It is a matter of the deepest interest to every believer in the truth which God promises for the closing up of his work on earth, and is now fulfilling before our eyes, that it is rapidly spreading throughout the earth. The commandments of God, as written by himself, and the faith of Jesus, unmixed with the traditions of men, are being speedily brought to light in all the earth.
With Christiana, Norway, for its central fort, the glad tidings are speedily spreading throughout the three Scandinavian countries; from Bale, Switzerland, it is being sent out to the European countries, speaking the French, German, and Italian languages; and Alexandria, Egypt, the city anciently celebrated as the seat of learning and philosophy, bids fair to be another great center from which the truth is being scattered, not only in Egypt and adjoining countries of Africa, but among the Greeks, Jews, and Arabians; while Australia is stretching out one hand toward this station and the other toward Oakland, California; and thus the earth is being encompassed with a girdle of light. And the last I mention, not the least in importance, is the mission in England, from which the English speaking people throughout the entire British Empire can be speedily reached.
Who that loves God cannot see his hand in this work? True believers in all the earth are being aroused by this last message of warning and mercy, and are seeking a preparation for the coming of their King. They are rallying to the Bible standard—its commandments and its faith. How long ere all lovers of God will see and acknowledge this truth? The Lord speed the day, is my prayer.
Now, brethren in America, you who have for years enjoyed this light, how is it with you? Is your interest in this work waxing, or waning? Are you dead to the world and alive to God and his cause? Are you doing what you ought for the advancement of the truth and the salvation of men? Are you walking in the light as God has given it to you? When you see what God is doing, are you inspired with new zeal to be a co-worker with God and always found at your post?
Can it be that any are so indifferent as not to read the good news from week to week? Are any so filled with the cares of this life as to neglect such privileges? Remember the words of Jesus, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Have you turned back in your affections to the world and worldly wealth? “Remember Lot’s wife.” There is still opportunity to turn to God; but it must be improved speedily and heartily. Oh, that backsliders knew their condition and would repent!
While the truth is spreading in the earth, numerous calamities are abounding. The goodness of God ought to lead men to repentance, but this failing, sore judgments are sent. Many will admit that God sent plagues upon Egypt; but do not recognize his hand in the calamities being sent before the final deliverance of the Israel of God. Fires, floods, earthquakes, famines, pestilence, and plagues are abounding, carrying off the inhabitants of the earth. The nations are angry, and are preparing to drench the earth in blood. And who are walking in the light, and thus preparing “to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”?
My brethren, walk in the light, lest darkness come upon you. R. F. COTTRELL.
MISSIONARY WORK AT THE CAMP-MEETINGS.
By Stephen N. Haskell
We have no greater facilities for missionary labor than those presented at our camp-meetings. About twenty-five of these meetings will be held in our eighteen Conferences the present season, and at each there will be an attendance, upon Sunday, of hundreds, and, in some Conferences, from fifteen to twenty thousand. This will make an aggregate attendance of not less than fifty thousand people who will receive some knowledge of present truth by this means alone; and as many of them will hear for the first time, impressions made upon their minds will have much to do in the final decision with reference to it.
Last year, over one hundred subscribers for our periodicals were obtained, and many thousand pages of tracts were distributed by our brethren at each of the few camp-meetings I attended, although in most cases they were unprepared to engage in this work successfully, not having a supply of sample copies of our periodicals, etc. This effort was an experiment, but our expectations were more than met. Judging from the then present appearances, it was a success. The final result, the Judgment alone will reveal. This year similar efforts should be put forth with more matured plans, and in a more systematic manner. No camp-meeting should fail of thus making a proper effort to get the light before the people.
DISTRIBUTING TRACTS.
The most favorable time to do this is immediately after the close of a discourse, when the minds of the people are deeply impressed with the subject presented. If an interest has been aroused, individuals will read a tract upon the subject if it is not too lengthy. The book-stand should stand near the main entrance, and be furnished with publications to sell at the regular price. In addition to this, proper persons, men and women, should take their places among the congregation, with a suitable supply of our smallest tracts, and watch the effect of the preaching upon the people. At the close of the service, the minister should state that tracts upon the subject presented will be furnished on the ground to those wishing them, also if any desire larger and more extensive publications they can obtain them at the book-stand. We think one or two kinds of tracts treating directly upon the subject presented are better to use at the close of each discourse than more. Those presenting them should be courteous, kind, obliging, and extremely careful not to give offense.
CANVASSING FOR OUR PERIODICALS
presents a wide field of usefulness at our camp-meetings. This should not be left to be done promiscuously, without any order; but a special, well-directed effort should be put forth Sundays, and other days when there is a good attendance.
A sufficient supply of each of our periodicals for sample copies, and of premiums with which to supply subscribers, should be on the ground. At a proper time, instructions should be given, and such arrangements made that all can work in harmony. Individuals should be appointed to make a specialty of canvassing, both ladies and gentlemen, for each of our periodicals; the Signs, Review, Instructor, Good Health, College Record; also the Tidende and Herald if there is an attendance of those speaking the Scandinavian languages.
These periodicals can be offered at the following prices, to new subscribers at these meetings: The REVIEW AND HERALD, or Signs of the Times, four months, 50 cts. The REVIEW AND HERALD one year with Way of Life, $2 00; without Way of Life $1 50; The Signs of the Times with Way of Life $1 50; without Way of Life, $1 25. The Youth's Instructor, monthly, with Child's Poems, 50 cts.; without Child's Poems, 25 cts. Youth's Instructor, weekly, with Child's Poems, 75 cts.; without premium, 50 cts. Good Health with Household Manual, $1.00; without the Manual, 60 cts. The College Record, a quarterly, 10 cts. The Tidende or Harold with Way of Life, $1.00; without Way of Life, 60 cts. These offers are made to those east of the Rocky Mountains, and especially for those who have never subscribed for these periodicals before, and whose subscriptions are obtained at the camp-meetings. We think children and youth can do better than others with the Instructor.
Children who could not write the address of subscribers themselves, canvassed with success at three camp-meetings last year. There should be not less than one thousand subscribers obtained for each of our periodicals at the camp-meetings this season. This can be done if taken hold of with energy. This work should not be left wholly to canvassers; all should be interested in it, but they should make it a specialty, and should be on the alert continually. The minister from the stand should call attention to the fact that canvassers for these periodicals are on the ground, and during intermissions, they should attend to this work.
Never become discouraged, or answer unkindly if rudely repulsed, but go to the next person with as much courage, and as courteously as though you were successful the first time. We hope every camp-meeting held in 1879 will improve this opportunity of securing readers to our periodicals.
It is the Spirit of God, and his providence, that has given us access to the people; and shall we not take advantage of it? All should realize that the salvation of many precious souls who attend these meetings may be hanging in the balance, and that the course pursued by our brethren will have much to do in turning the scale. Every tent company should show special attention to strangers who may come. If they are weary, invite them to rest in your tent. At one camp-meeting last year, the remark was often heard, “How kind these people are! I believe they are Christians.” This is the way it should be. The object of these large gatherings is not only that we may seek God ourselves, but that we may get the truth before others in an acceptable manner.
The Saviour took his disciples from place to place to instruct them. Others listened to their instruction, and in this manner the seed was sown which bore fruit on the day of Pentecost. We are now preparing the way for the outpouring of the Spirit of God in the closing scenes of this world's history. May God give us wisdom to lay out our plans wisely, to work to the point; and finally, may we hear it said, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
S. N. HASKELL.
CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.
By John G. Mattison
We still continue our meetings in our hired house, but are at the same time quite busy fixing our new hall, which we expect to get ready in the course of two weeks. The work goes well, and we feel grateful to the Lord for his blessings. We meet many different minds here, and some are very deficient in Christian qualities. But we try to get helpers in this sacred work who are faithful, and whose hearts are in the work.
A young brother from the western part of Norway is with us helping to mail the paper, working as colporteur, etc. He has graduated from the officers' school in Stockholm, Sweden, but has exchanged the king's sword for the sword of the Spirit. Another young brother who has preached some has come from the same vicinity to stay some time, and become more fully instructed in the truth, which he had embraced by reading. He is a Swede, and has a burden for his own country. He labors with his hands, earning his own living. Last Sabbath he preached to us very acceptably.
Bro. K. Bronson is laboring faithfully in Denmark and gaining some souls here and there. The truth is slowly but steadily gaining ground in northern Jutland.
April 29. JOHN G. MATTISON.
HE SHALL BE CALLED A NAZARENE.
By J. O. Corliss
OBJECTIONS to the Bible are numerous, and many of them upon examination appear very trivial. The above expression has been seized upon by infidels to harass the young and destroy their faith in the veracity of the Bible. Some, strange to say, after reading their rash statements, have followed in their train, loudly denouncing the Bible as a forgery, and those who believe in it as silly and stupid.
But what is the objection urged against the statement that Christ was called a Nazarene in fulfillment of the prophets? Infidels say it is a gross falsehood, and challenge the world to show where any prophet has ever made such a statement. Although no prophet has stated in so many words that he should be called a Nazarene, yet we think his being called such was in fulfillment of what had been uttered by a number of them in their prophetic allusions to Christ.
By taking Christ in childhood to dwell at Nazareth, and bringing him up there, his parents opened the way by which he acquired from his enemies the name of Nazarene (of Nazareth), which signifies a branch, shoot, or scion, and was in fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah, who called him the BRANCH. Had they not taken him there, he would not have been called a Nazarene (Branch) by the people, who by so doing fulfilled the prophecy and condemned themselves.
Thus the text is not only relieved from its objection, but becomes a decided proof of the veracity of the prophets, and a record of how a little incident in the life of Christ was shown to be a fulfillment of the prophecies concerning him, and that by his enemies.
J. O. CORLISS.
Honor
Honor is much talked about, but very little is seen of it.
Testimonies from Isolated Believers
Bro. John W. Johnston, of Shelby Co., Ind., who embraced the truth from reading, while his wife was taking treatment at the Health Institute at Lafayette last summer, writes as follows:—
Since I returned home I have been taking the REVIEW, which contains much valuable truth of which I should not know how to be deprived, living, as I do, away from an organized church, where I hear no preaching, and where I am obliged to meet all the opposition of the people. I have loaned and given away several hundred pages of tracts, which have convinced some of the truth, but they have not the moral courage to obey. Bro. S. H. Lane visited me last November, and preached three times in the P. M. church. His preaching created quite an interest for the time, and many are anxious to hear a course of lectures. Persons frequently ask me when my preacher is coming back, and express a wish to hear him. I have secured a large school-house for him or any of our ministers that may come. I indorse the tithing system adopted by the church. I have faith to believe a church can be organized here by proper exertion, and I am anxious to have the truth presented by some of our preachers, and hope the ministers will remember the scattered ones.
Sister Maria A. Haywood, writing from East Swansey, N. H., says:—
I have not seen a Seventh-day Adventist since I came here seven years ago. The people had never heard of such a class of Christians, and laughed me to scorn when I told them that the seventh day was the only Bible Sabbath; but I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep me from falling. I hope if any brethren or sisters come this way they will call on me. I desire the prayers of the people of God, that I may be preserved blameless unto the coming and kingdom of our blessed Saviour.
MICHIGAN
Pierson.—May 3, in connection with Brn. Gilbert and Wellman, we met with the friends at this place. We found nearly all in the love of the truth, and trying to overcome. Sabbath at 3 P. M., we repaired to White-fish Lake, where we baptized six. This makes twenty-two that have been baptized since last August. From this place I went to Morley, Mecosta Co. On Sabbath, May 10, with Bro. Gilbert, we met with the friends at this place. In the afternoon we met at the house of Bro. John Waters. After a discourse on the subject of baptism, we repaired to a stream near by, where seven were buried with their Lord, by baptism. Quite a number of interested neighbors were present to witness this solemn ceremony. The next day, we presented church order and organization; after which all heartily united in church fellowship. This company is the result of the tent effort here last summer, and a few meetings last winter by Brn. Wellman and Gilbert. A most encouraging feature is, others have decided to keep next Sabbath with them. If these friends are faithful and true to their calling, they will soon have others with them, rejoicing in and living the present truth. E. VAN DEUSEN.
Section Six.—Have held meetings at Rochester, Pontiac, and Armada. The brethren at these places are of good courage. Eld. Lawrence, being detained at home, assisted in the meetings at Rochester, and Eld. Lamson at Armada.
I have held one meeting at Pontiac. Here are twelve persons keeping the Sabbath, and several we have reason to believe will unite with them soon. They report encouraging meetings, though they have had no ministerial labor since February last. I shall visit them as often as possible, and hope to be able to organize a church there soon. These are the result of the tent meetings held by Brn. Corliss and Burnham about one year since.
In company with Bro. R. T. Payne, I visited the few Sabbath-keepers at Romeo. Here are six sisters, no brethren. Bro. Payne, living seven miles away, has helped them what he could. They were feeling somewhat discouraged, their number being so few, yet they seem firm in the truth. They are holding no meetings at present, but an effort will be made to revive them again. H. M. KENYON. Memphis, May 16.
Convis and Parkville.—We felt that the blessing of the Lord was with us at our meeting in Convis, May 3. There is some good timber in this church which I think will work into the heavenly building. I promised I would meet with them again in four weeks from the time of our meeting.
The 10th, I was with the church at Parkville. Here brethren J. N. Andrews and J. N. Loughborough, some twenty years since, spent most of the summer with a tent, and raised up a church of a goodly number and fair prospects. They built a meeting-house and were doing well; but soon the moving spirit came over them, and several families left, and, as far as I can learn, none of them have been prospered in their move. They might have done good where they were.
Of late a certain brother, capable of doing good, but full of the spirit of speculation, and who does not remain long in any place, has had his name with them. Concluding it to be a hard place, and having no hopes of success, he has left, and others have followed. Only a few are left, and these are in a discouraged condition. They would gladly receive advice from the Conference Committee whether to repair their house and try to live, or give up the ground. When will our brethren learn the folly of deserting their house of worship, thus giving the outside world much reason to say we are a floating people without foundation? J. BYINGTON.
OHIO
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Bro. D. K. Mitchell writes concerning the good work which has just been wrought in behalf of the cause of present truth in Corsica. A portion of his letter we do not give, as the facts have been previously stated by Brn. Canright and Burrill. In closing, Bro. M. says:—
The house of worship now in progress will be ready for dedication about the first of July. This is indeed a marvelous result, when we take into consideration the bitter opposition which had to be overcome, and which none but men of God, endowed with strength from on high, could have surmounted.
Surely the wrath of man has been made to praise the Lord in this neighborhood; for it seems that the more opposition there is to encounter, the deeper the truth sinks into the hearts of the people. The prediction in Rev. 12:17 is being literally fulfilled in this vicinity.
Springfield.—I was with the Springfield church from May 10 to 15. Found the brethren working together in love and harmony. On Sunday, two more were admitted into the church. I presented the subject of systematic benevolence, after which those present signed the covenant to give one-tenth of their income to the support of the gospel. We also organized the T. and M. work. May the Lord bless this little company. E. H. GATES.
Wakeman and Norwalk.—We were at the first mentioned of these places May 8–11, with Eld. St. John. Years ago there was a church here, but it was moved to Norwalk, leaving only two or three families here, and these were in a poor condition. Last winter Eld. St. John came and held meetings in the village, and in school-houses near by. A good interest was awakened just out of town, and a score or more embraced the truth. They now have regular meetings, Sabbath-school, and an organized church again.
But many of them need much instruction as they have only just begun, knowing little about the message. There is still a deep interest; so Bro. St. John will pitch his tent here in two weeks and give another course of lectures. We hope it will bring out more, and strengthen those already started.
The brethren raised money to buy a church book, S. S. book, the librarian's set, the Sabbath-school blank books, and a set of Sr. White's books. They also pledged to pay the tithe. They will either buy or build a meeting-house soon. So we hope for a good church here.
We spent Tuesday, May 13, at Norwalk. Only about half the church were out; but those manifested a good interest. Their record was in much confusion. They gave letters to several to join elsewhere, and disfellowshipped a long list who had not been heard from for years, some of whom had not kept the Sabbath for ten years. It is a shame to leave the Lord's work in such a shape. Bro. Paube was elected and ordained elder, and Bro. Fay deacon. All pledged a tithe. The T. and M. society is badly in debt, owing $70. Some $26 was raised on this. Every member of that church should help pay this debt. It must be cleared before next winter, or the society can do but little.
Bro. St. John also held some meetings here last winter, or rather at East Norwalk three miles out. About a dozen were added, and still there is a good interest. Hence he will pitch his tent here also for a couple of weeks. We are determined to resurrect and strengthen these little churches if possible. We like the appearance of the Sabbath-keepers here very much, and hope for a strong church.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
NEW YORK.
Bro. Geo. F. Wood writes from Liverpool, N. Y., that he has been preaching in the house of Bro. Bowen, for some time past. It has called out, he says, much comment from those around, and many are investigating the subjects presented.
INDIANA
By Wm. Covert
Franklin, May 12.—Following the afternoon service yesterday, we repaired to the water where five yielded obedience to the ordinance of baptism. Although there was a large concourse of people present, every thing was remarkably quiet and orderly. They have ordered a club of ten weekly Instructors, and are entering upon the Sabbath-school work.
A man of considerable experience as a public speaker, who has been attending our meetings and reading our publications, has made an appointment for the 4th Sunday in June to speak in favor of the truth. WM. COVERT.
DAKOTA
EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER FROM A GERMAN BROTHER.
MUCH-BELOVED BRETHREN: My greeting is, Peace be with you. For a long time, I have wished to tell you something about the state of things here; want of time, however, seemed constantly to prevent me from so doing.
Permit me, dear brethren, first to make a few statements in regard to my own course through life. I was born in the neighborhood of Odessa in Southern Russia. My father was a strong Reformist, and consequently I was brought up in the bosom of the Reformed church, to whose doctrines I became strongly attached. But, through the mercy of God, I was in my seventeenth year sufficiently converted to behold myself a sinner.
In my twenty-second year I came to America. I here came in contact with the Baptists, to whom I was very much opposed. But as soon as I beheld the necessity for true baptism I was baptized, and about three months later, my wife took the same step, both of us thereby becoming members of the Baptist society. I was baptized on the 20th of March, 1877, and from that time onward I kept studying the word of God, seeking the whole truth.
In the same year, two Adventist brethren went through here, distributing and selling tracts concerning the Sabbath. One of the Baptists in my neighborhood bought one, and read it on a Sunday before the whole meeting. We all became much interested, and began anew to seek the truth.
As soon as we were satisfied in regard to the holiness of the Sabbath of the Lord, five of us concluded to follow the commandments in this respect also. This was in June, 1878; and the persons Valentin Beer, Philipp Sattler, Johan Rieb and wife, and myself. These brethren live together, but about thirty miles from my place. Though we, on account of the distance, cannot come together very often during the summer, yet, in the fall, we have meetings frequently, and brethren from still more distant places visit us, so that we now number about thirty souls who are keeping the Sabbath according to the word of God.
Of course, it has been very trying for me, since my brethren live at so great distances. My wife was also very bitterly opposed to my faith; and, to make it still harder, my father, who is quite wealthy and has considerable influence in the Reformed church, came on a visit from Russia. Many contests there were, but I always felt myself stronger in my faith after them, for by discussing the subjects, I beheld more clearly the error in his views. You may imagine, dear brethren, how happy I was when I met with any of a like faith, to whom I could open my heart, and then receive new strength and courage from them. Oh, how happy I felt when I met with brethren Eldon H. Pullen and D. T. Biggs upon the streets in Sioux Falls! As already mentioned, my wife was very much opposed to my views, but I am happy to say to-day that she now is keeping the Sabbath.
A NOBLE vessel has started out on the stream of Time under canvas and steam. How majestically she sails! How well she is manned! How efficient her crew! Every thing is in its place; every one on board has his work; for there are no idlers among the crew. All is harmony and peace. Some of the faces look sad, but it is the sadness that makes the heart better. In the faces of all are hope, and a fixed determination to resist storm and tempest, and all enemies, and to reach the harbor of rest on the shore of the promised land. Their eyes are on their Captain, and he is ever faithful.
Many foes this vessel meets; many contrary winds and currents; many rocks, shoals, and whirlpools in and around her course: but, despite all adverse influences, her course is ever onward; her speed constantly increases. Every battle won gives her new strength and zeal, and unseen hands are assisting to guide her. Her chart is true, and all dangerous places are shown, and her course marked out.
There are many other vessels on this broad stream, bound in a contrary direction. Their captains wear a shining cloak; but the truth shows it to be a borrowed one, underneath which are corruption and darkness. Still, the greater multitude embark in those vessels. One after another is wrecked. The chart of truth shows their true character; but still the crowd rush on to ruin.
Some are driven by despair, by pride, by love of the world, by the cares of this life; some, by the phantom of pleasure whose motto is, “Out on the fool who mars to-day with thoughts of a hereafter.”
Once in a while an earnest inquirer leaves the sinking vessels, and is taken aboard the noble167ship whose chart is truth. He is scoffed at, jeered at by the maddened crowd; but he heeds it not. If wounded, it only urges him on to greater effort.
There is one strange thing occurs now and then that attracts our attention. We see individuals leave this noble ship, and, seating themselves in small boats of their own manufacture, float behind, with nothing but one or two frail cords to hold them to the parent vessel. Their arms are folded, and their time is employed in watching and finding fault with the workers and the leaders in the ship, while the bird of evil (Doubt) is pecking at the cord, the only hold they have of life. The complainer sees it not. His thoughts are engrossed in the mistakes of the vessel, until at last the cord—the life-cord—is severed, and he is left adrift. It is not too late then, if he will implore mercy of the Captain; but it is seldom done. He is picked up by some of the enemy's crews and is lost forever.
The name of these lost ones is—murmurers. The name of the noble ship they have left is—The Present Truth. The Captain of this ship is Jesus our Saviour. The chart is God's word.
Reader, where are you? Are you in the service of the everlasting King? Are you bound for the city of Zion? or do you wish to remain in that of Destruction? The noble vessel will soon enter the harbor of rest. The King will welcome the voyagers there. The shining garments and victor's crown will be put upon the faithful ones. The inheritance will be given them, and they shall reign with their King forever.
Let us not murmur, brethren. The ark may seem to be tipping, but do not put forth your hand. We are finite, God is infinite. It will all be right sometime. When the log-book shall be thrown open to all, when the voyage is over, we shall see that God's plans, and the progress of his work, were all right. Then let us not murmur, for our souls’ sake and for Christ’s sake. “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things . . . are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor. 10:10, 11. God help us to heed the warning. M. O. WILCOX.
THE SACRIFICE.
By L. D. Santee
I thought of all my heart held sweetest, dearest,
The triumph of success, the world's renown,
But even when the prize had seemed the nearest,
God's word commanded, Lay the chalice down.
A name to live through time in earthly glory—
Such was my spirit's wish, my soul's desire.
A name to minstrels dear in song and story,
A soul ambitious, and a heart of fire.
I reached to pluck the fruitage of ambition,
The fruit forbidden on ambition's tree;
But from the Saviour came the admonition,
Deny thyself, cross-bearing, follow me.
I heard sweet birds in leafy bowers singing,
The wind's sad whispers, in the groves of pine;
I saw rich grapes in purple clusters clinging
To slender tendrils on the purple vine.
I saw the herds through vernal pastures straying,
The flowery meads, the waving fields of green,
While over all, the glorious sunlight playing,
Seemed as a type of coming things unseen.
But brightest sunshine soon must end in shadows,
And darkness soon will close the fairest day,
And drifting snows be piled above the meadows,
While wintry winds howl through the twilight gray.
Through leafy bowers where breezes murmur sweetest,
'Ere long will fall the drear November rain,
The joyous hours are doomed to be the fleetest,
And laughing voices sometimes moan in pain.
Soon will be past for aye the changing seasons,
The noiseless surge of time's swift flowing stream,
The lust of power, the deepening plots of treason;
And all the aims of this life's fevered dream.
Yet, day by day, the wave of pain is swelling,
That rises from the worn earth's troubled breast,
Up to the heavens by some unseen impelling,
Like some great troubled heart that cannot rest.
Here, summer heat, and chilling, wintry breezes;
But just ahead life's portal fair we see.
The sacrifice that I have made for Jesus,
Is naught to what the Saviour's done for me.
Let other hands, then, reach for earthly glory,
And other hearts surround ambition's shrine,
But let the love of Jesus be my story,
And all his ministry of love be mine.
But just before, I see the city golden,
The tree of life, the crown, the jasper sea,
Our wanderings done, in Jesus' arms enfolden
We'll rest in joy and peace, dear Lord, with thee.
L. D. SANTEE.
Ward, Wilson Co., Kan.
ILLINOIS
By Dennis Morrison; C. H. Foster
Elkville.—We began preaching in the Davis school-house one mile north of here, about three weeks ago. We have had a good hearing all the time. Many have acknowledged the truth, and several have promised to obey. To God be all the praise.
May 13.
DENNIS MORRISON.
C. H. FOSTER.
ONTARIO
By Geo. A. KING
_Belleville, May 11._—Since coming to Belleville I have obtained 60 new subscribers for our periodicals, and have received in subscriptions and for book sales, $125. Thus far, the last two quarters, I have obtained 170 new subscribers and received in subscriptions and for book sales, $260. This is encouraging in this field. I find in Canadian cities many who are thinking seriously of the coming of Christ, and some who are prepared to read on the Sabbath question.
Geo. A. KING.
IOWA
By G. V. Kilgore
La Moille.—Regular Sabbath meetings and a Bible-class are now being held in this place. The company to meet is small, being eleven or twelve, but they can claim the presence of the Holy Spirit, according to the promise, if they seek God diligently, and keep his commandments. They have reason to be of good courage, for the Lord has met with them already, and they are more in number now than those who met in the ark with Noah. My prayer is that God may continue to bless them.
G. V. KILGORE.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
Since my last report, I have held meetings one week at Timberville, in Rockingham Co. It was in the most hurried time of spring work, and where the people were mostly Lutherans and Dunkers. For these reasons our congregations were not large, and yet we had a few who seemed much interested. Bro. Henry Rife, who lives in the place, and understands prophecy well, goes out frequently and holds meetings.
I have also held meetings eight days at Liberty, in Shenandoah Co. Had quite a good interest all the time. Several persons told me they should keep the Sabbath after this. This place is only about five miles from Soliloquy; therefore we thought it not best to continue our effort any longer, as those who are interested can attend the quarterly meetings at Soliloquy, and the regular Sabbath meetings also.
I now renew my labors four miles west of Mt. Jackson, and continue over two Sabbaths, to the 27th of May; and on the 28th, no providence preventing, I will go to Baltimore, as per appointment in this number. I. SANBORN.