“Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.” “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
What Christian laborer can foretell the full results of his efforts to advance the cause of his Master? Thirteen years ago a Seventh-day Adventist minister preached the doctrines held by this people, in a small town in Illinois. After sowing the seed he left, but it soon sprouted. He came back, with other help, to cultivate the crop, and a church was organized. From that church have sprung several ministers; and through their labor others have embraced the truth, and several churches have been organized in this Conference and others.
Six years ago I went to spend the winter in a certain county in this State (Illinois), with the expectation of meeting with success in proclaiming the truth; but I labored hard and traveled much through the cold, yet left in the spring with no visible results. However, in one of the localities in which I labored some, there are now about thirty Sabbath-keepers, and but little ministerial labor has been bestowed there since.
“He that goeth forth, and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” C. H. BLISS.
Mt. Vernon, Ill.
WORDS FOR T. AND M. WORKERS.
By N. M. Carleton
Below we give a few extracts from letters received by our V. M. Society.
A letter from Houlton, Aroostook Co., Me., says, “I like the SIGNS very much. I read it with pleasure, and, I trust, with profit.”
Another person writing from Portland, Me., says, “I find a great deal of good reading in the SIGNS.”
A man residing in West Sumner, Me., says he likes the paper, but is a poor man, not able to pay for it.
A lady from Jackson, Me., says, “I inclose $1.50 for the SIGNS. I prize it very highly.”
A lady in North New Portland writes, “I feel interested in reading the paper. I am one that wishes to get Bible instruction. Inclosed find one dollar, for which send me the paper as long as that will pay for it. I thank you for your kindness in sending me the SIGNS. God bless you in your work for the Lord.”
We feel to thank God that we have found some interested to read the truth. May he still bless, and gather souls into the fold, and we with them be gathered into the kingdom. N. M. CARLETON.
Somerset Co., Me.
Obituary Notices.
By A. S. Hutchins
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, in Salem, Vt., Dec. 30, 1877, Bro. Joseph Burroughs, in the eighty-second year of his age. Bro. B. was among the first in Vermont who embraced the Bible Sabbath. After his health became very poor he used to walk miles to meet with the brethren in their Sabbath meetings. Funeral sermon from Isa. 25:7, 8. A. S. Hutchins.
The Cause in Allegan Co., Mich.
OUR visit to Allegan, Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 12, 13, mentioned in the report from Bro. Littlejohn, was a very encouraging season to us. The attendance on the part of the brethren was good; but what was still more marked, was the readiness of the citizens of Allegan to listen to a presentation of our views. On Sunday afternoon they filled the house almost to its utmost capacity. In the evening we spoke to a good house in Otsego.
There is a gathering influence now attending the cause in Allegan county. Much good has already been accomplished; and the hope, courage, and activity of the brethren is greatly revived.
Church Record, and S. B. Books.
By W. C. W.
THESE new books have been subjected to thorough criticism and are accepted by all as perfect. They are being generally adopted by our churches, and it is hoped that they will add materially to the accuracy and correctness of church records and accounts.
The prices are as follows:—
Church Record, 2 quires, $1.00
“ “ 3 “ 1.30
“ “ 4 “ 1.60
S. B. Books, 2 quires, 1.40
“ “ 3 “ 1.75
In quantities, to T. and M. Societies, 15 per cent discount.
Churches of less than thirty members would only need the two-quire books.
Churches of thirty to fifty would need the three-quire books.
Larger churches would need the four-quire Church Record. W. C. W.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review & Herald TO which the money receipted pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, notice of the omission should be given.
$2.00 EACH. Samuel Watson 53-2, Mrs M J Mears 53-1, E H Sisson 51-17, W D Sharp 53-1, C F Clapp 53-1 53-1, Mrs H A Brooks 58-4, Francois Depas 52-14, Henry D Beisel 52-25, Dr J H Ginley 53-1, Wm G Smith 53-1, Grace A Staples 53-1, Lizzie J Davidson 53-1, S A James 53-1, Chas Smith 53-1, E Wilcock 53-1, Russell Griffith 53-1, Harvey A Fullen 53-1, Mary Bingham 58-4, G D Rasmussen 58-1, D M Jones 53-2, A J Emans 53-2, C A Worden 53-1, Mary F Aldrich 53-10, D Robbins 53-1, Susan Jones 53-1, W J Reed 53-1, H A Craw 53-3, B C Beardsley 53-1, C M Clough 53-1, Mrs Henry Perry 53-1, Jeremiah B Mooney 53-1, J W Snyder 53-1, Geo Maynard 53-2, I N Brown 53-1, F M Robinson 53-1, T S Harris 53-1, W C Ebener 53-1, L Gottfredson 53-17, Mrs I C Sweet 53-1, M I Hackett 53-1, C W Gilbert 53-1, Amelia Nellis 54-1, Samuel Pavey 53-1, John Cowan 53-1, Dr Robt Elwood 53-1, Sarah Lane 53-9, J F Sindlinger 53-4, Wm Ostrander 53-1, Mrs Eleanor Griffin 53-1, A C Lee 53-2, Timothy Harriman 53-6, Niels Jensen 52-25, Mrs A Reed 53-2, Geo Bickle 53-1, James S McCord 55-6, Niels Nielson 53-1, Addie E Brown 53-1, Robt Marvin 53-1, S W Harris 53-1, Samuel F Weeks 53-1, Carl Rosenthal 52-7, Mary Rife 53-1, A C Haymond 53-1, A H Robinson 53-1, Jason V Lane 53-1, Wm Patterson 53-1, E G Witter 54-1, Mrs W Chesebro 53-1, Mrs E L Bliss 53-1, W H Hilderbrand 53-1, T H Purdon 53-4, C R Brown 53-1, Judson Rice 53-1.
$1.00 EACH. Mrs E A Baker 52-9, Mrs Nathan Swan 52-1, James Ayers 52-1, Hans C Moller 52-1, Geo Whisler 52-1, John Riley 51-24, M E Goodwin 52-1, Cyrus D Chapman 52-3, May L Smith 52-4, Maggie A Stroud 52-22, A E Bullock 52-1, Cordia Sanders 52-1, H R Johnson 52-1, D K Johnson 52-1, George Grove 58-1, Nancy Sherman 52-1, J M Whitney 51-25, Wm Stuff 52-1, Betsey M Hibbard 52-4, O R Downs 52-1, R W Hill 52-1, A H Wentworth 52-1, S C Bute 52-17, A V Parkhurst 53-1, C W Tenney 52-1, Mrs E A Hanscom 52-1, Justice W Emerson 52-1, W S Hammaker 52-1, Peter Waite 52-1, Theresa Merrill 52-1, Anna Hanson 52-10, Mrs Orpha Salsbury 52-9, Bella Shafer 52-1, J M Stone 52-1, M M Gordon 52-1, L G Dean 52-1, F J Payne 52-1, O M Andrews 52-1, Adam Loucks 52-1, Daniel W Evans 52-1, J P Wolcott 52-1, T D Brackett 52-1, R J Carr 52-1, J N Smith 52-1, Geo Craig 52-2, Julia A Savage 52-1, G F Fisk 52-2, Mrs Jennie Ober 52-1, Mary J S Welts 52-1, Joseph Blake 52-1, Sarah Eldridge 52-4, Daniel Litchfield 52-1, H M Van Slyke 51-10, Lucy Harris 52-4, A Gleason 51-22, Mrs C L Gilman 52-1, Wm A Davis 52-1.
Miscellaneous.
Reuben Rundall 50c 51-14, Mrs Sarah J Baker $1.50 53-1, R W Tillman 50c 51-16, Miss C Beach 3.00 54-1, Wm S Moon 3.00 54-1, Sophia Brigham 1.50 53-1, Margaret Cummings 50c 51-15, E E Hayes 1.30 42-18, John Doty 50c 51-15, Samuel Swartz 50c 51-16, R W Bullock 50c 52-18, A B Griffith 50c 51-15, Thos Hastings 1.50 53-1, Antis Williamson 1.50 58-1, Wm M Williamson 1.50 58-1, Samuel Benge 75c 52-1, Wm Leggett 75c 52-1, Mrs W F Davis 1.50 53-1, Reading Room 2 copies 3.00 53-1, I W Baker 50c 51-14, Mary Ann Walrath 1.50 53-1, W P Coates 50c 51-15, Lizzie J Morse 6.00 51-20, Amanda E Stone 1.50 51-1, W Y Eager 50c 51-17, Robert Eager 50c 51-14, Washington Morse 50c 51-16, Nancy Gibson 75c 51-22, Laura L Wilkins 1.50 53-12, Daniel D Haines 1.50 53-1, Israel B Luther 75c 52-1.
Books Sent by Mail.
F Peabody $8.00, M A Nelson 60c, A L W Bowers 30c, F W Moffit 35c, J M Hopkins 15c, J P Thompson, M D 25c, A Hyer 1.00, D A Babcock 30c, D Miller 25c, Wm H Hall 1.60, J M Ferguson 1.60, G Leighton 1.00, W O'Hara 1.00, P A Karnell 8c, Clara Osborn 1.00, D Lewis 25c, E L Hutchison 25c, J Vandemark 25c, A Cook 25c, D Bussing 25c, G Rickle 25c, J Good 25c, J Poulson 3.50, A L Holiday 75c, E and W Curtis 50c, E R Curtis 30c, D P Curtis 20c, H Loope 25c, S J Myers 1.00, L M Brewster 1.00, Mrs L C McKinstry 1.00, G Weaver 40c, E K Ferris 40c, H Pitcher 40c, J Walker 1.00, A M McCarty 25c, J E Pierce 25c, N Outwater 4.25, M Spaulding 50c, W Nury 5c, Mrs J C Judger Wagner 2.00, G W Newman 1.00, F E Vanderberg 25c, F W Mudgett 25c, D H Courtney 25c, E H Keables 25c, A C Neff 25c, J Curran 25c, P F Morand 10c, E Siple 10c, Chas Wooster 1.00, G H Truesdell 40c, G B Starr 1.55, D K Morris 80c, Mrs L F Henry 2.50, J Smith 80c, Mrs J F McRae 3.00, M L Smith 75c, Joseph Husman 25c, M L Newton 25c, Nelson Taylor 25c, Thos Stitts 25c, Mrs W D Wagner 25c, Dr F D Chapman 25c, Geo Watts 25c, E J King 25c, Lucy Olds 25c, L H Raymond 25c, J Collins 20c, I H Thompson 50c, Jesse Freed 25c, Mrs H W Chapman 25c, J Messimore 50c, Carl Larson 2.00, O D Montgomery 25c, J Hawkswell 25c, F J Nolin 25c, N P Johnson 10c, P Gipson 1.00, L Barnum 1.00, Rev C E Barto 40c, E D Murch 3c, Ang Layman 1.75, Elias Troxel 1.20, D W Albert 1.50, R Bunnell 1.50, W H Bell 15c, T Baxter 25c, Mrs A S Bartlett 2.00, J W Heath 2.50, J Alltin 10c, Mrs A Reed 25c, J H Huffaker 15c, A E Dalley 60c, Geo Francis 3.00, Wm Jost 58c, G N Powell 1.00, M A Conrad 35c, M F Tindall 50c, W Vancil 50c, R Fathrey 1.00, J A Green 25c, M B True 2.25, E Vaughn 4c, E L Reisman 25c, Mrs J C Button 25c, E E Wisner 75c, L E Zirkle 25c, Simon Woods 25c, O M Stansell 10c, E M Pearson 4c, R W Hill 1.00, O R Downs 75c, L G Meeker 1.00, M M Janes 8c, G F Bergust 40c, A A Hutchins 2.50, Warren Walker 75c, J L House 1.70.
Books Sent by Express.
G A Carlstedt $5.00, Eliza Thayer $8.24, Alex Carpenter 10.65, B L Whitney 21.00, W W Sharp 19.98, J S Hart 26.57.
Books Sent by Freight.
M M Kenny $12.19, D C Hunter 137.70, Wm Evans 112.15, Geo I Butler 5.61, C O Taylor 5.78, Mich T and M Society 89.69.
Cash Rec'd on Account.
Wyoming T and M Society $9.00, J G Holroyd 25.00, W W Sharp 5.00, Ill T and M Society Dist 9 25c, Dist 1 1.00, Dist 2 11.30, Wm Ings (J Rhodes) 100.00, Wm Ings (E E Hayes) 13.70, N Y T and M Society 95.66, A J Stover 20.00.
S. D. A. E. Society.
Anna L Holiday $5.00, Combe Capman 10.00, David D Alexander 5.00, Mrs David D Alexander 2.50, E A Sevy 10.00, A A Fairfield 10.00, Hiram Witter 5.00.
Gen. Conf. Fund.
Ill Conf $50.00.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
Thetford Center $10.00, Sheridan 14.39, Bushnell 25.25, Orleans 9.00, Saranac 22.15, Hazelton 12.50, Greenville 60.00, Locke 22.78, Leslie 13.32, Hillsdale 27.10, Fairgrove per E Perkins 8.00, Vassar 24.00, Monterey 75.00, Ravenna 27.00, Alaidon 83.00, Ovid per H L Birmingham 20.00, Jackson per E P Giles 13.00, Spring Arbor per M B Miller 25.97.
Gen. T. & M. Society.
Mrs Reading (deceased) $1.00.
Danish Mission.
C Rasmussen $2.40.
Book Fund.
Ethan Lanphear $5.00.
Mich. T. & M. Society.
Dist 4 per J S Day $75.00, Dist 5 per E Higley 93.65, Dist 10 per Geo Randall 27.92, Dist 11 per L Osborne 25.00, Dist 7 per W Reynolds 77.75, Dist 6 per F Howe 137.70, Dist 2 per G W Bennett 4.00, Dist 2 (Leslie) per J Fargo 7.10, Dist 2 per L A Bramhall 111.19, Dist 9 per Wm Ostrander 28.50, Dist 3 Colon 5.00, Dist 10 Rochester per H Aldrich 12.92, Dist 3 (Widows and Orphans) I A Olmstead 20.00.
Baptist Hymn Book.
By James White
We have made the statement in the SIGNS that one of the fair pages of the Baptist hymn book was devoted entirely to the ten commandments, word for word, just as we find them in the twentieth chapter of the book of Exodus, and as Seventh-day Adventists teach and observe them.
This fact has gone abroad, and probably public notice of it had been made in the vicinity of Vacaville previous to the late discussion. And, strange to tell, the Baptists seeing that this had a bearing on the Sabbath question, have torn the leaf on which was printed the holy law of the great God out of many of their hymn books. But this does not remove it from the Bible. Be it known unto the Baptists that, although with sacrilegious hands they remove the law of God from their hymn book, it still remains in the Bible nevertheless, and it is safely deposited in the ark of God in the most holy place of the sanctuary in Heaven. Over that ark is the mercy seat, before that ark stands the Son of God, our great High Priest, pleading for those who have transgressed that law in the ark.
That holy law, given as a rule of life here, will be brought forth in the great day of Judgment as the rule of judgment there. Know this, O ye Baptists, that the law which ye treat so rudely and Heaven-daringly here, will in the day of Judgment appear as a flaming reality to burn to the very depths of the transgressor's soul like a flame of fire.
The reader will be astonished at this short-sighted action put forth by the Baptists at Vacaville, the seat of their college in California.
But blind men, who have become such by shutting their eyes to the law of God, in their confusion will act strangely. Men will use their best arguments. The best argument the Vacaville Baptists had against the ten commandments, and their shortest way to abolish them, was to tear them from their hymn book.
J. W., in SIGNS.
Nothing Like It Before.
Since the brief report from Bro. Carright respecting the work in Danvers, Mass., which appears in the Progress Department this week, was in type, we have received a private note from him giving still more encouraging features of the work there. People of financial ability and high social standing are being added to the ranks, in some instances entire families taking their stand upon the truth. He says he has seen nothing like it before in any part of the field, and sees no prospect of being able to leave the work in that vicinity for months to come.
A Great Victory for the Truth.
We learn that the discussion lately held at Vacaville, Cal., has resulted gloriously for the truth. The opponent of Bro. Healey, one Johnson, a Disciple, came on boasting of his own strength and sneering at the inferiority of his antagonist, like the celebrated Mr. Goliath, of Scripture fame. But unfortunately for Mr. Johnson, the parallel did not stop there, but continued right on to the end of the chapter. His brethren stopped him when he had filled only two-thirds of his time on the Sabbath question, the contest was proving of such damage to their cause.
It matters not how talented a man may be, he cannot make something out of nothing; and the Bible furnishes absolutely nothing in behalf of Sunday-keeping.
When the Philistine of old was overthrown, all Israel gave a shout. So when the truth, in its simplicity, gains such victories, let all the people, both as a grateful exclamation and a prayer, say, Amen; so let it be.
Dedications.
Those interested will notice particularly the appointments in this paper for the dedication of the meeting-houses at Dimondale and Estella. It is expected that the brethren will still show their interest in the work by a grand rally at both these places.
The Iron Crown.
The funeral of Victor Emanuel took place in Rome, Jan. 7. The procession occupied an hour and a half in passing a given point. The Pantheon was reached about 4 o’clock, P. M. The car on which the king’s remains were borne to their last resting place was the same as that used at the funeral of King Charles Albert. It was surmounted by the iron crown. The entire procession was on foot.
The War in the East.
By Editor
ACCORDING to the news of the past week from the Eastern war, the campaign during this time has been uniformly disastrous to the Turks. Other nations give no promise of substantial help; and the prospect looks worse for Turkey than ever before. In speaking upon this question we have ever been careful to guard against the idea that this present war must go on uninterruptedly till the Turkish government is entirely subverted. It may do so, and it may not. An armistice may be concluded, a temporary peace may intervene before the end. If there is a Sabbath-keeping people in Russia for whom a work is to be done, it would to us seem probable that the strife might be for a time suspended. Turkey comes to its complete end under the sixth plague, when as symbolized by the great river Euphrates, it is dried up. Rev. 16:12. But it would seem as if all the prophecies respecting the decline and overthrow of this power, with the attending scenes, were on the eve of immediate fulfillment.
Baptists of Vacaville and the Ten Commandments
The action of the Baptists of Vacaville, Cal., in reference to the ten commandments is one of the most astounding facts that has ever come to our knowledge in connection with men's opposition to the law of that God whom they meekly profess to obey. See Bro. White's account of the matter in another column, headed, “Baptist Hymn Book.”
Sabbath Memorial and Plain Reasons for the Sabbath
No. 12, Vol. 1, of the Sabbath Memorial, published by Eld. Wm. M. Jones, London, Eng., has come to our table. Through this publication Bro. Jones is still doing good service in behalf of the Bible Sabbath in England. Accompanying the Memorial came also a 16 page tract, published by Bro. Jones, entitled, “Plain Reasons for the Religious Observance of the Seventh-day Sabbath (commonly called Saturday), as perpetually binding upon all Christians. By the late W. H. Black, F. S. A.”
Progress Department Reports Labor and Meetings
By Editor
Thirty-one distinct articles in the Progress Department this week, twenty-six of which are reports of labor, or of meetings. We think the reader will have no occasion to complain of a lack of variety.
Annual Pew Renting Revenue Declines at Beecher's Church
The annual pew renting in Beecher’s church this year brought $10,593.00 less than last year.
Commercial Failures and Fraud Reported Across the Country
The Detroit Evening News of Jan. 12, says:— “The dispatches from all parts of the country this morning report a little less than a million dollars in failures, about a quarter of which amount is fraudulent. We are coming on finely.”
The Health Annual.
By W. C. W.
The sale of the Health Annual for 1878 has already reached one hundred thousand (100,000) and will probably reach a still higher figure.
We have, at considerable expense, printed a special edition on fine super-calendered tint-paper, bound in heavy enamel cover, beautifully printed in colors and gold. These are especially suitable to be placed in Banks, Business Houses, or to present to friends. Price, post-paid, single copy, 15cts.; ten copies for $1.00. In quantities of 100 or upward, $8.00 per hundred.
W. C. W.
A Farm to Rent.
I HAVE a farm of eighty acres, situated in South-western Iowa, Shelby Co., which I should like to rent to a Sabbath-keeper. For particulars, correspond with Hilbert W. Gotfredson, Elk Horn, Shelby Co., Iowa.
APPOINTMENTS
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Rockville, Bates Co., Mo., Tuesday evening, Jan. 29, and Wednesday and Thursday following. Shall want meetings both days and evenings.
Nevada City, Vernon Co., Sabbath and Sunday, Feb. 2 and 3. Meetings commence Sabbath evening.
We desire to pay special attention in these meetings to the tract work. We ask for a general attendance of all our brethren and sisters in the vicinity. Geo. I. Butler.
We will meet with the church at Clear Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Jan. 26 and 27.
Port Allegany, McKean Co., Pa., Feb. 2 and 3. Meetings at this place will commence Thursday eve. We request a general turnout from Dist. No. 10 at this meeting, especially those who have recently embraced the truth at Smethport and Pine Creek, Pa.
Let the old friends of the cause come prepared to care for themselves. B. L. Whitney. A. H. Hall.
There will be a State quarterly T. and M. meeting held at Bordoville, Vt., Feb. 2 and 3. We hope to see the secretary and as many directors as can attend, with a general turnout of brethren and sisters, at this meeting. We could hold it no earlier. A. S. Hutchins, Pres.
Elk Falls, Kan., Friday, Jan. 25, continuing till Sunday, Feb. 3, and longer if thought best. J. H. Cook.
Diamondale, Mich., Feb. 2 and 3. At this time the new S. D. A. meeting-house of this place will be dedicated. Dedication services, Sunday, at 10:30 A. M.
A general invitation is extended to brethren and sisters. Those coming should make some preparation to care for themselves.
Potterville, Mich., Jan. 26, 27. Meetings will commence Sabbath, at 10:30 A. M. The notice for this meeting is brief, but we hope all connected with this church will make an effort to be present.
Olivet, Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 A. M. The object of this meeting is the organization of a church. The meeting will be held where Bro. C. Van Horn may appoint. J. Fargo. M. B. Miller.
I will commence a course of lectures in Bro. P. G. Hobb’s neighborhood, the 18th inst. Those desiring labor in this part of the State will please address me at Clay Center, Clay Co., Kan. Chas. F. Stevens.
I commence a course of lectures in Yorktown, Ind., Jan. 20. W. W. Sharp.
Estella, Mich., Feb. 9 and 10. At this time the new S. D. A. meeting-house will be dedicated. Dedication on Sunday, at 10:30 A. M. Brethren and sisters from Carson City, Matherton, and other places within reasonable distance, are invited to attend. Elds. E. R. Jones, D. H. Lamson, J. O. Corliss, and Eld. Van Deusen and wife, are invited to be present. Estella is six miles south of Riverdale, a station on the R. R. from St. Louis to Cedar Lake, and 25 miles north of Pewamo, a station on the D. & M. R. R. In behalf of the church, T. Langdon.