Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 25.
ADDRESS AND APPEAL, SETTING FORTH THE IMPORTANCE OF MISSIONARY WORKPage 1
Earlier text: Sabbath School DepartmentEDITORIAL NOTES.
By Editor
We have in type important and interesting articles from Elds. Littlejohn, Canright, and others, which we are obliged to lay over this week to give place to other matter which will not keep. We promise them to our readers at the earliest point practicable. In the report from Brn. Canright and Burrill, in another column, there is one sentence which reads particularly well. We commend it to the careful consideration of all. It is this: “We got nearly every family in the church to take the REVIEW.” We mean that they shall all find it a great help to them in spiritual things. WE are happy to be able to close up the volume with such matter as we present this week in the paper and the Supplement. Read it all carefully. It contains enough matter for study during the week in which the paper will now lie over. IN a private letter to this Office a brother very pertinently remarks: “The subjects of the Sabbath and the second coming of Christ lie very near the surface. Only a word serves to develop the fact that people are thinking on these things.” NUMBER one of the new volume, January, 1879, is already issued. It is the best number yet published. It is utterly unexplainable why every family of Sabbath-keepers, and all our isolated brethren and sisters, do not invest the merely nominal sum of ten cents, and have this paper a year; thus letting the teachers of our school speak to them more directly and more fully than through any other medium, concerning this institution and their important work. There are four numbers a year. Two and a half cents a number. Any one who can raise one cent every five and one-fifth weeks, can take it. The price is not in the way; and every number is worth far more than the entire subscription price. We recommend that all the pledges made in Ohio at our late camp-meeting or before that time be paid by the brethren and sisters to the librarians in Ohio. Do not send the money on these pledges to the REVIEW Office. It makes confusion. If there is no librarian where you live, send the money to the State treasurer, J. B. Gregory, Bowling Green, Ohio. D. M. CANRIGHT. Day of Fasting and Prayer for Ohio.
By Ohio Conf. Committee
We hereby appoint Sabbath, Jan. 4, as a day of fasting and prayer throughout this Conference, for the revival of the work of God in Ohio. Let every lover of the truth keep this fast with us. Except in the case of very feeble persons and little children, let nothing be eaten during the entire day. Pray to be shown where you are neglecting your own duty; ask God to bless you with means that you may help the cause. Ask him to raise up laborers in the work; ask him to go out with his ministers as they go to preach the truth; and pray that zeal and harmony may prevail among the brethren already in the truth. For particulars, see our appeal to Ohio. W. C. WHITE
By William C. White
WHAT has it been?—A complete history of our cause and people from the beginning. It has borne record of every advance step, of every struggle with opposition and prejudice, and of each victory that has been gained. It has clearly sounded the note of warning to an indifferent world, carefully pointed out the signs of the times, and noted each fulfillment of prophecy. What is it now?—The leading paper of our denomination. It still contains a full record of our progress. Through it the most solemn warnings and faithful appeals for earnestness and activity in this time of danger and lukewarmness are brought before our people; and in it is heralded each advance move and each appeal for broader plans. What is it to be?—Fifty-three marks the number of the next volume. This cannot fail to be as interesting as previous volumes, because events of special interest are rapidly transpiring, and because editors and publishers are determined to make it the most stirring, energetic, religious paper extant. Who will read it? What seventh-day Adventist can do without it? We can better do without a clock, which marks the passing hours of the day, than without the REVIEW, which notes the fulfillment of the signs of the times heralding the coming of our King. Let each one whose subscription ends with this volume respond at once, and notice also if there are not others who should have it. Induce them to subscribe, if for only six months, and thus bring the truths that it contains before the attention of all who should read it. Each T. and M. librarian should see that each family in the society and the church subscribes for the REVIEW, and that all read it. Librarians, Attention.
By Editor
We want to bring the Youth’s Instructor to the attention of every Sunday-school in the land; therefore we ask Librarians and others who are interested in this work to send us the names and addresses of Sunday-school superintendents. Any one who will send us the names and addresses of ten S. S. superintendents can have his choice of the officer’s edition of the T. and M. Constitution, or the proposed book containing Constitution of State S. S. Associations with suggestions to officers. Address, Youth’s Instructor,
Battle Creek, Mich. Sabbath-School Business Meeting.
By Executive Committee Gen. S. S. A.
WE recommend that each Sabbath-school hold a business meeting in connection with the church business meeting of Jan. 5, for the consideration of the following and other important matters upon which the success of the school for 1879 will largely depend:— First, Each school should decide what lesson books and sheets it will use during the year, and authorize some one to procure them. Secondly, A song book should be adopted, and the T. and M. librarian requested to procure the number wanted, and also to keep a supply on hand, so that new scholars can procure them at any time. Thirdly, If not previously ordered, a set of Record Books for the secretary and the teachers should be adopted, and the secretary or the T. and M. librarian instructed to procure them. Fourthly, Decide whether the school will subscribe for a club of the weekly INSTRUCTOR. If so, how many? Fifthly, Devise a way of paying for these, and adopt a plan for raising means for future wants. Sixthly, Schools that are able should consider the procuring of maps of Bible lands and books of reference for teachers, such as a Bible Dictionary, Concordance, Geography of Bible Lands, etc. These books should be kept as a circulating library, and will do more for the school than that amount spent for story books. That no time may be wasted at the Sabbath-school business session, and that all important points may receive attention, let each school at its next session appoint one or two committees to take the above-mentioned matters into consideration, and be prepared to report at the business meeting. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GEN. S. S. A. SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; A. O. Burrill
We have just closed one week's labor at Springfield. There are thirty-nine Sabbath-keepers in this company. Over half of them were brought into the Sabbath under the labors of Brn. Waggoner and Stone, when they were here last summer with the tent. Regular meetings have since been kept up. We hired a hall for our meetings. Nearly all the Sabbath-keepers attended promptly; but the outside interest was small, not more than a dozen attending at any one time. Yet we found a large number who had heard the truth in the tent and believed it. Could one of the brethren have remained here for a few weeks to take care of the interest raised, the strength of the church might have been much increased. This is another illustration of the evil of leaving a church with the work unfinished. Quite a number who embraced the Sabbath then have given it up, and those who were almost decided have lost their interest. But there are enough Sabbath-keepers to make a good, working church, and most of them are strong in the truth and are trying to live it out faithfully. We organized a Sabbath-school, and the brethren paid for twenty-five copies of the weekly INSTRUCTOR. We organized a church of sixteen members. Quite a number will be admitted at their first business meeting. Several did not join, as they were not ready to be baptized. Abram McLellan was elected clerk, and H. W. Cottrell elder. The brethren have hired a good little hall for a year. This they will now fit up neatly with chairs, stove, etc., and thus have a permanent place of meeting. This church has an excellent opportunity to do missionary work, and they have a mind to do it. There is good talent here to fill every office in the church. We enjoyed our visit with them very much. Three young people made a good start at this meeting, and the husband of one of our sisters begins the observance of the Sabbath this week. We got nearly every family in the church to take the REVIEW. Eld. Wm. Cottrell will spend a good share of his time for some weeks to come in nursing this church, and teaching them all parts of the message. We feel that it is very important to have them come up strong and clear on the whole truth. Our address for some time to come will be Newark, Ohio. D. M. CANRIGHT. A. O. BURRILL. SUNSHINE, COLORADO.
By M. E. Cornell
This is a small mining town in the mountains, seven miles from Boulder City. We have just closed a three weeks’ course of lectures, and yesterday held our first Sabbath meeting. Thirty were out, about half of whom have decided to keep the Sabbath. We had an interesting meeting. The good Spirit of God was manifestly present. We are now arranging for regular Sabbath meetings, and we doubt not that several more will obey the truth, out of the fifty who have voted in its favor. It is generally remarked that the people have manifested more interest in these meetings than was ever known here before. We pray and hope that this investigation may continue until the sunshine of the truth may shine away the darkness of error in the minds of many more. QUINCY.—We held meetings with the Quincy church, Oct. 29 to Nov. 6. Our labors there were to relieve the church from some embarrassments under which they had labored for several years. We hope that our efforts resulted favorably for the cause. It is due to the brethren in that place to say that their difficulties are to a large extent attributable to unfavorable surroundings and the unfaithfulness of a few, rather than to an utter lack of spirituality on the part of the majority. There are in that church individuals who evidently have had a deep experience in the things of God, and who have mourned very deeply over a condition of things for which they were not responsible and which they could not remedy. We confidently hope there is a better future before them. EDENVILLE.—This place is situated in Midland county, and there was formerly located therein a church of Seventh-day Adventists, which was disbanded about four years ago. When we visited them recently, they had no organization and held no meetings. After laboring there between two and three weeks, we left a company numbering twenty-three in all, who had covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and had selected suitable persons to conduct their regular services on each Sabbath day. We also organized a Sabbath-school comprising twenty-eight members, and obtained eleven subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and ten for the weekly INSTRUCTOR. During our meetings, eight or nine persons commenced to keep the Sabbath and identified themselves with our people. Before we left, the brethren had arranged for the building of a meeting-house of moderate dimensions, which will answer their present necessities. Our meetings were well attended from first to last. Eld. E. R. Jones arrived Dec. 1, and kindly consented to continue the meetings for one week. We left thereupon for Bushnell, Montcalm county. It is but due to Mary Ann Carty, who is a resident of Edenville, to say that she would have been baptized at the Lansing camp-meeting held one year ago, had it not been that her name was at first mistaken for that of Carter, by the one to whom the case was referred. Hickory Corners, Dec. 10. Since camp-meeting I have continued labor in the vicinity of Hickory Corners, and some have embraced the truth. We have regular Sabbath meetings, with an attendance of about thirty-five. Our meetings are very interesting, also our Sabbath-school, which numbers about thirty-five pupils. I am trying to gather others in. To the Lord be all the praise for the good work here. We closed our meetings at Otsego, Dec. 10. One took a decided stand for the truth, and seven united with the church. Fifteen copies of the SIGNS were taken on the installment plan. All voted a sum equal to one-third their S. B. for missionary work, and cheerfully agreed to pay a tithe of their increase into the treasury of the Lord. Harmony prevails here. These meetings have been a source of encouragement to us, and we hope all the churches in this district will follow the example of the church at Otsego. I have commenced meetings among the Scandinavians in Grand Rapids. Nine adults were present at my first meeting and between twenty and thirty at my third. Some are interested. I have obtained one subscriber for the HAROLD and two for the TIDENDE, each with premiums. Have also sold pamphlets and tracts to the amount of one dollar, and received an order for a large Danish Bible. THANKS FOR REASON.
By O. Foster
[The following lines were suggested by an anecdote of a lunatic, who, escaping the asylum in London, would stop every one he met with—"Have you thanked God for your reason?" and then without waiting for a reply he would say, "Then do so quickly, for I have lost mine."] O God! while yet ’tis season,
Grant me, I pray,
To thank thee for my reason,
While yet I may;
While yet upon her throne
My reason stays,
Repenting, let me mourn
My erring ways. I’ve wandered far from thee—
Far from the way
That all must go who’d see
Eternal day:
Yet while ’tis not too late,
Hear thou my prayer:
O Heavenly Father great,
Leave reason there! Leave reason yet a while,
Help me repent;
I know my heart is vile—
To evil bent;
From sin I cannot flee.
Turn where I may,
My heart I cannot free
From error’s sway. Then, Father, let me seek
The promise given
By Christ our Saviour meek,
The way to Heaven;
Then let me end my days
In songs to thee,
And all thy goodness praise
Eternally. O. Foster.
Lakeview, Mich. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died near Fremont, Neb., Nov. 11, 1878, Charles C. Anderson, in the seventh year of his age; Nov. 18, Henry C. Anderson, in his eleventh year; and Dec. 1, little Emery, the last son of our beloved Bro. and Sr. C. S. Anderson. A malignant form of the diphtheria did this work. These dear children had thus early been taught of Jesus, and they had learned to love him and to look for his glorious appearing. The stricken parents have laid their treasures away, expecting soon to receive them where there will be “no more death.” In humble submission they say, “Thy will be done.” Chas. L. Boyd. Died, Nov. 22, 1878, in the thirty-second year of her age, Sister R. E. Devinney. Sister Devinney was a member of the Decatur (Neb.) church, and died in hope of a part in the first resurrection. She leaves a husband and three small children to mourn their loss. A large congregation listened attentively to the funeral discourse by the writer. Chas. L. Boyd. Died at Fredericksburg, Iowa, Nov. 6, 1878, O. S. Brace, aged 69 years. For two years before his death he was much of the time a great sufferer from rose cancer. Last January he sought the Lord by repentance; at the same time he embraced the doctrine of the soon-coming of the Lord, and decided to keep the commandments of God. While we mourn, we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Funeral discourse by Mr. Abbott, Baptist minister, from Job 14. Norman Brace. Died of heart disease, at Pleasant Valley, St. Croix county, Wis., Nov. 21, 1878, Bro. Harrison Stilwell, in the fifty-second year of his age. He was born in the State of New York in 1826. About eight years ago he heard the third angel’s message in Monroe, Wis., and with his family has kept the Sabbath since that time. He removed to this place last spring. He leaves a wife, a son, and two daughters to mourn his death. A. M. Fulton. Died of consumption in Littleton, Aroostook county, Me., Nov. 28, 1878, Sister Emma C. Leavitt, wife of Enos Leavitt, aged 73 years, 12 days. Sister Leavitt was a native of Andover, N. H. She came to Aroostook county, in 1836, embraced the present truth in November, 1871, under the labors of Eld. J. B. Goodrich, and united with the church at Oakfield in November, 1876. She has lived a consistent Christian life, beloved by all who knew her, and has passed away with perfect trust in the Lord, her last words being, “I shall soon be at rest.” Yes; she will rest till Jesus comes. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of one so dear, but we expect soon to meet on the immortal shore. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4. P. A. Clough. Died in Monroe, Jasper county, Iowa, Nov. 24, 1878, Sister Elizabeth Perrin, in the fifty-sixth year of her age. Sister Perrin came into the truth about eight years ago, under the labors of Eld. D. M. Canright. She was a devoted Christian and an affectionate wife and mother. We laid her away in hope, to rest until Jesus comes. Funeral discourse by the writer. J. B. Bennington. Died at Eagle Lake, Minn., Nov. 11, 1878, Eddie Ray, infant son of James W. and Mary R. Carpenter and grandson of H. C. and E. M. H. Bullis. His parents are firm believers in the truths of the third angel’s message, and hope for a reunion when the Lifegiver shall bring him again from the “land of the enemy.” E. M. H. Bullis. Fell asleep, Dec. 10, 1878, Eddie, son of John W. and Lois Bowman, aged 8 years, 5 months, and 9 days. Remarks by Mr. Wilson, a presiding elder of the Free Methodist church, from Matt. 19:14. W. A. Y. Died of spinal fever, near Daytonville, Iowa, Oct. 29, 1878, Olive Idell, daughter of B. F. and Sarah E. Curtis, aged 9 months and 2 days. Funeral discourse by Eld. H. Nicola, from Jer. 31:15–17. S. E. Nicola. The work in Cabot is prospering. The Sabbath meetings are well attended, and the Spirit of the Lord is there. Two weekly prayer-meetings are kept up, one in Cabot and one in Marshfield. A Sabbath-school has been organized, which is proving one of great interest. It is encouraging to witness the love that is manifested for the truths of the Bible lessons. I often hear persons say, “We long for the Sabbath to come.” This band of Sabbath-keepers has already been visited by the angel of death. The oldest of their number, Sister Susan Blanchard, died Nov. 27, in her eightieth year. A house of worship is needed here, and the church contemplate building one in the spring. R. S. OWEN. I was at Garden Grove, Dec. 3. None of the eight who signed the covenant last summer have apostatized, and some are growing stronger in the truth. I am now at home, but expect soon to labor in the north-western part of the State. C. A. WASHBURN. Commenced a course of lectures in this place the evening of the 4th inst. Have had fair congregations, and there has been some interest. This is in Bro. Moore’s neighborhood, and he has been alone here for some years. I find some reading our papers and tracts. This is good; it helps wonderfully in opening the way for preaching the message. I wish all our T. and M. members could realize this. They would more than double their efforts in judiciously circulating our reading matter, and our preachers could accomplish much more in a given time. They would not have to waste so much precious time in prying off the scales of ignorance, prejudice, and error, which have so long encrusted their minds. Then— “Who will help us to garner in
The sheaves of good from the fields of sin?” Dear friends, when you pray for the cause in Missouri remember me. I HAVE now given ten discourses in Stanford. The weather has been unfavorable and my health poor; however, a few very influential men are much interested. We commenced meetings at Dassel, Dec. 3. The hall we occupy, which is 24x50 feet, is well filled every evening, and the interest is steadily rising. JOHN W. MOORE.
M. H. GREGORY. Graham Lakes, Nobles Co., Dec. 9. On my way to Graham Lakes I attended the quarterly meeting at Mankato. Bro. John Hackett joined me Nov. 11. Thirteen have signed the covenant, and we have organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class. Others are convinced of the truth, but they are hindered by surrounding circumstances. NORWAY AND DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
I have preached four times this week and have obtained a large hall for Sunday evening. (The one I had last week could not be obtained any more.) Here about six hundred people listened to a discourse on the sanctuary and 2300 days of Dan. 8. Books have been taken freely. Several attended our prayer-meeting and took part in it. Some are becoming interested in searching the Scriptures. We have to work by degrees here. Minds must be prepared for the truth. Our hope and trust is in God. In Denmark the work is also moving forward, both in Jylland and in Sjæland. Meetings are being held, and more and more are becoming interested. There are now more than ninety dear souls in Denmark who observe the Sabbath of the Lord and are trying to prepare for the coming of our Saviour. JOHN G. MATTESON. Christiana, Norway, Nov. 19, 1878. Nov. 25, Bro. Matteson adds:— In Vensyssel [Denmark] Bro. K. Brorson has held a number of meetings during the past week, most of which have been well attended. There is a growing interest to hear and read on present truth. He has obtained one new subscriber for the TIDENDE, and three persons have commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. God can also give grace and strength to the weak. Here in Christiana the work is progressing steadily. About one thousand hearers listened most attentively to a lecture Sunday evening on the thousand years of Rev. 20. We have sold books in this city during the past month for more than Kr. 80.00, and have obtained nineteen subscribers for the TIDENDE. About forty persons attended our prayer-meeting Friday evening, and many took active part. We felt the blessing of the Lord.