p. 52 | Review and Herald, Vol. 53, No. 7. (2/13/1879)

THE WORK IN NORWAY.

By James White

ELDER MATTESON writes from Christiania, Norway, Jan. 9, 1879, as follows:—

“About twelve hundred people attended the meeting last Sunday evening, and crowds went away for lack of room. Between forty and fifty people are keeping the Sabbath. The most prominent public papers have spoken of the meetings in the highest terms. Priests and professors attend, and study how they may oppose the truth of God. Hundreds of souls are really tired of the old theories, and are hungering to hear and search the truth.

“Under these circumstances, I have deemed it duty to commence the printing of a small weekly paper about two-thirds of the size of one-fourth of the REVIEW.

“This is simply a temporary paper, like a tent paper. I take no subscriptions, but sell them at 5 Ore, or 2 cents, a piece. I ask for no pecuniary help on this undertaking. I trust, by the blessing of God, this paper will pay its own way. I ask simply for permission to print it, and subject the contents to your counsel and supervision. I print two thousand copies this week. The people are hungry for reading. We will soon see how it goes.

“Now the spring will soon come on, and then we shall need a tent and men to work with it. If the interest is followed up here, Sweden will also soon be affected. There is ten times as much religious stir in Norway and Sweden as in Denmark.

“I trust and pray that Bro. Jasperson and Martin Olsen may come right here in the spring, and be furnished with means for a tent that will accommodate at least one thousand people. I would like to sell my home in America, and get our children over here when Bro. Jasperson comes. He can take them along. I submit this respectfully to you and the Conference Committee. If we shall continue to labor here, it would serve the cause best to have our children with us.

“If you favor this move, you might say a word in the REVIEW about buying my place. It has cost me $2,000. I will sell it no lower than $1,500. There is a large, comfortable house, garden with fruit trees, and 20 acres of land. It is situated in Oakland, Jefferson Co. Wis., opposite to the meeting-house. There is a prosperous church in that place. I will write to Bro. Smith to put a notice in the REVIEW, provided the Conference Committee think best.

“Now may the Lord direct and abundantly bless his precious truth and cause, both in America and other countries.”

The Spirit of God is moving the people mightily in old Norway. The word of God, set home to the hearts of the people by the Holy Spirit, is doing a great work in the Old World. Let God be praised. We think that the suggestions of Bro. Matteson will meet the minds of his brethren.

1. We see no reasons why he should return to this country, therefore his entire family should be with him.

2. We see no reasons why Brn. Jasperson and Olsen should not go to his help. And we appeal to the Scandinavian people in America to raise the means to help them to Norway with a tent, ready to work in early spring. And

3. We see no reasons why Bro. M. has not done well in starting a temporary weekly paper.

JAMES WHITE.

Sabbath Desecration Increasing.

The complaint of religious papers all over the land is that Sabbath desecration, especially in American cities, is largely increasing. Now we say that this is all a mistake. Sabbath desecration is not increasing. There is not so much of it this year as there was last. In fact, there are not so many by some thirty thousand, now desecrating the Sabbath, as there were a few years ago. But with the exception of this comparatively small number, all Christendom, priests and people, ministers and laymen, alike, are desecrating the Sabbath, trampling it beneath their feet, riding over it rough shod, making it the pack-horse of the drudgery of the week, and in every way, so far as its claims to sacredness are concerned, consciously or unconsciously, heaping upon it every dishonor. We do not expect this desecration will cease while sin reigns, and the first great apostate is still at large; but we do expect that multitudes more will turn away their feet from trampling it down before the Lord appears.

The mistake our friends make when they complain of increasing Sabbath desecration is, that they take Sunday for the Sabbath. Let any one who has taken only his A B C in the investigation of the Sabbath question read the following from the Commercial Advocate of San Francisco, Cal., and be astonished at the utter confusion which still exists in some minds in regard to the Sabbath and Sunday:—

“That we are fast becoming Europeanized as it regards the observance of the Christian Sabbath, there is no shadow of doubt. This has, in reality, become, with all our large cities, the great holiday of holidays. This is the day when the millions resort, with display of banners and bayonets, to the target fields, to the beer gardens, the dog and prize fights, and to the theaters. The old usages and conventionalities of the men and women who founded the Republic, and who guided it for the first half century, are trodden under foot as the fossilizations of the bygone or relics of the antique, ill adapted to the advanced ideas of European materialism and modern American atheism. To strike from the ethical code of the nation any one of the ten commandments, is to repudiate the whole. And a people, the pillars of whose political and moral edifice do not rest upon these everlasting corner-stones of human government, is momentarily tottering to its fall. Though promulgated to the Hebrews long centuries ago, still the impress of the signet of the Eternal is as fresh upon them to-day, as a governmental code for the Gentiles, as when they were being written amidst the flashings and thunder shocks of Sinai. These ten great moral postulates cannot be abrogated by civilized society without revolution and dissolution. And the American who attempts this is guilty of civil as well as moral treason.”

Think of this! the impress of the signet of the Eternal fresh upon the ten commandments to-day, as a code for the Gentiles, and yet the fourth commandment taken to enforce Sunday! And think of what is more wonderful still—that this extract, as given above, is printed in The Christian Statesman, whose editor, since his recent debate with Eld. Littlejohn on the Sabbath question, is without a shadow of excuse for thus confounding the sacred and the profane.

T. AND M. OFFICERS; WHO SHOULD THEY BE?

By Dudley Marvin Canright

The more I learn of the tract work, the more I examine books and become acquainted with the workings of the society, the more I am impressed with the fact that great care ought to be taken in selecting proper persons to fill the offices of librarian, district secretary, and State secretary. There is so much penny business to be done by these officers that unless they are very careful and prompt, mistakes will be made. It is not every one that is able to fill these offices, try as hard as he may. It is not every man that can preach, nor every person that can teach school successfully. There must be natural qualifications for these offices. So in selecting tract and missionary officers, it is very important that we have persons who are the best adapted to the work. Let us notice some of the necessary qualifications.

1. Keeping books is one of the principal duties of each of the officers except the director; hence either the librarian, the district secretary, or the State secretary should write a good plain hand. If these officers cannot do this, the books will present a very bad appearance, and in a short time they will be blotted, and scratched, and blurred. They will not look neat and business like. Good penmanship, then, is the first requisite.

2. These officers should be very particular to do the business on time. If this work is laid aside to be done when convenient, it discommodes everybody, and throws everything into confusion. Therefore these officers should be persons who are quick, and ready to attend to their business.

3. They should be persons who are courteous and accommodating. As they will have to deal with so many brethren and sisters, necessarily they will have to put up with a great many little annoyances. This cannot be avoided; hence if they are snappish, and irritable, and easily provoked, they will soon make trouble somewhere. They should be persons of a gentle, amiable temper, and then they should cultivate affability.

4. It is very important that these persons be located in a proper place. It would not do to have a church librarian live in the country, where no one can get at him. As far as possible, the librarian should live very near the place of meeting, so that members can get books whenever they come to meeting. The secretaries should live near the post-office, that the business may be done promptly.

5. After a person has filled one of these offices for a time, has got the run of it, and has learned how to do it, he should not be allowed to go out of office lightly. It is no small matter to get a new set of officers, who have everything to learn, to do the work correctly; hence if an officer has done his duty tolerably well, every encouragement should be held out to him to retain his position, and to learn his business more perfectly. As few changes as possible should be made.

6. No one should be put into office simply through favor; nor to distribute the offices around, and so please everybody. The most efficient person is the one to put in office. The responsibility of selecting these officers comes largely upon the directors and the president. When they have selected a person, it is their duty to see that he is thoroughly instructed in the duties of his office. D. M. CANRIGHT.

FINANCES

By S. N. Haskell

Below we give the amount due the Review Office one year ago from the various tract societies, compared with their present indebtedness, also the amount of business done and money paid by the various societies during the year, and their present standing as near as we can determine.

Conferences	Indebtedness, 1878	Publications purchased	Cash paid	Present indebtedness	Books on hand, unpaid pledges, &c.
Iowa	$555.40	$2,208.26	$2,249.06	$2,925.50	$868.45
Indiana	186.28	730.55	729.18	245.10	1,488.61
Illinois	750.82	203.56	672.29	567.72	…
Michigan	84.71	4,417.28	4,451.62	756.67	…
Maine	…	385.98	218.86	296.53	…
Vermont	…	84.99	35.99	480.99	…
Virginia	…	89.70	85.65	43.61	…
Pennsylvania	…	699.70	663.81	26.11	…
New Jersey	…	436.92	468.50	30.10	…
Ohio	…	177.71	117.71	48.61	…
Kentucky and Tennessee	…	177.71	117.71	224.81	…
Alabama	…	29.10	29.10	30.10	…
Texas	…	93.10	93.10	98.84	…
Arkansas	…	…	…	992.56	2,330.06
Georgia	…	1,877.92	875.27	41.82	511.86
Quebec	…	583.03	170.25	318.09	…
Wyoming	…	…	…	704.90	…
Mississippi	…	3,060.04	2,836.70	110.08	…
Missouri	…	1,281.15	1,?	228.29	2,021.63
Minnesota	…	267.21	625.76	…	…
Nebraska	…	3,068.15	4,884.07	…	…
New England	…	…	…	…	…
New York	…	…	…	…	…
Total	$9,189.82	$24,276.12	$26,?37	$8,551.49	$7,223.05

Not having received a statement from the Signs Office, the above only relates to the Review Office. New England, New York, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, and Kansas, have a fund of one thousand dollars or more capital, in books or good pledges, as a reserve fund, to pay for a depository of publications. Other Conferences have made a beginning. All tract societies should have a reserve tract fund which should not be credited to any district by entitling them to draw publications from the same. The reserve fund is a State fund, which will enable the societies to pay cash for their depositories of publications. As the districts draw publications from the depository, the State secretary charges them for the same as though there was no reserve fund. This will give the State societies a capital to work on, so they will not become embarrassed.

Every tract society will accomplish twice the amount of missionary labor with this fund that they could without it, besides greatly relieving the Publishing Association. When such a fund is established, the various societies can at once engage in enterprises for the advancement of the work without embarrassment to themselves or to the Publishing Association.

At the Iowa camp-meeting it was voted to raise a two thousand dollar fund. Five immediately pledged one hundred dollars each for this purpose. A portion of the pledges there made are paid. Now look at the result. Their indebtedness to the REVIEW Office at that time was $1,626. Since then they have ordered publications to the amount of $678, making a total of $2,304; yet their present indebtedness is but $326. They have also cancelled their debt at the Signs Office.

There should be as many one hundred dollar men in nearly every Conference in the country as here. Maine and Vermont, two of the poorest conferences, have started out with fifty dollar pledges. We wait to see which of these States will raise five hundred dollars first to pay toward the two thousand dollars’ worth of publications to be kept on hand in South Lancaster, Mass. Already the New England Conference has nine hundred dollars invested. This depository supplies these States with everything furnished at the Office at Office prices, furnishes a book room, and pays the secretary. All it asks in return is that these States will invest five hundred dollars each in the depository and pay their indebtedness at the close of each quarter.

May God bless these efforts until the tract societies can place the Signs of the Times, or any other pioneer paper that may be published, in hundreds of thousands of families yearly. This should be done by remailing them, and corresponding with individuals who become interested. Such a move is preparing the way for the earth to be lightened with the glory of the third angel. Could we realize what is just before us, and the importance of the work which can be accomplished by us, there is not a tract society in the country that would not raise a fund of from three to five thousand dollars before 1879 closes. We thank God that such a good commencement has been made. S. N. Haskell.

ENGLAND

The following letter from Bro. Wm. Ings relative to the encouraging prospects for our cause in England, written to the Vigilant Missionary Society of Battle Creek, we take pleasure in laying before the readers of the REVIEW. It is dated Jan. 23, 1879:—

“DEAR FRIENDS: After an absence of three months I returned from Switzerland to follow up the missionary work commenced here. The friends who accepted the truth last summer are strong in the faith. Bro. Loughborough and wife reached here a few days after my return. All were ready to give them a hearty welcome. Bro. L. is full of hope and courage, and enters upon his work with zeal. He had not been here a week before an invitation was sent him to speak, which he accepted. He has continued meetings to the present time, with interested hearers, and a fair prospect that some will accept the truth. Bro. L. expects to use a tent for the summer campaign, and he will thus reach a greater number of hearers. Every effort is put forth by him to extend the work by correspondence as well as by getting the addresses of interested readers, preaching, visiting, etc.

“I find no abatement of the interest to read on present truth. During the past ten days I have visited three hundred families, and out of this number only one refused to receive tracts. Angels are preparing the way, and minds are impressed that some great event is just before us. As the result of reading, three more good, substantial souls are now rejoicing in the truth. In this country as well as in America those receiving the truth catch the missionary spirit, and watch every opportunity to extend the light to others; and thus it will continue until the third angel’s message shall roll with a mighty swell through the land.

I am now visiting from house to house, loaning tracts, selling our publications, and obtaining subscribers for our periodicals. Yesterday I sold five Annuals; to-day I sold ‘Spirit of Prophecy Vol. i.,’ and I am requested to deliver the three other volumes as soon as the money can be saved up. This sale is the result of reading Sister White’s articles in the Signs. Her articles are read with interest, and I find none but that speak highly of them.

“The Signs takes with the people, and we hope to get many subscribers. None need be afraid to send papers to friends or others in this country. They will be read with interest, and will be loaned. Hundreds of copies could be used to good account in Southampton, if we only had them. Thousands of copies would be read with the greatest of interest all over England. It is interesting to hear the people tell how earnestly their friends and neighbors ask the privilege of reading their papers when they are through with them. In many cases the people wish to mail them to their friends, and thus they are sent to all parts of England and to other countries.

“There is no reason to be discouraged, but we have everything to encourage us. I am thankful I can have some humble part in the closing message.”

READ; YES, READ.

By R. F. Cottrell

I FEEL like supporting the advice which has been given to our people to read; particularly to read the volumes entitled, Spirit of Prophecy, Testimonies, etc. Every church should have the volumes recommended as a circulating library, so that all, the poor as well as the more wealthy, can have the privilege of reading them.

Nelson, in his work on infidelity, states two facts as causes of infidelity; the first is the depravity, or wickedness, of the human heart; the other is lack of knowledge, or ignorance. The wickedness of men makes them averse to that revelation which condemns it, and for this reason they love darkness rather than light, and as a consequence they remain from choice in ignorance of the teachings of that revelation, and the evidences on which it is based.

It seems to me that there is something similar to this in respect to the confidence, or want of it, in the books of which we are speaking. Those who read them most have the most confidence in them. It is simply because they know what they teach, and, knowing, they cannot oppose them. And those who are the most skeptical are those that know the least about them.

Some years ago I was conversing with one who had decided objection to the Testimonies, and desiring to ascertain the cause, I found to my surprise that he had never read them and knew nothing about them. It was not for want of opportunity, but because he had no desire to know what they taught.

Let all have the opportunity to read and know the contents of these volumes. It will be a source of much comfort and encouragement to believers; and if opposers will read, they may learn what it is which they oppose.

R. F. COTTRELL.

SELF-DENIAL AND SACRIFICE

By Roswell F. Cottrell

A most important crisis in our work in the cause of God is upon us. God has led us step by step in our work, until the light on duty is made very clear from the word and Spirit of God. Plans have been laid and organizations have been effected, so that all that will can do something in the work. And as relates to giving, the tithing system, the Bible plan of equality, has been reached, and is being adopted by our people. It is to count one-tenth of our income the Lord’s, a portion that we have no right to appropriate to our own use. A pledge to do this faithfully in the sight of God is proper for every one of our people. Many are making this pledge, and besides this, they are giving one-third as much for the T. and M. work to cancel, perhaps, past indebtedness, and they are making other free-will and thank-offerings.

There is danger now that some will not fulfill their vows. And there is also danger that some will not willingly give to God his tithe, even some who have thought themselves liberal. They will perhaps evade their duty, and not deal honestly before God, by substituting increase for income. They have a family to support, hired help to pay, and debts besides. So they will argue to themselves that all that God requires of them is one-tenth of their clear profits, or what they have received above their expenditures.

If all should act upon this plan, many would be exempt from giving anything, who now contribute considerable sums, and who have been, in fact, the reliable burden-bearers in the cause. Take, for example, a minister who has no source of income but the two or three hundred dollars which he receives from his Conference. If he receives $200, one-tenth is $20, and the added one-third $6.67, making $26.67. Then two or three free-will offerings for different departments of the cause will leave him only about $150 with which to clothe and support himself, and help those who may be dependent upon him. It will be seen that if he makes the ends meet, it will be by strict economy, and perhaps some self-denial beyond that. A tenth of his “increase,” and that of many other laboring persons who help considerably in the support of the cause, would be a very small sum indeed; and it might truly be marked with the sign minus.

The rule for tithing, as expressed by Jacob, is, “Of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth to thee.” In paying tithes we do not give of our own to the Lord; for “the tithe is the Lord’s;” therefore to withhold it and to appropriate it to our use is to rob God. After paying to the Lord his tenth, we have nine-tenths with which to meet our obligations and pay our expenses; and this, with economy, denying ourselves of useless and injurious luxuries, so called, will always, by the blessing of the Lord, carry us through.

We can talk of self-denial, and never taste it; and of sacrifice, while our worldly wealth is constantly increasing. On the contrary, a sacrifice consumes away.

The Lord’s blessing is promised to those who bring in all the tithes and offerings. Those who give to his cause a tenth of what they receive from his providence, and then use enough economy and self-denial to make the nine-tenths support themselves and meet all their obligations, making liberal free-will offerings to the various branches of the one universal cause, will be blessed of the Lord.

Those who have faith, implicit faith, can trust in the Lord and believe his promise. “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Let us have faith sufficient to trust in the promises of God.

R. F. COTTRELL.

WISCONSIN

Embarrass, Waupaca Co.—I closed my meetings at this place Feb. 2, after laboring here two weeks. One family accepted the truth. I have since labored in Clintonville and vicinity. Have obtained four subscribers for our periodicals, and organized a Sabbath-school in a family that accepted the truth under my labors last fall. S. S. SMITH.

Vernon Co.—I assisted Bro. Hoen in meeting at Bloomingdale. We spoke in English and Norwegian, and about half a dozen decided to keep the commandments. At Mt. Pisgah several who were in a backslidden state made a new start to serve God.

Jan. 3-5, I attended the quarterly meeting at Leon. We enjoyed much of God's blessing. Several united with the church.

Jan. 7 to 26, I was at Debello. The truth is gaining ground at this place. Several made a start in the service of the Lord. The brethren expect to build a house of worship soon.

Jan. 26 I spoke twice to good congregations at Pine River, about ten miles from Debello. The people are anxious to hear the truth, and I expect to return in about two weeks. Jan. 30. O. A. JOHNSON.

NEBRASKA

Nebraska City, Feb. 4.—I am now holding meetings ten miles south of Nebraska City. The attendance is fair and the interest good. Some who have been strangers at the house of worship are in constant attendance. An interest in the prayers of the brethren is solicited. CHAS. L. BOYD.

Halifax, Greeley Co., Jan. 27.—Most the company here are growing in all points of the faith. They are laying aside tobacco, tea, coffee, and pork, and are adopting the health reform. A few are not in sympathy on this point, but say they will still keep the Sabbath. Two of the original number have broken the covenant, but the Lord has added four good souls in their stead.

I held nine meetings. The Lord gave liberty in presenting the messages and practical workings of the truth. For the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit we all feel to thank God.

Feb. 3.—At Halifax, Greeley Co., one good sister has accepted and obeyed the message. I commenced meetings at Eldorado yesterday. The way seems all prepared for a good work. For the present my address will be Eldorado, Greeley Co., Neb. GEO. B. STARR.

OHIO

East Norwalk.—I have closed meetings here for the present. Regular Sabbath meetings and Bible-meetings and Bible-class will be held. Bro. Beebe and myself will meet with them alternately, he one Sabbath and I the next. Ten copies of the Bible Lessons are taken, and ten subscribers for periodicals were obtained. We expect that two or three others will sign the covenant soon. H. A. St. John.

Markley's Corners, Jan. 23.—Seven have commenced the observance of the Sabbath. As far as I can learn, all acknowledge the truth. I have sold three dollars' worth of tracts. I design to preach for the friends here once in two weeks. Have commenced a course of lectures at Hamler, a small town on the B. & O. R. R. A. A. Bigelow.

Corsica, Feb. 3.—The third angel's message is taking a strong hold on this people. Almost every day I find some who have been praying for the truth, and who rejoice as they find it. The first of last week the roads became very muddy, but every evening we had a good congregation.

Fifty were out to the Sabbath meeting, and thirty testimonies were borne by those who have embraced the truth. This was a very encouraging meeting. Our friends are sending reports of the meetings to the papers around, and this is awakening a deep interest to hear the truth in adjoining towns.

A banker five miles from here said to one of our hearers: “What's going on over to Corsica? Who is preaching there? What are the strange things they say? Can't you furnish me something to read? Haven't you got some tracts with you? I'll read anything you have. I'd like to know what it is that stirs the people so.” We shall see that his desires are all fulfilled.

The following is an extract from a letter which Sister M., the wife of “the good old granger,” has just received from her sister in Illinois. After the introduction, which we omit, she says:

“I was somewhat surprised at the contents of your letter, but nevertheless pleased. This is just what I have been hoping and praying for for the last six months. Some S. D. Adventists were here last July, and I knew they would be around your way in due time, so I was just patiently waiting to hear about them from some of you. We had an interesting time when they were here. I tell you they shook the M. E. church to the center. Almost every one that could throw away his or her prejudice enough to go and listen once, went again.

“One year ago a lady came to visit us who had left the Christian church and joined the Adventists, and she was so enthusiastic that she got me to promise to go and hear them if they came to town. Last summer they pitched the tent in the town park; but the weather was so warm, and I had so much to do, that I paid but little attention to them till they had been here a month. One day the M. E. minister and his wife came out to spend the day, and something was said about the Adventists, and I remarked, ‘I have not been to hear them yet.’ She said, ‘That is strange, but I am glad that there is one Methodist who has not gone to hear them.’ That evening we went to town to take them home, and had to pass by the tent, and since I had promised to go once anyway, we went. We got in in time to hear the last of the sermon. The result was, we wanted to hear the next evening, and the next, and the next, for four weeks. What do you think of that for going to meeting in August? It was the most interesting preaching I ever heard, and if it was not that immersion is their mode of baptism, I don't know but I should become a member. I believe the seventh-day Sabbath is right, and any time that A—— wants to join that church, I believe I am ready to say that I will go with him, if it does take me clear under the water. . . . Now I want to hear from you on this point. I should not wonder if baptism would be a sticking point with many of you. But you all have my consent to join the Adventists, even if you have to be buried in the watery grave, and I will say, Amen. Notwithstanding, I shall feel sorry for the dear old M. E. church. “They have thirty or forty members, and a regular

minister, but I have not attended much since the tent ministers left; but I must confess that I have not enjoyed myself spiritually so well since that time, and I sometimes think I shall not until I fully obey the truth.”

This shows the power of this message, and if this sister in Illinois would do as her friends here are doing, she would soon be free. We are getting the REVIEW into every interested family. We shall remain here for some time yet. A. O. Burrill. A. M. Mann.

ONTARIO

Chatham, Feb. 3.—I came to this place Jan. 8. One was keeping the Sabbath and others were interested as the result of Bro. Black's missionary labors. I have held eighteen meetings. Ten are keeping the Sabbath, many others are convinced, and some are preparing to obey. In this city of 9000 inhabitants, we believe the Lord has many people. Thus far in our work he has seemed very near. Bro. Black assists in meetings and in visiting. We have sold books to the value of $15.75.

I would be glad to have a call from any of the brethren who are passing through on the G. W. R. R. My address, until further notice, will be Chatham, Ontario. J. FULTON.

Belleville, Feb. 1.—During the past three months I have been canvassing in Ontario. This is a hard field, but prejudice seems to be giving way. I have obtained one hundred and twenty-five subscribers for our periodicals; and in subscriptions and for book sales have received $145. Many are becoming interested in the truth, and some have expressed themselves satisfied with our position on the Sabbath question. Some have subscribed for Good Health and the Signs too. We believe that good will result. I am now canvassing in the city of Belleville, a very central place, with good success. We have learned by experience that a judicious circulation of our reading matter is necessary in British territory before attempting to hold meetings, as people are often prejudiced against anything coming from the States without knowing what they are prejudiced against; and they are at first slow to believe that our views come from the Bible.

GEO. A. KING.

KANSAS

Report of Labor.—I went to Sumner county about the middle of December, and labored two weeks near Caldwell. This is a new field of labor; but very little has been done in the missionary work. I tried to encourage the few brethren who have moved there. They subscribed for four copies of the Signs and two of the Review, and are going to keep up meetings. Some of their neighbors are much interested.

I was with the Canola church on first-day. All who were present pledged the tithe for 1879; they also pledged for the Dime Tabernacle.

Attended the quarterly meeting at Bloomfield, Elk Co., Jan. 4, 5. The weather was extremely cold, and only a few were out to the meetings.

Jan. 9, I went to Chautauqua county, and held meetings near Peru till Feb. 2. Nearly all who attended the meetings regularly acknowledge the truth; but only four or five had the courage to practice it. These, with the few Sabbath-keepers who lived there, will keep up regular meetings, also Sabbath-school. A leader was appointed.

I have great reason to thank God for returning health; I desire to spend it in the Master's service. I expect to commence meetings near Emporia, Lyon Co., next week, which will be my address for the present.

Feb. 6. CHAS. F. STEVENS.

Elivon, Jan. 30.—The Lord is blessing the work at Elivon. We had a good meeting last Sabbath, and five were baptized by Bro. Barton.

While helping here, I have been lecturing in an adjoining school-house. A few are interested and acknowledge that we have the truth, but have not yet committed themselves.

The little company at Bennington, Ottawa Co., is doing well. One more has signed the covenant.

MARSHALL ENOCH.

MICHIGAN

Edenville, Midland Co.—After the close of my labors at Jay, I visited the church at Edenville, where I remained from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3. I was very much encouraged at finding the brethren in that place quite generally holding on to the truth, and manifesting a zeal in the maintenance of public worship which could hardly have been anticipated by one who had been acquainted with their unfortunate surroundings as they existed about three months ago. Happily their former dissensions have largely disappeared, and there are now good reasons for believing that harmony and concord will eventually be restored among them, and that they will become a useful church. I found their Sabbath-school in a prosperous condition, and operating as a bond of union between them. While there, two more started in the service of the Lord. One of them has been an unhappy victim of strong drink. May God strengthen him for the conflict which is before him, and grant him complete victory in the end. W. H. LITTLEJOHN.

Rapid River, Jan. 28.—The cause of present truth is slowly advancing in Northern Michigan. A church of nine members has been organized at Rapid River. Others are waiting to unite with this church. The brethren take hold of the missionary work with a zeal which betokens a live interest in the cause. They have purchased the circulating library, and are perusing its volumes with much profit. The deep snow, rendering the roads almost impassable, has hindered in holding meetings. I held a short series near Rapid River, and a few embraced the truth. I am now holding meetings four miles south of Elk Rapids, with a good interest. JOHN SISLEY.

IOWA

Flint, Feb. 3.—I resumed meetings here last Wednesday. Have spoken five times. The interest is deeper than I thought it was when I left. Last night the house was full of attentive hearers. G. V. KILGORE.

Hampton and Cedar Falls.—I labored at Hampton about a week, and think some good was done. Sold Danish books to the value of $1.00, and obtained one new subscriber for the Tidende. This is the first copy of the Tidende ever taken in this place.

I held eight meetings with the church at Cedar Falls, Jan. 22 to 27. These were held at three different places, so as to call in the neighbors. The condition of this church is improving. Some of the members have made an excellent start during the past six months. As the elder has left, I ordained a brother to fill his place. JOHN F. HANSON.

Onawa, Jan. 30.—I am now at home, but have been laboring in Guthrie and Greene counties. The opposition was strong, but the Lord worked, and some good people came out on the truth. A prominent Disciple minister gave five discourses on the subject of the Sabbath. He took the position that the law was nailed to the cross, and the new law came in force at Pentecost. Thus the world was fifty days without any law! Then he said the Sabbath was a type of the rest that remains to the people of God after the Judgment. I asked him if the type did not reach to the antitype, if the shadow did not reach to the substance. Last winter the Congregationalists permitted us to use their meeting-house, which is two miles from my home in Onawa. But Bro. McCoy preached in it, and exerted so great an influence over some of the members of the Congregational church that the minister refused to let us use the house. Their refusal causes considerable disturbance in the church. We are now trying to get the school-house, as the people here want me to hold meetings with them. I wish Bro. McCoy could come here and preach. The people were very much interested in his discourses. J. BARTLETT.

TEXAS

By Robert M. Kilgore

Since my last report I have visited Rockwall, Terrell, and Cleburne. I came home Dec. 24, after being absent nine months, except a few days in August. Commenced meetings with the church here the 28th, intending to hold a protracted series. But here, as with the above churches, the Texas “Norther” prevented a general turnout of even our own people. This, with the sickness of some, prevented us from accomplishing the work we designed. I hope, however, that when our people learn that foul weather will not prevent us from filling our appointments, they will be willing to endure it also, and make some sacrifice of ease and comfort in order to meet us on such occasions, especially as our visits are necessarily so limited.

Jan. 11, 12, I attended the district quarterly meeting at Cleburne. The brethren and sisters there show, according to their ability, a commendable zeal in the T. and M. work; and although their own house of worship had been blown down and demolished, and they are yet in debt since its second erection, they were not unmindful of those abroad, but raised about fourteen dollars for the Oakland church. The ordinances were celebrated. The S. B. pledge was re-arranged, every one signing the pledge recommended by the General Conference.

The following Monday evening the meetings at Peoria were resumed. The next Sunday the general quarterly meeting and the dedication of our meeting-house occupied the time. The building stands on a good cut-stone foundation. It has a substantial frame 26x38, is ceiled inside, painted within and without, furnished with a good stove, and ten good lamps, and there are 20 cents in the treasury.

During these meetings the ordinances were celebrated. Systematic benevolence was reorganized on the Bible plan, and every brother and sister thus far has signed the pledge. Eight more have been added to the church, and five were baptized.

R. M. KILGORE.

Peoria, Hill Co., Tex.

The Sabbath

By P. Alderman

O holy Sabbath day, The time of sweet repose, May we this day a rest enjoy From all our cares and woes.

O lift the soul above, Thou who in love hast given This kindest covenant to man, This prelude of our Heaven.

May we be truly blest With every passing hour, And trust the Saviour's cleansing blood, And feel its cleansing power.

P. ALDERMAN.

Ashtabula Co., Ohio,

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