the armor anew, and labor on in this great and glorious work.
Charles P. Whitford.
Mound City, Kan., Sept. 12, 1875
By Chas. F. Stevens
No. 4, O. S. Stevens; No. 5, Geo. Kennedy; No. 6, A. J. Stover.
Voted, That we adopt the Constitution usually adopted by the T. and M. Societies.
Adjourned.
CHAS. F. STEVENS, Sec. pro tem.
Mound City, Kan., Sept. 12, 1875
P. S. This was mislaid, or it would have been sent sooner. C. F. S.
Letter from Wood Co., Ohio on Keeping the Sabbath
Bro Gardner writes from Wood Co., Ohio:—
I have kept God’s Sabbath five years. I embraced the advent faith in 1843. Myself and wife have none of like precious faith with whom to worship God, but we intend to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The REVIEW comes to us, laden with choice food for the soul. It is like a plentiful shower to a thirsty land.