p. 261 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 22. (6/10/1880)

THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT.

By John Nevins Andrews

(Concluded.)

VII. What are we to expect from this great satanic manifestation in the closing scenes of this dispensation?

That modern spiritualism is not slandered when represented as a continuation of ancient witchcraft is shown by two facts: 1. The Old Testament shows that the practice of witchcraft in the days of ancient Israel was precisely the same as the work of modern spiritualism. 2. Spiritualists do not deny, but frankly acknowledge, the identity of modern spirit mediums and ancient dealers with familiar spirits. Before we ask what Satan is to do in the final display of his utmost power, let us consider what he has done already in the revival of this mystery of iniquity. From an obscure beginning in Western New York, nearly thirty years since, spiritualism has extended itself over the whole earth, and gained a foothold in every district of which we have any knowledge. It is already the religion of many millions of the human family. Its success has been the result of two things. 1. Its wonders; 2. Its doctrines. Its wonders are the wonders of ancient witchcraft in enabling men to converse with the dead. Its doctrines deserve notice. Among the most important are these:-

That the Bible is full of errors, and not worthy of our confidence.
That the moral law is of no authority as a standard of moral character.
That there is no difference between right and wrong; for whatever is, is right; and no such thing as sin exists.
That there is no need of salvation through Jesus Christ, but every man is his own Christ.
That there is no resurrection of the dead; no future Judgment, and no final account.
That the God of the Old Testament is the spirit of a dead man.
That all men compose a part of God; or, all men in death become so many separate deities.
That the souls of men are immortal, and at death, enter a higher sphere.

These principles are not always openly avowed in plain terms, but are dealt out as the hearer can bear them. But when men have become established in this system, the spirits do not hesitate to avow the "doctrines of devils" in the plainest terms. It is probable that, like Mormonism, a large share of the success that attends this wonderful satanic manifestation is due to its teachings and practices in regard to the seventh commandment. The morals of ancient witchcraft may be seen by comparing Deut. 18:9-14; Lev. 18:24-30. Perhaps modern spiritualism cannot be worse; but it is certainly not one degree purer. There are thousands of people now standing in the outer courts of this infernal diabolism, who are comparatively unaware of what exists in its sanctuary. Would to God that they could be warned before they drink deeper of this strong delusion.

The future of this system of ruinous delusion and mighty satanic wonders is given in the prophetic Scriptures. Of the period immediately preceeding the second advent of Jesus Christ, Paul speaks thus:-

2 Thess. 2:9-12: "Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

A short space of time in the close of this dispensation bears the dread appellation of the hour of temptation:-

Rev. 3:10: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth."

These spirits have an important part to act preparatory to the battle of the great day of God Almighty:-

Rev. 16:13, 14: "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of the great day of God Almighty."

The false prophet, out of whose mouth one of the unclean spirits goes forth, is the same as the two-horned beast. Rev. 13:11. This fact gives us a clue to the agency by which the two-horned beast is to perform its astonishing miracles in the coming hour of temptation.

Rev. 13:13, 14: "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."

At a period of time not very far distant in the future, this mighty satanic delusion will have absolute control of those who have not made Christ their portion, and his truth their shield and buckler.

VIII. What is furnished us as a safeguard against this deception?

The prophet points us to this in the words of the text: "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Our safeguard from satanic delusion is the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Those who heed this warning will be able to escape the tempter's power; those who do not heed it will be carried away by it. This certainly indicates that when the grand struggle shall arrive, men will be found gathered into just two classes: 1. Commandment-keepers; 2. Spiritualists.

If we treat the law of God as Isaiah bids us, we shall not only acknowledge its authority, but we shall have its holy principles written in our hearts. Then we shall be able to appreciate the vileness of this satanic doctrine, and ever be on our guard against it. And if we regard the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy, Rev. 19:10, we shall understand how great a difference there is between the teachings of the Holy Spirit and the doctrines of devils.

J. N. A.

SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH.

By Uriah Smith

NUMBER TWENTY-ONE.

(THE SANCTUARY, CONTINUED.)

THIS "more perfect tabernacle," this "true Sanctuary" which the Lord pitched and not man, is the great antitype of the earthly building. The word of God declares it; and we therefore believe it. There is one declaration of Paul's to which we would call particular attention. Speaking of the priests that ministered in the earthly tabernacle he says: "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, AS Moses was admonished of God, when he was about to make the tabernacle; for see, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." Heb. 8:5. Paul here declares that the priests served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things; and how does he prove it? By a reference to the building and the command that Moses had to make it according to the pattern. His argument is this: The priests served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, just as the tabernacle, built according to the pattern shown to Moses, was a shadow and example of heavenly things; and just as this tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly building, just so the priests served unto the example of heavenly things.

Here, then, Paul calls the tabernacle erected by Moses, a shadow of heavenly things. One distinguishing feature of this tabernacle was that it had two apartments, a holy and a most holy place. The heavenly Sanctuary therefore has the same; for a Sanctuary in Heaven with only one apartment would not cast a shadow upon earth with two. And if the pattern had but one holy place, and Moses erected a building with two, he did not follow the pattern; for there would then have been a great dissimilarity. But Moses did build it according to the pattern. Accordingly we hear Paul speaking of the holy places (plural) of the heavenly Sanctuary. See Heb. 9:8, 12; 10:19. The word rendered, holiest, or holy place, in each of these texts is in the original in the plural, and is correctly rendered in many translations, holy places.

But Paul makes use of expressions still stronger on this point. Speaking of the earthly tabernacle and its instruments of service, he says: [Heb. 9:23,] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the Heavens should be purified with these; that is with the blood of calves and goats. What was cleansed by these? The two apartments of the earthly Sanctuary, and the altar. See Lev. 16. And Paul explicitly tells us that these were patterns of things in the Heavens. But there is a still stronger expression which yet remains to be noticed. "For Christ," says Paul, "is not entered into the holy places made with hands [the earthly Sanctuary] which are figures of the true."

It is in view of such plain testimony as this that we reject those fantastical notions which would make all Heaven but the second apartment of the Sanctuary, and all earth the first, or which would make the two apartments of the earthly building typify the two dispensations, Jewish and Christian. The Bible teaches us, if language is capable of doing it, that there is in Heaven a greater and more perfect tabernacle, a true Sanctuary which the Lord pitched and not man, of which the earthly was a correct and true shadow, type, or figure.

When the old covenant gave place to the new, then the typical Sanctuary was succeeded by the true. The type cannot reach beyond its antitype; the shadow ceases when the substance comes. The offering of goats and calves was no longer serviceable when the great offering for the world had died on Calvary. Christ declared to the Jews as he departed from the temple, "Behold your house is left unto you desolate." Matt. 23:38. And when amid the terrific scenes that attended the crucifixion of Christ, the vail of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, it was a solemn demonstration that its services were forever finished. The blood was then shed that was to be ministered for us in the heavenly Sanctuary, and there from thenceforth, the world was to look for salvation and pardon.

The way into the heavenly holy places, says Paul, "was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." Heb. 9:8. That is, God did not during the typical dispensation, lay open the true tabernacle, but gave to the people a figure or pattern of it. But when the time came that the services of the worldly Sanctuary ended, when the dying Saviour cried with a loud voice, It is finished; and darkness overspread all the land, and the earth quaked, and the rocks rent, then the way of the temple of God in Heaven was laid open. The true church has had since that time neither Sanctuary nor priesthood in old Jerusalem, but it has had both in Heaven.

We have before shown that only 490 years of the 2300 belonged to the Jews and the earthly Sanctuary. Gabriel, in his instructions to Daniel concerning the events to transpire at that time, shows him, first, that the earthly Sanctuary should be destroyed shortly after their rejection of the Messiah, and never be built, but be desolate till the consummation. Dan. 9:26, 27. Second, he brings to view the new covenant: "He (the Messiah) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week." Verse 27. Third, he brings to view the new-covenant church, or host, namely, the "many" with whom the covenant is confirmed. Fourth, he brings to view the new-covenant sacrifice, namely, the cutting off of the Messiah, but not for himself. He brings to view also the Mediator of the new covenant. Verse 25; 11:22; Heb. 12:24. And, fifth, he brings to view, lastly, the new-covenant Sanctuary; viz., "to anoint the Most Holy." Verse 24. This has reference, doubtless, to an act preparatory to the commencement of the ministration of the Sanctuary, which was, to anoint both the holy places and all the sacred vessels. Ex. 40:9-11. On this point we quote the following from the Advent Shield, No. 1, p. 75:—

"And the last event of the 70 weeks, as enumerated in verse 24, was the anointing of the 'Most holy,' or the 'Holy of holies,' or the Sanctum sanctorum.' Not that which was on earth, made with hands, but the true tabernacle, into which Christ, our High Priest, is for us entered. Christ was to do in the true tabernacle, in Heaven, what Moses and Aaron did in its pattern. See Heb. 6; 7; 8; 9; Ex. 30:22-30; Lev. 8:10-15."

So far, we trust, the subject is clear to all minds. There can be no doubt concerning the object which the angel had in view when he said, "Unto 2300 days, then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed." What this cleansing is, and how it is to be accomplished, be assured the Bible will not withhold from the honest inquirer. U. S.

A FITTING REBUKE.

Dr. Johnson, being once in company with some scandal-mongers, and one of them having accused an absent friend of resorting to rouge, he observed, "It is, perhaps, after all, much better for a lady to redden her own cheeks than to blacken other people's characters." All should remember this who are given to trifling with the reputation of others.

"IN WEARINESS AND PAINFULNESS."

By S. N. Haskell

CHAPTERS 11 and 12 of Second Corinthians can be studied with profit. The apostle here enumerates some of the sufferings and conflicts which he endured for Christ's sake. The zeal of the early church is spoken of as that of no other church since the days of the apostle has been. In the book of Acts we have much that is very striking upon this point. In Rev. 2:2-4 are these forcible words: "I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored and not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."

From the above scriptures we can form some idea of what devotion and zeal the early church possessed, and what is required of us if we would meet the mind of the Spirit of God. We live in the closing scenes of this world's history. The last sands of time are fast passing away, and yet, right upon the borders of the eternal world as we are, how little we realize the importance of the cause we have espoused. Should we weigh ourselves in the same scales with the early church we would come far short of their devotion, and even their zeal and devotion did not come up to the true standard.

There are only a few who can testify of laboring with cheerfulness, "in weariness and painfulness" in the cause of their Redeemer; but there are many who can testify that they have labored on their farms or in some calling where personal interest only was at stake with "weariness and painfulness." Many have grown grey and their countenances become furrowed with perplexing care, while serving themselves. This was simply for what they should eat and drink, or wherewith they should be clothed. But few there are who thus labor in the cause of Him who left the royal courts and died that we might be saved.

Our missionary system presents an opportunity for each to engage directly in the service of their Master. Agents are wanted to sell our publications, and colporters are needed to enter thousands of cities and villages, to visit families and call their attention to the truth, and to pray with and for those who may be anxious to know the will of God. Our sisters can also find a field of labor in remailing our pioneer sheet, and then corresponding with those to whom papers have been sent. A greater or less number of the SIGNS should be taken in every place where any of our people live, and these papers should be distributed throughout their respective neighborhoods, or remailed to those whose addresses may be obtained.

The importance of this feature of the missionary work has never been fully realized. It has been taken hold of by many with the ends of their fingers, as it were; more as a speculative experiment than becoming a part of life's interest. It should become so interwoven in our nature that we cannot be separate from it. Then with cheerfulness we can labor with "weariness and painfulness." Frequently the first inconvenience experienced to pay for the papers, or the least discouragement in consequence of not receiving responses to letters written, has been sufficient excuse with some to abandon the work altogether. A little weariness or some trivial circumstance would prevent many from attending meeting, from re-mailing the SIGNS, or from writing a letter. The missionary work thus becomes second to everything else. In not a few instances the words of the prophets have been applicable:—"Ye said also, Behold what a weariness is it, and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts."

God has committed to each of us a talent, and we are responsible for its use. Many have hid their talent in a napkin, and buried it in the earth, and in the Judgment will say, "Lord I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, gathering where thou hast not strewn." It was hard for them to deny themselves some personal ease or pleasure to engage in a work which yielded so little returns, to perform so much labor with so little profit. It would cost them time, care, and thought. Yes, and if they become successful workers it would cost prayers and tears. In some instances the midnight hour has witnessed the earnest pleadings with God that he would prosper the efforts put forth. We know of no reason why our sisters and lay brethren should not feel an equal responsibility in working for souls in their sphere as ministers do who enter the desk.

We are thankful for what some of our conferences are doing in this direction. But not one-tenth as many papers are taken for missionary work as should be. Not one-twentieth is being accomplished which might and would be accomplished could all realize the importance of the present hour. Could the curtain be lifted and we be permitted to see the souls who are to-day rejoicing in the light of present truth in Europe, Asia, and even in Africa, as the result of remailing the SIGNS, and of correspondence, it would encourage the wearied and careworn laborers to labor on. It should inspire in the luke-warm a desire to become more zealous.

DUTY OF OUR MINISTERS.

Ministers should feel a responsibility to educate our brethren and sisters in this branch of the work. Vigilant Missionary Societies should be organized wherever it is consistent. Young churches as well as our older brethren and sisters are willing if they were properly instructed. It is the duty of those laboring in the field to do this. There is not that close thinking and planning by ministers and people to advance the truth of God that there should be. In consequence of this they are strangers to wearisome labor. It savors too much of work for some.

When we consider the limited number of SIGNS now taken in clubs, and the hundreds of churches that are doing comparatively nothing in this direction, less than fifteen V. M. Societies doing most of all that is done, we are led to inquire, Is God's providence in this work or not? is he leading? does he accept this kind of labor? If so, why should so little burden of it be felt by our ministers.

Then our mind goes over to England, Scotland, Holland, Italy, and to every civilized nation of Europe, to the islands of the sea and to Egypt, the birth-place of Moses and the asylum of our Saviour. We are knowing to the fact that in each of these places precious souls are rejoicing in the truth of the third angel's message, many of whom have never seen one of like faith outside of their own numbers. And when we consider that all this resulted from remailing our periodicals and from correspondence, we answer, Yes, we know that God's hand is in this branch of the work. His providence is over it. He has heard the cries of the praying ones. He has bottled the tears of those who have felt the burden of this work. Angels of God have co-operated with those who, with weariness and painfulness have labored in this direction.

We have not followed cunningly devised fables in this work. No, indeed. We want to see more of that spirit revived which characterized the early church, the reformers of the sixteenth century and those of later times, and even of those in the infancy of our cause who could fold and direct papers till the midnight hour, and not unfrequently till dawn of day. We pray that God will revive this spirit in the hearts of his waiting people.

Much, yes, very much depends upon our ministers and tract officers; upon the example which they set, the spirit they possess, and the education they give to others. There is no one feature of the missionary work which will better cultivate and encourage this spirit among those who cannot leave their homes to labor than to join our Vigilant Missionary Societies. They then take the responsibility of finding interested readers for our paper, which, if they continue to do, will give them an experience in the things of God, and teach them to labor for others.

S. N. HASKELL.

The Missionary.

By R. F. Cottrell

NOT OUR OWN.

O God! canst thou accept my heart, The remnant of my days; When human life is far too short, All given to thy praise. The morning of my life is gone; Recalled it cannot be; Can I find pardon at thy throne, And make my peace with thee? I've wasted much God-given strength, Serving the carnal mind; And can it be that I at length With thee acceptance find? What base ingratitude! how mean, And justly too abhorred, To give our best days all to sin, The refuse to the Lord! To serve the flesh in selfish mood Down to our latest breath; Tread under foot the Saviour's blood, And seek his grace at death. O God! such vileness I would hate, Abhor it perfectly; And what remains of life, though late, Devote entire to thee.

R. F. COTTRELL.

HOW A TRACT WAS BLESSED.

THE following incident, related by Bishop Riley, of Mexico, at a recent meeting of the Religious Tract Society, points to an interesting succession of men who have been instrumental in the Lord's hand in promoting the spread of the Gospel in Spain, and who were links in one chain of which the first link was the blessing of God on a tract.

A tract published in Italian by an American missionary, and left at the door of the house of the late Dr. De Sanctis when he was a parish priest in Rome, was eagerly read by him. It pointed to and led him to the Bible, and the true interpretation of it. The study of the Bible led him to the Saviour, and he gave up his high position and prospects in Rome, and become a preacher of Protestant truth.

At Turin he began to preach. There a Spaniard, Ruet, heard him and accepted from him the Gospel message. Ruet went to Barcelona, was imprisoned and banished for the faith's sake, took refuge at Gibraltar, and there began to work for Christ.

Here another young Spaniard, Matamoros, heard him preach. He asked for a copy of the New Testament, compared Ruet's teaching with it, found that they were in harmony, and joined him. He returned to Spain, and began to work there, and was imprisoned for three years; but, though silenced, he was able to do some work through the press.

One of his publications came into the hands of a Roman Catholic priest, Caberera. These words of our Lord were specially brought home to him; "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." He gave up his position, came to Gibraltar, worked there as a sign painter, till under General Prim's Government, he was at liberty to go back to Spain. His work as a Protestant minister, first at Seville and now at Madrid, is well known.

Who can tell, when in faith he plants a little seed, whereunto it will grow?

OUR HIGH CALLING.

By R. F. Cottrell

God is doing a great, a glorious work, a solemn and fearful work, the work of winding up human affairs and bringing probationary time to its close. He has called us, dear brethren in the Lord, to be co-workers with him in making known the solemn and searching truth of the last message of warning to our fellow men, a message of which their acceptance or rejection will decide their future and eternal destiny. We have been called to a high and holy calling. Do we realize it? Do we have that love for souls who are exposed to eternal ruin and whom God designs to save through our instrumentality, which we ought to have?

The calling of the Christian is a high and holy calling; and especially those who live when the harvest is ripening and have so little time to work, and upon whom devolves the high trust of proclaiming the last warning to mankind and bringing the remnant of the church out of the accumulated mass of tradition and error into the simplicity and purity of the Bible truth, have a work and responsibility unsurpassed, certainly, by that of any that ever dwelt upon the earth.

May God help all engaged in this work to realize our high calling. Not to be puffed up and exalted, supposing that we are the peculiar favorites of Heaven, but in humility, justly appreciating the vast responsibility resting upon us. Let us "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love." R. F. COTTRELL

The Sun Softens Wax and Hardens Clay

The same sun softens wax and hardens clay.

MORE CONSECRATION.

By E. B. Saunders

WHEN we first learned the great truths of the three messages, our feelings were much stirred, and we felt like taking hold of this work with considerable energy. But with some of us it was a hard struggle to consent to the Sabbath truth; for that required a change of habit, while other points required only a change of mind or belief.

Generally, when we had committed ourselves to these truths, we manifested much zeal to get others to investigate and understand the reasons we had for our belief. This zeal, on the part of some, it is to be feared, was not prompted so much by a sincere love for the truth, or for souls, or God, as it was by a desire to increase their party, and out-argue their opposers. Besides, new acquaintances were formed with similar views, and, by intercourse with them, we felt encouraged to believe ourselves right in the sight of God. And God, in his infinite mercy, regarding the first dawning of amendment in us, sometimes let a few mercy drops fall on us, and then we connected ourselves with the church, and participated in the sacred rites of the Christian religion.

The desire for eternal life, and to enjoy the rich reward, prompted many of us to try to overcome our evil habits, lusts, and appetites; and sometimes a victory would be gained when the appetite or habit was not firmly seated, or when, by abstinence for a season, the desire would be worn out. But, oftener than otherwise, the evil was only curbed or checked, not cured. Our own wills, unassisted by the grace of God, were not strong enough to subdue those fierce passions which ruled our hearts. They would constantly rise with such power as to overcome all our good resolutions, and then a depressed, discouraged feeling would weigh us down, while our zeal for others would die out, and the joy we should feel in communion with those whose lives were pure, would be almost entirely wanting, and rather a sense of relief from uneasiness would be felt by us when out of their presence. Also our interest to meet for worship would gradually die out, so that a mere shadow of an excuse, like bad roads, a slight rain, or cold, or snow, or perhaps a tired feeling from overwork, or anything that could serve for an excuse to quiet the conscience, would keep us from the house of God. And the meetings would not seem interesting, especially if the majority of those present had passed through about the same experience.

Such meetings always drag, and about all the confidence some get to speak or pray, is the thought that others are not aware of their failings. While in such a state of mind, our prayers are formal; but our consciences must be quieted, so the daily task of praying must be kept up. Conscience requires us to read the word of God; so, besides the daily chapter, some portion, like the the story of Joseph or Samson, Elijah or Jonah, is read occasionally, to make us think that we really love the Bible.

Our Systematic Benevolence we pay, but it does not increase proportionally to our property; in fact, it sometimes decreases. With some, the subscription for our paper remains unpaid, and everything indicates that our religion is getting shabby; yet we flatter ourselves that we are going to be saved.

At the same time, we do not feel that we have the victory, but at some future time intend to obtain it, while it ought to be evident to us that we are losing ground. We feel rich and increased with goods, and that we have need of nothing, when, if our eyes were opened, we should find ourselves poor, and blind, and naked.

Now, what can be done to help us? Nothing but the heavenly anointing can reach our cases. We need to be converted through and through. Our hearts must be cleansed from sin, and the Spirit of God must come in and dwell there, or we shall be among the lost. "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts." But the Spirit of God is not in the heart of the lukewarm, or worldly-minded, professor. The Spirit of God dwells only with the pure in heart—the victor over sin. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

E. B. SAUNDERS.

The Value of Heaven

By Richard Baxter

Heaven will pay for any loss we may suffer to gain it; but nothing can pay for the loss of Heaven.—R. Baxter.

COLORADO.

By John O. Corliss

AFTER an absence of six months, we returned to this field, and in company with Bro. Decker attended a general meeting of the friends of the cause at Boulder, May 15, 16. About eighty were present from different parts of the State, yet as we look over the field, we think that not more than one-half or two-thirds of the Sabbath-keepers in the State were present.

The brethren all seem of good courage, and manifest an earnestness in the work that is really commendable. At a meeting called for that purpose, steps were taken to build a house of worship in the city of Boulder, and over $1000 dollars was pledged for that purpose. The work of building will be commenced immediately.

Monday we came to Denver, where we find the friends nearly all steadfast in the truth, and keeping up regular Sabbath meetings. We held two meetings with them, which seemed to be much appreciated. Since the tent-meetings closed here last fall, there have been many inquiries concerning the truth, which seems to indicate that good may be accomplished by another tent-meeting here this summer.

A good work has been done by the friends in scattering reading matter, which has made new openings for the truth, and the calls for labor are becoming numerous and very urgent from different parts of the State. No ministerial labor has been bestowed here during the winter, yet the friends of the cause have steadily increased.

We feel much encouraged to see the zeal manifested here. The brethren feel determined to do all in their power to have the work move forward. They have already bought one new tent, and have means in the treasury to run it the present season. Bro. Decker is heartily welcomed to the State, and the brethren say if they can have another minister they will support him also, and if necessary buy another tent.

J. O. CORLISS.

FRESHWATER, AND NEVADA CITY.

By J. D. Rice

SINCE my last report, I have labored with the churches in the above places. They are few in numbers, but are trying to keep pace with the message and perform their part in the Master's vineyard.

At Freshwater the V. M. Society increased their club of SIGNS from 16 to 25 copies of the 12-page edition.

Organized a V. M. and also a T. and M. Society at Nevada City, to both of which all the brethren and sisters belong; 28 copies of the SIGNS are taken by this V. M. Society. All pay the additional one third to their tithe for a home tract fund. This church is poor in this world's goods, but their example is certainly very commendable and worthy to be imitated by every church throughout the State. As a united whole, they take hold of every advance move, and do what they can to forward the cause of truth. Instructions upon the T. and M. work, and how to keep the books, were given in each of the above places, and the societies heartily united in the plan of acting as agents for the State Society in the sale of our publications.

Those changes of lessons recommended for the Sabbath-schools throughout the State, were readily adopted by these schools.

Organized a church of eleven members at Nevada City, with Bro. James Johnson, deacon, Sr. Ida Brackett, clerk, and Alonzo Papworth, leader. Baptized one while there. This little company are of good courage spiritually and are earnestly striving to be overcomers. There are quite a number here who are earnestly searching for the present truth, and we believe honestly.

We are now holding meetings at Chico, in the 60 ft. tent; have given four discourses; close attention is paid to the word spoken. We have fair audiences, and they are increasing. Bro. Grainger is here with me. We ask an interest in your prayers, that God may work with us to the accomplishing of his will in this place.

Being detained at Freshwater to review two Disciple ministers, who had been preaching there on the abolition of the law of God, and the Sabbath, the non-destruction of the wicked, the immortality of the soul, the church kingdom, and the temporal millennium, I was not able to go to Red Bluff before tent meetings as I intended, but hope to go there right after, if possible, and thought advisable.

J. D. RICE.

Chico, Cal., May 31.

PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY.

By Isaac Sanborn

On the way to my field of labor in Virginia, I stopped ten days in Berks Co., Pa., and held fifteen meetings. Five more had commenced keeping the Sabbath, making nine in all. They have excellent meetings every Sabbath, as they are all people of some Christian experience. Three were baptized. Quite a number more are convinced of the truth, and we expect they will soon take hold with us. They take ten copies of the German paper to use in the missionary work. They also keep on hand a good assortment of German tracts to circulate among the people, as they are all of German origin. We hope soon to see a large company of Sabbath-keepers in South-eastern Pennsylvania. May the Lord speed the day.

I have just closed a series of seven meetings in Camden, N. J. There have been five additions to this church since March. Three were baptized. They have an interesting Sabbath-school of thirty-eight members. Twenty-five Instructors are taken, and the Song Anchor is used in the school. They take twenty-nine copies of the twelve-page Signs, three copies of the Review, and three of Good Health. I. SANBORN.

MADISON, DAKOTA.

By S. B. Whitney

Came here the 6th, and found the friends doing well. All, without exception, that started while I was here in the winter, are holding on faithfully. The outside interest in the village is especially good. On Sunday, held a meeting there, which was well attended. Several expressed anxiety to hear a course of lectures. Yesterday I baptized six, among whom was Sr. Howlitt, daughter of Bro. White of Jamaica, Vt. Bro. Olsen came here with me to engage in labor among the Scandinavians, of whom there is quite a settlement. Hope the brethren will pray for him, that his mission may be successful. S. B. WHITNEY.

NOBLE, RICE CO., KANSAS.

By J. H. Cook

MAY 3 to 9, we labored at this place. Here about twenty-five have embraced present truth under the labors of R. F. Barton. We rejoiced to see so large a number just starting in the service of God, many of them for the first time. On the Sabbath seven were baptized by Bro. Barton. Ten joined the church, which now numbers twenty-three members. Nearly all of these are heads of families and live near together, so they can maintain a weekly prayer-meeting, also Sabbath meeting and Sabbath-school.

J. H. Cook.

BLAIR, NEBRASKA.

By A. J. Cudney; N. C. Clausen

The meetings we were holding six miles west of Blair, are closed for the present. Six weeks ago there were no Sabbath-keepers in this neighborhood, now twenty have signed the covenant. A Sabbath-school has been organized with over forty members; it is supplied with Instructors, record books, and a library consisting of thirty-six volumes of our best books. A tract society has been formed, and the brethren seem to have "a mind to work." A. J. CUDNEY. N. C. CLAUSEN. May 17.

LEXINGTON, LEE CO., TEXAS.

By A. W. Jenson

THERE is a little Danish settlement here, numbering twenty-five persons. I have been with them five weeks, visiting from house to house, and as the result five have commenced to obey all the commandments of God. Last first-day they were buried with their Lord in baptism, and united with the church at Clifton, Bosque Co., until an organization can be effected here. Others are interested, for whom I have considerable hope. May God, by his unerring counsel, lead these dear friends in the narrow path to eternal life.

A. W. JENSON.

CANBY, MINNESOTA.

By C. Nelson

MAY 7-10, I was with the Golden Gate and Home churches. Spoke three times to the Danes, and preached once in English. The Lord was near by his Spirit. Two followed their Lord in baptism, and four were received into the Home church.

Since holding the above meetings, I have been in the vicinity of Canby. Those who accepted the truth six weeks ago, have all remained faithful. C. NELSON.

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