Earlier text: EASTWARDPerhaps many of the readers of the REVIEW are not aware to what extent missionary labor in connection with the cause of present truth is being performed in other countries. Missionary workers in these countries meet with difficulties unknown to our American brethren and sisters. The work in Naples, Italy, under the labors of Bro. H. P. Ribton, presents a very encouraging aspect. Although surrounded with difficulties that would have disheartened many, since they first received the light he and his wife have labored incessantly to bring it before others. There is now good prospect that there will soon be a strong company of Seventh-day Adventists there,—one qualified to uphold and carry forward the work in that city, even without the assistance of Bro. Ribton. They are making strenuous efforts to interest in the truth people of different languages, by means of correspondence, the distribution of publications, etc. They have those in their midst who are familiar with various languages spoken in Europe, who are zealously engaged in this work. As the result, individuals are constantly becoming interested, and taking their stand with the little company of Sabbath-keepers in that place. Men who embrace the truth in that country take their lives in their hands. Not only does it often take away their means of support, but it subjects them to personal violence at the hands of unprincipled men, who are incited to such deeds by the priests. The lives of some who have attended Bro. Ribton’s lectures have been threatened, unless they remained away; and some have gone without food several days rather than to labor on the Sabbath. In Holland the Sabbath question is being agitated, and people are embracing the truth, as the following extract from a letter written by a gentleman in that country testifies. In fact this is the case in all countries, as far as we have knowledge. The letter has been translated from the French language. “Very Dear Brother: Through the kindness of my friend and brother, —— ——, I have received your letter and the paper, Les Signes des Temps. I will gladly subscribe for it, and I wish you to send all the previous numbers, with the tracts advertised in the first number. Be so kind as to tell me how much they will be, and I will send you the money by mail. “By the grace of God my eyes have been opened, and I see the error in regard to the Sabbath, which man has changed from the seventh to the first day. For some weeks I have had the happiness of worshiping the Lord on his Sabbath, and of keeping the divine commandments with my wife, mother, and three daughters. “The Lord has in a special manner blessed Bro. ——’s efforts who, with my aid, and the help of tracts, has been able to show the will of God in regard to the Sabbath, until now there are twenty-three persons who are closely bound together to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. Although the difficulties and the opposition are great, we feel that our Heavenly Father helps us, and that he will fulfill his promises. “A brother who was very much opposed at first is now conquered by the Spirit and word of God. He went to the firm for which he works and asked his master to excuse him on the Sabbath, which he did at once, as Bro. —— was much thought of and a faithful workman. One sister who was with a distinguished family was obliged to leave her situation. Her friends told her she would never find another, but the Lord has proved that he is all-powerful. This week she has found another situation, where she can keep the Sabbath.” The following extracts from letters received by missionary workers among our Swedish brethren show how the truth is gaining ground among that people:— “The HAROLD is as dear to me as my own life, and I long for it every month. The article on the Atonement must not, for anything, be discontinued; for, that is one of the best pieces in the paper. Even those who have separated themselves from us, and have feelings of enmity against us, like this. “I feel very happy that the coming of our Saviour is so near, and that these truths are so clear, and have so firm a foundation. I feel my weakness, but my whole trust is in my Lord, who loves me so much. My whole desire is to stand under his banner and consecrate the remainder of my time to the work of God. I will do what I can in spreading the HAROLD and tracts; for this work is a pleasure to me!” Another letter reads as follows: “I have had the privilege of reading a copy of the HAROLD which speaks of the second coming of Christ, and I like it very much. If you will be kind enough to send me some good tracts, I will send you money as soon as I am informed how much they cost.” Another brother from Sweden writes: “A thousand thanks for your welcome letter and the papers, which we have received. We are very thankful to you for your kindness in sending the HAROLD to us. If the Lord grants me health, so that I continue to work, I will try to pay for it by New Year’s; for we like the paper very much, and many of our friends around here also read it with interest. We believe it advocates the plain truths of the word of God.” The following was received at the HAROLD office, from a gentleman in Sweden who has recently embraced the truth from reading the HAROLD:— “Beloved Brethren in Christ: I thank my Heavenly Father for his great love manifested to me in ordering it so that I receive the HAROLD. Through it and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have been brought to see many precious truths concerning which I have been in darkness during the past fifteen years that I have endeavored to be a child of God. I also return my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you, my dear brethren and sisters in a far-off country, for your love and care to us in sending the HAROLD to us who live so far up in the northern part of Sweden. “I will here make a little confession about what came into my mind when I first saw the HAROLD. I happened to come across it at some unbelievers’, in this town, to whom it had been sent by some of their relatives in America. My eye fell upon a discussion upon the immortality question, and when I saw that the paper advocated the non-immortality of the soul, I told them to throw such papers in the fire, and not allow them to be read among us; but a thought struck my mind, that I must prove all things and keep that which is good. I borrowed some of them, took them home and compared them with the Bible, that standard by which we shall be proved and judged in the last day. Then I saw that all the HAROLD contained was in conformity with the revealed word of God, and I ask, Is it not good? Yes; it is the truth, dear brethren. I now keep the Lord’s Sabbath, but am very lonely, meeting with opposition all around. Pray for me and my family, that we may be united in the truth.” M. L. Huntley. Alstrup, Denmark.
By John G. Matteson
I HAVE lectured in the meeting-house the past two weeks, principally upon the prophecies. The roads and the weather have not been very favorable, but the meetings have, nevertheless, been quite well attended, especially last week, as the people now celebrate Christmas. The people here celebrate this holiday two weeks, during which no labor is performed, except necessary work. We have, therefore, held our meetings mostly in the day-time. There are those here who are very near to us and who are anxious to hear the word of God, and we still labor on in hope. We think often of our dear brethren and sisters in America, and pray for them. Remember us in your prayers, that the Lord’s name may be glorified here by the salvation of souls. JOHN. G. MATTESON. The New Clerk's Book.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I HAVE just received from the REVIEW Office, sample copies of the New Clerk's Book for churches. I am very much pleased with it. It is gotten up in a neat, convenient style, with full directions how to keep it. It is so simple in its arrangement that there is no excuse for mistakes. Every one of our churches should have one of these books immediately. It would greatly facilitate the work of the clerk in keeping proper records of our churches. All our ministers and T. and M. workers should take right hold of this matter, and see that these books are distributed. The cost is but a trifle, while the benefit is great. Let us have our records kept clean. D. M. CANRIGHT. The Destructive Power of Words
“WORDS, WORDS, WORDS!” says Hamlet, disparagingly. But God preserve us from the destructive power of words! There are words which can separate hearts sooner than sharp swords; there are words whose sting can remain in the heart through a whole life. Therefore think always before you speak, and speak in love or be silent. Labor Among the Churches.
JANUARY 4 to 9, inclusive, we spent at Monterey, Mich., by invitation of the elder of that church. It was hoped that by bestowing several days’ labor upon the church at this time, good might be accomplished. The result proved that the meetings were timely. Seldom, in my experience, has God accomplished more for us in so short a time. Three individuals, who had been temporarily disconnected from the church, again united themselves with it, much to the satisfaction of the brethren. Other hindrances to the advancement of the cause were speedily removed, as the spirit of confession and reconciliation was admitted into the hearts of those who desired to act in harmony with the teachings of the Christian religion. The last evening but one before we left the place, we held a business meeting, which, though held in reference to matters exceedingly difficult to manage, was characterized by most perfect order and good will. The last evening before our departure was devoted to prayer and social meeting, in which all took part with a readiness and spirit which was indeed refreshing. From January 9 to 16 we were in Allegan. On January 12 and 13 the regular quarterly T. and M. society meeting was held in this place. We remained through these meetings, because the occasion was felt to be one of importance to the cause in this vicinity. Much to the satisfaction of all present, Eld. U. Smith was in attendance, and delivered three discourses with great acceptance, not only to the members of the church, but also to those present who differed in their opinions with the speaker. Brethren were in attendance in considerable numbers from Douglas, Otsego, Monterey, Clyde, and Plainwell, and on Sunday afternoon, greatly to the gratification of the church in Allegan, which had made special efforts to advertise the meeting, our house of worship was filled with an intelligent and deeply interested congregation. With this service the exercises closed, leaving an excellent impression, and those of our people who were in attendance returned to their homes greatly cheered, and very hopeful for the future. Meetings in Dists. 10 and 13.
I HAVE now, for the second time, gone over the greater part of Dists. 10 and 13 of the Michigan T. and M. Society. The object of this last effort was to finish the work which I could not accomplish at the first. I have put forth every effort to do my work faithfully and well, so as to win the approbation of the Master, and also meet the minds of his people. Have had freedom in preaching, and the word spoken has usually been well received by all who heard. The most of the brethren and sisters have done nobly on systematic benevolence, while a few, in all of the oldest churches where I have gone, have staid away from the S. B. meetings, so that they would not be called upon to pledge; these, in nearly every case, have been persons of considerable means. Their course has been a source of grief to me and to the church. It is a shame for those who profess to love the truth to thus do. It plainly shows that their love is not sincere. 2 Cor. 8:8. They have forgotten that “God loveth a cheerful giver,” or they care nothing for these words. DURING the holidays I held meetings in Whitehall, and obtained one subscriber for the REFORMER and one for the HAROLD. I came to Muskegon, Jan. 8. Have visited most of the Swedish, and some Danish, families, and sold or given away tracts and papers at every house. The prejudice here is very strong. One of the families I visited seemed very intelligent. The husband, who is a builder by trade, had been a sailor thirty-two years and knew several languages. He received me very kindly, and we had a long conversation about the truth. He reasoned quite correctly on many points. I gave him some tracts and a copy of the HAROLD. Others, professing to be very good Christians, hardly dare to read our papers, they are so afraid that they shall be seduced. I shall go into the country to-morrow. NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Wellsville, N. Y., Jan. 15.
OUR tract society meeting at this place, Jan. 12 and 13, was an occasion of great interest. The attendance from the different parts of the district was not large, owing to the bad condition of the roads and the fact that there had been a general gathering only three weeks previous, at the dedication of our new house of worship here. Yet those who were here felt that indeed we had a profitable meeting, and that the Spirit of the Lord was with us in good measure. The church quarterly meeting for this church was held in connection with this meeting, and nearly all the members of the church were present. Systematic benevolence was re-organized to the amount of $150. This will be increased by those absent to nearly or quite $200. Every member of the church present, who had not already done so, joined the tract society. We have never seen a better interest manifested in the tract work than at this time. The brethren from Niles Hill, although five miles distant, were here promptly at our morning meetings at 9 o’clock A. M. Five or six young sisters will go out immediately as canvassers. Two of them commence to-day to make a thorough canvass of the village for the REFORMER and INSTRUCTOR. Since Conference a large share of my time has been employed in the work on the church here, but I now intend, in company with Bro. Hall, to visit most of the churches in the State and labor for a revival of interest in the tract work, which has, for a long time, received but little attention. We are very thankful that the brethren have not lost their interest altogether, and that where we have been they are taking hold of the work with new zeal and energy. May the Lord grant us his blessing and give success to the work. As Bro. D. B. Welch had resigned his office as director of Dist. No. 10, the brethren, by unanimous vote, recommended that Bro. D. C. Phillips be appointed to fill the vacancy. Pulaski and Adams Center, N. Y.
From Rome I came to Pulaski, Jan. 7, and spent three days, speaking each evening. It being the week of prayer, and the weather continuing unfavorable, the attendance from outside was not large, but those that came were interested. The new friends of the cause are taking hold in earnest, signing liberally on S. B. and the one-third, and for the SIGNS for the use of the Vigilant Missionary Society which has been formed. The meeting at Adams Center the 12th and 13th, was, in some respects, an excellent one. The weather and traveling were such that but few came from other parts of the district, and I was called away on the Sabbath to attend a funeral; but most of those present seemed to feel their lack of zeal and union. Confessions were made, difficulties were removed, and the Spirit of the Lord came in as in former times. One brother said he had not seen so good a spirit on the part of the majority for two years. If they come up on the missionary work as they ought to do, they may expect the blessing of the Lord; for he has shown his willingness to bestow it. The matter of the expected Biblical Institute was considered, and a vote taken to invite it to Adams Center; and this action was backed up by a pledge of the brethren of that church to entertain, free of charge, those that attend, to the number of fifty or sixty. Haight School-House, N. Y., Jan. 14.
We closed our meetings here Sabbath, the 12th. The attendance has been good throughout, although the weather and roads have been unfavorable. Six or eight are keeping the Sabbath, and there is still a good interest, which we shall follow up by frequent visits through the winter. We attended the church quarterly meeting at Mannsville on the Sabbath, and the Pulaski business meeting on first-day. The brethren and sisters manifested a commendable zeal in the work, pledging liberally on the S. B. fund and the one-third. We organized a Vigilant Missionary Society of six members, and a club of eighteen copies of the SIGNS was ordered for their use. The report of labor in the tract society was very encouraging, and, on the whole, we consider it one of the best and most profitable business meetings we ever attended. Next Sunday we commence a course of lectures at the Blakeman school-house, about two miles from Pine Meadows, my first field of labor. Scott Center, Pa., Jan. 14.
ALTHOUGH the weather the past week has been somewhat unfavorable for the meetings here, yet the interest still continues. Sunday evening we had the largest, and apparently the most interested audience we have had since the meetings commenced. Have spent all the time I could in visiting from house to house. Four have fully decided to keep the Sabbath, and many are convinced, some of whom, I expect, will yet obey. Thou sweet hand of God, that so woundest my heart,
Thou makest me smile while thou mak’st me to smart,
It seems as if God were at ball-play, and I,
The harder he strikes me, the higher I fly, I own it—he bruises, he pierces me sore;
But the hammer and chisel afflict me no more.
Shall I tell you the reason? It is that I see,
The Sculptor will carve out an angel for me. I shrink from no suffering, how painful so-e’er,
When once I can feel that God’s guidance is there;
For soft on the anvil the iron shall glow,
When the smith, with his hammer, deals blow upon blow. God presses me hard, but he gives patience too;
And I say to myself, “’Tis no more than my due.”
And no tone from the organ can swell on the breeze
Till the organist’s fingers press down on the keys. So come, then, and welcome the blow and the pain!
Without them no mortal can Heaven attain;
For what can the sheaves on the barn-floor avail,
Till the thresher shall beat out the chaff with his flail? ’Tis only a moment God chastens with pain;
Joy follows on sorrow, like sunshine on rain.
Then bear thou what God on thy spirit shall lay;
Be dumb, but when tempted to murmur—then pray. DANVERS, MASS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
This morning, Jan. 14, we are all rejoicing over the glorious work the Lord is accomplishing here. The interest in our lectures in our new meeting-house, is, in some respects, better than it was in the tent. Our house is filled. Scores are most deeply interested. A half dozen or more have taken their stand with us the past week, and a score more are deciding. Our brethren and sisters are growing strong in the faith, and are zealous in the work. Our Sabbath-school is the best I have seen outside of Battle Creek. Sabbath afternoon was a melting time with us. Everybody was happy, and we all praised the Lord. We expect to see considerable done here yet. Men from other parts of New England have heard the truth here, and have gone home deeply convicted, and some of them to keep the Sabbath. D. M. CANRIGHT. MISSOURI AND IOWA.
By George I. Butler
I have not reported for many weeks, as the mud embargo has about stopped everything in the West. Held meetings in Iowa at Sandyville, Knoxville, and at Mt. Pleasant as I was there attending to business matters. These churches seem to be prospering, and advancing in a healthy growth. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. At Knoxville especially there is great ground for encouragement. This church now numbers upward of seventy, the largest membership, I think, of any church in the State. There is also a good outside interest. Often fifty or sixty attend prayer-meeting, many of whom are non-professors, as many of the members live so far away they cannot well attend an evening prayer-meeting. I had the privilege of meeting Bro. Haskell in Missouri, at two churches, Prairie Valley and Lincoln. We had but small congregations because of the bad going. Clubs for the SIGNS were raised,—in the former place one of fifty-eight copies, in the latter, fifty, to be paid for in installments; and upward of $200 were pledged at the former place for a permanent tract fund. The instruction Bro. Haskell gave us was of great value, and was highly prized. We regretted more could not have heard it. We expect to go through many of the churches in the State, and make an effort to get our tract work on a better footing. Our courage to labor is good, and we expect to see better days in the Missouri Conference. We have a great field in which to work, and we shall try to encourage every one to labor. We have ordered Household Manuals, Child's Poems, and Way of Life, hoping we can get many canvassers to work obtaining subscribers for our periodicals. Half of these premiums will be sent to Hamilton, Caldwell Co., and half to Nevada City, Vernon Co., as depositories from which to distribute them to every church in the State. Brethren, let us arouse, and go to work for the Lord. “The night soon cometh, in which no man can work.” MORGES, SWITZERLAND.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
For six weeks we have been dwelling on the prophecies and on practical subjects. Though our numbers have been lessened by excitement and religious meetings connected with Christmas and New Year's, yet we have some interested hearers, who show a great appreciation of what they have heard, and upon whose hearts the Spirit of God is evidently working. In this part of Switzerland but very few men attend church. Men do not form more than one-fourth or one-fifth of the attendance. It is probably because they see more attraction in their business than in the lifeless forms of most of the religious services. In this city regular dancing parties are held every Saturday night, in which professors of religion take part. But some are commencing to feel that this is not right. Occasional threats are made by one of the preachers of the National Church, but one of the preachers of the Free Church has thus far highly recommended our preaching, and has told his members to pray that God might sustain us in our work. The Free Church movement was started about the year 1844, and had for its object the separation of church and state, etc. There are now very many churches of this persuasion in Switzerland, France, Italy, Africa, and in many other countries. But though they started out with good principles, yet there has been a falling away among them. They have become too popular from a worldly standpoint. Bro. Andrews' presence and labors are appreciated. D. T. BOURDEAU. Coleta.—On Wednesday eve of last week I spoke to a few of our friends near Coleta; and afterwards considered some points of business. Dist. No. 11 donates, this quarter, more than $40. I hope this part of the State will continue to work and sacrifice, and thus grow. Aledo.—Last Sabbath eve I had the privilege of listening to a discourse delivered to the Aledo church, by Eld. Haskell. He labored for the good of this church, early and late, till Tuesday morning. Should all the members pay strict heed to the instructions given, this church will grow in experience, numbers, and influence. Some, I fear, fail to become inspired with the spirit of this message—a spirit of sacrifice. However, something was accomplished. The club for the SIGNS was raised to sixty-two; three sisters were appointed as a vigilant committee; and more than $60 were paid in to the tent fund. Friends at A., do not allow Satan to lull you to sleep; but, as you may, overcome and be saved. Princeville.—Bro. Haskell and I held meetings here two evenings and the intervening day. There was not all accomplished at this place that we had hoped to witness; nevertheless I feel confident that lasting good was done for the cause. A little more than one year ago this church was almost disheartened; they planned to sell the meeting-house, if all could be agreed. But now we have a membership of about fifty. Their S. B. pledge, we hope, when all will have promised, will be, for 1878, $275. Those present advanced about $25 over last year. They also voted in favor of the one-third for their tract society. They all say that they believe in a strict tithing system. They honorably redeem their pledges. But I am forced to acknowledge that they learn too tardily how to work in the tract enterprise. Come, Princeville friends, “wide awake!” for rest will soon be given. G. W. Colcord. Aurora, Ill., Jan. 17, 1878. I HAVE been in this place almost six weeks. My health has been so poor that I have been able to do but little, but I have labored as I have felt able. Sixteen have united with the church since I came here, and nine have been baptized. Most of these, however, were keeping the Sabbath before, having moved here from other churches and the adjoining country. Our brethren and the sisters here are learning, by experience, that valuable lesson that no church can prosper that tolerates wrong in its midst, and with commendable zeal they have taken hold to put away the wrongs. Some of the brethren, we fear, have been robbing God in tithes and offerings, and the vows they have made have been lightly regarded; but their experience has been anything but pleasant to them in this; for, as we should expect, because the Bible teaches it, their spiritual interest has declined and financially they have not prospered. Oh! for a faith that brings God into our financial matters. We have set these principles before the church as clearly as we could, and the church, as a body, has stood nobly by us. The ground was in a great measure prepared for this work by the faithful labors of Bro. Butler last winter. The prospect before the church was never more flattering than now. They pledged quite liberally on S. D. and voted the one-third for the T. and M. fund, and many of them expressed a determination to pay up past pledges. Our communion season was a good one for this church. The ordinances had not been celebrated before for a long time, and this privilege seemed almost like the commencement of a new experience to some, and we trust it was. A reformation was also begun on the point of promptness in doing the work of God. May God bless the brethren and sisters of Knoxville. E. W. Farnsworth. I RESUMED labor again Jan. 3, and have given, in all, twenty-four lectures to fair audiences. Have had considerable stir among the no-law hearers. A goodly number have admitted we have the truth. Have not tested the people yet, but have strong hopes that quite a number will obey. Still they want to hear the other side, and have sent for an able man to set them right, and I am anxious to have him come. Satan is on hand with the usual smut and slander. Shall we have the prayers of those who love the truth? L. McCoy. OUR meetings here still continue, and the interest increases, despite fierce opposition from ministers and a few lay members. We asked those to arise who believed the seventh day was the Sabbath and its command as binding now as any of the law, and forty-five or fifty arose. Twelve have decided to keep the Sabbath, among whom is the superintendent of the Sunday-school, the deacon of the Baptist church, and other influential persons. Others are almost persuaded to embrace the truth. Bro. H. Nicola has labored with me up to this time (Jan. 16), but is now called away by his appointment of the T. and M. quarterly meeting at Knoxville. We hope he may soon return. C. A. Washburn. THE T. and M. quarterly meeting is now past. The Spirit of God was with us in these meetings. Our hearts rejoiced in the good cause. The reports showed that good work had been done. We had seven discourses, besides social and prayer-meetings. We commence this next quarter, intending to follow the directions given in Eccl. 11, and Ps. 126:5, 6. Our Danish brethren here want tracts in their language, on the three messages. They are in earnest in spreading the light. There were brethren at this meeting who had heard these truths years ago, but have only commenced to live them out lately. Let the good work go on, and let all of us have a part in it. I came from Oskaloosa to this meeting, and because the calls are many in this part of the State I will stay. G. V. Kilgore. AT our regular quarterly meeting, Bro. Kinny spoke to us on the Sabbath, and Bro. Olds on first-day. There was a good turnout of the brethren, and all covenanted to live nearer to God the coming year. Four new members were received subject to baptism. One of these embraced the truth from reading tracts. Two more in Marshalltown have decided in favor of the truth, and others are interested. W. A. Moon. Dodge Center and Riesland, Jan. 16. We started our work for the winter with the Dodge Center church. Found them all steadfast. Assisted them in securing a good place for holding meetings. Held four meetings at a school-house near Bro. Storer’s, ten miles from Owatonna, with good attendance and interest. At Geneva we held two meetings. We next visited the Riesland (Danish) church. Have had a good interest. A good company of young people are becoming deeply interested. Last Sabbath we assisted in organizing a Sabbath-school in English, of twenty-two members, and a Bible-class in Danish. One woman commenced to keep the Sabbath, and her husband, who had once kept it, but had fallen away in practice, we think, will now take hold of it determinedly. Others are interested. Have given two discourses at the Sumner school-house, in an adjoining town, with good audiences and close attention. Bro. Devereaux has scattered some of our tracts, and has tried to live the truth here for the past two years. We have an appointment for to-morrow evening, and, if the interest demands it, we shall stop here for a few days. Irving, Kandiyohi Co., Jan. 16. The work in this vicinity is still progressing favorably. Prejudice is giving way, and the attendance is good. Last Sabbath over twenty were out, and a Bible-class was organized. Pray for us. Since our last report, seven have embraced the Sabbath, among them a Methodist minister of Page Co. He has been attending our meetings and reading publications for eighteen months past, and has now taken a decided stand on the Sabbath and law, not fearing to preach his views before his congregations. It is expected he will bring others with him. We have recently held a short protracted meeting in Page Co., resulting in strengthening the church there, and bringing others to the truth. Our quarterly meeting in Shenandoah, just past, has been a feast of good things. Bro. Geo. W. Woods, R. W. S. Mowery, Mrs. Lane and the writer were the speakers. The Spirit of God was with us, to help and encourage. We have united our efforts for a few days past in selling Annuals, and have disposed of two hundred, for which we have received $20. We expect to continue till we sell three hundred more. The proceeds go into our T. and M. Society funds. After preaching, we sell the Annuals. They sell well. We seldom sell less than one, and sometimes more than five dollars’ worth at one meeting. The cause in Virginia never seemed in a more prosperous condition. None are discouraged; all are determined to do what they can to forward the work until this mission shall become a strong Conference. Our T. and M. Society report shows active members and good work done. May we be remembered at the throne of grace. Dayton, Rockingham Co., Va., Jan. 11, 1878. Long Island, Portland, Jan. 14. SINCE my last report, I have been holding meetings in this place, with a fair interest. While here I have been forcibly reminded that the dragon is wrath with the remnant church. Wednesday a dissipated man, set on by church members, came to my boarding-place and threatened to take my life. In the evening, while opening my meeting with prayer, the same individual, armed with an ax, came to the school-house, and if the constable, who was present, had not rendered kind assistance in keeping the peace, I know not what the result would have been. The constable, Mr. Witham, although not a professor of religion, has treated me with Christian courtesy. Three influential ladies have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested. The course taken by certain parties has disgusted the honest-hearted. We reached Bladen Springs, which is one hundred miles north of the Gulf of Mexico, about noon to-day (Jan. 13), after traveling nearly one week. We find about fifty or sixty keeping the Sabbath, nearly all of whom have been brought to the truth by the labors of our blind brother, J. M. Elliott. We expect to begin meetings with them to-morrow evening. There are many openings, we are informed. We feel to seek God for help as never before. Pray for us. A. O. BURNELL. Orleans, Harlan Co., Jan. 13. Meetings still continue at Orleans. Although the attendance is not large, it is apparent that some good is being accomplished. Some have already commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath, and to look for that “blessed hope.” The cause has been much hindered here through the influence exerted by some who have advocated the observance of the seventh day, while their lives have not been consistent with their faith. Earnest calls for the living minister are coming in from the surrounding country. There is work for a score, where there is but one to labor. Surely, the harvest is great. CHAS. L. BOYD. I WAS with the church at Flat Rock, Neosho Co., Kansas, Jan. 2–8. This young church numbers thirteen members, most of whom have embraced the truth quite recently under the labors of Eld. C. F. Stephens. This interest was first created by Bro. Geo. and sister O. M. White, who came from Indiana and settled there over a year ago. By keeping the Sabbath and circulating tracts, they prepared the people to listen to the truth. The church here seems to be composed of substantial material. In company with Eld. Santee, have been holding meetings at Limestone, Crawford Co., about five miles from Beulah. As the result so far, six have fully identified themselves with us; five have been baptized. Three have joined by vote, making a total of nine. The cause appears to be looking up in these parts. J. H. COOK. LITTLE FALLS, WIS.
By T. B. Snow
I CAME to this place on the 13th, and have given four discourses. At first the congregations numbered about twenty-five, but last night there were about sixty present. The interest is increasing. The most perfect order is maintained. I have distributed tracts freely. T. B. SNOW. NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.] Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 22, 23, Eld. I. D. Van Horn was in Carrollton, Cowlitz Co., Washington Territory, where he found six keeping the Sabbath. He spoke five times, the audiences averaging about thirty. All things considered, the attendance was good, and the impression made by the truth on those that heard, was very favorable. His address, until further notice, will be Salem, Oregon. VIRGINIA T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By Reuben Fultz
This society held its quarterly meeting at Shenandoah, Jan. 6. The president being absent, Eld. E. B. Lane was chosen in his stead. The reports showed 13,222 pages of tracts distributed; 417 periodicals given away; 29 letters written; 166 families visited; 1 subscriber for the SIGNS; 5 for the REVIEW, and 5 for the INSTRUCTOR. Number of members in the society, twelve. Our office account shows a donation to this society of $10.00, by Edward Lobdell, for which the society expresses sincere gratitude, assuring the donor that the money shall be faithfully used in extending the light of this glorious message here in the “Old Dominion” State. REUBEN FULTZ, Sec. Pro. tem. MISSIONARY SCRAPS.
By Wm. H. Mills
A FRIEND who has received a number of papers from one of our sisters, writes: “I have read the papers you sent me with much interest. I like them. If you send more, they will be thankfully received, but I do not feel able to send for them at present.” Another writes: “I received your card, and the papers, last evening. Many thanks for them. I have not had time to read near as much as I would like to. On many points of doctrine you and I believe the same. I am not prejudiced, and desire to study my Bible understandingly; and if I find myself in error, always wish to be righted. I should like to attend one of your camp-meetings; I know they must be very interesting.” In a letter of a later date the same writer says: “I would like the paper [the SIGNS] very much, but do not feel able to take it now.” While others are receiving words of like import, it is a satisfaction to know that the seeds we are scattering, are likely to bring forth buds of promise. WM. H. MILLS.