The cause here is still onward. The 16th I baptized three, four were taken into the church, and the elder was ordained. Several families have quit the use of tea, coffee, and pork. They are much interested in the circulating library. There are twenty-seven members, and several more will come in.
March 17. W. W. SHARP.
Athol Center, Mass.
By D. A. Robinson
Our meetings here have closed. We leave fourteen keeping the Sabbath. Ten embraced it since we came. The Sabbath-school numbers about twenty. They have a small hall, where they will hold regular meetings and Sabbath-school each week.
D. A. Robinson.
Sheridan, Mich.
By O. Soule
I STILL labor at Sheridan. I was detained by sickness, but I now remain to labor. Eight more have decided to keep the Sabbath; several of them had made no profession before. The interest is better now than at any previous time.
March 19.
Corsica, Ohio.
By A. O. Burrill
WE have just closed our effort here, and are very grateful to our Heavenly Father for what he has done for his truth. Sixty or more, including children, are keeping the Sabbath. Our Sabbath-school is progressing finely. Weekly prayer-meetings have been appointed, and leaders have been chosen.
March 19. A. O. BURRILL.
Virginia.
By I. Sanborn
My meetings three miles north-west of Mt. Jackson are well attended, and there is a growing interest. We had a meeting last Sabbath, and there was a good attendance. Eight have publicly taken their stand upon the truth. A great many others are almost persuaded, and will no doubt be numbered with us before this report will be read.
I. Sanborn.
Meetings in Douds, Libertyville, and Cantril
By Ira J. Hankins
Douds, Libertyville, Cantril, Iowa.
We held a series of meetings in a country place four miles from Douds. About twenty began to keep the Sabbath. Opposition, the most bitter, did much to help the work. Regular Sabbath meetings were established, and a Sabbath-school was organized. Last Sabbath, March 15, we met with them again and enjoyed a precious season. All are firm, and two more families have united with them. The leading man in the Methodist church, a local preacher, has recently taken his stand on the Sabbath. The doors of the church are closed against them, and at present meetings are held in a private house. All seem to have a desire to learn the truth, and walk in the increasing light.
For the encouragement of the lonely ones, we wish to state that one good brother had been keeping the Sabbath here alone for more than sixteen years. Long had he prayed that the way might be opened for his neighbors to hear the truth. It is to the good influence he has ever exerted in favor of the truth, that we attribute largely the good results of this meeting.
At Libertyville two families, that have long been keeping the Sabbath, were much encouraged, and a few more united with them. They meet with the friends near Douds, five miles distant.
We held meetings at Cantril, and the interest and attendance were good. Had the free use of the Methodist church, and our expenses all paid. Seven began to keep the Sabbath, and we hope for others who are almost persuaded. We sold at these different places $28.00 worth of books and tracts, and obtained twenty-nine subscribers for periodicals. The Lord has given us freedom in presenting the truth, and we shall labor on trusting him for help.
IRA J. HANKINS.
E. J. WAGGONER.
Wisconsin.
By A. D. Olsen
Since coming from Door county, I have held meetings at Fremont, Tusten, and Burr-oak Valley. Held meetings at Fremont about two weeks. It was a time to be long remembered on account of the presence of the Spirit of God among his people. The brethren were strengthened, some who were discouraged made a new start, and commenced keeping the Sabbath. At Tusten and Burr-oak Valley the Lord has blessed as we have tried to labor for souls. Some have accepted the truth and rejoice in it.
A. D. OLSEN.
Reports from the Field.
By John Norton Loughborough
Southampton, England.
We held fifteen meetings in the village hall at Shirley, and have since held meetings in our house, where we have four meetings a week. In the hall we had no privilege of Sunday meetings. We decided to move the meetings to the three lower rooms of our house. Here, with a fire in each room, we can make the people more comfortable than in the hall. We now have Sunday meetings. We get the interested ones to attend here, and new ones are also attending and becoming interested. Last Sunday at three P. M. we opened a Bible class. In the last two Sabbath meetings two more have met with us, and others are almost persuaded to unite with us in keeping the Lord's Sabbath.
Bro. Ings meets with some encouragement in his missionary work from house to house. He has obtained twenty-five subscribers to our periodicals since Jan. 5. We have sold out of this depository, through mail orders and otherwise, books to the amount of $25. Hundreds are reading our tracts and papers. We receive some encouraging letters from our missionary correspondents. We are in hopes to have a sixty-foot tent in readiness for meetings by the first of May.
We have many things to encourage us,—tokens that the Lord is moving upon hearts. One man, not an Adventist, on learning that we were preparing to purchase a tent; sent us an order for $15.00 to help in the enterprise. To-day we received a letter through the post, promising still further aid in this direction. The tent-maker, a man of considerable means, on learning the nature of our work at once dropped $75, on his price for the tent, and besides this offered us a nice British flag, fifteen feet in length, to put on our tent.
March 3. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Death of Sister Canright.
Just as our paper goes to press we have received a notice of the death of Sister Canright. Obituary will be given next week.
Christiana, Norway.
The storm of opposition has quieted some. The priests pray for us in the churches; and one went to Trondhjem and preached against Adventism, thus calling the attention of the people there to our work. Some view our preaching in this city as a great calamity, which the Lord has suffered to come upon them on account of their sins. The majority of religious people are favorable to the idea that the coming of our Saviour may not be far distant, and some think this preaching may be the last message of mercy. Our work is now proclaimed all over the kingdom by the papers; and although our opponents have presented our faith as fanatical and entirely contrary to the Bible, they yet state that there is much ability and zeal on our side, and that we are able to present the Bible in such a way that it seems to sustain our faith.
One Isaacsen, a Methodist editor and speaker, who has been educated in America, has written and lectured against us in a very personal and harsh way. He has been very determined to prove that we deny the divinity of Christ. His attacks in a public paper have been answered in the same paper, but his lectures I have had no opportunity to hear. Our friends thought best that I should request a public discussion. He tried to get around it. I presented the request before a large congregation, and afterward through the paper that has the largest circulation (14,000). He answered back and forth, and tried to say both yes and no. At last he came with a decided, No. I then inquired through the paper for the followers of Luther. None have come forward; but they are becoming more careful about their attacks.
I cannot get any large hall at present. This is too bad. Many people who would like to hear, have no chance. I am thankful for the help received, and promised by our brethren in America for the paper, Tidernes Tegn. I shall be as saving as possible of every cent, and try hard, the Lord willing, to work for the establishing of a printing office in this place. Our brethren in America and in Northern Europe who are interested in the prosperity of this work, have now a good opportunity to assist by their prayers and means. May the Lord abundantly bless his truth here, and throughout the earth.
John G. Matteson. Christiana, Norway, March 4.
Meeting of the P. S. D. A. Publishing Association.
According to notice given in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, the fourth annual meeting of the Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was held April 1, 1879. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. Waggoner.
Upon calling the roll it was ascertained that a large majority of the stock was represented; 1,339 shares by proxy and 869 in person, being over three-fourths of the subscribed stock.
Minutes of the previous meeting read and accepted.
The report of the financial workings of the Association from March 28, 1878, to March 27, 1879, was read as follows:—
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand March 28, 1878......................$ 93 52
Received on accounts and deposits................163,745 80
“ “ Signs of the Times........................12,516 50
“ “ Shares in P. S. D. A. P. A..................5,607 10
“ “ Cal. Conf. Fund.............................2,980 47
“ “ Sales of books..............................4,998 23
“ “ Job printing................................13,157 13
“ “ Donations for Signs..........................54 50
“ “ Fuel sold....................................96 75
“ “ Exchange.....................................16 20
“ “ Incidentals..................................28 70
Total..........................................$206,729 92
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid out on accounts and deposits................$139,161 61
“ “ for Paper and Freight......................11,969 97
“ “ Books and Freight...........................5,985 04
“ “ Office labor................................17,599 86
“ “ Incidentals.................................4,356 16
“ “ Real Estate.................................10,136 47
“ “ Type and Machinery..........................1,014 33
“ “ Fuel bought.................................13 10
“ “ Exchange....................................4,100 07
“ “ Cal. Conf...................................1,998 07
“ “ Cal. T. and M. Society.......................51 60
Cash to balance March 27, 1879......................51 60
Total..........................................$206,729 92
Geo. S. Manuel, Treasurer.
Total value of the Association...................$73,257 88
Due Association on book account..................11,392 57
Cash on hand......................................51 60
Total..........................................$84,702 05
Association owes on book acct. and notes.........43,351 91
Assets after debts are paid......................$41,350 14
Voted, That the chair appoint a nominating committee of three.
While the committee were consulting, some remarks were made concerning the type foundry, showing that, although it had been only a matter of outlay in becoming established, it was now where it could produce more than it consumed, and that although the foundry is not yet complete, it possesses the facilities within itself for its own completion without further outlay of means. And that a market had already opened for the type manufactured, as Hoe & Co.'s agents in San Francisco had applied for the agency of the type, thus relieving the foundry from all expenses in marketing its wares. Altogether there is a pleasing outlook for the foundry.
The committee on nominations submitted the following names for directors for the coming year. James White, John Morrison, W. N. Glenn, M. C. Israel, and J. E. White.
The votes were all cast for the persons nominated.
Voted, That the board be declared unanimously elected.
After remarks in regard to the prospects for the coming year, the meeting adjourned.
Song Anchor, for Sabbath-schools and Praise service. 160 pp. 50c.
Progressive Bible Lessons for Youth. 50c.
“ “ “ “ “ Little Ones. 15c.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanation. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In board, 50c.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.00.
Thrilling Life Sketches. Incidents in the life of an Italian of noble birth. By Francesco Urgos. $1.25.
Thoughts on Daniel, U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35c.
Thoughts on Revelation. U. Smith. $1.00
Life of William Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Biblical Institute. U. Smith. $1.00.
The Sanctuary and its Cleansing. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 30c.
Life of Joseph Bates, with likeness. Revised. Edited by James White. Tint, $1.00; plain, 85c.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 362 pp. $1.00.
Bible from Heaven. D. M. Canright. 300 pp. 80c.
The Constitutional Amendment. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the “Christian Statesman.” Bound, $1.00. Paper 40c. First part 10c.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1. Mrs. E. G. White. 416 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Life of Christ, in six pamphlets, by Mrs. E. G. White:—
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry - - 10 cts
No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness - - 10 cts
No. 3. His Teachings and Parables - - - 15 cts
No. 4. His Mighty Miracles - - - - 15 cts
No. 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion - - 10 cts
No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension - - 10 cts
The Apostles of Christ, in two pamphlets. Mrs. E. G. White:—
No. 1. The Ministry of Peter - - - - 10 cts
No. 2. The Teachings of Paul - - - - 10 cts
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 60 cts. each.
The State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked. U. Smith. 40c.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40c. Paper, 20c.
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. (POEM.) U. Smith. Muslin, 30c; paper, 15c.
Advent Keepsake: Muslin, 25c.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. J. N. A. 25c.
Facts for the Times. 25c.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20c.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. 20c.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. D. M. C. 20c.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20c.
The Spirit of God. J. H. W. 15c.
Miraculous Powers. 15c.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. J. N. Andrews. 15c.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two Horned Beast. J. N. Andrews. 10c.
The Morality of the Sabbath. D. M. C. 15c.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15c.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10c.
The Truth Found. J. H. W. 10c.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10c.
The Hope of the Gospel; What it is, and when it will be consummated. J. N. L. 10c.
Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10c.
Vindication of the Sabbath. Morton. 10c.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. J. N. Andrews. 10c.
Matthew Twenty-four. James White. 10c.
Review of Baird's two Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. J. H. W. 10c.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10c.
Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists—Milton on the State of the Dead—The Rejected Ordinance.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost Time Question—Argument on Sabbatton—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture References—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The Second Message of Rev. 14.
Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined—Elihu on the Sabbath—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being With Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memoria.—The Sabbath, the Day—First Message of Rev. 14.
One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day Do You Keep, and Why?—Geology and the Bible—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can We Know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—The Christian Sabbath—Why Not Found Out Before?—100 Bible Facts upon the Sabbath.
Address— THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND CAL.
Directors' Meeting.
Immediately following the stockholders' meeting held April 1, 1879, the following officers were elected. President, James White; Vice President, J. E. White; Secretary, L. D. Abbey; Treasurer, John Morrison; Auditor, H. C. Blake; Publishing Committee, J. H. Waggoner, J. E. White, and L. M. Hall.
Voted, That the editors for the past year be continued for the coming year.
Voted, That J. H. Waggoner be chosen as resident editor of the SIGNS.
Voted, That Sister L. M. Hall be chosen to assist him in this work.
Voted, That J. H. Waggoner, J. E. White, and L. M. Hall be appointed as a council for the coming year to consult in regard to the best manner of carrying on the work in all departments of the Office.
John Morrison, President.
J. E. White, Secretary.
Appointments.
By Editor
Elder Waggoner will meet with the church in Oakland, Sabbath, April 12, and in San Francisco at the business meeting the evening after the Sabbath. He will also preach in San Francisco Sunday evening, April 13.
Oakland—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, every Sabbath (Saturday) at 10:30 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30. Sabbath-school at 9:15 o'clock Sabbath morning.
San Francisco—Services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, on Laguna street, between Tyler and McAllister, every Sabbath (Saturday), at 11 A. M., and Sunday evening at 7:30. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30. The Hayes Valley cars of Market street and the Lone Mountain cars of the Central railroad, cross Laguna street near the church.
State Quarterly Meeting.
The State Quarterly Meeting of the California T. and M. society will be held in Oakland Sabbath and Sunday, April 19 and 20, 1879.
E. R. Gillett, Vice Pres.
Business Department.
By Editor
$2.00 EACH. Mrs Borland 6-1, Edwin A Duncklee 6-14, M C Bailey 6-14, Sarah Lane 6-14, Mrs E Beaumont 6-14, M G Dillon 6-14, Chester Wilson 6-14, C Rasmussen 6-14, O Wilson 6-14, Hon S M Beard 6-14, Eliza McCapes 6-14, A B Mays 6-14.
$1.50 EACH. H M Cook 6-14, Mrs L J Briggs 6-14, Hays Henrickson 6-14, Ellen Mountain 6-14, Mrs Sarah Whitelock 6-14, John P Schmidt 6-14, Wm Stepp 6-14, Mrs Hannah McVeigh 6-14, Mrs Rebecca Brooks 6-14, Mrs Hannah Sheaply 6-14, Jennie Evens 6-14, Mrs John R Wilkerson 6-14, J H Simes 6-14.
MISCELLANEOUS. Herbert S Armour 1.00, 5-38, Mary Goff 75c 4.48, E R Jones 75c 5-39, Joseph McMilton 50c 5-30, Mrs Jennie McFarland 1.00, 5-36, Sarah Jane Hale 50c 5-30, Adrian Blackmer 50c 5-30, Mrs J A Blackmer 50c 5-30, H H Northy 1.00, 5-33, J N Loughborough (12 copies) 6.00, 6-9, Mrs Sarah Bowers 1.00, 5-38, W P Trubody 20c 4-48, Emily Burr 1.00, 5-38, Mrs Hall 75c 5-38, Geo Houghtaling 1.20, 6-14, Mrs J M Allen (7 copies) 8.40, 6-4, Mary P Stiles (6 copies) 7.20, 6-14, E S Crippen 50c 5-30, E J Rice (26 copies) 31.20, 6-14, Rebecca A Davis 75c 5-38, Mrs Allie Winchell (10 copies) 12.00, 6-14, A G Roberts 2.15, 6-14, Mrs Georgia Farrell 50c 5-30, Eld G D Hines 50c 5-30, Geo S Jewett 75c 5-38, Mrs Willis Shippee 75c 5-38, H R Babcock (2 copies) 3.00, 6-14, A B Griggs 3.00, 5-36, E R Gillett (5 copies) 6.00, 6-22.
CAL. CONFERENCE.
Petaluma $25.00, Mr and Mrs Beglinger $11.00.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT,
New England T and M Society $250.00, Cal T and M Society $39.65.
OAKLAND CHURCH.
N J Bandy $1.00.
CAL PUBLISHING FUND.
E L White $5.00, Mary Saunders $10.00, Geo W Blair $30.00, Mrs Brorsen $20.00, T W Clark $10.00, J C Phipps $3.00.
Death of Dr. Ives.
Dr. Charles L. Ives died in Burlington, N. J., on the morning of March 21st.
Dr. Ives was Professor in Yale College, which position he resigned with the hope to improve his health. He traveled in Europe, and spent some time in the Western States. A surgical operation was performed on the 9th of March for a tumor, but all in vain; he did not long survive the operation.
Dr. Ives was best known by his book, “The Bible Doctrine of the Soul.” He was a logical writer, and his articles breathe a Christian spirit.
Special Meeting.
By Editor
The special meeting of the stockholders announced in SIGNS was held, according to appointment, April 1, at 1:30, P. M. Owing to a press of business we have not had time to prepare the report. It will appear next week.
The Annual Meeting.
By Editor
It will be expected that we say a few words about this meeting. The attendance was quite small—not nearly as large as we hoped it would be. We sent letters to several whom we were anxious to see here; we wished to have as many as possible examine our work as now in progress. The stock was unusually well represented.
There was perfect harmony in all the proceedings, and the information given concerning the working of the Office and the instructions under which the council are acting, were well received. The Board of Directors heartily indorsed what has been done, and what is being done, to place the establishment on a proper basis; not merely in regard to money matters, but as a place where angels may watch over and guard us,—where faithfulness shall characterize every part of the work.
It has been, and shall be, our effort to have infused into the employees a spirit of consecration. In this direction real progress has been made. Individuals are greatly encouraged and rejoicing because of the aid which they have received in their being instructed as to the correct methods of laboring, and counseled and advised in regard to their spiritual interests.
In one thing we were much disappointed. It has been a custom—a very unfortunate one—with those coming to the Annual Meeting, even though they were Directors, to make arrangements to return home immediately after the transaction of the main business of the meeting. We did hope to retain the Directors until some steps had been taken toward securing the payment of the pledges, in whole or in part, that the Office might be able to meet the demands which will be made upon it for the next three months. But in this we did not succeed. It does not afford much relief to be told that they “did not know what to do;” for those upon whom the burden of care must fall so heavily,—who are laboring day and night to stop and prevent “the leaks” which were pointed out in the Testimony to the Office, and to maintain the reputation of the work in this city and upon this Coast, are much in the same condition—they do not know what to do under such circumstances.
But we mistake in this statement :—they know what to do. The Lord has heretofore heard their prayers and brought them safely through trying hours. They know that they must trust, and in fervent prayer seek help from God when all other help fails. The outlook for the coming three months is not cheering; but we will hope. If we can struggle through the next three months without injury to the business reputation of the institution, we think after that our burdens will be comparatively light.
The means invested has been well appropriated here. Counting the real estate at cost as purchased four years ago, the Office is worth $41,350.14, above all its liabilities. If those who have pledged, or those who have means to place here on deposit, will come to the rescue now, it will soon be in a condition to free itself from its liabilities, and to publish the truth to any extent required. We ask the prayers of all who love the precious cause for which we are laboring.