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Review and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 5.

DOCTRINAL TRUTHS OF THE BIBLE
Earlier text: POPULAR FALLACIES

DUTY

By Jos. Clarke

The importance of always keeping in the path of duty is not as keenly felt as it should be. We all see the necessity of faithfulness on the part of the physician who ministers to the calls of the sick and the dying. We see the necessity of constant vigilance on the part of the engineer who controls the ponderous locomotive, which glides with lightning speed along the iron track with its living freight of humanity and treasured wealth. Every officer and workman on the train is entrusted with responsibilities great and of the most momentous nature. A single omission of duty, a single violation of the rules or of the orders given, might wreck the train; a little slackness in regard to time might cause a great amount of confusion to any of the departments connected with the business of the road; and in certain cases, a variation from promptness in regard to correct time may wreck a train and consign a multitude of innocent persons to a wretched death or cruel mutilation.
It is evident that each of the instances we have mentioned, requires the greatest conscientiousness in regard to duty, and promptness in fulfilling the duties which fall to the lot of such as place themselves where they hold human life and interests in their hands, where a slight mistake involves such vast and important results. The physician, the engineer, the conductor, how carefully they should move! how decisive, and certain, and exact, and prompt should they be in the performance of each duty, feeling continually their responsibility, and that, too, with a continual fear and dread lest they might, by some slight mistake or omission of duty, commit a fatal mistake. This is their safety, to watch continually for the duty of the moment, and to be always ready to discharge such duty, with steady hand and in a calm frame of mind.
In all the walks of life we should look for the calls of duty. They may not, at first thought, seem as important as in the instances we have mentioned; but they may, nevertheless, prove quite as much so in the end. Each returning day and year brings its duties and its weight of responsibility. God wants us to watch for them with an earnest desire to do our work well. We ought to ask him to open our eyes to see the duty of the moment and the best way of doing it.
It is the duty of one to give his treasures of mind or of material wealth into the cause of truth. He must not wait and procrastinate until the Spirit of God has departed; but he must arise and say as Paul did, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Then, like Paul, let him arise and do what duty commands; for duty does command and that, too, in no uncertain terms. Wisdom invites, but each of her invitations is in the imperative mode.
JOS. CLARKE.

Tents, Tents.

TENTS to be used at the New England camp-meeting may be had upon the same terms as last season. Brethren will please send their orders as soon as practicable, that all tents may be secured, and upon the ground, before the meeting begins. Address, M. Wood, South Boston, Mass.

TEXAS TENT.

By R. M. Kilgore

Though at Cleburne it is very hot during the day, the nights are pleasant. Our interest is good, and has so increased that we have had to increase the size of our tent and the seating capacity. I am now in the midst of the Sabbath question. The people listen attentively and are purchasing some books. They are kind and respectful, and remember our temporal wants.
Yesterday, just as the people were assembling for the 3 P. M. meeting, a sudden gale came up from the south, and before we let the tent down, four section ropes were torn from the canvas their entire length, making a complete wreck of our new tent. A very heavy rain followed the gale, soaking everything. But the weather clearing off, we removed the wreck, prepared the seats, and spoke at night to a large audience, with the broad canopy of heaven for a covering. I never had better liberty in speaking, and the people never listened more attentively than on that occasion.
We go to work to-day to repair the tent as best we can, and start again Wednesday evening. R. M. KILGORE.

NEBRASKA

By Chas. L. Boyd; Henry Shultz

We closed our tent-meetings at North Bend last Sunday evening. The most of the church members here are Presbyterians. “My father and grandfather were Presbyterians, and I am a Presbyterian, and go only to their meetings,” is the prevailing sentiment.
We were told their minister said he would like to attend our meetings, but was afraid his attendance would influence others to come. He thus acknowledged himself one of the class addressed by our Saviour in Matt. 23: 13.
Wet weather and the harvest crowding upon the farmers made it almost impossible for them to attend. Nevertheless, some of the seed, we trust, has fallen where it will bring forth fruit. One of us design meeting with them next Sabbath.
The tent is now pitched at Schuyler, and meetings are to commence this evening.
CHAS. L. BOYD. HENRY SHULTZ.
Schuyler, Neb., July 19, 1877.

Lancaster Tent Meetings Draw Interest and Opposition

Wisconsin.

Lancaster, Grant Co., Tent No. 1.

WE have now, July 18, been in Lancaster two weeks. Some are deeply interested, and we hope they will obey the truth—not as many, however, as we had hoped for. The ministers have all kept away, and have used their influence to keep the people from hearing. We have about sixty in regular attendance now; but the power of worldly influences, we fear, will hold many from yielding to their convictions of duty.
Eld. A. N. Hitchcock, first-day Adventist, published an article against us in last week’s Herald. In the same issue we published “Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists,” and an offer of $25 for one text from the Bible to prove that Sunday is the Sabbath, or Lord’s day. No one has proffered the text. The offer has created quite a stir. The people are asking the ministers to produce the text.
One clergyman, whose church is across the street from the tent, preached very quietly Sunday evening on the Sabbath question to his few hearers. Said he, “There is no proof for Sunday-keeping; but the absence of proof that the apostles kept the seventh day is sufficient reason why we should keep the first day.”
We have a good location selected about five miles from town, where we expect to locate as soon as our work is finished here. It is in the midst of a fine farming country, and the people are well-to-do and intelligent. Some are deeply interested and anxious to hear. I. Sanborn.

Ellsworth.

OUR meetings here are progressing favorably. The congregations are still large. From three to four hundred were out last evening to hear upon the change and restitution of the Sabbath. Those in the tent listened with marked attention, and a goodly number are convinced that we have the truth so far. We expect to speak next upon the United States in prophecy. The Lord is helping. A Dr. J. K. Bailey (spiritualist) tried to hinder the work, but ignominiously failed and left for a more promising field. W. B. Hill. S. Fulton.

NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.

Raymond, Pa., Tent No. 1.

The interest here is now, July 16, greater than at any previous time since our meetings commenced. We expected to take down our tent to-day to go to another place; but the interest is such that we are compelled to remain another week, at least.
The district quarterly meeting of the Tract Society, which was held here in the tent, was well attended by brethren from various parts of the district, and by some from Dist. No. 9. Sabbath, at nine A. M., we had a congregation of one hundred and fifty brethren and interested friends. In our social meeting seventy-five stirring testimonies were given in about an hour, and the Spirit of the Lord was evidently in our midst. In the afternoon, we made an appeal to those who wanted to seek the Lord to come forward, when thirty-two persons responded. We have never seen deeper feeling manifested than by these persons. In fact, the Spirit of God was felt in a wonderful manner throughout the entire congregation. At times there was not a dry eye in the whole assembly. But few of the persons who came forward had ever made a profession of religion, and yet we believe most of them moved understandingly. Some for whom we had not dared to hope yielded to the Spirit of God, and took their stand with his people. Twenty of the number rose for baptism.
Sunday morning, before nine o’clock, we had a good congregation in attendance at the Tract Society meeting. From that hour till eleven, load after load came in, till our sixty-foot tent was literally filled, there being six hundred or more present. We had appointed to speak on baptism; but the crowd was such that we decided to present something more directly connected with our present work, and so spoke for more than an hour on the sealing work. During intermission the congregation, en masse, remained in the tent; and at two P. M. listened attentively for an hour on the change of the Sabbath. We have never witnessed better attention.
The congregation was then dismissed, and candidates for baptism were examined. As we had not been able to present this subject, we recommended to several that their cases be postponed for one week, that they might be better prepared to go forward in this duty. Fifteen persons united with the church. Repairing to the place of baptism, we found our entire congregation had preceded us. More than forty teams—mostly double—and over six hundred persons, were in waiting. Perfect order prevailed, and we enjoyed a most beautiful scene. Fourteen were baptized. There will probably be eight or ten more to be baptized next Sunday. There are others deeply interested whom we hope to reach.
We think the remarkably large attendance of yesterday the result, in a great measure, of the reports of the meetings in the local papers. B. L. WHITNEY. M. H. BROWN.

Pulaski, N. Y., Tent No. 2.

The feeling here, I think, is deeper than at any previous time. Some more have decided to keep the Sabbath, and there are other very hopeful cases; so that we do not feel free to leave yet.
Our meeting last Sabbath was the best we have had yet; and Sunday evening we had a tent full, and large numbers sat in their carriages outside. S. B. WHITNEY.

Glensdale, Lewis Co., N. Y., Tent No. 5.

This is the seventh week of our meetings here. The interest is still rising. Thirteen have pledged their word in public to keep the Sabbath. Most of them are heads of families,—two are class leaders, one a steward, and one a lady that has preached some for the “first-day” Adventists. We have labored from house to house, visiting families for several miles around. Many persons are under conviction, and some new ones arise for prayers every week. Quite a number have subscribed for our periodicals.
In connection with our meetings at Glensdale, we are having quite a large temperance revival. About fifty have signed the pledge. JACOB WILBUR. A. P. BUMP.

PEACE, BE STILL.

By F. A. Parker

Hark! list to the thunder of Galilee’s tempest, Hurling the surf mid the breakers so high, The waves leap and dash in the wildest commotion, Echoes the sound of the strife to the sky, Till Jesus awakes from his sleep on the pillow (For e’en must the tempest succumb to his will), And looking on breaker and dark surging billow, Gives forth the command to the winds, “Peace, be still.”
Oh, wonderful change! In a moment the billows Subside, and in peaceful tranquillity rest, The sunlight now flashes in bright, penciled dashes Upon the calm surface of Galilee’s breast; The wavelets gleam bright in the sunlight of heaven, And peacefully flow to meet river and rill. What magic was there in the words, gently spoken? To the winds and the billows he said, “Peace, be still.”
On life’s rugged ocean a tempest is raging, With the breakers of sin rising dark through the gloom, And billows of envy and malice, engaging, Leap high, in their efforts our souls to entomb. Then let us arise, ere these dark, surging billows Have time to submerge all the powers of our will; Frown boldly upon the dark waters of passion, And give to our hearts the command, “Peace, be still.”
F. A. PARKER.

CANADA

By A. C. Bourdeau

We gave sixteen lectures in Frelford, and held some social meetings before we introduced the Sabbath question. It is said that last Thursday evening, while we spoke on the Sabbath, two ministers sat near the tent to hear us. The next evening, at the close of another discourse on the same subject one in the congregation referred us to the words, “Let every soul be subject to the higher powers.” We asked, “Who is the highest power?” He answered, “God.” We asked again, “If God said, Do not kill such a person, and an earthly ruler said, Kill that person, which of the two would you obey?” He answered again, “God.” The applause that followed showed that the truth was appreciated.
Last Sunday morning, Bro. Owen gave the “Sabbath Poem” from memory, before a large audience. In the afternoon we spoke on the importance of obeying, and then requested those who believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath which should be kept now to arise, and nearly one-half of the congregation arose. As a preacher went out, he said, “You can find any thing in the Bible.” We said, “No; the first-day Sabbath is not there.”
Souls are becoming converted to the truth, and persons who had never tried to serve the Lord take a part in our meeting.
A. C. BOURDEAU.

ILLINOIS

By C. H. Bliss

We have now, July 17, been in Mackinaw a little over four weeks, and have held about forty meetings. We have seldom had fewer than one hundred hearers. A storm blew down our tent and broke the center pole. It blew down trees, and tore down houses, barns, and other buildings. But we have not lost one meeting on this account.
Last Sunday, Eld. Minier (Disciple) spoke twice on the Sabbath question. His friends claim that he is the most talented man in the county; but he made a very weak effort, even permitting his friends to judge. I reviewed him before a good congregation.
Some are beginning to oppose very strongly; others are gladly receiving the truth. A few kept last Sabbath for the first. We hope for others. C. H. Bliss.

INDIANA

By S. H. Lane; A. W. Bartlett

Thorntown, Boone Co., Tent No. 1.

We have now been here six weeks and expect to remain one week longer. The turnout is still good. Last night about six hundred were present.
Our last Sabbath meeting was a grand success. Several more took a decided stand to obey the truth. Twenty signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Books sell well, and we have received eleven trial subscribers for our papers. We hope, through the blessing of the Lord, the work here may prove a success. The citizens are anxious that we should erect a house of worship, and say that if we will do so, they will donate liberally.
S. H. LANE.
A. W. BARTLETT.

MICHIGAN

Lakeview, Montcalm Co.

We have now reached the Sabbath question, and have given ten or twelve discourses upon it. The interest continues good, and several have commenced to observe the Sabbath. Many others are almost decided to obey. The whole community is stirred on the question. We are informed that yesterday (Sunday) morning the Methodist minister went to some open shops and ordered them closed; but the keepers did not comply with his orders. Last evening he preached against the Sabbath, making the usual assertions. We shall review him soon.
The people here are quite hospitable, and the brethren very kind. Bro. Collard and family, in particular, are doing everything they can to aid us. They furnish us an organ, and sister Belle Collard plays for us. A. O. Burrill. Will Ellsworth.

Port Huron.

The meetings in the tent at this place are increasing in interest. Fifty services have now been held, and a goodly number have decided to obey the word, two have been baptized, and others will soon go forward in that ordinance. The average attendance during the past week has been about two hundred. There is still a great work to be done, as a large portion of the city has not been canvassed. There is no present prospect of leaving the place till the tent season is over, though in about two weeks we shall change our location to another part of the city.
We were invited on Sunday afternoon last, to speak to the “Reform Club” of the city. A large and popular audience assembled, including the mayor and principal citizens of the place. Had excellent freedom, and our work became better known. In the evening, our congregation was greatly increased. We are treated with the greatest respect. D. H. Lamson. M. S. Burnham.

OHIO

By H. A. St. John

Van Wert, Van Wert Co.

We have now, July 19, reached the Sabbath question in our meetings in this place. The interest continues good; the average attendance is about two hundred and fifty. The devil is aroused. Our discourse on spiritualism resulted in a challenge for a discussion from a Mrs. Shaw, trance speaker. Of course, we do not stoop to such work. We hope and pray that a few may be found that will walk in all the commandments of God. Bro. O. F. Guilford and R. A. Underwood have each spoken once to good acceptance. With these exceptions, I have done all the preaching. We expect our people remember us in prayer. H. A. St. John.

NEWBURYPORT, MASS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

The last week has been one of much encouragement here. We have now been here nearly three weeks. The weather having become good, our audience has increased so that we now usually have from one hundred and fifty to two hundred out, and sometimes four hundred.
Saturday evening we had a temperance meeting in the tent, conducted by the citizens of the place. This gave us a chance to take our position on that question. Yesterday we had our first Sabbath meeting. About twenty brethren and sisters came in from Ipswich, and others came from the city, making about seventy-five. Twenty-six testimonies were borne, and we had a good meeting. By a rising vote, nearly all present declared that they believed the seventh day is the Sabbath. Then eight rose up, promising to observe that day. This we regard as a good beginning. There are a good many more for whom we have the strongest hopes.
We have sold about twenty dollars’ worth of books, obtained two subscribers for the REFORMER, twenty for the SIGNS, and have taken up one collection of $10.00. This afternoon, after speaking on the saints’ inheritance, I sold thirty-nine copies of Bro. Loughborough’s pamphlet on that subject.
We have callers at the tent almost every hour in the day, and numerous invitations out in every direction, and plenty of food is brought in. In short, we now have a really good, solid interest, though not as extensive a one as we sometimes have. We are all well, and in good spirits. We have an organ and a drilled choir of four, with Bro. C. W. Stone as leader. This helps our meetings greatly. They sing about twenty minutes before meeting every night. People come to hear the singing, and so all our audience are in early, and sit till we are through.
We have taken all pains to have everything in and about the tent neat, and clean, and orderly. Bro. Fred Mead is our tent master. We have never had any one keep the lamps and things generally as nicely as he does. Why should not a tent master do his work well? D. M. CANRIGHT.

THE SCHOOL.

By H. W. Decker

The inspired word often admonishes us to seek after knowledge and wisdom; but we do not find a single admonition within the lids of the Bible to seek for riches of silver and gold. Holy men of God prized knowledge far above the most costly gems of earth. Man may possess his thousands; but such riches may be burned or stolen. But knowledge can never be taken away. It adds greatly to the enjoyment of its possessor, and enables him to see and realize more than others of God’s infinite wisdom and love. And the more knowledge we have, the better are we able to serve God, and work for the glory of his cause.
There are many young men and young women in our ranks who desire to improve their talents and do something in the cause of God; but they have only a limited education. There are places for such to fill, if they are willing to sacrifice to advance the cause of present truth. Some ought to go into new fields, and publicly present these precious truths to their fellow-men; others ought to circulate our tracts, and canvass for our periodicals and books; while others might help by writing to those who may need such assistance. There is work for one and all, according to their abilities.
These may, with a limited education, enter the work, and do the utmost in their power to fill places of trust; but under what discouragements do they not labor! Some, under these circumstances, have entered the field, and have done much good; but how much more they might have accomplished had they possessed more general knowledge, and had their minds been trained to think closely and logically! Any one who goes out to hold up important truths before the people ought to have a fair education, to say the least. It is almost indispensable.
Much more might be said; but as able men have written upon this subject, I would call the reader’s attention to some of their articles, such as “Thoughts on Education” and “Fitting Young Men for the Ministry,” in The BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE; also the article by D. M. Canright in REVIEW, No. 3, present volume, headed, “Young Man, Young Woman, Educate Yourself.”
Persons who have attended the school at Battle Creek and other similar institutions should be well qualified to judge of their respective merits; and they pronounce Battle Creek College the best school they have ever attended. They say that the interest and care which the trustees, teachers, and others connected with the school, manifest for the students is very great; and that they watch over them as a mother would over her children, rebuking the unruly kindly but with firmness. The methods of giving instruction are thorough, and are not excelled by those of any other school. All things considered, the Battle Creek College has a first-class corps of teachers.
The expenses at this school are less than at any other. Tuition is low; board is cheap. And though the food is plain, yet it is nourishing, and there is always plenty of it. This is the testimony of those who have boarded at the clubs.
There are many in Wisconsin who ought to go to school this year and prepare themselves for usefulness. Many can go as well as not, while others must sacrifice some. But remember that where there is a will, there is a way. I hope all will think of it. Parents, remember that you should give your children a proper education. This is a duty of parents to their children, one for which God will hold them accountable.
I am acquainted with many in Wisconsin who would have sent their children to school last year; but as they were young, their parents feared to send them so far alone by railroad. I have thought about this matter much, and would gladly help such if I could. As Bro. O. A. Johnson has been to Battle Creek and is well acquainted with the road, and as he expects to return this fall to be there at the opening of the school, I have thought that those who desire to go, but feel afraid to go alone, might accompany him. He will assist them, especially through Chicago, which is the most difficult place on the route. But to do this, they must start on the same day, and go on the same train. He will give any who ask it all necessary information, with pleasure. His address is Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis. All who wish to go with Bro. Johnson should write to him immediately.
I hope that Wisconsin will be well represented at our College this year. Young men, young women, do not let this precious opportunity pass by unimproved.
H. W. DECKER.

KENTUCKY

Edmonton.

At Edmonton the interest is still increasing. The citizens say the like was never known here before. Last Sunday night, some three hundred were out. The average through the week is from forty to one hundred. Five say they will keep the Sabbath. I expect to stay here some time yet. Times are so hard that books sell slowly. The people are very kind. S. OSBORN.

Rio.

JULY 7 and 8 were good days for the brethren and sisters in Rio. They met with the Powder Mills church in Hart Co. Testimonies were free and tender, showing humility, a love for the cause of truth, and a determination to press forward in the good work. Nearly all seemed to be aroused to the importance of the T. and M. work. They promised to add the one-third to their s. b. for this purpose. But there are some who are not living up to the light they have; and they are losing their interest in the work. Oh, that such may awake to duty in the cause of our Master! R. G. GARRETT.

PACIFIC COAST.

(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)

Tent No. 1.

At Dixon, Cal., thirteen have signed the covenant, and several more are keeping the Sabbath. Brn. Healy and Stephens are now at Sacramento. July 8, they had held ten meetings, with an audience averaging not far from four hundred.

Tent No. 2.

As the result of Bro. Wood’s meetings at Grangeville, and Bro. Howard’s meetings at the Lake Side school-house, seventeen have taken their stand for the truth.

Tent No. 3.

At Pacheco, where Bro. J. D. Rice is now laboring, four have signed the covenant, and the prospects are that a goodly company will be raised up here.

State Quarterly Meeting.

The third State quarterly meeting of the California Tract and Missionary Society was held at Oakland, July 8. The following is a summary of the work done during the quarter just closed:—
Membership, 321; No. of reports, 186; letters written, 269; new members, 10; tracts, etc., loaned and given away, pages, 144,426; new subscribers, 144; periodicals distributed, 13,596; ships visited, 78; families visited, 250.
Money received, total, $312.98.

IOWA

Logan, Harrison Co.

We began tent-meetings at Logan, Harrison Co., June 21. We have canvassed quite fully the prophecies, signs relative to the second personal appearing of Christ, and the law and Sabbath questions. We are now presenting the Bible view of the nature and destiny of man. The weather is good, prejudice is wearing away, and the attendance is increasing. A few openly acknowledge the truth and talk it to others.
J. BARTLETT. C. A. WASHBURN.

Storm Lake.

We commenced meetings in this place last night. The night before, we held our last meeting in Cherokee, twenty-two miles west, where we labored over three weeks. Eight or ten were keeping the Sabbath when we went there; but now there are twenty Sabbath-keepers, eighteen of whom signed the covenant. One of us will meet with them next Sabbath, and establish regular meetings and a Bible-class, if the Lord will. The first-day Adventists kindly grant us the use of their house to worship in next Sabbath. One of their ministers and three members embraced the Sabbath. Others are troubled about the Sabbath, and may yet obey.
Our present address is Storm Lake, Buena Vista Co., Iowa. There are some unpleasant prospects here; but we trust in God.
R. A. HART. G. V. KILGORE.

Dickinson and Clay Counties.

June 2, we organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class at Milford, adopting the usual covenant. There are four families in this county, and three families just over the line in Clay Co., that meet together every Sabbath. Those in Clay Co. came out a few months ago under the labors of Eld. John Hanson. The meetings are very interesting and well attended. I meet with them on Sabbath, and I am also holding meetings at Summit, Clay Co. It seemed a real sacrifice to be deprived of the privilege of attending the camp-meeting; but it was not so that I could go, and I felt that God blessed me in carrying on the work here.
One week ago, I closed a five weeks' term of school. Teaching has given me opportunity for rest, and has afforded me a little help financially. The resources of the people here have been cut off by grasshoppers for several years in succession; hard times and destitution are everywhere. I feel it is a privilege to work among those who are tried and afflicted. I have plenty of calls for labor, and am purposing to spend all my time in the work. I am having a meeting every other evening, besides visiting all I can.
F. W. MORSE.

IOWA AND NEBRASKA.

By John F. Hanson

Sabbath, the 16th, was a good day for our Danish church at Elk Horn. God’s Spirit was in our midst, and worked on every heart present. We called upon sinners to give their hearts to God, and to our joy ten responded who had never made a profession before. The next Sabbath, six of these were examined for baptism, and found worthy to unite with the church.
I spent June 30 and July 1 to 3, with the church at Fremont, Neb. Two were baptized, and the brethren were encouraged to go forward in the good work.
July 6, I came to Fredericksburg, where there is a new Danish colony, consisting of about forty families. They are very much scattered, so that it is difficult to get them together for preaching. Some interest is manifested. Three have subscribed for our Danish monthly, and we hope for some fruit. JOHN F. HANSON.

MISSOURI

Appleton City, St. Clair Co.

We have the tent pitched in a central part of Appleton City, and the most pleasant part of it. We have the free use of the school-house bell, which can be heard in all parts of the town. This is a thrifty railroad town of about one thousand inhabitants. It contains four churches, and is surrounded by a good farming country.
We have given four discourses. At our first meeting, we had about one hundred hearers. Last night the tent was full, supposed to be about four hundred. The best of order was observed, and good attention given to the word spoken.
J. G. Wood. D. W. Reavis.

Half Rock.

THE SPIRIT of the Lord is with the church near this place. We held meetings with the brethren last Sabbath and Sunday. One joined the church. Our social meeting Sabbath evening was one of deep interest. The Lord was with us in power. Some declared their intention to go with us to the kingdom. Bro. Snyder, director of Dist. No. 1, was with us; and after the Sabbath we had an interesting T. and M. meeting.
I am now very busy pitching our tent, in which we expect to commence meetings to-morrow. Bro. Chaffee has been detained at Utica, but will be with us soon.
H. Woodruff.

KANSAS

By J. Lamont; Geo. Kennedy

Valley, Greenwood Co.

We have just begun a series of meetings at Valley. This is quite a thickly settled country neighborhood; a school-house, post-office, and store make it almost a village. The attendance at our meetings has been quite large, and is still increasing, and good attention is given to what is said. A minister of this place who preaches here semi-monthly, took up his appointment for next Sunday at 11 A. M., in order to give us the entire day. The people are intelligent and friendly. We hope for a successful meeting.
J. Lamont.
Geo. Kennedy.

QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE OHIO T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By H. A. St. John; M. E. Underwood

The following is a report of the labors of the Ohio T. and M. Society for the third quarter of the sixth year, quarter commencing with March and ending with June, 1877. No State quarterly meeting.
District No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Total
No. Membership 27 36 21 80 60 27 251
No. Reports 19 15 18 42 83 15 142
Donors 16 12 15 40 30 13 163
Families Visited 81 73 213 191 283 18 638
Letters Written 28 73 27 80 12 18 181
New Members 4 27 24 6 24 16 101
New Subscribers 120 131 362 666 132 110 1925
Periodicals Distributed 935
Almanacs Distributed 120083
Pages Tracts & Pamphlets
Rec'd for Donation
From Membership
From Book Sales
Periodicals
From each District

FINANCIAL STANDING.

Money in the Treasury, $278.44. Receipts of the quarter, 279.15. Total, $557.59. Indebtedness at commencement, $273.74. Expenses of the quarter, 430.31. Total, 704.05. Present indebtedness, $425.53.
H. A. St. John, Pres. M. E. Underwood, Sec.

VA. T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By R. Sawyer; S. A. Kessler

The third quarterly meeting of this Society was held at Soliloquy, Va., July 8, 1877. The meeting opened in the usual manner. The report of the last quarterly meeting was read and accepted. Interesting letters were read and incidents related, which were very encouraging. The following is a summary of labor performed during the past quarter:
Membership, 17; families visited, 81; letters written, 47; new subscribers for SIGNS, 5; for INSTRUCTOR, 1; for BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, 3; periodicals distributed, 760; tracts, pages, 15,418.
Rec’d for membership, $1.00 By donations, 2.00 For new subscribers, 10.10 Total, $13.10
Three were baptized at the meeting.
R. Sawyer, Director.
S. A. Kessler, Sec.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DEPARTED this life, June 24, 1877, sister Priscilla Slocum, in the sixty-fourth year of her age. She died of heart disease, while on a visit to her daughter residing in Bennington, Ill. She was formerly a Methodist; but about a year ago, she was led to search the precious word, and there found that the seventh day is the Sabbath. She loved the law of God. It was her meditation day and night. She was anxious for her children, who, she feared, did not respect that holy law. Just before she died she expressed gratitude to God that he put it into my heart to help her to our meetings. She said she was resting in Jesus, and thus she fell asleep. LAURA R. GILMAN.
DIED, in Neenah, Wis., June 26 and July 27, of malignant scarlet fever, our dear children, May, aged 4 years, 10 months, and 15 days, and Freddie, aged 3 years, 6 months, and 11 days. L. H. AND DELIA E. RUSSELL.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

By H. W. Decker

Wisconsin is taking hold of the plan of holding regular quarterly meetings, as recommended by the General Conference Committee. The plan meets our hearty approval. Hereafter, all our churches will hold their quarterly meetings regularly, at the time recommended. It will be the duty of local elders and leaders to see that every item of business is promptly attended to, as nearly as possible in accordance with the proposed plan. Please read the article, and preserve it for future reference. Let us be diligent in every good work.
H. W. DECKER.
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