At the present day, perhaps more than ever, men are only too happy to find a reason to justify the continuance of any bad habit, or a belief in some false theory, the practical working of which seems more easy, congenial, and convenient for themselves than that of the truth. For instance, show a man that pork is as unclean to the Gentile as to the Jew, that in the Bible it is classed with such animals as the camel and the coney, and such birds as the eagle, the vulture, and the owl (Lev. 11), with the mouse, and other abominable things (Isa. 65:4; 66:17), that the swine is full of scrofulous humors, the cause of many diseases to those who eat it, and more than occasionally filled with the terrible trichinæ,—show him this, and he will gravely ask, “What is to be done with all the swine in the earth?” presuming, virtually, that every filthy animal for which no other use is readily seen, must be eaten! What shall be done with all the homeless, outcast dogs in our streets? What shall be done with the rats and mice? The Chinaman will carry this argument a little further, and say, Eat then! But there is a use for the swine. Let them act as scavengers to pick up the filth and waste from the premises.
We present the Sabbath. The people acknowledge the truth. They see at once that there is not a spark of Bible for the observance of Sunday, and that it is very explicit in commanding the observance of the Sabbath of the Lord, which is the seventh day. Then they begin to reason:—
“It would bring confusion into the community to go to keeping the Sabbath. Some would be keeping one day, and some the other.”
“My mother always taught me to observe Sunday carefully, and I should not feel free to change now, lest I should make her feel bad.” This “reason” was offered us a day or two since.
“It unsettles the minds of the people, and there will be less unity, if this Sabbath doctrine be preached. Don’t you think we ought to be united?”
These and a score of like transparent “reasons” are handed in as occasion requires or opportunity presents.
Benjamin Franklin had a keen sense of the subtlety of carnal reasoning, and he had his own inimitable way of exposing it. In relating some of the incidents of his younger days, he, in his seventy-ninth year, wrote the following:—
“My scheme of ORDER gave me the most trouble; and I found that, though it might be practicable where a man’s business was such as to leave him the disposition of his time, that of a journeyman printer, for instance, it was not possible to be exactly observed by a master, who must mix with the world, and often receive people of business at their own hours. Order, too, with regard to places for things, papers, &c., I found extremely difficult to acquire. I had not been early accustomed to it, and, having an exceedingly good memory, I was not so sensible of the inconvenience attending want of method. This article, therefore, cost me so much painful attention, and my faults in it vexed me so much, and I made so little progress in amendment, and had such frequent relapses, that I was almost ready to give up the attempt, and content myself with a faulty character in that respect, like the man who, in buying an ax of a smith, my neighbor, desired to have the whole of its surface as bright as the edge. The smith consented to grind it bright for him if he would turn the wheel. He turned, while the smith pressed the broad face of the ax hard and heavily on the stone, which made the turning of it very fatiguing. The man came every now and then from the wheel, to see how the work went on, and at length said he would take his ax as it was, without further grinding.
“‘No,’ said the smith, ‘turn on, turn on; we shall have it bright by and by; as yet it is only speckled.’”
“‘Yes,’ said the man, ‘but I think I like a speckled ax best!’”
“And I believe this may have been the case with many, who, having, for want of some such means as I employed, found the difficulty of obtaining good and breaking bad habits in other points of vice and virtue, have given up the struggle and concluded that ‘a speckled ax was best;’ for something, that pretended to be reason, was every now and then suggesting to me that such extreme nicety as I exacted of myself might be a kind of foppery in morals, which, if it were known, would make me ridiculous; that a perfect character might be attended with the inconvenience of being envied and hated; and that a benevolent man should allow a few faults in himself, to keep his friends in countenance.”
Truly, it is convenient to be a ready reasoner. Franklin relates another incident, to show how this happy faculty permitted him to eat codfish, against a previous resolution:—
“In my first voyage from Boston, being becalmed off Block Island, our people set about catching cod, and hauled up a great many. Hitherto I had stuck to my resolution of not eating animal food, and on this occasion, I considered, with my master Tryon, the taking of every fish as a kind of unprovoked murder, since none of them ever had done, or could do, us any injury that might justify the slaughter. All this seemed very reasonable. But I had formerly been a very great lover of fish, and when this came hot out of the frying pan, it smelt admirably well. I balanced some time between principle and inclination, till I recollected that when the fish were opened, I saw smaller fish taken out of their stomachs. Then thought I, ‘If you eat one another, I don’t see why we mayn’t eat you.’ So I dined upon cod very heartily, returning only now and then occasionally to a vegetable diet. So convenient a thing is it to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.” C. W. STONE.
THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE.
By Albert Stone
Those who accept the third angel's message of Rev. 14, according to the Scriptures, regard it as the most welcome light that has ever shone on their pathway. It is to them the occasion of joy and thankfulness. They marvel that so bright a light should have escaped their notice so long. Language seems too feeble to express its excellences. It was held, by the Spirit of God, as a reserve force to come in opportunely to cheer disappointed hearts, and turn the tide of battle. It justified the past experience of the Adventists that seemed anomalous, while it lighted the future by explaining the mysteries of the gospel, as connected with the closing scenes of probation.
It throws its arms of light and love around an entire generation of men, and points them to a place of shelter from the rising storm that will desolate the earth. It lights up a prepared, but hitherto untrodden, path of Christian experience. It has respect to a class who are to be redeemed from the earth, not out of it. It will be the key-note of a song before the throne which no man can learn but those thus redeemed from the earth. Rev. 14:3. It is based on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It brings to view the closing acts of redemption in the most holy place of the sanctuary above. Our High Priest has entered there, for a little time, to finish his work and cut it short in righteousness.
All have important business to transact with him in that particular locality, which it is unsafe to delay for a single day. The office is open to-day, and all may come, if they will, and obtain the true riches. The sinner, the backslider, the nominal professor, the weeping saint,—all who have not sinned away their day of grace are pointed by the message of the third angel to the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary as the only place where Jesus can now be found and pardon be obtained. This change in our Lord's ministration, so clearly set forth in the Scriptures, and which is virtually the burden of the third angel's message, is the point where both the sanctuary and He who ministers in it become a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.
Here unbelief is stubborn, even to blindness, and many will fall, be broken, snared and taken. Isa. 8:14, 15. The third angel's message, like the infant Jesus, is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against.
It is to be regretted that the message in question shares, in so small a degree, the respect of mankind. It is a truth that will not be disputed that the mass of those that profess to love and fear God regard it with entire distrust, and many, with opposition. The pulpit and the religious press are, to a great extent, closed against its discussion. Preachers are not few who sedulously guard against its introduction among their people, as they would against gross immoralities; and those who embrace it they exclude from their communion. To this there are some noble exceptions; but as a rule this way is everywhere spoken against by clergy and laity.
But this message was revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos. It is recorded in the Bible for the especial benefit of those that should live and remain to the close of probation. It is based on the law of God, the ten commandments, and the faith, or teachings, of Jesus, as contained in the New Testament.
We ask, How much of the Bible is left to him who rejects all these? Take these from the Bible, and it makes it a blank of no value. Yet this is virtually done by those who choose a position of hostility to the work of the third angel. If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The message in question is predicated on those very principles that sustain the moral government of the Creator. The one is as easily interrupted as the other.
The message is given in furtherance of the plans of the divine government. It is a spoke in the revolving wheel of God's providence, to accomplish his appointed ends. It is simply a question of loyalty or disloyalty to the divine government. It is above everything else a criterion of character. It is the application of the eternal principles of righteousness to the circumstances of a particular case.
In this view it is a conspicuous mark of God's love and favor. It develops no new principle, but it applies the old principle to new circumstances. The circumstances of the people of God have always been changing, and he has adapted his instructions to their peculiar conditions, always holding the law before them as a rule of action, because it is to be the rule of judgment. ALBERT STONE.
Judgment, Firmness, and Courage in Life
JUDGMENT, firmness, and courage—few things are more necessary in life than these qualities. With them a man can rarely fail; without them he can rarely succeed.
OHIO
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
Leesburg, Highland Co.
The tent was pitched in Leesburg last summer, but circumstances prevented giving a full series of discourses. Considerable interest was then raised, but I found none who had any special interest in the truth. The place has been somewhat noted for a strong skeptical influence. The Universalist house was easily obtained, and though the prospect was unpromising for results, the attendance was as good as could be expected considering the state of the weather.
But the interest gradually rose from the first. There are now ten or twelve keeping the Sabbath, and I have confidence they will hold on. And the work is not yet done. Labor will soon be resumed there.
New Antioch, Clinton Co.
The attendance at the quarterly meeting at this place was good, and the interest appeared to be good. But when the time came for the business meeting, the streets were covered with a sleet so that it was very few were present. All was done that could be done under the circumstances.
In Leesburg I gave a discourse on the subject of Health, purely from a Bible stand-point, and it was well received by all classes; three physicians were present, who, I was told, indorsed it heartily. I was greatly surprised to find that the same given in Antioch was highly offensive to some of the most influential of the Sabbath-keepers. If we are the Advent people; if we are in the last days, then the closing testimony of Jesus to the churches, in Rev. 3:14-21, is timely, and may be read with profit by us all. All who really believe in the Lord’s coming will want to get right in all things. For proof see 1 John 3:2, 3.
Clyde.
At the State quarterly meeting only two directors were present; in some cases there was evidently a neglect of duty. The T. and M. Society in Ohio has been laboring under discouragements, but it is fast rising above them. A failure of crops for two years in some parts of the State renders it impossible for some to pay their pledges, and clear up their indebtedness. This seems to paralyze their efforts, and in some sections but little is being done. But the State, as a whole, is fast clearing away its debt, and we may look for more cheering circumstances soon. Now is the time to take hold, as the cause is beginning to look up. Much must depend on the efficiency of the officers. The directors need to lead out if they will have the members follow.
The brethren in and about Clyde have done themselves great credit in their meeting-house. A better and neater house it may be hard to find. The Clyde Sentinel gave it a first-rate notice, saying it is an honor to the place, and to those who have labored and sacrificed to erect it. Fortunately the spirit of work and of sacrifice rested upon the church generally, and where a people are united they can accomplish much.
One object of this meeting was to consult with the officers of the society and the laborers generally, about future labors, and how best to fill the openings before us. But so few were present that not much could be done in that direction. There needs to be quite a waking up in Ohio if the cause is expected to go forward. It cannot go alone. J. H. WAGGONER.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Pulaski and Mannsville, N. Y.
WENT to Mannsville the 15th, and spent one evening, then visited Pulaski again, where I spent two evenings, and returned to Mannsville the 18th. The meeting there was trying and laborious, but the results amply rewarded all the toil and anxiety. Found the church very careless and indifferent, and felt called upon to bear a very plain testimony; but this was well received, and after a severe struggle confessions were made, light broke in, a good degree of freedom came into the meeting, and the church voluntarily covenanted to heed the instruction given. As their quarterly meeting was not held at the regular time, that was attended to. The ordinances were celebrated. The business of the church was done, tract society matters looked after, the one-third adopted, a vigilant missionary society started, and ten copies of the SIGNS and twenty-five copies of the COLLEGE RECORD subscribed for for its use.
I find myself considerably worn, and in need of a few days’ rest before entering upon a campaign in an entirely new field.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Scott Center, Pa., Jan. 22.
THE interest here is still good. Two more have decided to obey the truth, and all seem to be firm.
One evening after I had spoken on the state of the dead, a Mr. Buck, who, I am informed, is as near a Disciple as anything, requested the privilege of speaking a few minutes on the same subject. He had no sooner arisen to speak than the people began to leave the house. He spoke about ten minutes and stopped, as he saw his congregation was leaving him. (There has been the very best order in our meetings.) The position he took, as nearly as I could understand it in the confusion, was that the Old Testament belonged entirely to the old dispensation, and that man, under that dispensation, was mortal, but under the new he was immortal, quoting John 11:26. The next evening I spoke on the resurrection, and only referred to his remarks to explain the passage he quoted and to read Acts 24:14; for I saw how the people regarded him. I remained some time after meeting, expecting he would reply, as he was present, but he said nothing. After I had left he gave out an appointment.
The feelings of the better class of people seem to be all in favor of the truth. Some say he will not be allowed to speak in the house, as he has preached some here, and has made a practice of abusing all other denominations.
I believe the cause of truth will not be injured by this, and my prayer is that God will direct and overrule so that it may not be. I feel especially anxious that the influence that goes out from the work here may be just right in every respect, as our people are not known in this section.
E. W. WHITNEY.
NEBRASKA
Orleans, Jan. 21.
The series of meetings at this place closed last evening. I came here through the influence of Bro. J. S. Hoyt, whom, with his companion, and some S. D. Baptist friends, I found observing the Sabbath.
Last Monday and Tuesday evenings I held meetings in the edge of Kansas. The second evening some came ten miles to listen to a discourse on the prophecies. An interest had been awakened here through our publications. I was strongly urged to remain, and give a course of lectures. This place being outside our Conference, I would call the attention of the president of the Kansas Conference to this point. One in Long Island, Phillips Co., Kan., has commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath. This is in the north-western corner of Phillips Co.
The interest at Orleans is still good, and the people manifest friendly feelings. My last congregation was the largest one I had during the meetings. Have had some opposition to meet. Mr. Bushnell, of the Presbyterian Church, spoke on the “Sunday question.” He told the congregation that so long as a law was binding the penalty for transgression must be inflicted; and said, “If we go back to the observance of the Jewish Sabbath, I am certain we shall have to return to stoning.” The Lord39assisted in reviewing him. One interesting feature of our meetings has been the successful effort to awaken a zeal for the salvation of the youth.
By invitation, I now go to Furnas Co., to follow up an interest awakened by Bro. Jenkins, intending to return here at some future time and hold a few more meetings.
My address is Orleans, Harlan Co., Neb.
CHAS. D. BOYD.
Lancaster Co., Jan. 20.
I have given a course of lectures in the Crounse school-house, Lancaster Co. One family, consisting of three grown persons and six children, have taken a firm stand on the truth, and two other families and one teacher are convinced. A local preacher of the M. E. church, an influential man, is very much interested. He admitted before the congregation that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and he is now investigating the subject of the nature of man.
While I was at home attending our quarterly meeting, the Methodists, fearing that we should get some of their members, commenced a protracted meeting; but I do not think they will effect anything.
M. HACKWORTH.
MICHIGAN
Labor Among the Churches.
We left Allegan, Thursday, Jan. 17, for Ravenna. At Cooperville we met Elder E. H. Root, of Wright, and John Wight, of Ravenna. With the former we arranged for a series of meetings to be held in the Wright church; and with the latter, we started upon a journey of four and a half miles, in the evening, over very muddy roads, to the township of Ravenna.
On the evening of the following day, we commenced a series of meetings which continued over Sabbath and Sunday. The region being new, and the country, where cleared, being devoted to farms, it was difficult to see where our congregation was to come from. When the time for the services had fully arrived, however, the people came in rapidly, and we were agreeably surprised to find the place of meeting well filled with attentive listeners. On the Sabbath, a large delegation of brethren came from Wright, distant about six miles, and the occasion proved to be one of great solemnity and profit. After the discourse, nearly three-fourths of the congregation united in a movement expressive of an earnest desire for more perfect consecration to the work and service of God. On Sunday, also, our meetings were characterized by an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord that cheered the hearts of all present.
On Sunday evening, though it was very dark without, and the rain was falling quite fast, the house was well filled again, and with this service our meetings there came to a close. During their continuance they were instrumental, not only in encouraging believers, but also in inducing individuals to the number of seven to enter anew upon the service of God. We regretted the necessity which we were under of leaving them so soon; but if the weather should admit, they will be able to unite with us in our meetings at Wright.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
M. S. BURNHAM.
Orleans, Ionia Co., Jan. 23.
I have been holding meetings here three weeks, with an average attendance of two hundred. There have been as many as three hundred present, some coming seven or eight miles. It is a common thing to see from thirty to fifty teams hitched in the yard. Some have already commenced to observe the Sabbath, and many are deeply interested. The people here are greatly stirred by the truth, and discuss the different points whenever two or three meet. Opposition is being raised, which deepens the desire to hear.
My address, for the present, is Orleans, Ionia Co., Mich.
J. O. CORLISS.
Chippewa, Isabella Co., Jan. 23.
Commenced meetings here Jan. 2, with good congregations and good interest. This community is considerably stirred in regard to the truth. A few claim the privilege of thinking and investigating for themselves. There has been but little open opposition as yet. The preacher in charge promises to speak on the immortality question the 3d of February, probably thinking I will be away before that time.
Four have taken a stand for the truth, and others are investigating. The Lord has greatly blessed me in trying to present his truth.
ALL-WISE art Thou; we cannot sound
Thy wisdom depths, thy thoughts profound;
All knowledge thine, Omniscient One,
Thou knowest best, thy will be done.
Holy art thou, thy ways are right,
Though deep, though high, beyond our sight.
Dark unbelief, O help us shun;
Thou only good, thy will be done.
And thou art Love, revealed thou art;
Christ showed thy tender, gracious heart;
Lost was the world, thou gav'st thy Son
To save the lost, thy will be done.
Help us to trust thee, blessed Lord,
To walk by faith, obey thy word;
Help us till life's bright crown is won
With Christ to pray, Thy will be done.
N. W. VINCENT.
DANVERS, MASS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Our State quarterly meeting has just closed. It was an excellent meeting in every respect. The weather was fine as summer, and a good delegation of brethren and sisters came from all parts of the Conference. Most of our brethren and sisters from the new company at Newburyport were present and enjoyed the meeting greatly. Among them was a groceryman who has just embraced the Sabbath. The outside interest and attendance was large. Indeed, it was apparently larger than at any previous time. Our house was packed full. We had an excellent Sabbath-school exercise for the benefit of our friends from abroad. There were about one hundred and fifteen in the school that day. This is the largest Sabbath-school any of our friends in these parts have ever seen. It is working finely, with a steady increase of numbers.
Sabbath afternoon Eld. Haines preached a short sermon, after which we had a most melting social meeting. Scores of touching testimonies were borne. No time was lost. It did our hearts good to hear the new friends of the truth speak. Many had kept the Sabbath only a little while; others, three Sabbaths, two Sabbaths, and with quite a number, this was the first. A touching appeal was made for all to arise who would obey the truth. The Spirit of God seemed to help mightily. Most in the house were in tears. Nearly all arose, among whom were several cases of great interest to us. Good letters were then read from sister Lamson and Mrs. Canright, which touched the hearts of all present.
Sunday was a good day for us. The truth took a mighty hold. I sold seven copies of the “History of the Sabbath,” besides many other books. Every day I obtain some subscribers for our periodicals. Sunday morning nearly all the brethren were out, and we took up the T. and M. work, and proposed to organize here. Forty-six names were immediately handed in. Probably many more will join soon.
Since we have begun meetings in our new house, twenty-five adult persons, all, except one, heads of families, mostly men, have embraced the Sabbath. These would form a good church of themselves; and still they come. In fact, I do not know how the interest could be better. It is said we have the largest congregations of any church in the place. Our ordinary Sabbath meetings are larger than those of most of the churches on Sunday.
Among those who have embraced the Sabbath are a merchant, a groceryman, a shoe manufacturer, a butcher, a barber, two painters, a man who runs a grist-mill and a saw-mill, and a number of shoe-makers. The interest is now so extensive, spreading for miles around, and there is so much to be done among the brethren themselves, that I see no prospect of getting away from here for a long time. We begin to fear that our meeting-house (32x52) will really be too small. Truly this is the Lord’s work and it is marvelous in our eyes. Our enemies do not know what to say any more. Backsliders, sinners, and profane, wicked men, and many of them too, are now seeking God with tears, having erected the family altar, and are becoming devoted men. These are hard arguments to get over. We thank God, and take courage.
Since we had a season of prayer for Mrs. Canright, she has steadily improved, till now she is quite comfortable, and able to walk about again, though far from being well or out of danger.
D. M. Canright.
TEXAS
By R. M. Kilgore
The meeting at Cleburne was but thinly attended, on account of bad weather and the condition of the roads. The brethren and sisters are making good advancement in the Christian life, and are seeking for more and more of the life and power of godliness, and are coming up nobly on all the reforms. Tobacco, tea, coffee, and pork are staple articles in Texas. Chewing and smoking tobacco and snuff-dipping are practiced by men, women, and children, as a rule, though honorable exceptions are found occasionally; but in almost every case where the truth has been received with the whole heart, these luxuries (?) have been laid aside. We have been waiting, before organizing at Cleburne and Peoria, to see the effect of the truth on the lives of those who have received it. I expect now to return in a short time and organize more fully at Cleburne. Their figures on S. B. were increased, and their zeal in the T. and M. cause also. The meeting here was profitable, and I was much encouraged.
The general quarterly meeting at Dallas was enjoyed greatly by all who came with a mind to work. It was a profitable season. The communion was a solemn and impressive scene. With a single exception, love and harmony seem to prevail here. The S. B. was increased. Two were added to the church by letter.
The meeting of the T. and M. Society was profitable; and although the report was comparatively small on account of the length of the quarter, yet it showed activity. Greater zeal, and a deeper interest in this important branch of the work, are certainly required at our hands, and we have strong hopes that they will be manifested throughout the entire new year.
During this tour of one hundred and fifty miles, we have been encouraged by enjoying the manifest presence of God in our meetings. In our absence good meetings are reported at Peoria. The work on our meeting-house has been greatly impeded on account of the weather. We are at work on the foundation. We are in our own home, having purchased a cheap property in the village. This is now our permanent address. R. M. Kilgore.
Peoria, Hill Co., Texas, Jan. 15, 1875.
THE WORK AT DANVERS, MASS.
By M. Wood
Doubtless the readers of the Review are as anxious to hear about the work in Danvers as we were a year ago to hear about the work in Rome, N. Y. I think there never was a time since our organization when the pages devoted to the progress of the cause were perused with such intense interest as at the present time. Although the reports from Danvers have been of such a character as to stimulate the faithful, patient, waiting child of God, and give a new impetus to the work generally, the half has never been told.
A few months ago even the name Seventh-day Adventist was unknown in the city of Danvers. Eld. Canright went there an entire stranger to all in the city. He pitched his tent and commenced his labors. At first, as in all new places, he was looked upon with distrust, and was classed among Mormons, spiritualists, or something worse, if possible; and the weak lambs were advised by the wise ones to give the tent a wide berth. But time sped on, and every blow struck by Eld. C. just settled the piles deeper and deeper upon which to build the largest church in New England. And to-day the name of Seventh-day Adventists is as familiar in Danvers as the most common household word, and their reputation is irreproachable.
Eld. C. has labored in this place incessantly for several months, and has just finished a second course of lectures. The last lectures have had a most beneficial influence upon those already established in the truth, besides bringing out nearly a score of others, to take their stand upon God's sacred truth. The interest does not abate in the least. Merchants, mechanics, ministers, men of means, of mind, and of moral integrity, are embracing the third angel's message, and uniting with the Danvers church.
The sound is gone out all over the country. People come in from every quarter to hear the word of God in its purity, some coming over one hundred miles to attend the meetings. Even the ministers of the most popular churches, exclaim, when they see, as they do here, drunkards reclaimed, and skeptics and infidels converted to God, that it is marvelous in their eyes.
God has certainly wrought in a most wonderful manner in this section of country during the past few months. It would have rejoiced your heart, dear reader, to attend the Sabbath-school in Danvers last Sabbath. There were nine classes. Each individual, from the grandsire to the little child, sought to become familiar with the word of God.
Brethren, is not all this in accordance with the teachings of the Holy One of Israel? We believe it is. One little girl of three summers, after reciting a perfect lesson in the first chapter of Genesis, came to me and named all the books in the Old Testament with a degree of accuracy which would put some of the older brethren and sisters to shame. May God bless the Sabbath-keeping children. And may the prayers of the dear saints ascend daily and hourly to the throne of grace, that strength and grace may be given his servants to faithfully prosecute the work.
M. Wood.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died of erysipelas, in Knoxville, Iowa, Dec. 11, 1877, Nancy, wife of Benjamin Morrison, aged 61 years, 8 months, and 7 days. Sister Morrison was for several years a member of the United Brethren Church. She embraced the Sabbath and kindred truths about thirteen years ago. Since that time she has adorned her profession with a well ordered life and a godly conversation. She leaves a companion, a family of eight children, and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss. She had the comfort, before she died, of seeing most of her children in the fold of Christ, and one of them a faithful laborer in the Master's cause. Sister Morrison sleeps, yet she, “being dead, yet speaketh” through her Christian example, and, by her deeds of kindness, she still lives in the hearts of her friends. Although, with sad hearts, her family have been called to part with their dearest earthly treasure, yet the future is radiant with hope that when the Lifegiver shall come, the broken family link will be united. Remarks from 1 Cor. 15:20. E. W. FARNSWORTH.
Died of lung fever, in Linneus, Aroostook Co., Me., Sister Charlotte E. Adams, aged 40 years, 7 months, and 10 days. She leaves a husband and three children, and a large circle of relatives to mourn their loss. Sister Adams embraced the truths of the third angel's message about two years ago, under the labors of Bro. J. B. Goodrich, and died in hope of a part in the first resurrection. Funeral discourse by the writer, from Job 14:14. SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
Died, at Kingston, Meeker Co., Minn., Jan. 13, 1878, Maud Esther, daughter of W. H. and Ella M. Hall, aged 9 months and 22 days. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Job. 1:21. ANDREW MEAD.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
Our quarterly meeting at the Powder Mills church, Jan. 5 and 6, was a success, though during the meeting the weather was very cold. But the brethren and sisters from Elizabethtown could not be deterred by cold, and a goodly number came from there. Since Bro. Haskell’s visit, many of our number have taken hold of the missionary work in earnest, as the secretary’s report will show. It will be sent in soon.
Times are very close here; however, some came up nobly on their S. B. pledges; others did not. It is hoped all will redeem their pledges by Conference time. All those who were present renewed their S. B. pledge, which is lower than that of last year.
Bro. G. K. Owen writes from Tennessee that he is having good success where he is lecturing, near Edgefield Junction. I am at Knob Lick, Metcalfe Co., Ky., which will be my address until further notice.
S. OSBORN.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
At Lebanon I sold thirty-nine Annuals, obtained seven subscribers for the REFORMER, and sold eight dollars’ worth of books. I expect to begin lectures at Edgefield Junction, Jan. 17.
ORLANDO SOULE.
ILLINOIS
By C. H. Bliss
Mt. Vernon, Jan. 21.
THE brethren here seem to be growing. All who keep the Sabbath, except one or two, have given up the use of tobacco. Some have joined us. We have changed our place of meeting, and now have a neat little hall in the central part of the town. Our new place of worship is more pleasant and convenient in every respect.
I go this week to join Eld. G. W. Colcord in a tour among the churches. We commence labor at New Rutland. Eld. J. B. Logan will preach at Mt. Vernon once a month, during my absence. We are grateful for the kindness shown us by the brethren here. C. H. Bliss.
INDIANA
By W. W. Sharp
The turnout at Peoria, Miami Co., was good. Organized a church of eight members; s. b. about $25, and more will be pledged. Jan. 1, I baptized three, one of whom was quite an aged lady who never made a profession before, but is so happy in the truth, and enjoys the meetings so much, that the time from Sabbath to Sabbath seems long to her. The church here have the use of a meeting-house for taking care of it while using it. If they will be humble and earnest, I believe others will soon unite with them.
Was at Marion, Jan. 4-8. Celebrated the ordinances, and re-arranged s. b., which was raised $31. Some are working for the REFORMER, and feel the importance of health reform. May they fully realize that it is a part of the message.
Came to West Liberty, Jan. 10. Our meetings were well attended. In testimonies well moistened with tears the church covenanted with God and one another to live nearer to God the year to come than ever before. May the Lord bless them with much of his grace. W. W. SHARP.
MAINE
By Samuel J. Hersum
HELD my last meeting in Monticello, Dec. 23. Many acknowledged that we had the truth, but only one took a decided stand for it. Opposition was very strong. We held one meeting about nine miles from Monticello, in a lumbering camp. Obtained one subscriber for the INSTRUCTOR, and left some reading matter. We then went to Bridgewater, where we held, in all, ten meetings. Obtained three subscribers for the REFORMER and three for the INSTRUCTOR.
Attended the quarterly meeting of the church in Linneus, Jan. 5. Jan. 10, went to Oakfield, where we held, in all, seven meetings, including the T. and M. meeting and quarterly meeting of the church. These meetings seemed to be seasons of profit to the brethren. One young man took a decided stand on the truth, others that were on the back-ground started anew, and three others arose for prayers.
We feel the need of the prayers of the brethren and sisters. This cause needs the whole man, and none will ever enter into the joy of their Lord whose whole hearts are not in this work. All that we have and are, must be consecrated to God. Oh that we could all realize the importance of the time in which we live, and of the truth! Brethren, let us awake to the importance of this work in which we are engaged.
SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
DAKOTA
By John F. Hanson
WE spent the past week with the Swedish church at Sioux Valley. We labored hard here, and it was the opinion of those that love the truth sincerely that much good was done. We hope for the time to come that the blessing of God may rest on this church mightily, resulting in the salvation of many souls.
Shall now visit the Danish churches in Iowa, and also labor in new places near our churches, as the way may open.
JOHN F. HANSON.
IOWA
By J. S. HART
I commenced a course of lectures about eight miles south-west of Alden, at the Silverdale school-house. The meetings were well attended at first; but soon the most of the Methodists refused to come and used their influence to keep others away. Finally they commenced a protracted meeting. The school-house in the adjoining district was offered us. Here the interest is good, and is increasing.
We have held three Sabbath meetings, and they have been well attended. Nine have signed the covenant, one a deacon of the Baptist church. Others are convinced that we have the truth.
A man from Minnesota, with his wife, attended a few meetings, and decided that we have the truth and that they would keep God's holy law. They provided themselves with a good supply of tracts to carry to their friends. Have sold twelve dollars' worth of tracts and books.
The Lord has blessed our labors. To his name be all the praise. We ask the prayers of God's people, that his truth may triumph here. J. S. HART.
Circulate the Review in District No. 2
By Wm. Covert
TO DIST. NO. 2, IND. T. & M. SOCIETY.
I know that many to whom this is addressed will never see it, because they do not take the REVIEW. But what I have to say is this: We have many Sabbath-keeping families in our district that do not take any of our papers, and therefore we find them slack in their interest for the truth. Now I would suggest that those who do take the paper make an extra effort during the present quarter to induce our brethren and friends to subscribe for the REVIEW. No Sabbath-keeper should be without it. No worldly consideration will compensate for its absence from our families. It is more valuable than gold. Nearly all can take it if they will try. Its circulation should be greatly increased in our district. If we want good Sabbath meetings, circulate the REVIEW. If we would have encouraging T. and M. reports, our friends must take the REVIEW. Wm. COVERT, Director.