About eleven years ago I asked Eld. Stephen Pierce when he thought the Lord would come. His reply was: “I can’t tell. The truth must go among the various nations, and we must have publications in the different languages, and there must be facilities for educating the French, Danes, Swedes, &c.” I thought his ideas were strange, that this never would be, and that the Lord would come first. I do not say that he was inspired to speak prophetically, but it was a prediction that has been literally fulfilled. And now, upon further knowledge of the Scriptures, we have become very sanguine on the spread of the truth among many nations, tongues, and peoples, from the king upon his throne to the humblest peasant, wherever there is a heart that fears God. Rev. 10:11.
The prophet, on the Isle of Patmos, uses striking figures to illustrate the final triumph of the gospel: “I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” Rev. 18:1. Again he compares the closing message to the “rising sun,” Rev. 7:2 (Macknight’s rendering), implying that as the rays of the sun shine everywhere, so the light of truth will shine upon every civilized nation throughout this earth.
God has given us evidence that the time has come for this work to spread as never before among nations that have never received a tract or paper from S. D. Adventists. Germans, Danes, Swedes, French, Dutch, and some of other nationalities, besides those speaking the English language, have been led to embrace present truth, and to rejoice in its light. This they have been led to do by reading the Bible. A great work lies before us. Our ministers are very few. To every one is committed at least one talent, to be put out at usury. In the reckoning day our salvation will depend upon whether the talents committed to us have increased or not. The slothful servant brought to the Lord the talent he had received. He had kept it laid up in a napkin. He said, “Lo, there thou hast that is thine.” But of him it was said, “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The apostle Paul teaches the same principle when he says, “I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” Rom. 1:14. Again: “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:16. There is therefore an individual responsibility resting upon those who have been recipients of God’s grace and truth to impart the same to others. The minister has his calling and his place to fill in the promulgation of God’s truth, while each and every one has a part to act in the plan of salvation. We are to be co-workers with Christ, to gather with him, to co-operate with angels, and finally to be sharers in the glory which is to be revealed.
S. N. Haskell.
POVERTY BAFFLED.
By S. N. Haskell
We have never presented to any company of our brethren the importance of extending the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES when an interest was not manifested to do something in that direction. I have seen our brethren and sisters weep because of their desire to engage in this work, while they realized that they had no means with which to pay for the SIGNS. Therefore the question is often asked, “How can an individual who lives alone, and is poor, but who could make use of eight copies of the SIGNS, pay for them?” The liberal plan devised by the Publishing Association has solved this problem. It is done by making the following arrangement with your tract society:—
1. Eight copies of the SIGNS will cost you one dollar a month, in advance, to be paid to your tract society.
2. This money can be obtained by canvassing for the REFORMER, using the “Household Manual” as a premium. The price of the REFORMER is one dollar, and the Manual will be given with it as a premium for this price. Now, by obtaining four subscribers, and sending their names, with the four dollars, to the secretary of your tract society, you will secure to your credit one month's payment on your SIGNS, which is one dollar. That is, your Tract Society will give you the Manuals and twenty-five cents, for every new subscriber for the REFORMER with one dollar.
Our brethren in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee are quite poor, and they have adopted this plan generally. Many individuals living alone have also adopted it. One church wanted one hundred Manuals to begin with. A number of individuals and churches had commenced this work with success, before I left them, and I seldom remain in a place where I hold meetings longer than till Monday, and never later than Tuesday. They first order a number of copies of the SIGNS, some eight, some twelve, others sixteen, and pay their first monthly installment, at the rate of one dollar for eight copies, then they commence canvassing before returning home. In a number of instances they secured a sufficient number of subscribers to pay another monthly installment as the result of the first day's trial. One lady, while waiting for the cars, obtained six subscribers. Ten thousand subscribers for the REFORMER can thus be obtained, and this will pay for over sixteen hundred and fifty copies of the SIGNS. Certainly no church need be without a package of the SIGNS.
S. N. HASKELL.
RENEWED CONSECRATION.
By Albert Stone
The commencement of a new year presents occasion for profitable thought and inquiry. Every one should institute an inquisition respecting his character and the reasonableness of his hopes.
During the past year, the probation of many has ended. Whether ours will close during the present year we know not; but the probability that it may be so with us, and the certainty that it will be so with many, may well incite us to see that our accounts are daily adjusted with God and all men. Let us do this from the right stand-point, that we be not deceived. Have we been adding to the weight and value of Christian character during the past year? Has our faith been of a kind to cause us to be drawing nearer to God? Has the truth assimilated us more and more to Christ, our divine Lord? Have our closets witnessed frequent, tearful, agonizing prayers? Do trials seem lighter than formerly because of increasing courage, and because the armor is girt more closely about us? Has the term of probation furnished by another year been subservient to the conquest of our passions, and to the better regulation of our affections? Are we more patient and humble, more disposed to exercise forbearance, more ready to forgive, more inclined to do kind offices to the evil and unthankful, more pure in heart, more circumspect in our conversation, more exemplary in our lives, than we were at the beginning of the year just closed?
Dear brethren and sisters, let the time to come be an improvement on the past. Let us work while the day lasts; for soon the night will come wherein no man can work.
ALBERT STONE.
Troy Times Mocks Watery Imagery in Sunday-School Songs
In a Sunday-school song book of ninety pages, the Troy Times finds the figure of “river,” “over the river,” “the peaceful river,” &c., occurring in twenty places, and thinks “such watery diet is enough to give a whole generation of Sunday-schools the dropsy.”
MICHIGAN
Meetings in Dist. No. 8.
Birch Run, Dec. 10.—I expected to have only a business meeting, but the house was completely filled with people, so I had to preach. Appointed a business session for the next evening; but again the school-house was full, so I preached again. I then dismissed the congregation; but not a soul left the house for the hour and a half of the continued meeting. This is the place where Eld. Lawrence had for some time held meetings. The interest is still good. Ten are keeping the Sabbath, nearly all new converts, and all earnest lovers of the truth.
Saginaw, Dec. 12.—There are about a dozen Sabbath-keepers here, some of whom would be earnest workers if they were differently situated. Arrangements have been made to canvass the city, and at least five hundred Annuals will be used. With a nucleus of a dozen good, true-hearted souls, there would be ample room here for all the missionary workers of the State.
Williams, Dec. 13.—Commenced meetings at 10:30 A. M. of the 14th. But eight here could get together. The S. B. pledge for the coming year, with the one-third, amounts to about $90. Without some change of circumstances, the Sabbath-keepers here will probably soon unite with the church at Jay, which is but seven miles distant. They have the name of being prompt in all their financial operations, and seem to be earnest lovers of the truth.
Jay, Dec. 15, 16.—Although the roads were very nearly impassable there was a large gathering, some coming nearly thirty miles. The most of the brethren from Williams were present. We held, in all, four services, besides business sessions. The interest increased to the last, and the impression upon my own mind and the minds of the brethren, was that a series of meetings should soon be held here. In fact, such a series was called for by a rising vote of the whole congregation on Sunday evening, and they were left to hope that some such effort will be made. The S. B. pledge was raised considerably, though some do not come up to the plan. The one-third was added. Eld. R. J. Lawrence was with me, and assisted materially in the services. A Vigilant Missionary Society was formed here, and will begin work immediately.
St. Charles, Dec. 17, 18.—Had a business meeting on Tuesday during the day. The meetings were well attended, and here, as at Jay and some other points, there seems to be no special prejudice against our people or faith. Systematic benevolence was satisfactorily arranged, and the one-third added. A Vigilant Missionary Society was organized. There are probably few churches more favorably situated for missionary labor than this church and the one at Jay, as they are so near the Saginaws and Bay City, towns that contain, in the aggregate, not less than fifty thousand inhabitants.15
A telegram reached me here which compelled me to give up my appointment at Chesaning, Hazleton, and Mt. Morris, and return home, the serious illness of Mrs. Lamson making it imperative.
D. H. Lamson.
Dist. No. 7.
Dec. 12, met with the friends in Fulton. Only a part of this company are in fellowship with the body, having been rent asunder and nearly destroyed by the ungodly course of one John W. Wolfe, a professed Sabbath-keeper. I consider his influence very pernicious. Nothing but a sense of duty would cause me to speak thus of any man, and I would not do it now, only to guard my brethren everywhere against his influence, as he has declared it is his intention to take the field publicly. The few who remain firm requested admission to the Ithaca church; hence the business pertaining to them was left to be considered at the meeting at that place.
Held meetings at Ithaca, Dec. 15, 16. These were well attended considering the bad weather, and all expressed themselves encouraged to engage anew in the work. Their S. B. pledge for 1878 is nearly $300.
We went to Greenbush the 22d. This church numbers about twenty-five, and all seem to be growing in grace. Many of the children take part in the social meetings. Three were baptized and united with the church, one of whom lives about fifteen miles away, and has embraced the truth from reading. The S. B. pledge for the coming year is $67.18.
Commenced meetings at Ovid the evening of the 24th, and continued them till the afternoon of the 26th. This is a small church of only fifteen members. They seem, however, with few exceptions, to be doing well, and they compare very favorably with older companies. Their S. B. amounts to $89.44. This church, as did all the other churches in the district, pledged the one-third for the T. and M. fund, and vowed to pay tithes.
While passing through the district, I have been pleased to see the good spirit generally manifested in taking hold of the work, and will only say to the brethren: Be faithful in performing the vows you have made to God, and the coming year cannot fail to produce good results, not only in your own hearts, but in the hearts of those who may come under your influence.
F. Squire.
Note.—Being acquainted with the course of John W. Wolfe, mentioned in the above report, we can unhesitatingly indorse the statements made concerning him.
J. O. Corliss.
F. Nelson.
TRACT WORK IN THE KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE CONFERENCE.
By Stephen N. Haskell
The brethren in this Conference labor under some disadvantages which do not exist in the Northern States, arising chiefly from ignorance, and prejudice against northern men and northern publications. But in every community men and women are found who keep themselves informed in regard to what is going on, and such persons have great influence over the other class. As soon as the people learn that our message does not make war upon their political institutions, and that our publications do not breed political strife, there are hearts here that are as tender and as susceptible to the truth as can be found in any place, and the people are as willing to investigate as they are anywhere in the world.
This Conference is small, numbering less than one hundred members, having only six churches (and these are much scattered), besides many scattered brethren. Our meetings, both in Kentucky and Tennessee, were characterized with much of the good Spirit. The brethren and sisters generally, manifested more than a willingness to come up in the work; they showed a strong desire to do so. We never saw brethren more earnest to take hold in the missionary work in such a manner that God could bless their efforts.
In the past, like many other Conferences, they had felt they were poor and few in numbers, and that with the prejudice that existed they could accomplish nothing. This feeling often becomes chronic, and is seen in the small ideas brethren have of the work. If they send an order for books, it will be for twenty-five or fifty dollars' worth, whereas it should be for five hundred or a thousand dollars' worth. We would not encourage wild or reckless moves, but we see no reason why we cannot as well begin to calculate what we can do, as to be always talking about what we can't do.
When the missionary work was set before the friends, and they began to see what might be done, their talk had the right ring in it. They were anxious to commence their work immediately. Over fifty copies of the SIGNS were taken at our meetings. Five of the six churches were represented in taking them. These copies of the SIGNS will be paid for in monthly installments, unless it is done sooner by canvassing for the HEALTH REFORMER with the premium, which probably will be the case, as they thus gain twenty-five cents for each paying subscriber. There was a determination on the part of each to pay their share by obtaining subscribers in this way. Tennessee took the largest number; and from the first day's canvassing, before the Manuals had been received, or the friends had reached their homes, nearly a sufficient number of subscribers for the REFORMER were obtained to pay their first monthly installment.
It was thus in Kentucky. In fact, the brethren in Tennessee are determined to pay for three months in this manner, before their quarterly meeting in January. They take five hundred Manuals, one hundred copies of the Way of Life, and seventy-five premiums for the INSTRUCTOR. If they continue as they have commenced, and we believe they will, they will use their premiums for the REFORMER and INSTRUCTOR before April, 1878. And if this Conference can do this, there is not another Conference in the country that cannot do twice that amount.
We do not know what our strength would be were we to labor unselfishly, with faith in God. This is God's work, and it is He who gives success. But when the efforts put forth are prompted by selfish motives, or are made in a doubting, questioning manner, discouragement and defeat are sure to follow.
The brethren are already agitating the question of thoroughly canvassing some city with the REFORMER and SIGNS, with the view to having a camp-meeting near by in 1878. We bid them a hearty God-speed, and wish them success.
S. N. HASKELL.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane
Although I have not reported for several weeks, yet I have been laboring constantly among the churches in various parts of the State. As a general thing, there seems to be a growing earnestness to labor in the T. and M. work. Several towns and cities are being canvassed for SIGNS and REFORMERS. The Household Manual, as a premium for REFORMER, gives entire satisfaction.
Bro. A. W. Bartlett and myself labored last summer with tent No. 1. As the result, we have organized two churches, one at Thorntown, the other at Darlington. Bro. Covert, during the past few weeks, has been laboring near these new churches. The Lord has blessed his labors. We have organized S. B. in these churches to the amount of $125.00 per year, which they have pledged to the State Conference.
Dec. 15, 16, I was at Thorntown. The meetings were excellent, and the attendance large. One was baptized and united with the church. Steps are being taken to erect a meeting-house. The Thorntown church has united in the T. and M. work with Dist. No. 2. The town is being canvassed for the REFORMER.
Spent Dec. 22, 23 with the church at Ligonier. The turnout was good. During the past year this church has erected and completed a fine brick meeting-house. For neatness and convenience this house is rarely excelled. The house was dedicated to the worship of God, Dec. 23, and was well filled upon the occasion. The sermon made a good impression. To the Lord be all the praise for the progress the truth is making in the State of Indiana.
S. H. LANE.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Chautauqua Co., N. Y.
Malignant opposition and unfavorable weather hindered the work at Watts Flats, yet some embraced the truth. Opposition has been much softened. We hope to return here in a few weeks. During the interim, we depend much on the Blockville friends to nurse and foster the interest.
At Blockville, the M. E. minister, Eld. Leslie, took advantage of the opportunity afforded by a funeral service to berate us, and denounce the doctrine of the unconscious state of the dead. He declared it was impossible for us to love our dead; to do so would be to love a negation. Death was not a cessation of existence, or extinction of being; if it was, the omnipotent God himself never could raise any one. At the resurrection he might raise something else, but it could not be the person that died. Death was not the penalty of sin; for good, pretty little birds and innocent little children died, but, thank God, they did not cease to exist. His anger was so violent that he forgot to address the mourners until some minutes after he had concluded his sermon, when he seemed suddenly to remember it was a funeral occasion. This has aroused a furor of excitement, and a discussion of the question, “Mortal or immortal, which?” for the elder has a reputation for scholarly acquirements. We reviewed his discourse on the following Tuesday. It was generally conceded that the Bible is on our side.
Eld. L. announced that he would preach on first-day, Dec. 23, on “Sunday the Holy Sabbath.” As he had postponed this discourse, and we expected if we remained he might again, we reviewed it before it was delivered, to an immense crowd, very many being unable to get into the building. The afternoon preceding the review of the undelivered sermon, three earnest, happy souls followed their Lord into the watery grave, and arose to walk in newness of life.
The little company at Jamestown are humbly confiding in the blessed promises and pressing forward. The cause in Chautauqua Co. is onward. We now go to Clear Creek, thence home for a few days of rest, then to Orleans Co., expecting to return to Chautauqua Co. in about five weeks.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us take fresh courage, and with the new year, with renewed patience and perseverance, and more entire consecration, redouble our labors.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Scott Center and Stanton Hill, Pa.
The interest at Scott Center increases. The people buy tracts readily. At the last meeting I had several copies of the REVIEW and SIGNS, which were called for, and taken eagerly. I also sold ten Annuals as rapidly as I could hand them out, and could have sold more had I had them. I expect to speak to-morrow night on the Sabbath question, for the first time, although the people had known from the first that we observe the seventh day.
By invitation, I commenced a course of lectures at Stanton Hill, four miles from Scott Center. Have spoken three times— each alternate evening—with a good attendance.
The weather thus far has been very favorable for the meetings, there having been no snow either to blockade the roads or to set the people at work in the lumber woods, which would materially affect the attendance.
It gives me courage and faith in the work to see people so willing and apparently anxious to hear the truth, and it is my earnest prayer that the Spirit of God may direct in the work here.
My address is now, Island Pond, Wayne Co., Pa. E. W. WHITNEY.
Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Since Eld. Hall left, two more have started to serve the Lord. The church here are learning some valuable lessons, and are greatly cheered in view of what the Lord has done for them in this series of meetings, in restoring union, and giving them some additions to their numbers. If they love as brethren, and are faithful, more will be added to them, such as shall be saved.
H. H. WILCOX.
LABORER'S SONG OF CHEER TO HIS FELLOWS.
Toilers in doubt and gloom,
Cheer up again!
Round us is ample room,
Waiting for men!
Let us not groan and sigh,
Let us not sullen lie,
Let us not tamely die,
Let us be men!
Long in the thorny way
Others have trod,
Waiting the better day,
Trusting in God;
Let us the burden bear,
Bravely the trouble share,
Burying the load of care
Under the sod.
Let us all love the right,
Let us be true;
Soon will the loving light
Break on our view.
Let us all patient be,
Till the glad day we see
When we shall happy be,
Toiling anew!
Brothers in pain and fear,
Let us be bold!
Be not the bitter tear
Bartered for gold!
Let us not idly weep,
Let us not slothful sleep,
Let us our virtue keep
Ne'er to be sold.
Brothers with sorrow bowed,
Let us be one;
Brightly beyond the cloud
Shineth the sun;
Soon will the light appear;
God will in mercy hear,
God will dry up the tear,
God's will be done.
Brothers in doubt and gloom,
Cheer up again!
Round us is ample room,
Waiting for men!
Let us not groan and sigh,
Let us not sullen lie,
Let us not tamely die,
Let us be men.
—Sel.
SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
We have now reached the third message. I have obtained permission to sell tracts, and the people must have time to read. Many follow me strictly with their Bibles, and take notes, and several call on me to ask questions on points that are not clear to them. This is a good sign. We have many warm friends, who pray for us, and bid us God-speed. Several have taken great interest in my wife, and have sent her things to make her comfortable. Thus the Lord takes care of us in our pilgrimage, and verifies his promise to those who leave home and friends for his sake. Matt. 19.
Last Saturday night I offered our tracts for sale to a company of about sixty persons, I had them prepared in one-franc packages. I had twenty of these, which were taken in two minutes, and I had to immediately prepare several others for the occasion. Some took four. I then lent tracts to the poor. Several have come to my residence after tracts to send to their friends in other places.
Among my most interested hearers is a Roman Catholic who has studied two years with the intention of being a priest. He is an intelligent and sensible man. He visits me regularly, and has not lost one meeting. The first time he called on me he said, “The first time I went to the hall, I went from curiosity, but the second time I went from conviction, and I believe all I have heard.” Last night I showed how we become and continue to be children of God. To-day this man has called on me, and on leaving me he said feelingly, “I mean to be thoroughly converted to God.”
Very encouraging news from France, just received, has greatly revived us. Two had given up the truth in Valence, and were threatening to ruin the work in that place; but these are being replaced by others, and courage is increased in those that are true. A little hall is being fitted up for meetings. The president of the French republic is submitting to the people in some important matters; and our dear Bro. Gabert will soon go out to labor where doors are opening before him. His daughter, the teacher and poetess in Germany, is firm, and his other daughter has faithfully stood by us in our affliction and labors. We feel to praise the Lord for his care, and for blessings received and victories gained.
We expect Bro. Andrews to-night. Receipts thus far, about 170 francs.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Morges, Switzerland, Dec. 17, 1877.
NEOSHO CO., KAN.
By Chas. F. Stevens
I held meetings near Flat Rock during the greater part of the month of October, and after an absence of one month returned, and held meetings there and at another point three miles east of Chanute until Dec. 25. Twelve or fourteen have decided to obey all the commandments of God. I hope this company will grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth.
CHAS. F. STEVENS.
REYNOLDS, GEORGIA.
By C. O. Taylor
Many thanks to those that have sent me papers. Some of the boxes have come; others will. When they all arrive, I shall have all I want for some time. Pamphlets and tracts will be very acceptable. One box contains REVIEWS, INSTRUCTORS, SIGNS, quite a number of Family Almanacs of 1875, and some copies of the “Bird’s-eye View of the Great Field of Prophecy.” On the Signs and Reviews is the name of F. W. Mace; on THE VOICE OF TRUTH is the name of John W. Clement. Will the sender let me know who he is?
I have been handing out reading matter to several persons to-day. I am much pleased to see with what deep interest the experience and views of sister White are read by those who are keeping the Sabbath here. They are anxious to learn and know the truth. A first-day Adventist minister from the North, now laboring in this county, has been reading sister White’s writings for a few days past. He remarked to me that by reading the Crisis he came to the conclusion that she was a spiritualist, but on reading her works he sees she is very far from being one. No doubt others are equally deceived.
Many first-day Adventists feel toward Seventh-day Adventists very much as the churches do toward them. The “craft and cunning” of certain writers in the paper referred to is fast being seen by the honest who have been under their influence, and they will leave them for a more consistent advent faith.
I shall write to all who have asked for addresses to which to send the SIGNS, as soon as possible. I am sowing much seed for others to gather the precious fruit. There will be much for others to do here after I have done all I can. At times I am much pressed with the amount of labor I see to do. My health has failed somewhat of late, and old diseases that I had not felt for a year are coming back. This makes me feel sad, yet in God I trust. Pray for me and mine. C. O. TAYLOR.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
I spent ten days with the company at Union Chapel, Cheatham Co., holding some meetings and raising funds to build a meeting-house. Enough was subscribed to furnish the material; but the work was postponed until spring.
I then started to visit the church upon the Cumberland mountains. At Lebanon I met Bro. J. L. Baker. Here one family have embraced the truth, and others are interested; but every possible effort is being made to deter them from obedience. I held one meeting with them.
I found the church at Mt. Gilead beset on every hand, and somewhat discouraged. Remained eight days, and spoke ten times. All were greatly encouraged, four joined the church, one was baptized, and one began keeping the Sabbath. The S. B. was partially re-organized, amounting to $31.85; others will raise it some. The S. B. for 1877 is all paid but $1.80. At the celebration of the Lord's supper the Spirit of God was present in power, melting the stoutest hearts.
I am now on my way to Edgefield Junction, Tenn., which will be my address.
ORLANDO SOULE.
KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.
By S. Osborn
The meeting at D. W. Barr’s, near Elizabethtown, Dec. 8 and 9, was one of great interest. We were all made glad by the presence of Bro. Haskell. His counsel and instruction, especially in the tract work, were truly timely, and of great importance to us. The Sabbath-keepers in this Conference are mostly poor, but some are willing to work, and by the arrangement of Bro. H. with the Tract Society, all, rich and poor, can use their talents. And, thank the Lord, some are already making their mark.
At Edgefield Junction, Tenn., Dec. 16-18, quite a goodly number of Sabbath-keepers from the different churches were present. The members of this Conference showed that they appreciated Bro. Haskell’s counsel by taking hold of the work proposed.
May God bless Bro. H. in his work.
S. OSBORN.
MINNESOTA
By Warren Wagner; John W. Moore
We commenced a course of lectures at the Herrack school-house, in Oak Grove, Anoka Co., but the Methodist preacher started a protracted meeting. We then moved to Bethel, five miles from there. Here fourteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and a great many are interested and are investigating. We think many more will decide in favor of the truth. We have calls from many places in this vicinity.
In some families, some of sister White’s works, tracts, copies of the SIGNS, &c., having been sent by friends of the cause in the East to friends here, had opened the way, and we were made welcome to their homes; and they joyfully embraced the truth as soon as they heard it. Oh that all our ministers and members realized as they ought the importance of getting our publications before the people! How the work would then move on!
We shall continue our labors here for some time, and we request the prayers of all who love the truth and read this paper.
WARREN WAGNER.
JOHN W. MOORE.
MISSOURI
By H. Woodruff
Three weeks ago I commenced meetings near Summerset, in the northern part of Mercer Co. The interest was good until the rain compelled us to close. Several acknowledged the truthfulness of our positions, and three covenanted to keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus.
H. Woodruff.
BEAMAN, IOWA.
By M. M. Kenny; O. M. Olds
We came to this place Dec. 19. The interest in our meetings is increasing. The best element in society here is decidedly in our favor. Before we came here, we commenced meetings in a school-house one and a half miles from this place, but through the influence of the M. E. minister the school-house was locked against us. This raised the indignation of the district, and they declared that the M. E. minister should not have the house. The result was that we were requested to come here and use the hall, the people offering to help bear the expenses. Our congregation is composed of all classes. Quite a number of Catholics attend regularly. The principal of the school is very much interested. He was raised a German Catholic. He says he did not know before that the pope claimed as much as he does. The truth is beginning to work on the hearts of the people. One old Protestant Methodist minister has been a constant attendant, and is also interested. Last Sunday he advised his congregation to attend our meetings, and hear for themselves.
M. M. KENNY.
O. M. OLDS.
RHODE ISLAND.
By J. C. Tucker
The meeting at Curtis’ Corner was held Dec. 22 and 23, as appointed by Bro. Wood, through the Review. We deem it a grand success. Bro. M. Wood and I. Sanborn were present. They had freedom in their discourses, and the desired effect was produced. In the social meeting following these discourses, the Spirit of God was present in great power. Wanderers returned to the Lord, and the whole congregation was melted to tears.
We consider this an evidence that God is about to work for us, as in other parts of the New England Conference. May he help us, by our humility and obedience, to invite his Spirit to abide with us. Bro. Hastings remarked that this meeting reminded him of the ’44 movement. The Lord is coming, brethren; “be ye also ready.” J. C. TUCKER.
BAYVILLE, BOON CO., NEB.
By Daniel Nettleton, Jr.
THE Lord has blessed here in presenting the stirring truths for this time. We held our meetings in a private house, and although the country is quite thinly settled, some coming ten and twelve miles to hear us on Sabbaths and Sundays, we had a good attendance and a deep interest. Twelve signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and there are others who, I think, will soon take a stand for the Sabbath. We have prayer and social meetings every Sabbath, with a good attendance.
I now go to a new field. Brethren, pray for the work of the Lord on the frontier.
DANIEL NETTLETON, JR.
SICKNESS OF MY COMPANION.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
As my wife has traveled with me extensively, and has many personal friends who are interested in her, it is proper they should know of her present illness.
Over three months ago her lungs began to be affected—bled some—and she had a bad cough and some fever. We hoped that rest and home treatment would soon restore her. But this has not been the case. She has several times gained considerably, but has again taken cold or in some way fallen back. At present she is very poorly, not able to sit up. She is at sister Harris’s, in South Lancaster, Mass. We ask the prayers of our brethren and sisters that God may help her and raise her up. She would be glad to hear from her friends by letter, though she is not able to answer them. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Danvers, Jan. 1.
TO ILLINOIS T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By F. M. T. Simonson
Of course we have sent off our reports for the quarter ending Dec. 31, and are now turning our attention to the quarter already begun. To have effective work, we must not lay up our oars and float till the last week, and then begin to pull with short, rapid strokes; but every day, with long, steady strokes, bend to our labor. Friends, let us rise every morning with the determination to press all the missionary work possible into the day before us.
Missionary labor does not consist alone in distributing tracts; but also in donating something with which to buy them. From now till reporting time we must do a little better than to give a sum equal to one-third of our S. B.; for our State is in debt, and we must pay. We can each find an opportunity to deny ourselves each day, and thus secure a few cents to donate. We have a heavy debt to meet, and we can and will meet it.
Yours with new courage,
F. M. T. SIMONSON, Sec.
TRIBUTE TO OUR MISSIONARIES.
By S. M. Spicer
“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matt. 19. 29.
Hast thou left the dear home cottage,
Linked with childhood’s happy dream,
Linked with every cherished memory
Of the years that lie between?
Cheer thee, lo, the Saviour told,
“Ye shall receive a hundred-fold.”
For the lovely scene surrounding,
Vale and hillside—dear retreat—
Flower-decked path and shady woodland,
Where would linger fain thy feet,—
For these forsaken, we are told
We soon may walk the streets of gold.
In those holy, happy mansions
Jesus hath prepared for thee,
Where will be no need of sunlight,
For thy God the light shall be,—
In that city, joys untold
Thou’lt receive, a hundred-fold.
Hast thou turned from kindred spirits,
Brothers, sisters, tried and true,
Honored father, loving mother,
All their hearts near broken too?
Grieve not long; for o’er the river
Thou shalt dwell with them forever.
And in thy Father’s house a dwelling
Of beauty, glorious to behold;
Thy heart with ceaseless rapture swelling,
While everlasting joys unfold.
Then, while you tread the weary way,
Hail the soon-coming of that day.
S. M. SPICER.
THOUGHTS FOR 1878.
By Mary L. Williams
BRO. HASKELL has been with us for a few days; and, by his stirring appeals, he has, I hope, induced us to form holier resolutions and strive for a higher walk. Our spiritual strength has been renewed; but ah! how sad we feel as we remember loved ones who take no interest in the truths that make our hearts glad.
The old year is gone, and the book of remembrance, which the recording angel has written, will show how we have improved the days. I regret that I have not done more for the cause of truth. We cannot recall the past, but we can learn wisdom for the future. Time flies too swiftly, and the golden moments are too precious, for vain regrets. Let us make up for the lost past by increased labor in the future.
Perhaps this year may be the last with many of us; and oh! where are we drifting? Is it well with us? Let us make no more vain resolutions, but proceed at once to duty. Knowing our weakness, let us pray and trust. God will help us, and give us patience to endure even to the end.
MARY L. WILLIAMS.
Hardin Co., Ky.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, of congestive chills, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wealthy DeWitt, Mrs. Fannie Haskins, of Portage, Wood Co., Ohio, on Thursday, Aug. 23, 1877, aged 82 years.
Our mother was a devoted Christian, and during her long and laborious life she ever sought to walk before her household with a perfect heart, and to train up her children in the fear of the Lord; and most of the time since her widowhood, in 1874, she has made her home with us, and has been a conscientious observer of the Sabbath. No day passed in which she omitted reading the Bible and secret prayer; and religious conversation and devotional exercises always seemed to elevate her mind to heavenly views, and above the things of this world.
JOSEPH AND SARAH CLARKE.
Died, of typhoid fever, in Lowell, Oxford Co., Maine, Dec. 17, 1877, Mary, wife of Dexter B. Moore, aged 70 years, 4 months, and 9 days. She became interested in the truth last summer when our tent was pitched in Lowell, and as her health would not permit her to come out to meeting, she would take her seat by the window in their own house, where she could listen to every discourse. She acknowledged the truth, and signified her intention to live it out, and I was informed that she had the privilege of keeping one Sabbath before she passed away. She felt that she was ready to go. May God bless the aged father and the children. Funeral discourse by the writer, from John 14:3.
J. B. GOODRICH.
The 25th of November last, three of Bro. Markus Strömann’s children were taken away by scarlet fever, which has been very prevalent here in Swan Lake, Dak., since last spring. They all died within twenty-four hours. The eldest, Lydia, was six, Carl Christian was four, and George was two years old. This is a heavy blow to the sorrowing parents, but the hope of the resurrection sustains them in this hour of affliction. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from John 16:22.
JOHN F. HANSON.
My mother, Henrietta Herrguth, died at her residence, near Jackson, Mich., Nov. 20, 1877, in the seventy-seventh year of her age. She was born in Germany. For two and a half years she had been an observer of the Bible Sabbath, and we confidently expect she will have a part in the first resurrection.
CARL R. HERRGUTH.
The Biblical Lectures.
The course of lectures began Jan. 3, the second day of the term. There are already fifty-five members in the class; and these are mostly new members, but few of the names having been on the class list before. The lectures are given in the College hall, commencing at a quarter before eight, in the morning, and closing at a quarter before nine, when the chapel exercises commence. A profitable and interesting course is expected.