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Review and Herald, Vol. 53, No. 24.

The Immortality of the Soul
Earlier text: PETER'S INQUIRY

CHANGE

By Jos. Clarke

“Thus saith the Lord God: ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her, for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.’” Eze. 5:5, 6.
In Matt. 5:14, Christ speaks of his people as a city that is set on a hill; they are also called by him the light of the world, and the salt of the earth; he places them in a conspicuous place, where the world is constrained to see their order and purity. Old Jerusalem was situated upon high mountains, and could be seen at a great distance; its temple and palaces, its lofty walls and towers, were the pride and gem of the age, and its beauty and strength and splendor might, with the far greater and infinitely more important system of religion which this city was intended to represent, have produced an abiding impression for good upon the heathen nations round about her.
But man is fickle, fond of change; and when the especial restraints of law were slackened by the death of good men, and good kings, and faithful prophets, and devoted and holy priests, then the people clamored for change; they desired to be like the heathen, and to substitute the forms and ceremonies of the heathen instead of the forms of the Mosaic economy. The heathen form was cheaper and not so rigid. The Mosaic forms called for the best and most costly offerings without a spot or blemish. Not so the forms of the heathen; they could be free to offer whatever was most convenient, and so the laws of the heathen left each person more free to acts of a carnal nature, while the moral laws of God were strict and unchangeable, inflexible and eternal. The Jews as a people were human, and their natural inclinations were like the nations round about them, and we cannot wonder that they with their carnal natures unchanged, longed for the freedom of the heathen around them,—freedom from tithes and offerings, freedom from moral law, which continually stood in the way of their avarice, their pride, and their lusts.
On the same principle the Roman influence adopted a change of the fourth precept, because they could thus harmonize heathenism with Christianity, by compromising the law of God; and the laws of Constantine, A. D. 321, were just the thing for an apostate church, and now the same motive perpetuates the change.
How important for the church, the light of the world, a city set on a hill, the salt of the earth, to set a holy example, to give a true exposition of God’s law and testimony, and a proper and correct representation of the gospel of Christ. For this God has set them on high as a beacon light to a lost and benighted world. Shall the church hold out a false light? shall she change the law of God, and say he approves her action in the matter? Is it not blasphemy so to do? Is it not taking the position of those who entice seamen by false signals, to guide their ships, laden with precious life and treasure, upon the rocks and breakers of a desolate coast, that they may enrich themselves with the wasted cargo? Do not ministers, with their eyes open, defend the change of God’s law, because this yields them a nice salary and patronage and other temporal advantages besides that of being called Rabbi? but will not the day of reckoning come, when they will appear in their true character?
Tell me, is there a church that is really holding out the true light? Yes; praise the Lord that, amid the moral darkness, the lighthouse sends forth its rays upon the waters far at sea! Tell me, reader, do you ever hear error after error preached to the multitude, in sweet and eloquent strains, while the people applaud? Does not your heart throb with pain, and is not your soul almost crushed at the thought of the mischief to follow?
“Thus saith the Lord God, This is Jerusalem; I have set it in the midst of the nations; and she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations.” Yes, this is the Christian,—the Protestant church of the nineteenth century, seeking, with all her moral and civil force, to perpetuate the most glaring of the Papal errors. With the true light throwing its rays afar upon the earth, they still persist in ignoring the true light, and in extolling the false; and the multitude are led by the false light; and who will answer for the wreck of human hopes? Jerusalem, set on a hill, hath changed my judgments, and her light is misleading the nations round about; but the day of reckoning will come. Will there be then a Jeremiah to weep over the ruins of Jerusalem, set on high, to say, “Oh, that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears”? But I forbear. This is a subject painful to dwell upon. Jos. Clarke.

“IT IS A COVENANT OF SALT.”

By A. S. Hutchins

This expression in the word of God implies a covenant of incorruptibility and permanency, an everlasting covenant. In all the meat-offerings made unto the Lord, he required the use of salt, but strictly forbade the use of leaven in these offerings.
The nature and use of salt are directly opposite to the properties of leaven. Salt is applied to different kinds of viands to give them relish, and to preserve them from putrefaction and decay; while the pervading and transforming effect of leaven hastens these operations. Hence these substances are emblematic of opposite minds and characters in the Scriptures.
Said Christ to his disciples, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” On one occasion he warned his followers to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. This admonition they were slow to comprehend. They reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” But this was not the trouble; it was not a neglect to provide for temporal wants. The false doctrine of these religious bodies was more to be dreaded than the pinchings of hunger. It is infinitely more important to know and to do the will of God than to provide for present necessities.
It has been well remarked, “Bad doctrines act in the soul as leaven does in meal; they assimilate the whole spirit to their own nature. A man's particular creed has a greater influence on his temper and conduct than most are aware of. Pride, hypocrisy, and worldly-mindedness, which constituted the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, ruin the major part of the world.”
The leaven of “malice and wickedness,” which lurk in the natural heart, the carnal mind, must be purged out and give place to the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” It is dangerous to cherish in our hearts any spirit or feeling contrary to the Spirit of God. “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?”
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” Col 4: 6. “Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9 : 50. It is salt, the grace of God in the heart, which promotes and strengthens the bond of union, and secures peace one with another.
When, for any cause, Satan may have alienated and separated hearts for a season, how sweet the union which may again be formed and enjoyed, by the influence and help of the Holy Spirit. Matters of difference may be kindly talked over, confession made, and each party mutually forgive the other. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
In the settlement of church trials it may sometimes be necessary to make a greater sacrifice of feelings or means than we had believed could be demanded. This may arise, 1. From an imperfect recollection of the matters of difference; or, 2. From the tendency of the human mind to construe words and actions more favorably for self than for others. Hence the injunction of the Saviour, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” Or 3. The breach may have been widened by “busy bodies.” This class of persons were alive in the days of Paul. He had learned their business, and tells us what it was,—“wandering about from house to house,” “tattlers,” “speaking things which they ought not.” He kindly warns and exhorts them “to be quiet,” and to do their own business, working with their hands.
Peter also gives very wholesome instruction to such: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busy body in other men's matters.” 1 Pet. 4:15. Such persons seem to overlook the declaration of the Saviour, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” They use largely of leaven, but sparingly of salt.
But when the Holy Spirit of God is sent down to lead men to sacrifice for his cause, for the present and future good of their own souls, and for the salvation of others, and when, under its melting and cementing power, hearts are brought into union, it is dangerous for men to lay their hands upon this work, to undo it. Let the parties who have entered into solemn covenant, under the guidance and help of the Spirit of God, henceforth regard this as a covenant of salt.
Christ regards it a sin of fearful magnitude to cause even a child to offend, i. e., to stumble. Respecting this, says the pious Adam Clarke, “Let those who act the part of the devil, in tempting others to sin, hear this declaration of our Lord, and tremble:” “It were better that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” A mighty struggle lies before the remnant church. Oh! that we might not lose time or strength while we wait its arrival, and are seeking to do God's will.
“Thou awful Judge of quick and dead, The watchful power bestow; So shall I to my ways take heed, To all I speak or do.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.

LUCAS CAMP-MEETING.

By H. Grant

We arrived at the Lucas camp-ground May 27. This meeting was held in the interest of Dist. No. 5, where Bro. and Sr. S. Fulton have been laboring the past year and a half. The Lord has helped them to build up the cause in this new field, and it is now in a good condition, fifty or seventy-five having embraced the truth under their labors. The roads were rough and miry, owing to the heavy rains, which kept a few from attending whom we had expected. We found quite a company from the vicinity of Durand, Buffalo Co., who were strangers to us; but we soon found they were not strangers to the covenant of grace. Nearly seventy-five were camped on the ground. Satan seemed to come in with mighty power to hinder the meeting; but earnest prayers had ascended in its behalf, and the Lord suffered him not to prevail.
The meeting opened on time with a good spirit from the first. Thursday night we had a storm so terrible that our tents could not protect us. But next morning all appeared cheerful in spite of the cold and wet, and went to work with a will to prepare for the comfort of those who were yet to come. Six ministers were in attendance, and all felt that the preaching was meat in due season. Such an earnest, teachable spirit, and such perfect union and peace, I never saw during an entire meeting. Tears flowed freely, tears of joy for present blessing, and of sorrow in remembrance of past trials.
Our social meetings were indeed a feast. One aged brother and sister who came nearly forty miles said, “We heard one sermon from Bro. Sanborn nineteen years ago, and we had a few tracts, and that is all. We have been alone—have had no help—yet we pressed on. We heard of this meeting and prayed for its success, and now through the providence of God we are here. We were starving, but now we have a feast.”
Many who had attended our large camp-meetings testified that at no other meeting had they seemed so much like one family. Satan seemed to come up and prowl around us, but we were protected. The last night, about 2 o’clock, six guns were fired in quick succession, which awoke all the camp. No one was hurt, but in the morning it was found that about forty buck shot had been fired through the new top of our preaching tent. Surely the wrath of the dragon is stirred. The meeting closed Tuesday morning, June 3. We are much pleased with its success, and thankful for the uniform kindness and love shown us. H. GRANT.

PROGRESS IN KANSAS.

By N. W. Vincent

It could but gladden the hearts of all that love the truth, at our late camp-meeting, to see how many had come to the camp-ground. Here were two long rows of tents and wagons almost encircling the canvas tabernacles, and extending away into the beautiful grove. Hundreds daily assembled for the worship of God. It was good to be there. What a proof of the increasing light and power attending the proclamation of God's last message of mercy.
Twelve years ago I knew of no S. D. A. company in Kansas; now, as in so many other of our Western States, new churches are being raised up in Kansas every year. Truth that will tear every idol from God's throne is exerting its sanctifying power, and the results are sublime.
N. W. VINCENT.

KANSAS

By L. D. Santee

Ward, Wilson Co.—Yesterday was a good day for the church in this place. Four were buried with their Lord in baptism. May he grant them his especial help while they try to walk in newness of life. L. D. SANTEE.

NEBRASKA

By George B. Starr

Albion, Halifax and El Dorado.—When we closed meetings at Albion last winter, only nine took hold of the truth; but upon returning we were rejoiced to find over twenty persons keeping the Sabbath. This is the result of earnest prayer, tract distribution, and consistent living on the part of those who embraced the truth.
A set of the Testimonies was subscribed for. May God bless in the reading of them. We hope always to hear of the growth in numbers and strength of this company.
The company of Sabbath-keepers in Halifax have not grown as we hope they may hereafter, but a hearty repentance on the part of some will, we believe, result in a zealous Christian life, and we leave expecting to hear good reports. A severe hail storm broke in somewhat on our meetings.
We found the company in El Dorado growing in faith and love. Two have signed the covenant since the meetings closed, making sixteen in all. Four or five others are keeping the Sabbath. The subject of tithing was presented, and heartily accepted, as the Bible plan of supporting God's cause. This company are in harmony on every point of faith, and are working. God's Spirit was with us as we visited the above places, for which we feel grateful.
GEO. B. STARR.

MINNESOTA

By D. P. Curtis

Maple Plain and Sauk Centre.—

I returned to Maple Plain the 22d of May, to complete the work which was begun there by Bro. Walker and myself last winter. Found the company all standing firm, and growing in strength and knowledge. They have a good Sabbath-school, Sabbath meetings, and weekly prayer-meeting. On Sabbath I baptized five, and on first-day organized a church of eight members, and ordained Bro. T. J. Morgan, elder. There are some others who will probably come in soon, if those who are already members remain steadfast, and walk humbly before the Lord. I trust that with proper encouragement this little company will grow strong in the faith, and will be a beacon light in that locality.
On Wednesday, the 28th, I came on to Sauk Centre, where a small company came out last summer under the labors of Bro. Battin and myself. Bro. B. visited them in the fall, and last winter the most of them attended Bro. Haskell's meeting at West Union. I found them making good progress, and fully committed to the work in all its branches, maintaining Sabbath and prayer-meetings, and Sabbath-school. They have furnished themselves with the maps and Instructors, and with Sister White's circulating library. I baptized five on Sabbath, and next day organized a church of eight members, with a prospect of several others uniting as soon as they can obtain letters from other churches to which they belong. There are a number who are keeping the Sabbath under difficulties which at present deter them from coming out and taking a stand openly with the church. Whether these difficulties will be removed until they do this, is questionable. May the Lord give them courage and strength is my prayer. D. P. CURTIS.
June 2.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE KANSAS CONFERENCE.

By George I. Butler; Smith Sharp

The fifth annual session of the Kansas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened at Emporia, Kan., May 28, 1879, at 9 o'clock A. M. The president being unable to preside, the meeting was called to order by the secretary. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. Bro. Butler was elected president pro tem. Twenty-two delegates presented credentials from churches belonging to the Conference, and were admitted to seats in the Conference. The organized churches at Great Bend, Empire, Solomon Valley, Elivon, Big Timber, Peru, and Ward were then admitted with their respective delegates.
Voted, That Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Corliss be invited to take part in all our deliberations.
Voted, That all persons of good standing in any S. D. A. church be invited to participate with us in our deliberations. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read, and after being amended so as to say that the company at Elymer were taken under the watchcare of the Conference instead of admitted to the Conference, were adopted.
Voted, That the executive committee appoint the usual committees, which appointments were made as follows:—
Committee on nominations, Jas. White, J. Lamont, J. A. Ashbaugh; committee on resolutions, J. O. Corliss, W. E. Dawson, L. D. Santee; auditing committee, J. D. Rockey, Wm. McMoran, A. G. Miller, L. A. George, O. J. Hill, Levi Crawford; committee on credentials and licenses, Smith Sharp, J. M. Stansbury, John Heligass. Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING. May 23, 9.30 A. M. Prayer by Smith Sharp. Seth Warren, from Marsh Creek, John Lawson, from Peru, S. A. Dick, from Ozawkie, and John Gibbs, from Rock Creek, having arrived with credentials since the last session, were admitted. Ira Fulton was accepted as a delegate from Independence.
Voted, That the chairman appoint a committee of three to audit the treasurer's books.
The committee on credentials and licenses reported, recommending that the credentials of J. N. Ayers, J. H. Cook, C. F. Stevens, J. Lamont, L. D. Santee, and Smith Sharp be renewed, and that W. E. Dawson be ordained and receive credentials; which recommendations were adopted, excepting in the case of W. E. Dawson, whose ordination was deferred upon his request. Bro. Butler and Sister White spoke at some length on the subject of licenses. Adjourned.
THIRD MEETING. May 23, 4.30 P. M. Prayer by Bro. Stevens. Philip Herzer, having arrived with credentials from the Amity church, was admitted as a delegate.
The committee on credentials and licenses further reported, recommending that W. E. Dawson, John Gibbs, Marshall Enoch, Hattie Enoch, G. H. Rogers, J. S. Thorp, George Kennedy, Clarence Santee, N. W. Vincent, and R. F. Barton receive licenses, which recommendation was adopted.
A. G. Miller, John Gibbs, and R. F. Barton were appointed to audit the treasurer's books.
Voted, That we pay a tithe of our S. B. quarterly to the General Conference.
Voted, That we pay $100 of the funds now on hand to the General Conference.
The committee on nominations then reported as follows:—
For president, Smith Sharp, Ottawa, Kan.; for secretary, W. E. Dawson, Brookdale, Kan.; for treasurer, A. G. Miller, Topeka, Kan. Executive committee, Smith Sharp, J. H. Cook, Ft. Scott, Kan., W. E. Dawson, Brookdale, Rush Co., Kan.
Each nominee was then voted upon separately, and elected. Adjourned.
FOURTH MEETING. May 26, 8.30 A. M. Prayer by Bro. Corliss. Dr. J. H. Kellogg and W. C. White, being present, were invited to take part with us.
The committee appointed to audit the treasurer's accounts reported that the treasurer's books showed that he had received $2256.00. Amount reported to secretary, $1713.24. Amount paid out by treasurer, $1953.75. Amount in treasury, $302.85.
The name of the Independence church was changed to Harrisonville. The name of the church at White Water was changed to Clarion.
Voted, That the chair appoint a committee of three to district the State, and assign fields of labor to the different ministers. Smith Sharp, C. F. Stevens and J. H. Cook were appointed as said committee.
Voted, That we call for donations and subscriptions to raise a permanent camp-meeting fund.
The friends of the cause in N. E. Kansas tendered a new 40-ft. tent to the Conference, with a request that it should be used the coming season in N. E. Kansas. By vote of the Conference the tent was accepted.
Reports of the churches as far as heard from show about 500 members; but so many churches have failed to send in their report that it is no index to the actual number of members.
The committee on resolutions reported the following:—
Resolved, That it is of the greatest importance to the permanency of the cause that ministers raising up new companies of believers should stand by their work until thorough instruction has been given on all points of the truth, faithful efforts made for the conversion of souls, organization completed where it is practicable, and the church reaches a position where it can become an active force in the cause of God; also that our churches receive all the labor that is necessary for their prosperity and efficiency.
Whereas, The duty of paying a tithe of our income to the cause of the Lord is clearly shown by the Scriptures to be binding upon us, and whereas some fail to pay the Lord's tithe as received, but use it for themselves, hoping to meet the obligation at a future time, and whereas they thus frequently, by inability to pay at the appointed time, cause trial to themselves and embarrassment in the finances of the Conference, therefore
Resolved, That all our brethren and sisters should regard it their duty to tithe all their income at the time they receive it.
Whereas, We find that the works of Sister White, when read and heeded, increase our devotion to the cause of God and guard us against the evils of our times, therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend each of our churches to procure a set of the books known as the “circulating library.”
Resolved, That we earnestly request our ministers to be thorough in teaching the principles of health reform, and to give special attention to this important branch of the work.
We do thankfully recognize the hand of God in the prosperity attending our work, and express our thanks to Bro. and Sr. White for their able counsel and efficient labor at this camp-meeting.
The first resolution was spoken to at length by Elds. Geo. I. Butler, J. O. Corliss, and Sister White, and then passed unanimously. Remarks were made on the second resolution by W. C. White and others, and it was then unanimously adopted. The third resolution was unanimously adopted. The fourth resolution was strongly advocated by Sister White, and passed without a dissenting voice. The last two were adopted without debate.
W. C. White introduced the following resolution, which received the sanction of the entire assembly:—
Resolved, That we recommend to the members of this Conference that they co-operate heartily with the Health and Temperance Association recently organized, and that State and local organizations be effected as rapidly as the officers of the Conference deem best.
Whereas, In the mysterious providence of God, he has seen fit to remove from us our beloved brother J. N. Ayers, therefore
Resolved, 1. That we bow in meek submission to the will of the Lord. 2. That in the death of Eld. Ayers the church has lost a faithful member of the Conference, an efficient officer, and his family a kind husband and father. 3. That we tender the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in their deep affliction.
Resolved, That a copy of the minutes be sent to the REVIEW for publication. Adjourned sine die.
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. pro tem.
SMITH SHARP, Sec.

WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME DO?

By Mrs. Lilla D. A. Stuttle

What wilt Thou have me do? I give mine all,— My heart, my talents and my life, to thee, Yet tremble lest the offering be so small That thou, dear Lord, canst make no use of me.
What can I do? If, humble though I be, I may the approval of my Saviour share, If I may win but one sweet smile from thee,— Who for my sake the crown of thorns didst wear,—
If I may feel, when desolate and lone, That He who notes the tiny sparrow's fall Beholds my grief, that all my cares are known, I'll cheerful drink the “wormwood and the gall.”
What can I do? To me thou didst not give Ten talents, Lord; but in my humble sphere I'll work for thee, the little while I live; I'll aid the weak, and wipe the mourner's tear.
Not to the warrior on the bloody field, Not to the monarch on his gilded throne, Not fame, or wealth, true pleasures ever yield, Not unto these the sweetest joys are known.
Then, low and humble let me strive to be, And may I never from thy side depart; Content to do the work thou givest me, Content to know thou lov'st the willing heart.
MRS. LILLA D. A. STUTTLE.
Vernon, Mich.

MASSACHUSETTS

By THOMAS COTTLE

North Dartmouth, May 28.—Last Sunday, we met at Bro. George Ashley's, and after a sermon by Bro. Mooney, from Mark 16:16, we repaired to the water, and five were baptized. The Spirit of the Lord was in the meeting, and a more lovely baptism I never witnessed. At least five hundred were present at the baptism. Bro. Mooney has visited from house to house, laboring for the good of souls.
Brethren, pray for us.
THOMAS COTTLE.

ONTARIO

By J. Fulton; J. W. Moore

Chatham, June 4.—We have our tent pitched on a beautiful spot on one of the main streets in this city.
Although the rain has fallen almost every day, the attendance has been good from the first, and the interest steadily increasing.
Chatham has just passed through a great revival carried on by Hammond; and as the people return to their right mind, we find an earnest desire to hear the truth.
One of the leading papers has kindly opened its columns to us, and contradicted the report that we were in sympathy with the Pocasset tragedy.
The way is opening up in all directions for the truth in Ontario, and in the fields where the enemy has seemed, heretofore, to gain a complete victory, the truth is steadily gaining ground. We look for a strong company to be raised up in this city. Brethren, pray for the cause in this new field. J. FULTON. J. W. MOORE.

R. M. KILGORE

By R. M. Kilgore

TEXAS TENT, NO. 1.

Denison.—By an action of the city council we were required to vacate the park before the first of June. We remained just as long as we could. Our meetings closed Wednesday night, May 28, with a large audience. A good interest to hear on the part of many was still manifest. While a number are keeping the Sabbath, a much larger number are deeply convicted. But here, as in all large places, the laboring classes are dependent on their daily toil for their bread. To keep the Sabbath, is to them a discharge from lucrative positions, and a case of starvation. Several who are employed by the railroad companies are fully satisfied, but can see no way to obey God. Oh, for a faith that will not shrink!
I have obtained eleven full paying subscribers for the REVIEW, two for Good Health, and two for the weekly Instructor. I remain here over the Sabbath to visit, and to assist in their meetings. Next week we move to Savoy, Fannin Co., twenty miles southeast of Denison, which will be our address.

R. M. KILGORE

OHIO

Solon and Peninsula.—Wednesday, May 28, Bro. Underwood brought me to Solon. He spoke to a few in the evening. Thursday, we held meetings all day in a cheese factory. There are only four or five keeping the Sabbath here, but these are good souls. They have a Sabbath-school and regular meetings. There is considerable interest outside; but there is also bitter opposition. We have not found the like in any other part of Ohio.
Peninsula is about twelve miles from Solon. Two Seventh-day Baptist sisters lived here, and so opened the way for Brn. Gates and Underwood to present the truth. But it is a rough place, and very few were interested. The husband of one of the sisters was converted, and I had the privilege of baptizing him on Sunday. An educated Christian lady has also embraced the truth. She has a sister who is a missionary in China. A lady friend from Michigan was with her while we were here. She is deeply interested in the truth, and we feel quite sure she will embrace it. They have a Sabbath-school. Probably the tent will be pitched between Solon and Peninsula, and so unite both companies.
Thus ended my work in this district. There are but few of our people in any one locality. It seems to be rather a difficult field of labor, for some reason; but those who do come out are good, intelligent, responsible people. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Leverings, June 2.—We have nearly canvassed the life and death question, and it is being well received. Yesterday it was somewhat rainy, yet the tent was well filled. We hope to see much good fruit from these meetings. A. O. BURRILL.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

By C. O. TAYLOR

Darlington Co.—In coming to this county from Reynolds, Ga., I have had a very good opportunity to learn the sentiment of the people in regard to different truths of the Bible. We have traveled slowly, going only about twenty-five miles a day. The first Sabbath and first day we were at Linton, Hancock Co., Ga. I spoke three times, with a large increase of interest each time. I made the acquaintance of the Baptist minister, a man of excellent spirit, and much interested in the signs of the times. In this county I find considerable interest manifested in the advent. Bro. P. G. Boman, formerly of the Methodist denomination, who received the truth in regard to the nature of man, has done much to awaken an interest on that and other truths of the Bible. Friends from Reynolds have been sending reading matter here. Several are convinced on the Sabbath question, and one lady is keeping it. This is a good field of labor, and I can say the same of other places in the South. I should feel it duty to remain here longer, if my health was such that I could endure the hot season. I go to North Carolina in a few days, where there is an interest equal to the one here.
Some have requested me to send them names of persons to whom they may mail the Signs. I do so to-day. I could not send names to some who asked for them nearly a year ago; but if such or any others desire them now, they will please let me know. Address me at Boone, N. C. C. O. TAYLOR.

MICHIGAN

Memphis, Lapeer, and Flint.—Held five meetings with the church at Memphis, all of which were quite well attended. Five were baptized. This is one of the largest churches in Michigan, having a membership of eighty-three. There are no trials in their midst. I visited the Sabbath-keepers at Smith's Creek. An unfavorable influence has been exerted there in the past, which has discouraged some. Twelve are still holding on to the truth. They now hold Sabbath meetings, and have organized a Sabbath-school.
At Lapeer the brethren are of good courage. They are active in the missionary work. There was a willingness manifested to take an advance step in the S. S. work. Money was freely donated to pay for fifteen copies of the Instructor. I found a few keeping the Sabbath at Imlay City, Lapeer Co. I promised to meet with them occasionally, which was encouraging to them, as they have been almost entirely neglected.
Bro. Lamson was with me at Flint. Our meetings were good. On the Sabbath, brethren were present from Mount Morris and Thetford, so that our house of worship was quite well filled. There are a number here that are interested in the truth, who with a little labor may be led to obey. On first-day, June 1, five were baptized by Bro. Lamson. They are doing but little in the interests of the Sabbath-school, but are willing to take hold of the work. It was voted to send for fifteen copies of the Instructor, also a S. S. Secretary's Record Book. It was with some misgivings that I came to this part of the State; but as I have tried to do my duty I have received some encouragement, and find a willingness on the part of our brethren to co-operate with me. I hope to leave the cause of God in this section in a more healthy condition than at the present time. Will the brethren and sisters pray that the blessing of God may rest upon my labors. H. M. KENYON.
June 3.
Mt. Pleasant and Seville.—May 24, 25, held meetings in Mt. Pleasant at what is known as the Hoag school-house. A year and a half ago there were eight scattered Sabbath-keepers in this county; now there are fifty-five. This is the result of persevering, continued effort. Sunday we repaired to the Chippewa River, where seventeen followed their Lord in baptism. A church of thirty-one members was organized, and more will soon be added. This is a very promising field.
In company with Bro. L. Kellogg, we came to Seville, May 27. Found several keeping the Sabbath, and desiring to become organized. We continued with them until Sunday, preaching every evening to a full house of attentive listeners. Eight were found ready for baptism and organization; others will be ready soon. Sunday we went nine miles and baptized six. One encouraging feature is that the straight testimony was well received. After baptism, two brethren were solemnly set apart as elder and deacon. May they all walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called. E. VAN DEUSEN.
June 3.
Eaton Rapids, Tent No. 3.—According to appointment I met with the brethren at Eaton Rapids, May 10, 11. Found them desirous of having tent-labor in that vicinity. They need help. We had good meetings at private houses. In the evening, May 12, I met a few of the brethren in Charlotte. They were very anxious that a tent meeting should be held there. Visited Bro. Carman and Bro. Lewes of Dimondale. Wednesday and Thursday evenings had interesting meetings at West Windsor. Spent Sabbath and first-day, May 17, 18, with the Alaiedon church. They seem to be doing well, but need encouragement on some branches of the truth. Shall try to help them. Visited the brethren in Lansing, the 19th. On account of sickness we had no meeting. Found Bro. Kynett in deep affliction on account of the death of his youngest child, and the sickness of another. After going to Eaton Rapids, getting out my hand-bills, and leaving them to be circulated, I returned to West Windsor, and held a meeting with good interest in the evening of the 23d. Spent Sabbath and first day at Dimondale. I think the spiritual condition of this church is good, but they need some encouragement. The 26th, went to Battle Creek for my tent. We pitched it and commenced meetings as appointed, May 30. Have held seven meetings with a fair attendance although it has been rainy. The interest seems to be increasing. Brethren and sisters, pray for us. T. M. STEWARD.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth,” Rev. 14:13.
THOMAS.—Died, at Little Genesee, Allegany Co., N. Y., March 11, 1879, Sister Sabrina Thomas, wife of Bro. Sylvester B. Thomas, in the forty-ninth year of her age. Her life for a number of years had been one of intense suffering from the effects of a cancer preying upon her system; but with the most remarkable patience she resigned herself to the will of Him who doeth all things well, and quietly fell asleep in Jesus. Funeral discourse by Eld. T. B. Brown, S. D. Baptist, from 1 Cor. 15:26; “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
“Go to thy rest in peace, And soft be thy repose; Thy toils o’er, thy troubles cease, From earthly cares, in sweet release, Thine eyelids gently close.” S. A. H. LINDSEY.
KALE.—Died in Peru, Iowa, April 29, 1879, Bro. Reuben A. Kale, aged 68 years. Father Kale had been a great sufferer for several years; but he was sustained by the Christian’s hope, and bore his sufferings patiently. He embraced present truth under the labors of Elds. Canright and Butler, at Winterset, Iowa, in the summer of 1870, and he afterward clung to the views then received with remarkable firmness and faith. Funeral discourse by the writer, on Sunday, June 1, to a large congregation of mourning relatives and sympathizing friends, from 1 Thess 4:13–18.
“He sleeps in Jesus—cease thy grief; Let this afford thee sweet relief, That freed from death’s triumphant reign, In Heaven he will live again.” W. D. McLAUGHLIN.
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