The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 22.
THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SUREPage 1
Earlier text: THE SAINTS' INHERITANCEDown in the human heart,
Crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore.
Touched by a loving heart,
Wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more. The intelligence daily received from Turkey justifies the gravest apprehension for the immediate future. The military movements and the diplomatic negotiations are entirely lost sight of in the more serious complications at Salonica and Constantinople. The danger that now threatens is a rising of the Mussulman mob against the Christians, and an outbreak of a religious war more fanatical, and therefore more bloody and merciless, than any that has stained the recent history of the world. From the possibilities attendant upon such a rising, and the massacres that must be perpetrated before it would be possible to crush the mob, the mind shrinks back in horror. In the outrage at Salonica we have an illustration of what a Mussulman mob can do under slight provocation, and of the indifference or weakness of the authorities. Bloodthirstiness is a passion which grows by what it feeds on, and the affair at Salonica has evidently stimulated rather than repressed the hostility to the Christians. If the foreign war vessels which now blockade that port were to be withdrawn, or the vigilance of the foreign consuls and ministers to be for a moment relaxed, there is not the slightest doubt that there would be a fresh outbreak, much more extended and disastrous. The situation in Constantinople is even more serious. There the Softas—a term applied to all persons attached to the Mosques—appear to be masters of the situation. They are reported as marching about the streets to the number of ten thousand, uttering revolutionary cries. The Sultan, so far from being able to control or repress this mob, was besieged by them in his palace, and after an hour’s clamor yielded to them abjectly and dismissed the Grand Vizier at their request. This illustrates at once the gathering strength of the unruly population, and the cowardice and helplessness of the Porte. Both Turks and Christians are buying weapons in readiness for the conflict which is so plainly impending. Even in Asiatic Turkey there are indications of a similar condition of affairs. At Beyrout and Damascus there have been several cases of assault or murder by the Moslems, and hostility to the Christians has manifested itself in so many ways that the French have found it necessary to send a man-of-war thither to protect them. When all these circumstances are taken into consideration, it will be apparent that the next few weeks will be weeks of uncertainty and anxiety, possibly of tumult and bloodshed. The faith of the Mussulman teaches him that Paradise is the reward of all who die fighting for Islam; and the Moslem mob would look upon a massacre of Christians as a holy enterprise, insuring an entrance into Heaven to all who might engage in it. Of course foreign intervention would make short sharp work of the participants in such a rising, and the result would be the final elimination of the Sick Man from European politics. But it is to be feared that such intervention could not come soon enough to prevent a terrible collision with bloody results. What with the dangers to be apprehended from this source, and liable to develop at a moment’s notice, and with the complications sure to attend the settlement of Turkish affairs by the great powers, each of which is jealous of the other, the situation of affairs at present is exceedingly dark and threatening.—Boston Journal of May 20. The Kentucky and Tennessee Conference.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
From Dallas, Texas, I came via Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn., to Elizabethtown, Ky., where the Conference was held. Bro. Osborn had just received his new tent, which we pitched in a beautiful grove of large shade trees, on the farm of Bro. Barr, five miles from town. About thirty-five brethren and sisters came in from different parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. There are now five churches in these two States, and about one hundred Sabbath-keepers. They are very much scattered for so few. After preaching an hour Friday afternoon, May 19, we proceeded to organize the Conference. All were agreed and in harmony in all the work. Quite a number of the neighbors came in at evening and paid good attention. Sabbath morning, at 5:30, they had a good season of prayer. At 8:30, we enjoyed an excellent social meeting; nearly every one took part. It did my heart good to hear them tell of their love for the present truth. Almost all of them were Southern people; some of them had been slaveholders and rebels during the war, with strong feelings against the Northern people. But now they have laid all these things aside. We found them just as warm-hearted, confiding, and true as our Northern people. So far as I can see, they are as ready to hear us and learn the truth from us as though we were Southerners. There is some feeling yet, more than there should be I think, against granting equal rights to the colored people. Still, this is wearing off. There are three colored people here who keep the Sabbath, and they are members of the church with the others. These feel anxious to have a mission started among the colored people. All agree that the way is now fully open for that work, if persons can be found to do it. We filled up all the time Sabbath speaking on various practical duties. At 5 P. M., I spoke to the unconverted and to those desiring baptism. There was much feeling, and ten came forward; some, for baptism; and others, embracing every unconverted person in the audience, to seek the Lord for the first time. Among the latter was Bro. Osborn's daughter, which greatly rejoiced her parents. Sunday forenoon, we had a large audience from the surrounding country and village. Scores of these came on horseback—a prevailing custom in the South. We had perfect order and the best of attention. Eld. Osborn spoke in the afternoon. It rained some, which thinned the numbers considerably; yet many remained. Then we went to a beautiful place on the river and baptized six believers. There were two hundred present, and all were as quiet and orderly as at a funeral. After this we attended to the various duties of the Conference, organized a T. & M. Society, etc. Instead of holding a public meeting Sunday evening, I spoke to our people upon S. B. This was very much needed. Unfortunately for the people and cause here, and for his own efficiency, Bro. Osborn, like some others of our preachers, has been too tender and backward in teaching the brethren their duty to the cause financially. This is a great mistake. It cripples his labors and leaves his people weak from lack of real labor and sacrifice in the work. He sees this now, and so do the brethren and sisters. After plainly stating the facts, they unanimously voted to fully adopt the plan of S. B. as set forth in the Bible and held by our people. They asked to commence there to reform; so those present made their pledges, amounting to $307 per year. The entire pledge of both States before was only $140. We hope that those not at the Conference will now come up to their duty in the same manner; that is, give to the Lord one-tenth of what they make or raise. The cause in this Conference is young and weak. If it is to go forward and prosper, every friend of the truth must make sacrifices to aid it now. Help is probably needed now more than it will be at any time in the future. Let the scattered ones send in their pledges and their means to the State treasurer, David Barr, Elizabethtown, Ky. There are several intelligent, zealous, and earnest workers here who will stand by Bro. Osborn in the work. He now goes out with the new tent. Bro. R. G. Garrett, a Baptist minister, has heartily embraced the message. We hope he will soon be able to go out and teach it to others. The Conference gave him a license. A tent can be run here nearly a month earlier than in Michigan. I see no reason why the people will not receive the truth in these States as readily as in the North. Bro. Osborn has sacrificed much and labored hard to accomplish what has been done. He is a faithful man, and should have the full confidence and support of the brethren and sisters. Mammoth Cave, Ky., May 25. P. S. Friends will please write me at Battle Creek, and their letters will be forwarded. D. M. C. STEELE CO., MINN.
By John Gottlieb Matteson
In Allamakee Co., Iowa, I labored three weeks among the Swedes. They were in need of help, and God blessed our feeble efforts. Many outsiders attended the meetings, and some received the truth. Bro. Swedberg was ordained elder among these brethren. April 24, I started for Minnesota. Held meetings among the Danish brethren in Freeborn Co. about a week and a half. This labor was timely, and the Lord helped and blessed our efforts. The brethren learned some of the better way, and others have also commenced to obey the truth. Bro. Hans Rasmussen was chosen and ordained elder. Some of these brethren have made hard times for themselves in the past, but there is now some prospect of better days in the future. This week I have labored with the Danish brethren in Steele Co. These were more noble than those in Freeborn Co., in that they had settled their own difficulties, and lived in harmony together. They were also very punctual; for at the appointed hour all were ready to commence meeting. They tried to gather with Christ. We held eleven meetings—mostly in the daytime. The Spirit of God had free course as well as the truth, and all seemed to wake up. Nine precious souls were buried with Christ in baptism, and six others have taken hold of the truth and are keeping the Sabbath. Some had commenced before I came; others started at those meetings. The church now numbers twenty-three members, and there are thirty-one Sabbath-keepers who meet together to worship. Bro. C. Nelson is their elder. I am now on my way to Brown Co., where I intend to labor till the Iowa Camp-meeting. JOHN G. MATTESON. Meriden, Minn., May 16, 1876. Feb. 8 to April 3, labored in Southern Illinois. In Wayne County, visited several families. Bro. G. F. Shonk and myself preached eleven times; held three social meetings, immersed three; and one sister and her daughter commenced to observe the Sabbath. The class-leader of the M. E. church in Jeffersonville had decided to keep the fourth command; but his minister, not “doing” nor “teaching” the same (Matt. 5:19) advised him to wait. Read Acts 24:25. We still hope for him. Scattered brethren and sisters, read this: Four years since Bro. and Sr. Herald came from Ohio to Jefferson County, Illinois. They said but little, but tried to live the present truth before their neighbors. The following is the result: An interest was created in the minds of the inhabitants with reference to the Sabbath day. The question came before the Sunday-school, and several decided to observe the Lord’s rest-day. Opposition was raised, but it proved fruitless. Eld. J. B. Logan, formerly of the M. E. church, but who had lately taken his stand in defense of the Sabbath, engaged in a discussion with a Disciple minister, and our friends were confirmed. By invitation, Bro. Shonk and myself went to Bro. Herald’s vicinity to render some aid. Together, we spoke about sixty-five times in two school-districts. Held several Sabbath, social and business meetings, baptized twelve, and organized a church of fifteen members. Bro. Wm. Herald was chosen leader, and Bro. Jas. H. Richards, church clerk. For the present their s. B. pledge is $78.00 per year. We also organized a Sabbath-school, and sold about twenty dollars’ worth of books. The majority of our brethren and sisters joined the Tract Society. Although this little church at Webber Grove is financially poor, yet, if they will maintain their first zeal, I shall hope for their success. April 6, came to Woodburn and stopped over one Sabbath. Held several meetings, and at one of these we celebrated our dear Saviour’s death. Received in pledges and cash $20.00 on our State T. & M. Society debt. Systematic Benevolence was renewed. They paid to the treasury, by my hand, $27.85. Oh! that all the friends of the cause in Illinois would perform their whole duty respecting giving. Paul says, “Let all things be done . . . in order.” Instead of “order,” I have found the following: Some pay their s. B. into the New England Conference treasury; one brother holds his membership in N. Y., lives in Illinois, and pays his “Systematic” at Battle Creek. Some live in Illinois, but hold their membership in Wisconsin and pay their s. B. into that treasury. But what is worst of all, we find cases where brethren and sisters have left our Conference with a large s. B. pledge unpaid! Comparatively, it is a small matter where we pay our financial vows; but to rob God in tithes and offerings is fearful! Emigrating brethren and sisters should take letters of commendation; and churches receiving them ought to require of them such letters or request them to stand outside till they develop a suitable character to be received. None should receive letters who leave their residence while in debt on their s. B. fund. Where we reside is the place to hold our church membership (whenever practicable), and there we should sacrifice and labor for the furtherance of the good cause. I read one day, in thoughtful mood,
Of mission work abroad—
Of multitudes of precious ones,
Now worshiping the Lord,
Who once in heathen darkness bowed;
And to myself I said,
“How noble is the work of those
By whom these souls were led—
A noble and unselfish work
To leave their friends behind,
And go to tell in heathen lands
Christ’s love for human kind.” But then, I thought, alas, how few
Can thus go far away,
And for these poor benighted ones
Turn darkness into day!
Is there no other work, O Christ,
Which I may do for thee
And one day hear thy welcome words,
“Ye did it unto me?”
Then to my mind swift came the thought
That other hearts had done,
Perhaps, as great and noble work
In mission fields at home.
But then, thought I, this, too, requires
Means, talent, time, and tact,
Which, we, poor, weak and timid ones,
Alas! most sadly lack. My heart grew heavy, and I said,
“To me no talent’s given;
I’m quite a useless worm on earth;
Shall I be thus in Heaven?”
Then suddenly around me shone
A radiance wondrous bright,
And by my side an angel stood,
All clothed with heavenly light;
With reverence meek I bowed my head;
I heard a sweet voice say,
“Dear heart, you seek to do God’s will,
But do not know the way;
The words you spoke a moment since
Most surely were not true;
Perhaps the gifts that men call great
Have not been given you,
But God looks ever at the heart;
He weighs the motives too,
And oftentimes takes the weakest ones
His noblest work to do.
All work for Christ is mission-work,
Whatever it may be;
Our Father’s ways are not like man’s,
There’s work, dear one, for thee;
A word, a prayer, a tear or smile
Some stony heart may break;
For sometimes these are wondrous powers,
When used for Jesus’ sake;
Perchance thy task may be at home,
To sweeten toil and care,
To cheer the hearts of wearied ones,
Their joys and sorrows share.
Control thy thoughts, thy words, thy deeds,
And let thy heart each hour
Be ‘locked up with the key of prayer,’
Safe from the tempter’s power;
For hast thou never seen, my child,
A heart that’s filled with grace
Bear often Christ’s most precious love,
Reflected in the face?
Be ever ready when he calls;
Seek not great things to do;
But watch and pray, and let your God
Mark out the way for you.” I woke, and lo! ’twas but a dream
No angel guest was near;
But still the words that I had heard
Were ringing in my ear;
And unto me that vision seemed
A message from the Lord;
To teach me that each Christian act
Is mission-work for God. —Religious Intelligencer. We are happy to learn through Bro. Frisbie, of a good work accomplished by Bro. Daniels in Spring Arbor. Twenty-eight have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and eleven have handed in their names for baptism. NORTH-EASTERN MISSOURI.
By J. H. ROGERS
LABORED in Greensburg and vicinity from April 26 to May 14, giving in all, nineteen discourses. Congregations were generally large, and interest good. The people have a desire to hear. By the careful and judicious efforts of Bro. H. Wren, the present truth was introduced into this part of the State, and some of the best minds have embraced it—persons of good moral and religious influence, though generally poor in this world's goods. Organized a church, sixteen signing the covenant. Eleven were baptized, and some others are keeping the Sabbath. Introduced to them the idea of S. B., which they were ready to adopt, and appear willing to assist in the work all they can. LINNEUS, AROOSTOOK CO., ME.
By J. B. Goodrich
On returning to this place, I find those that came out to obey the truth still firm. None have given up, and I rejoice to see some progress in the right direction. I hope to see the work of reform go forward, until all shall see the importance of leaving off the use of those things which are injurious. Truly I feel that the Lord has raised up some good souls to be witnesses for his truth here, and I hope to see still others become interested, and take hold to obey his commands. The roads have been very bad, but are now improving. Some are just beginning to work their farms. It is very cold and backward here this spring. I met with the brethren at this place May 6, 7; held five meetings with them; organized a church of six members; others will join them soon. One was baptized. Bro. W. S. Dailey was chosen and ordained elder. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, amounting to $41.60. Held meeting with the brethren here May 8. There have been trials existing here since the organization of this church two years ago, mainly because of the inconsistent course of some who had professed the truth for upwards of twenty years. I found them in a discouraged condition; s. B. was almost wholly discontinued. Our meeting was quite satisfactory. There was a disposition manifested on the part of those present to go forward unitedly. Re-organized s. B., and every one took a part. Our meeting closed with a hopeful state of feeling. I hope these brethren will learn from the past, and not let the enemy get the victory over them the second time. Held six meetings with the friends of truth at this place, May 12–15. Our meetings were of an encouraging nature. There has been a scattering influence at this place for nearly twenty years; but a few have held to the truth, hoping for better times. The Methodists kindly granted us the use of their house of worship, and took up their appointment to accommodate us. The house was well filled Sunday morning and crowded in the evening with as attentive a congregation as it has ever been my privilege to address. Organized a church of eleven members. Bro. Wm. W. Burnett was ordained elder; and s. B. was arranged, amounting to $150.00. The director of Dist. No. 4 was with me at this meeting, and a T. & M. Society was organized, all but one becoming members. If these brethren walk in the light that God has so graciously let shine upon them, I see no reason why there may not be an influence among them that will gather others into the truth. Allegan, Mich., May 18, 1876. ORGANIZATION OF T. & M. SOCIETY IN DALLAS, TEXAS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; E. G. Rust
ELD. D. M. CANRIGHT, being present, Sunday, May 14, 1876, was chosen chairman. E. G. Rust was appointed to act as secretary pro tem. The chairman was requested to appoint a committee for the nomination of officers for a T. & M. Society, he having first fully set forth the object and duties of the same. Brn. A. Swaden, Jas. Cornell, and J. E. Rust, were appointed as said committee. The committee, after consultation, recommended Bro. A. B. Rust for director, and Bro. E. G. Rust for secretary and librarian. On vote, they were unanimously elected. Thirty-two members were received into the Society on the receipt of the usual initiation fee, $1.00. Donations to the amount of $69.00 were pledged by the brethren and sisters with unanimous good feeling. First quarterly meeting was appointed for the first Sabbath and Sunday in July. D. M. CANRIGHT, Chairman. VT. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By A. S. Hutchins
I desire to call the attention of the officers of our Tract and Missionary Society to some duties which, agreeably to the Constitution of the Society, are binding upon us. Article V., Section 1, reads: “It shall be the duty of the President (1) To see that there is a uniformity of action throughout the entire Conference; (2) To see that each Director carries out the duties of his office in his district.” Section 2: “It shall be the duty of the Secretary (2) To keep an account of the money received from each district, and the number of pages of tracts and pamphlets, and the number of books furnished to the same, and the value of the whole; (3) He shall notify the Director of any district that may have drawn the amount of books to which it is entitled, so that he may raise more money from that district; (5) To keep a summary of all reports received from the several districts, and the amount of money received in response to calls, crediting it to the respective districts, whether it be for membership, donations, or any enterprise connected with the cause of present truth; (7) He shall keep a debit and credit account with each district; (8) To keep a record of all the doings of the Society in such a manner that whenever the President or directors wish to know whether any district is failing to do its part in the several branches of the work, the exact standing of each district, and of the entire State, can be told in every interest connected with the Tract Society.” Section 3: “It shall be the duty of each Director, (8) To see that there is forwarded to the General Treasurer quarterly whatever funds may have been received in his district, and report the same to the Secretary.” Section 4: “The duty of the District Secretary shall be (1) To keep a debit and credit account with each church in the district, and a record of all business done with that church that relates to the Tract and Missionary work; (3) To keep an account of the standing of his district with the Tract Society of the Conference.” An observance of these requirements of the Constitution on the part of the different officers of the Society, would correct many unpleasant things existing among us, which must be removed, or disorder and confusion will be the result, and the worthy object of our organization be largely lost. If we intend, as an organized body, organized for the purpose of united and harmonious action in spreading the last warning notes of mercy, to follow the order and system prescribed by the Constitution, every officer should most certainly make himself familiar with the duties and requirements of his position. He should know his relation to other officers, and the general working of the cause. He should know just what is expected of him, and should promptly and correctly do duty; and when this is done by each officer and all the members of the Society, then will every branch of the great work move like clock-work. All the books and accounts should be correctly kept. The Secretary is dependent upon the reports forwarded him in keeping his books. Now if these are but poorly prepared, or unintelligibly expressed, he is not only embarrassed, but unable to make intelligible records. If financial reports are given in a mixed and confused manner, or are made by “guess so,” or from a leaky memory, these things must appear on the Secretary’s book, unless he has the time and patience to write again and again for an explanation. Furthermore, no district can have an intelligible financial basis with the State if the business is not done correctly with the Secretary; and here is just where several of our districts stand. A recent examination of the Secretary’s book reveals the fact that while some of the districts have a financial standing from which we can at once read their indebtedness to the State, or the indebtedness of the State to them, it is utterly impossible to determine the standing of other districts. This is by no means the fault wholly of the present board of Directors; but with your help, brethren, we will have matters different. We can form a basis which may in the future be guarded and kept by observing the requirements of the Constitution. Our Secretary, T. H. Purdon, is a good accountant; but he has lying before him reports which he cannot understand sufficiently well to enter upon his books. This should not be so. And though I have already said more than I intended to, allow me to make the following suggestions as to financial reports: 1. The Director of each district should, at the end of each quarter, forward to the General Treasurer the T. & M. funds in his possession, defining clearly what these funds are for. 2. Do not fail to report the same to the Secretary yourself, whether you send the money directly to the Treasurer, or by the hand of the President, or some other one. Don’t trust this to some other person. Be sure to state the amount to a cent, and whether it is for membership, donations, or for some other enterprise connected with this work. 3. In connection with this, report to the Secretary the amount of books bought of the President for your district for the quarter just past. And if you have a bill of these books from him, as you always should have, please follow his figures unless you know them to be incorrect; and even then the better way would be to first harmonize the matter with him, otherwise, your report and his together will confuse the Secretary. I found on the Secretary’s book, by order of the Director, a charge against one of our districts 27¼ times as large as my report to the director. He concluding my figures incorrect, and wishing all to be made right, gave directions as he did. Please let us save the Secretary all the unnecessary burdens we can. 4. It is hardly necessary here to say that each director, if a good accountant, will have a suitable book in which he will enter all monies paid to the General Treasurer correctly, the amount, with date of payment, and how sent, and what the money was for. He will also keep a full account of all financial matters in his district. “Cursed is he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently.” Order, system, and promptness, should characterize the servants of the Lord in doing his work. Such may cheerfully toil on in the great work of the Master, while patiently waiting to hear him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
A. S. Hutchins. Bro. Jacob W. Bray writes from Hamilton Co., Neb.:— “I became interested in present truth by reading some publications, and wishing to get more light, I wrote to the REVIEW for some one to come and give a course of lectures, hoping also that others might be benefited by it. Bro. C. L. Boyd came immediately, but did not receive a very good reception, but by his firm trust in God he was not easily baffled. By his godly walk, conversation, and doctrine, he won the esteem of all. As a result twenty-one have signed the covenant to keep God’s holy law and the faith of Jesus. I have hitherto been connected with the first-day Adventists, and I believe that they yet hold some grand truths; these I still hold dear, but I find by a careful investigation that there is still a clinging to that power ‘who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped.’ We must bring back what the papal power has tried to take away, that is, the law of God. Obedience to the commandments of God and faith in the purifying blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of past sins makes a perfect and glorious plan of salvation. May God speed the last message to a Judgment-bound world.” Sister Mary J. Casselman, of Jackson Co., Mich., says:— “I cannot forbear expressing my heartfelt gratitude to those who write for our excellent paper as well as to Him who has given them the talent thus to do. Truly we are living in a time when there is great light given us. I believe the Lord is pouring out his Spirit upon his servants, and giving them to understand his precious truth in such a manner that those who read may gain knowledge and strength. Those articles on the subject of the sanctuary—how they have enlightened my mind! We have no meetings here; but when I think of the light we have my heart goes out after our friends and neighbors that do not have this truth. I desire some part in the work of the last warning message to the world; for I know that all must do something.” REPORT OF THE KY. AND TENN. CONFERENCE.
By S. Osborn; Bettie Coombs
The S. D. Adventists of Kentucky and Tennessee met at Bro. David Barr's, in Elizabethtown, Hardin Co., Ky., at 9 A. M., May 19, 1876. Prayer by Eld. Canright. By a unanimous vote a Conference for the States of Kentucky and Tennessee was organized. Eld. D. M. Canright was elected chairman, and R. G. Garrett, secretary. J S. Milton and J. A. Garrett were appointed a committee to nominate officers for the Conference. A Constitution similar to that of other States was adopted. Letters were presented, and delegates were present from the following churches: Elizabeth Junction, Tenn.; Ridge, Tenn.; Powder Mills, Ky.; Elizabethtown, Ky.; Springville, Ky.; No. of churches, 5, membership, 53; S. B. pledged per year, $343.00. Appointed Eld. D. M. Canright and P. A. Williams Committee on Resolutions. Second session opened May 21, 10 A. M.; prayer by Eld. Osborn. Report of last meeting read. Received report of Nominating Committee. The following officers were elected: President, S. Osborn; Secretary, Bettie Coombs; Treasurer, David Barr; Conference Committee, S. Osborn, P. A. Williams, J. S. Milton. Third session convened May 21, 5, P. M.; prayer by Eld. Canright. Report of morning session read. Voted, To give Bro. S. Osborn credentials and license to R. G. Garrett. The following resolutions were then passed:— Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude for what the General Conference has done in sending us a tent, means, help, and advice, to aid in the work of present truth in this part of the field. Resolved, That we hereby request to be admitted into the General Conference at its next annual session. Resolved, That if it be agreeable to the General Conference, we do invite Eld. Geo. I. Butler to come and labor in this Conference this season. Resolved, That we appreciate the sacrifices made and labors performed by Bro. Osborn in building up the work in this Conference, and we hereby pledge ourselves to stand by him, and support him in this work with our prayers, our hearty co-operation, and our means. Resolved, That the pledges made for the purchase of the tent be appropriated to running the tent this season, and that the subscribers are requested to pay in fifty per cent. of their subscriptions immediately. Resolved, That we endorse the plan of Systematic Benevolence as taught by S. D. Adventists; that we will carry it out ourselves; and that we urge all within the bounds of this Conference, whether members of churches or scattered believers, to immediately carry out this plan, as the Conference is in much need of the means. QUARTERLY REPORT OF MO. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By J. H. ROGERS; WM. EVANS
Only three of the five districts reported, showing the following results:— No. of families visited, 91; No. of letters written, 86; No. of new paying subscribers for REVIEW, 3; INSTRUCTOR, 8; REFORMER, 6; SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 3; No. of copies sent to friends on trial: REVIEWS, 72; INSTRUCTORS, 35; REFORMERS, 12; SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 4; No. of periodicals distributed, 405; almanacs, 113. Pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away, 86,953; books furnished libraries, 23. Money rec'd for
membership, $36.00
By donation, 8.40
From book sales, 2.50
From new subscribers, 5.50
Total, $52.40 J. H. ROGERS, Pres.
WM. EVANS, Sec. HO FOR THE MUSTER!
By M. WOOD
ONE of the most encouraging features of our tract work is the promptness of our brethren and sisters in responding to the quarterly calls, where the people of God meet for the transaction of business pertaining to their eternal welfare, and to devise ways and means to advance the cause of God, preparatory to the coming of Christ. It is at these quarterly meetings that we obtain a knowledge of the workings of the T. & M. Society, which has heretofore been acknowledged as an auxiliary toward sounding the proclamation of the third angel. Time and means spent in attending these gatherings are well and profitably spent. We want to go with a willing heart and a superabundant liberality. Ex. 35: 5–7; 2 Cor. 8: 2, 3. Time is hastening; the rays of light must penetrate the gross darkness which shuts out the truth from many an honest heart, and we must understand the best possible mode of operating against our wily foe. At these meetings we obtain a knowledge of the tract work, which can be obtained in no other way. Let us avail ourselves of these privileges, and get a better fitting up for the general muster to come off in a few days. The Lord is witnessing to every step taken for the advancement of his truth upon the earth. It is a noble work in which to be engaged. The nearer we draw to the closing scenes of probation the greater interest will be manifested among the people of God. They will exhibit a vehement desire to acquaint themselves with this missionary work so essential in disseminating light and truth, in tearing down the enemy's strongholds, and in clearing away prejudice, thus opening the way for the servants of God when entering new fields with their cloth meeting-house. Come, brethren and sisters, to this quarterly gathering. We expect a feast of fat things. We expect to meet the Lord there; also his servants, Elds. Haskell and Robinson, to feed us with that spiritual food for which our souls are starving. Nearly two weeks are left for prayer, by which to make a preparation of heart for this meeting. There is ample time for us to exchange our old looking-glasses for new ones. If upon their polished surface, they bear record of much labor they will be the more readily received by our secretary, sister E. Palmer, 5 Wadleigh place, Boston, Mass., who will in due time forward a new one. Brethren and sisters, fail not to attend the T. & M. meeting of June 4, 1876. We expect it will be the best and largest district quarterly meeting ever held in New England. If you want God's blessing, seek for it. M. WOOD. Law is in the nature of God from all eternity, and is the instrument of his government. It was inscribed on the nature of man when he was created; it was graven by God's own finger on the granite blocks of Sinai; it was spoken in gentle and attractive tones by our Lord in the sermon on the mount, and it is written by God's own Spirit as a new commandment on the hearts of God's people. It goes with a man wherever he goes, to tell him, if he is prepared to listen to it, what is right and what is wrong, and in the end to punish him if he refuses to obey. That law has been broken, but it is still binding. When Moses came down from the mount with the two tables, he threw them from him and broke them when he witnessed the wickedness of the children of Israel. But he had just to re-ascend to the mount and have them written again by God's own finger, which thing may be unto us for an allegory. Man has broken God's law; but that law retains all it claims, and ever renews them. The law is embodied in the gospel. Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill. The gospel, wherever it goes, carries within it the law fulfilled by Christ, the law still binding on his followers.—Sel. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” DIED, at Iowa Center, Story Co., Iowa, May 15, 1876, of consumption, our dearly beloved sister, Maggie A., only daughter of Milton and Nancy Reynolds, aged nineteen years and twenty-eight days. Sister Maggie was converted, and united with the M. E. church, at the age of fifteen. When the tent was pitched at Iowa Center last summer, she with her mother, was among the first to accept the truths of the third angel's message. During her Christian experience she endeavored to honor her profession by a godly walk and conversation. Her parents and an only brother are left to mourn their loss; but they sorrow not as others who have no hope. She sleeps in Jesus, and rests in hope of a “happy home” in that land where the inhabitants shall not say, I am sick. A funeral discourse by the writer from John 11:35, to a large and attentive audience in the M. E. church.
R. M. KILGORE. DIED, of lung fever, at Waterloo, Wis., April 24, 1876, Phebe Ann, youngest daughter of sister Phebe I. Walker, aged one year and seven months. Discourse by the writer from Matt. 2:18.
B. McCORMICK. DIED, of hemorrhage of the bowels, at Deering, Maine, April 26, 1876, Charley L., son of Joseph and Kate V. Temple, aged eleven months and fourteen days. We mourn our loss, but not without hope; for when the Life-giver comes, by the saving grace of God, we hope to meet him where sickness and death can never come. Funeral services at Richmond, Me., by Eld. N. Preble, E. W. Baptist, from Job 14:1, 2.
JOSEPH & KATE V. TEMPLE.