It was my privilege to spend a few days at the Chicago mission, and I feel that it is my duty to lay before the people some of the impressions I received while looking over the condition of the mission, and considering the interests of the cause in that city.
By the action of the General Conference this mission has been transferred to the Illinois Conference. This, I believe, is right, and it may be the means of greatly advancing the work there. But whether it shall prove actually to be the means of advancing that work depends upon the officers and members of that Conference.
The importance of the Chicago mission is not appreciated. The time was when we shunned the large cities, and confined our work to the country and to villages. That course was proper at that stage of our work; but times and circumstances are changed. Our cause has so advanced that it is attracting the attention of leading minds all over the world. This should not lift us up; we should not be incited by this thought to be self-complacent; to the contrary, we should be more humble, more careful, more dependent upon God, as our work is more closely scrutinized. But our missionary work is fast making the world acquainted with us, and the time has come to extend this work, to acquaint the world with the truths of the third angel's message as fast as possible. And there is no better means to spread the truth quickly than to plant it in the great cities,—in the commercial and business centers.
Chicago contains about one-fifth of all the population of the great State of Illinois. It has nearly as many inhabitants as the State of Maine; about as many as Connecticut; as many as the Territories of Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Alaska, New Mexico, and the State of Nevada all together; more than the States of Delaware, Florida, and Oregon. In these figures it is not expected to be accurate, but it approximates the true numbers nearly enough to give an idea of the magnitude of the work there.
How shall this vast multitude of people be warned of the things which are coming on the earth? The Scandinavian population is quite large in that city, and there is a church there of that people. But at present they do not seem to be able to do a great amount of missionary work. Some changes in regard to their house of worship are necessary. When these are made it may be possible to do more for them than can be done at present. The mission for the English-speaking people is doing a good work, but it is laboring under great difficulties. The location is good, but the rooms are every way unsuited for the purpose. Among the worst features is this, that the stairway is very narrow, making the entrance obscure. The reading-room and depository are on the second floor, up a long flight of stairs too narrow to pass upon pleasantly; and the chapel, or reading-room, is on the third floor. Any one who is acquainted808with Chicago, or any other city, can readily judge that people cannot be attracted to such a place; and to those who do come, the place does not properly represent our work.
Sr. White felt deeply over the future of this mission, deeply burdened over its circumstances. And I have felt it my duty to make some statements and suggestions in reference to it. Living so far from it, no one will suspect me of having any personal feeling in the matter. I only speak because of my knowledge of the wants of the cause, and because I realize to some extent the responsibility of those whose duty it is to cherish and maintain that mission.
1. Let us bear in mind the magnitude of the work, the greatness of the city, and that it is growing constantly and rapidly.
2. Chicago cannot be reached by preaching. By and by, when the tract and missionary work has made the people acquainted with our faith and work, preaching may and probably will reach these masses. Until then, it must be mostly a missionary work,—a work of visiting or colporting, by which means individuals may be drawn to the depository and the meetings.
3. Our mission there, as in other cities, is very different from what are generally known as “city missions.” There are missions in Chicago where the lowest classes, both drunkards and criminals, are gathered in, encouraged, helped, reformed, and converted. These are doing a good work. But such missions do comparatively little for any other class. While our missions will gladly help the lowest, their chief work is with the respectable, the intelligent, the moral. It is to scatter good matter among reading people; to interest and awaken the thoughtful among both the religious and irreligious.
4. The location of a mission for such a work as ours must be different from those selected for other city missions. They need to be on the crowded thoroughfares, where they can work to the best advantage in their way. But for ours a more quiet place is suitable, such as would be chosen for the location of a church; viz., in a thickly settled part of the city, near to important thoroughfares, but among residences, and not surrounded with shops and business houses.
5. Inasmuch as the city is growing very fast, property suitable for this mission ought to be secured immediately. And this can be done. By a train of circumstances which Providence seems to have laid for our benefit, a property in one of the best localities in the city can be procured at a very reasonable rate. But it must be secured soon, as the opportunity will not long remain. A friend who has had a real estate agency in Chicago for twenty years or more, who is acquainted with the city in every part, valued the property above what it will cost to secure it (if it is taken soon), and said there was not in all the city a place more suitable for such a mission as we wish to establish. In this opinion all coincide who have viewed it.
6. To secure this property and make it available for the present purposes of the mission, from $12,000 to $15,000 must be raised in a few months. And if this is not done, the mission must remain in quarters entirely unsuited for the work, or be removed to the suburbs, beyond the reach of the best classes, where it will be impossible to arrest the attention of the city.
7. It can be done. Whether it will be done rests with the friends of believers in the cause in Illinois. There are persons who profess the faith in Illinois who (several together) could furnish the sum named without bringing upon themselves and families any suffering, without depriving themselves of a single comfort in life. It might reduce their property some, but not beyond their ability to do without injuring themselves. And if they loved the cause as well as they love the world,— if they had as high regard for the suffering cause of present truth as they have for even their imaginary wants, this money would all be furnished in less than three months.
Everything indicates troublous times not far in the future. The days will soon be upon us when he who possesses will be as though he possessed not; when gold and silver and estates will be of no value; when that which supplies our present wants will be all that any can use; when traffic will not be permitted. Rev. 13:16, 17. In that day earthly possessions and riches will be spurned with loathing, having been the means of a terrible deception. In that day they who have been covetous of earthly goods and have laid up their treasures on earth, will be filled with grief and lamentations; for they will lose their all. If they who cling to their gains do not soon have their eyes opened to their dangers, they will find themselves bound in a snare from which they can never escape; they will perish with their treasures.
A word for Ohio. I have said that there are professed believers in Illinois who could easily place the Chicago mission on a substantial footing. I believe it without a doubt, judging from my knowledge of other fields. I can pick out individuals in a single church in Ohio who could establish in Cleveland a mission such as we are pleading for in Chicago, and they would be only the happier for it; individuals, too, who have never lifted, on whose hearts never yet rested a heavy burden for the cause of present truth. The cause will not always plead for their means. They are making a sad mistake.
Who will lift on the Chicago mission? It is to be hoped that the officers of the Illinois Conference will look to this matter without delay.
J. H. W.
CITY MISSIONS.
By S. N. Haskell
THE subject of city missions at the present time is a live question. How the attention of the tens of thousands of people in our large cities can be most successfully called to the subject of present truth with our present limited resources, is a question of importance. All Conferences contain large cities, in which might be used to advantage all of their means and ministerial force, but this would not be wise. Our strength would then be too much concentrated in one direction. The labor should be more equally distributed throughout the Conferences. The Saviour did not confine his labors to Jerusalem, but extended them throughout all Judea, and even to the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. But how far is it best to carry our city mission work? How much talent and means shall we invest in it? Our present emergency demands wise generalship in the distribution of laborers and means, so as to accomplish the greatest amount of good possible.
The cities which border on the coast, having a large shipping interest, are most important, and should be entered first. Not a vessel should touch American shores without bearing away with it the truth of God. The cities second in importance are the railroad centers, from which, by the aid of tract distributors and other means, thousands of the traveling public can have their attention called to present truth. Every large depot in such cities should be supplied with tract distributors, more or less, and proper persons should have the care of them.
Reading-rooms connected with our city missions are an important auxiliary, but if simply advertised as reading-rooms they will not prove a success. Persons laboring in cities as canvassers, colporters, etc., should have some place to which they can invite people to read, where they can find works on particular subjects. A card, also, bearing the address of the mission-rooms, and advertising free religious reading, gives character to the work, and a standing as city missionaries to those who engage in it. By this means they can gain access to many families when doors would otherwise be closed to them, and they are relieved of the appearance of peddlers, cranks, or other irresponsible or fanatical persons. Those visiting the reading-rooms will principally be persons who come by special invitation, because they are interested in the kind of reading kept there. It is not necessary that these reading-rooms should be in the most central and expensive part of the city, but they should be in the locality where the canvassers and colporters are at work, and also where religious meetings can be held once or twice a week. It is not always necessary to open mission rooms upon entering a city, and in some cities it may never be best to incur this expense. Neither is it necessary, under ordinary circumstances, to take ministers from the field, and place them in charge of city missionary work. A few canvassers and colporters, if no more than one or two,—more would be better,—can enter a city and commence to labor in an economical manner, with our periodicals, “Sunshine at Home,” or other publications. This will afford them an opportunity to find families with whom they can hold evening Bible-readings. Thus they can effectually present the truth at a very little expense. The interest awakened will indicate in what direction and to what extent the work in that place should be enlarged. In some cities, where the work has been carried on in this quiet manner week after week, most marvelous results have been seen.
We would think it unwise for any State Conference to select its best ministers from the field, where they may be able to raise up church after church, and place them in cities where the work can principally be carried on by a different class of laborers at a less expense. Experience has shown that our publications can be sold in the cities. In one of our eastern cities, where there are five laborers, including a boy of eleven years, the number of “Sunshine” sold averages from ten to fifteen copies per day. This aids largely in paying the expenses of the mission. But it may be said that this offer is a special one. So it is; but if all of our Conferences and tract societies would take advantage of every special offer, such as is now made on “Sunshine” and the Signs, it would be a great financial help to them, besides accomplishing a great amount of good in the spread of the truth.
We should never become stale or stereotyped in our methods of labor. Truth is progressive, and from time to time the voice of God is heard, through his people, saying, “Go forward.” At such times there should be a hearty response from our people everywhere.
In some of our large city missions our periodicals are sold on board of boats, in other public places, and also delivered at houses. Tracts and books are also sold to a greater or less extent. Whatever is received in this way, contributes so much toward the support of the mission. In Liverpool, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore, our periodicals have been sold to quite an extent. The work will of necessity move slower in the city than in the country.
In no city where a camp-meeting was held during the past summer should the work be discontinued. Impressions made at that time should be followed up with personal labor,—colporter work, Bible-readings, etc. If this is done, the camp-meeting next year at the same place will bring far greater results than were seen last year.
We feel anxious that the expenses incurred in the city mission work shall not be such as to bring discouragement to the brethren. Make this work a study. If those in charge of city missions will do this, the expenses will in some instances be less than they were last year. We hope that before 1885 closes, the standard of truth will be raised in every prominent city within the bounds of our Conferences. S. N. HASKELL.
TO OUR ILLINOIS SABBATH-SCHOOLS AND WORKERS.
By A. O. Tait
It is hard to realize the importance of our Sabbath-schools. They do a work, when properly conducted, that can be done by no other agency. Arranged, as they are, with their departments for both old and young, they are adapted to the needs of all. From the gray-haired sire down to the small child, each can here receive the instruction needed to stand through the sore trials just before us. The lessons in the Instructor are setting forth the doctrines of our faith in a very clear and forcible manner. These should be studied carefully; and the Scriptures to be committed to memory, marked by the bold-faced type, should be made our own. I am satisfied that very few, even in our best organized schools, are doing this work as thoroughly as they should.
A few weeks ago I visited a school considered one of the best in the State. After the recitations, I was granted the privilege of reviewing the classes. I asked, first, “What subjects have been discussed in the Instructor for the past few months?” All readily responded, “The Nature of Man, and the State of the Dead.” I then called for all those who could give just one text on each of those subjects, and tell the chapter and verse in the Bible, to manifest it. Imagine my surprise when only two out of a fair sized school raised their hands. This is by no means as it should be. No Seventh-day Adventist should be so destitute of a knowledge of the Scriptures. Of course, any member of the above school could have found an abundance of Scripture proof for his positions if he had been allowed “a little time.” But that will not do. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Pet. 3:15.
There is a responsibility resting upon our Sabbath-school officers and the parents and guardians of children, that they cannot shake off. The Lord’s instruction to ancient Israel was very plain: “These words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” If it was important then that so much care should be given to teaching the word of God, how much more important is it now! When I read the record of trouble in Vol. IV. of “Spirit of Prophecy,” and then compare it with the Bible, I am led to exclaim, Who shall abide these things! But the answer comes direct and clear from inspiration, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11. See also verses 12-17 of the same chapter.
The importance of a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures cannot be overestimated. They should be searched with prayerful diligence. Upon this point let all read with care the article in the volume above referred to, entitled, “The Scriptures a Safeguard.”
Now, to bring the Sabbath-schools in our State up to the high standard they should reach, means untiring and unceasing labor for all; not in the Sabbath-school on Sabbath alone, but in the homes as well, where the parents should learn the lessons thoroughly during the week, and should spare no pains to see that the children have their lessons well learned also.
Then there is another work that will come under the province of our Sabbath-school workers that we must not overlook; and that is, to see that every isolated family of Sabbath-keepers in our Conference receives the Instructor and holds a Sabbath-school right at home. These isolated families, in nearly every instance, have their membership in some of our churches, and our Superintendents should feel a responsibility resting upon them to correspond with all such families; or, what would be better, visit them if they can, till this matter is fully worked up among them. True, some of these families may live fifteen, twenty, and even thirty and forty miles distant, but it is important810that they should be looked after nevertheless. A good lively interest upon the part of all in the Sabbath-school work will be a great help to keep our churches in a prosperous condition. In fact, a church cannot live without keeping up a good Sabbath-school. The Lord requires it, and the salvation of our souls depends largely upon a thorough knowledge of the Bible. Then let us all take a deep interest in the Sabbath-school as one of the greatest means by which all can get a good understanding of the great truths for our time.
A. O. TAIT, Pres. Ill. S. S. Association.
OUR MEDIATOR.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The work of Christ as the Saviour of men runs back to the fall of man in Eden. Thus, John says that he is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev. 13 : 8. It was a settled fact as soon as man fell that Christ would die to redeem the race. From that time forward he has carried upon his heart and mind the burden of a lost world. In the form of an angel he visited the patriarchs and prophets to instruct them in the work of God. See Acts 7 : 37, 38. Paul says that he was with the Israelites in the wilderness. 1 Cor. 10 : 1-4. Peter says that it was Christ who spoke through the old prophets. 1 Pet. 1 : 9, 10. He is said to be the foundation on which the prophets of the old dispensation and the apostles of the new were built. Eph. 2 : 20-22.
Christ is the head of the church (Col. 1 : 18), while the church is his body, and each child of God is a member of that body. 1 Cor. 12 : 26, 27. As the head sympathizes with all the body, with the least member of the body, so Christ feels all the sorrow and suffering of each Christian on earth. He suffers with them. Thus the prophet says, “In all their affliction he was afflicted.” Isa. 63 : 9. The Christian need not think he is left alone in his temptations and trials. No, the dear Saviour sees them all, feels them all, and his great heart yearns over them. Paul says that Jesus loves the church as a husband loves his own wife.
“For,” says he, “we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Eph. 5 : 25, 30. What a close relation, then, exists between Christ and his church. How it ought to encourage us when we are tried. Every true child of God is very precious in the eyes of the Saviour. He says that it were better for a man to be drowned in the sea than to offend the humblest one of those who love Jesus. Matt. 18 : 6. His love toward them is expressed in the most tender way and by the most forcible illustrations. He says that as a mother cannot forget her little babe—cannot fail to have compassion on it—so the Lord cannot forget his people, but rather loves them as that mother loves her own dear child. Isa. 49 : 15. Does the Lord mean what he says, and repeats, too, so many times? Can we not believe him and trust in his goodness to us?
Christ gave his life for his people. John 10 : 15. He bought them with his own blood. Acts 20 : 28. Then he ascended to the right hand of God, there to make intercession for all who come unto God by him. 1 Tim. 2 : 5. If we sin, he is our advocate with the Father. 1 John 2 : 1. The high priest in the Mosaic dispensation bore upon his heart the names of all the people when he went in to officiate before God. Ex. 28 : 29, 30. So Christ in heaven now bears on his great divine heart all his children on earth. He mentions each one by name before the Father (Rev. 3 : 5), and intercedes for them with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom. 8 : 26, 27.
Just what Jesus was while upon earth, just the same he is now in heaven, the same tender-hearted, compassionate, pitying, loving Saviour. His work of suffering for man did not cease when he went to heaven. His heart feels for them as it did while upon-earth. He talks about them with the angels; he prays to his Father for them; he sends angels to aid them; he is deeply interested in every plan on earth to carry out his work and bring souls to him. How deeply and how anxiously every true minister feels for the good of his flock. But Christ, the great Shepherd, with his divine heart of love, feels a thousand times more for them. May these thoughts lead us to love him and serve him more earnestly. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Living by Belief Rather Than Debate
—A man lives by believing something, not by debating and arguing about many things.—Carlyle.
THE WORCESTER MISSION.
By S. N. HASKELL
The city of Worcester, Mass., contains about seventy-five thousand inhabitants. There has been much missionary work performed here the past two years. During the summer of 1883, about two thousand short-term subscriptions for the Signs were taken. For many years a strong prejudice has existed here against the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. In the fall of 1883, a camp-meeting was held in this city, which awakened quite an interest in the public mind. During the past summer nearly five hundred subscriptions have been taken for Vol. IV. of “Spirit of Prophecy,” and several persons have been engaged in the holding of Bible-readings, doing colporter work, etc. Within the last two months the seed sown has been yielding precious fruit. The enemy’s stronghold has been broken down, and although much opposition is manifested, the tide is setting in favor of the truth of God.
A short time ago I spent Sabbath and first-day at the mission rooms. About twenty-five attended the meetings, the most of whom had recently taken their stand on the Sabbath. Bible-readings are held every day and evening. Bro. Israel has a crippled son of eleven years, who cannot walk without a crutch. He goes out with papers and tracts, which he sells and loans. At the same time he finds families desiring Bible-readings, and in some cases he has held readings and prayed with persons. This shows what a child can do if properly instructed. Bible-readings held with individuals enable them to withstand the opposition much better than preaching. Many call for a copy of the readings for the purpose of holding readings with persons who labor to turn them from the truth. Certainly God is on the side of his truth.
We believe that if more of our city missions were conducted on the plan of holding Bible-readings in families, in connection with canvassing and colporter work, much greater results would be seen in the salvation of souls. God’s word is powerful, and it carries a conviction that cannot be withstood by unbelief. It was the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, with which our Saviour prevailed against the attacks of Satan. “It is written,” were the words he used. Martin Luther once said that he had done but little except to set the word of God running through the earth, and in a short time, while he took a chat with his loved Katharine, down came thrones and kingdoms. If we can do no more than to present the word, praying that it may have free course and be glorified, it will accomplish far more than great efforts put forth in human strength. S. N. HASKELL.
A FEW WORDS PERSONAL
By Wm. C. Gage
It is known to my brethren, and especially to personal friends, that for more than a year I have been laboring under some difficulties that have in a measure separated me from the cause, and greatly hindered my spiritual growth and prosperity. I therefore esteem it a privilege to say, through the medium of our good paper, that of late the rich blessing of God has in large measure rested upon our household, and our hearts are now in full union with the work of God, in all its varied interests. True, this blessing has come through great affliction, but it seemed that the kind Father knew what was best adapted to humble our hearts before him, and bring us into subjection to his will. When we laid our darling innocent boy away to rest till the Life-giver shall come, our crushing sorrow was alleviated by the feeling of thankfulness that it was not our first-born, who was then unprepared; and as on Sabbath, Dec. 6, we witnessed another burial, our converted son going down to the watery grave, and being buried with our Lord in baptism, our cup of joy was overflowing. We realize that indeed “no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous; nevertheless, it afterward yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
While sorrow, deep and sore, has been our portion, the mercy and love of God have been boundless, and our souls are filled with peace and joy. Our union with this people now seems complete; and the cause of present truth and all its interests lie very near our hearts, and occupy the largest place in our affections. The change in our feelings seems, indeed, like a new conversion, for which we daily render praise to the Lord.
Battle Creek, Mich. WM. C. GAGE.
MINNESOTA
BALLARD'S SCHOOL-HOUSE, BLUE EARTH CO.—Before uniting in labor with Bro. White at Garden City and Vernon Center, I held a few meetings with the friends at the above-named place; have also visited them since.
I tried to instruct these brethren in the practical duties of the Christian, and to impress upon them the importance of helping forward the cause of God by devoting their lives and means to his service. A commendable interest to hear was manifested, and we trust good was accomplished. All the members of three families made a solemn covenant to pay hereafter into the Lord's treasury a tithe of all their increase. Three subscriptions for the REVIEW were taken, and a few pamphlets were sold. These friends appeared to be of better courage when I left. My prayer is that they may carry out their good resolutions, and be faithful in the Master's service.
The Lord blesses as I try to labor in his vineyard, and I feel to devote myself to his service more fully than ever before. Wm. Schram.
EAGLE BEND, DEC. 9.—The Lord has been doing a great work for me and the people of this place. I have now been here more than three weeks. Bro. Hewitt preceded me a few days, and visited all the people of the neighborhood, doing colporter work, and he has since continued to render acceptable service in visiting and in the meetings.
Commencing meetings, under the circumstances, was an experiment. I had been detained at home for several weeks with a severe cold on my lungs, which did not abate, but seemed to be settling into a chronic cough. Yet I desired to do something in the Lord's work, and ventured out by faith. Although I was very weak at first, the Lord has continued to bless, and I am now almost well. I have given twenty-four discourses to interested congregations, nearly all of whom are convinced that we have the truth, and some have already begun to keep the Sabbath. I praise the Lord for his goodness. I now leave the people for a few days that I may attend the general meeting, and that they may rest and read the tracts and books which they have eagerly taken. After the meeting I expect to resume the work at Eagle Bend. I look for a good little company at this place. John I. Collins.
MICHIGAN S. S. ASSOCIATION.
By M. B. Miller; Winnie Loughborough
THE first meeting of the seventh annual session of the Michigan Sabbath-school Association was held on the camp-ground at Jackson, Sept. 23, 1884. The minutes of the last session were read and accepted.
The names of the schools known to the secretary were then read. There were found to be one hundred and eighteen schools; nearly half of these were represented at this meeting.
The Chair was empowered to appoint the usual committees, which were named as follows: On Nominations, E. S. Griggs, J. Ramery, and J. Thompson; on Resolutions, H. P. Holser, W. C. Wales, and Winnie Loughborough.
Remarks were made by the President on the importance of the Sabbath-school work and the attention it deserves. He suggested that a question-box be placed upon the stand, and the contents thereof discussed at future meetings. A motion to that effect was carried, and a committee, consisting of W. K. Loughborough, G. W. Caviness, and H. P. Holser, was appointed to answer the questions.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 28, SUNDAY P. M.—The minutes of the previous meeting and the financial report of the last year were read and accepted. The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:—
Whereas, The importance of the Sabbath-school work in interesting and instructing the young, and in building up our churches, cannot be overestimated, and has been too much neglected among us; therefore—
1. Resolved, That we solemnly pledge ourselves individually, throughout the State, to do all in our power to revive an interest in this important work.
2. Resolved, That an effort should be made to hold S. S. Normals as often and in such places as the committee may appoint; and that our ministers be invited to co-operate with the officers of this Association in making these Normals successful.
Whereas, The failure to hold S. S. conventions in the past is largely due to the fact that the time of the officers of the Association has been fully occupied with other duties; therefore—
3. Resolved, That we request the Conference to co-operate with the officers of the Association in securing a proper person to devote his whole time to this important branch of the cause.
Whereas, The Sabbath-school may be made an effectual means of interesting people in present truth, and attending Sabbath meetings; therefore—
4. Resolved, That we recommend our ministers to hold Sabbath-schools at the earliest stage practicable, when presenting the truth in new fields, and especially in connection with tent meetings.
5. Resolved, That we recommend the use of envelopes in collecting the contributions.
6. Resolved, That we recommend the officers of this Association to devise some means whereby, in the near future, the schools of this State may be furnished with illustrations of the lessons contained in the “Progressive Bible Series.”
7. Resolved, That we still encourage the holding of Sunday-schools by suitable persons of our people at places where an interest can be awakened in the lessons contained in the “Progressive Bible Series” and the Instructor.
These resolutions were considered separately, and quite a discussion arose on some points; but they were all finally adopted.
The Committee on Nominations presented the following: For President, Eld. M. B. Miller; Vice-president, Wm. K. Loughborough; Secretary, Mrs. M. J. Chapman; Executive Committee, J. Fargo, D. H. Lamson, and C. C. Lewis. These persons were elected.
A few questions had been handed in; but as the time was limited, they were only briefly considered.
Adjourned sine die.
M. B. MILLER, Pres.
WINNIE LOUGHBOROUGH, Sec. pro tem.
MAINE
By R. S. Webber
Bath.—Soon after the close of our camp-meeting at Portland, I came to Bath, and commenced a course of lectures. Eld. J. B. Goodrich joined me about ten days ago. Seven have already embraced the truth. Two have commenced to serve the Lord for the first time, and have found sweet peace in Jesus. Three have requested baptism. There is quite a stir here over the Sabbath question, and many say we are preaching the truth. May God help them to embrace it, and live it out.
R. S. WEBBER.
KANSAS
Hillsboro, Dec. 14.—Soon after our good General Conference, I again started for my field of labor. In Chicago, I met Eld. E. Conradi, who came with me to establish the work here on a more permanent basis. We arrived Nov. 28, and since then have held thirty-nine services at three different places; twenty more have commenced the observance of the Sabbath. We now have sixty-five or seventy Sabbath-keepers here.
Last Sunday we had a day of fasting and prayer, and commenced to organize a church, after having held three meetings a day for a week. Thus far twenty-three have joined, and fourteen more have applied. Others that could not be with us then, desire to join; in fact, we think nearly all that keep the Sabbath will join.
Some difficulties existing on immortality and other questions, have all cleared away, and the Lord is richly blessing us in our work. There will be but one church for the present; but if the Lord will, it is intended to divide it into three at some future time. Bro. Conradi will be with us another week. Remember us and the work here in your prayers. S. S. SHROCK.
AMONG THE CHURCHES.—I recently visited the company at Emporia, and found a well conducted Sabbath-school; also a good interest in Sabbath and week-day prayer-meetings. Several interested811ones were present Sabbath and Sunday, and listened with apparently deep interest. We hope for good results from the labor in Emporia. The little company at Burlingame are still trying to hold up the standard of truth by keeping up these Sabbath and week-day prayer-meetings, and Sabbath-school. Their numbers, however, are being reduced by removals. There is a number of interested readers in the town.
The church at Rock Creek still keeps up its interest in Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school. The original members, through removals and otherwise, are almost all gone; but their places are occupied by a class younger, but not less earnest, as their prompt attendance shows. Several families travel from seven to twelve miles to get to meeting and Sabbath-school.
Nov. 29, 30, I spent with the church at Ottawa. Their numbers are few; yet they manage to keep up a good Sabbath-school, Sabbath meetings, Bible-readings, and week-day prayer-meetings. Since their organization in the summer, they have pushed through ready for dedication, a neat, well-proportioned house of worship, capable of seating comfortably one hundred and fifty persons. It is located on one of the most lovely sites in the town, overlooking almost the entire city. The brethren took the precaution to meet almost the entire expense as they progressed with the work; so the house now stands completed, almost free from indebtedness. JOHN GIBBS.
Dec. 2.
SWITZERLAND
By A. C. Bourdeau
THE cause of present truth is evidently progressing in the different parts of the broad field, for which we have reason to be very grateful, and to take courage in the Lord. Since my return from Roumania, in October last, the several meetings which I have attended at different points in Switzerland have been seasons of profit, and of rejoicing to all the friends of the cause who were in attendance. We also enjoyed blessed seasons in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house. In this time upward of twenty persons have commenced to keep the Sabbath, seventeen have been baptized, and I expect to baptize seven or eight more soon. Among those that were baptized were an evangelist and six of his friends, who have commenced to keep the Sabbath within the past three weeks. Others for whom he has labored are deciding to obey. Bro. Alfred Vaucher, the evangelist, is a young preacher, and seems to be a valuable accession to the cause. All manifested a willingness to lay aside things that are unwholesome, to take off their jewelry, and to adhere to plainness of dress.
Sabbath, Nov. 22, was a good day for those who were assembled at Cormondreche. Bro. Whitney was present, and all appreciated his words of good cheer. We were blessed while several interesting persons were received into the church by baptism. The new converts seemed to rejoice in listening to the word spoken.
Last Sabbath, Nov. 29, it was my privilege to meet with the church here at Bâle. My brother, Eld. D. T. Bourdeau, was present. We had been separated from each other in our labors for more than six months. We were happy to hear him speak of the prosperity of the cause in France, on the isle of Corsica, and in Italy. Truly God is on the giving hand to his people. He is opening the way for a large ingathering of souls, of such as shall be saved. Let us take courage in the Lord.
Soon the trump of God will sound,
The Archangel's voice be heard,
Hearts now pulseless in the ground
Soon with throbs of joy be stirred;
In a moment then shall we,
Who these wonders live to see,
Feel the Spirit's quickening might,
Be like Christ, all clothed in white.
Angels hastening from the skies
Greet God's tried and faithful friends,
With them to their Saviour rise—
On his smile their joy depends;
As they all to Christ repair,
Lo, he greets them in the air
With a welcome for each one—
With the blest, the true “Well done!”
Then the Lord ascends on high,
Angels, saints with shouts attend,
In bright clouds above the sky,
To the pearly gates ascend.
See, these portals open wide!
Christ, the Bridegroom, takes his Bride!
Oh, what happy children we,
Saved, in heaven, immortal, free!
Jesus' glory to behold,
And God's love-lit face to see!
Half these wonders ne'er was told—
Themes for all eternity!
Brethren now in heaven's high way,
Upward look, oh, watch and pray;
Ready be, for soon He'll come
To receive you to his home.