Earlier text: THE SANCTUARYMAINE T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By J. B. Goodrich; R. J. Goodrich
The State quarterly meeting of this society was held at South Norridgewock, April 18, 1880, at 9 A. M. Meeting opened in the usual manner, with the President in the chair. The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. The report of labor for the quarter just closed was read, which was as follows:— |
|
|---|
| No. of members, |
221 |
| “ “ reports returned, |
60 |
| “ “ families visited, |
144 |
| “ “ letters written, |
310 |
| “ “ new subscribers, |
35 |
| “ “ “ “ on trial, |
118 |
| “ “ pages tracts given away, |
12,393 |
| “ “ “ “ loaned, |
3,058 |
| “ “ periodicals distributed, |
1,624 |
| “ “ Annuals sold, |
25 |
| “ “ “ given away, |
83 |
| Money rec’d from Dist. No. 1, |
$19.76 |
| “ “ “ “ “ 2, |
10.65 |
| “ “ “ “ “ 3, |
92.00 |
| “ “ “ “ “ 5, |
28.19 |
| Total, |
$150.60 |
Remarks were then made by the President, calling attention to the fact that a large amount of good might be accomplished if each member of the society would take some burden of the work, and be prompt in reporting. Remarks were also made by Bro. Patterson and Webber, giving the experience of several members of the society who have distributed tracts on shipboard, and showing the eagerness of some to get hold of reading matter on present truth. Mrs. Etta B. Goodrich, Hartland, Me., was appointed assistant secretary. Bro. J. E. Allen, director of Dist. No. 1, resigned, and Bro. R. T. Hobbs, Somerset Mills, Me., was chosen to act as director in said district for the remainder of the year. On account of bad roads, but few were out to this meeting. Bro. Patterson, director of Dist. No. 3, came nearly fifty miles through the mud, and said he was richly paid for his trouble. This is a good example for others. Voted to adjourn sine die. REPORT OF NEBRASKA T. AND M. SOCIETY, FOR QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, 1880.
By Annie E. Shepherd
| Districts. |
No. Members. |
No. Reports Returned. |
No. Members Added. |
No. Families Visited. |
No. Letters Written. |
No. Signs taken in Clubs. |
Subscriptions obtained for Periodicals. |
Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets distributed. |
Periodicals Distributed. |
Annuals sold and given away. |
Cash rec'd on Tract Fund and Periodicals. |
|---|
| 1 |
54 |
15 |
|
52 |
11 |
2 |
27 |
10810 |
366 |
179 |
$17.80 |
| 2 |
62 |
28 |
5 |
85 |
32 |
52 |
6 |
12184 |
509 |
93 |
$63.00 |
| 3 |
47 |
30 |
5 |
54 |
44 |
34 |
20 |
12438 |
773 |
177 |
$47.87 |
| 4 |
39 |
26 |
|
158 |
28 |
62 |
15 |
14678 |
466 |
30 |
$67.93 |
| 5 |
60 |
24 |
3 |
66 |
32 |
14 |
32 |
12716 |
711 |
203 |
$30.89 |
|
262 |
123 |
13 |
415 |
147 |
164 |
100 |
62826 |
2825 |
682 |
$227.49 |
MRS. ANNIE E. SHEPHERD, Sec., REPORT OF TEXAS T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By Kittie McKisick
FOR QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, 1880. | Districts |
No. Members |
No. Reports Returned |
No. Members Added |
No. Families Visited |
No. Letters Written |
No. Signs taken in Clubs |
No. Subscriptions obtained for Periodicals |
Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets distributed |
Periodicals Distributed |
Annuals sold and given away |
Cash rec'd on Tract Fund and Periodicals |
|---|
| 1 |
60 |
30 |
6 |
39 |
40 |
.... |
26 |
10044 |
108 |
4 |
$45 20 |
| 2 |
76 |
47 |
2 |
44 |
147 |
25 |
2 |
13153 |
847 |
4 |
$37 35 |
| 3 |
28 |
21 |
5 |
52 |
32 |
10 |
.... |
16086 |
96 |
2 |
$21 35 |
|
164 |
98 |
13 |
135 |
219 |
35 |
28 |
39283 |
1051 |
10 |
$103 90 |
THE V. M. SOCIETY AT ALLEN’S CORNER, ME.
By Alice K. Hersum
The report of the V. M. society at Allen’s Corner, Me., for the quarter ending April 1, 1880, is as follows:— No. of members, 30
“ “ reports returned, 17
“ “ families visited, 17
“ “ letters written, 116
“ “ received, 51
“ “ periodicals distributed, 472
“ “ pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away, 2,480
“ “ subscribers obtained, 10
“ “ “ “ on trial, 108 On pledges, $10.56
“ subscriptions, 5.25
“ book sales, 3.60
“ Annuals, .35
“ memberships, 1.00
“ donations, 24.92 SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS., V. M. SOCIETY.
By Mrs. M. L. Priest
THE report of the South Lancaster V. M. Society for the quarter ending April 1, 1880, is as follows:— |
|
|---|
| No. of members, |
31 |
| “ “ reports, |
15 |
| “ “ letters written, |
408 |
| “ “ received, |
181 |
| “ “ families visited, |
51 |
| “ “ periodicals distributed, |
2,495 |
| Pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, |
12,532 |
| No. of Annuals distributed, |
75 |
| Subscribers obtained for periodicals, |
29 |
A Golden Rule on Flattery and Defamation
—“I resolve,” says Bishop Beveridge, “never to speak of a man’s virtues before his face, nor of his faults behind his back;” a golden rule! the observation of which would at one stroke banish flattery and defamation from the earth.—Bishop Horne. Illinois T. and M. Society.
By R. F. Andrews; Lizzie Campbell
The State quarterly meeting of this society was held at Belvidere, Ill., April 18, 1880. The President in the chair. After the usual opening exercises, the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Reports of labor for the two preceding quarters were presented, which showed an increasing interest in the work throughout the field. The following is a summary of the report for the quarter ending March 31:— | Districts |
No. Members |
No. Reports Returned |
No. Members Added |
No. Families Visited |
No. Letters Written |
No. Signs taken in |
Subscribers obtained for Periodicals |
Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets distributed |
Periodicals Distributed |
Annuals sold and given away |
Cash rec’d on Tract Fund and Periodicals |
|---|
| 1 |
23 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
100 |
930 |
69 |
$13 18 |
| 2 |
77 |
40 |
5 |
307 |
148 |
52 |
9 |
17781 |
980 |
69 |
54 05 |
| 3 |
65 |
24 |
1 |
35 |
105 |
73 |
22 |
6944 |
1203 |
102 |
53 01 |
| 4 |
21 |
10 |
3 |
.... |
.... |
11 |
1 |
898 |
349 |
90 |
18 79 |
| 5 |
27 |
10 |
3 |
55 |
58 |
8 |
26 |
2927 |
211 |
15 |
11 63 |
| 6 |
16 |
9 |
1 |
.... |
4 |
.... |
8 |
21 |
21 |
.... |
2 00 |
| 7 |
20 |
13 |
.... |
52 |
79 |
10 |
17 |
806 |
320 |
16 |
15 00 |
| 8 |
31 |
24 |
1 |
203 |
82 |
19 |
16 |
5139 |
153 |
34 |
23 30 |
| 9 |
70 |
37 |
2 |
499 |
410 |
27 |
65 |
65625 |
507 |
35 |
50 50 |
| 10 |
44 |
14 |
.... |
13 |
57 |
20 |
8 |
4854 |
333 |
110 |
5 20 |
| 11 |
23 |
6 |
1 |
10 |
15 |
.... |
.... |
1564 |
102 |
.... |
.... |
| Total |
417 |
190 |
17 |
1174 |
958 |
220 |
172 |
106659 |
4138 |
471 |
$246 66 |
The President, after inviting Eld. John to take the chair, presented the following:— Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that steps should immediately be taken to place the REVIEW, the Youth’s Instructor, and Good Health in every Sabbath-keeping family within the bounds of this Conference. The resolution was spoken to by Elds. Andrews, Merritt, John, and Ballenger, and adopted unanimously. A discussion of ways and means by which to accomplish this object then followed. Voted, That Eld. B. F. Merritt be appointed to prepare an appeal in behalf of the Illinois T. and M. Society to those of our brethren who are not supplied with the REVIEW, the Instructor, and Good Health. Voted, That we hereby instruct the directors and librarians of the several districts to see that each Sabbath-keeping family is furnished with the REVIEW, the Instructor, and Good Health, for at least four months, to be paid for, as far as possible, by the persons supplied; but if they are unable to pay for it, by a fund to be created for that purpose. Voted, That we do not feel it our duty to furnish means to pay for periodicals to such of our brethren as indulge in the use of tea, coffee, tobacco, or other hurtful stimulants. Voted, That it is the sense of this society that our President should prepare a paper for each State quarterly meeting, setting forth the state of T. and M. work, and its needs in our Conference. Voted, That we recommend that a T. and M. Institute be held in connection with our State camp-meeting, and that we invite Eld. B. L. Whitney to conduct said Institute. Voted, That it is the sense of this meeting that the suggestions of Eld. Haskell in regard to the twelve-page edition of the Signs of the Times should be adopted, and acted upon throughout the State. Voted, That we recommend that all our tract societies, as far as possible, take clubs of the College Record, and remain them in connection with the Signs of the Times, to serve as an advertisement of our College at Battle Creek, Mich. Adjourned sine die. R. F. Andrews, Pres.
Lizzie Campbell, Sec. Noble, Rice Co.—Since my last report, a few days ago, a family of First-day Adventists have commenced to observe the Sabbath. They seem to be very grateful for the truth. Eleven whole families have now embraced the truth here; there is not a divided family among them all. R. F. BARTON. Caldwell, Sumner Co.—April 1 to 25 I labored in this vicinity. A few had been keeping the Sabbath here for some time, and had awakened quite an interest, especially on the Sabbath question. As the result of our effort, ten embraced the truth. A church of fifteen members was organized, also a Sabbath-school of about twenty members. They take a club of ten Instructors; and four copies of the REVIEW, three of the Signs, and one of Good Health, were subscribed for. Sunday, the 25th, seven were baptized. Our meetings closed in the evening, with the celebration of the ordinances. Both of these meetings were seasons of deep interest. A solemn spirit of conviction appeared to rest on the congregation, and the people of God enjoyed a large measure of his blessing. We were loth to leave that part of the country. Two other places were pressing in their invitations for preaching in their neighborhoods, where the prospect appeared good to have raised up other churches with a comparatively small amount of labor; but labor among the churches called me on. May the Lord of the harvest send more laborers into the fields which are already ripe for the harvest. J. H. COOK. NORTHERN EUROPE.
By J. G. Matteson
I REMAINED in Skien three weeks to help Bro. Jasperson. The last week it was market-week. We obtained a place for a stand, and hung up the chart. Above was written in large letters: “The Lord is coming! ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.’ Hab. 2:2.” Below, it was stated that these prophecies would be explained evenings in the hall. The chart could be seen all over the market-place, and nothing else attracted so much attention. Some grew angry over it, many inquired into the meaning of it, and many bought tracts and papers. Shortly before, we had printed two thousand copies of “Prophetic Symbols.” This paper is the size of Tidernes Tegn, contains illustrations and explanations of all the symbols, and is sold for 2.7 cents. (We have now about two hundred of these “Symbols” left.) Thus people came from different parts of the country to hear, and our tracts were sold and scattered. Bro. Jasperson reports that they cannot organize a church yet, although quite a number believe and love the truth. But it is very difficult to keep the Sabbath. It seems to be still more difficult in the small cities than in the large places. And in the country people are so far behind in civilization, that most of them seem to be another kind of people entirely from those who live in the cities. The people in the cities in Norway keep in line with other countries of Europe; but when we get up into the mountains and valleys, they are fifty or a hundred years behind. Tents are not practicable here, and halls can seldom be hired for a less time than six months. Bro. J. has thought of moving to Denmark this month to labor on the island of Sjælland. But when this was known in Skien, about thirty of the friends came to his house, and offered to pay monthly toward hiring a hall, and others sent word that they would help. He says they can easily raise Kr. 40 ($10.76) per month for this purpose. Now if they can get a hall, he will remain; if not, he will go to Denmark. When I returned to Christiania, Bro. Rosqvist had been preaching in my absence with good success. During Easter week we had nine sermons. The friends brought an offering for the ministers, as is customary. It amounted to Kr. 106.27 ($28.47). (In looking at sums and figures it is well to remember that it is very hard times in Norway. All our members are of the working class, and some are sustained by the poor-fund of the city. Two of our funerals have been at the expense of the city. Day laborers get from Kr. 7 to 9 a week [$1.87 to $2.41], and board themselves. Good work-girls can be hired for Kr. 8 per month [$2.14]. Yet clerks, teachers, officers, and ministers receive higher salaries than in America.) All dissenters have to pay full taxes to the state church and priesthood. Thus but a poor chance is left, financially, for ministers of other denominations, who are to be sustained here. Sabbath evening six brethren and sisters were baptized. This makes twelve in all since New Year’s. The next day, the first Sabbath in April, we met to celebrate the ordinances of the house of the Lord; and 56 brethren and sisters took part in these sacred rites. These were very precious seasons to us. We have now 138 members of the congregation united by certificate. The church of S. D. Adventists in this place was formed June 7, 1879; 98 persons have during this time been united with us in full membership. Of these, three have died, three have left for other countries, and two have apostatized; thus we have 90 members left. Of these again five are in Sweden, three in other parts of Norway, and two on the sea, which leaves us about 80 at home. Last Thursday one of the Bremen Ocean steamers left this harbor with 1,100 passengers bound for the United States direct, 400 of whom were Scandinavians. By invitation from the agent, Bro. Svenson, two of us went as far as Drobak, a journey of two hours. Thus we had an opportunity to preach a farewell sermon to the friends. We were permitted to gather on the quarter-deck, above the saloon. This was a precious opportunity for us. Besides this, Mr. Svenson caused Norwegian, Swedish, and German tracts to be distributed among the passengers to the amount of Kr. 20 ($5.36). The same evening we held our church quarterly meeting. The Sunday-school has had an average of 78 members, and 62 in attendance during the quarter. The average membership of the Sabbath-school has been 109; average attendance, 90. Thus we have had during the winter about 140 scholars in both schools. This is very encouraging, both to scholars and teachers. The report from the tract society showed 56 members, of whom 34 had been active. They had secured during the quarter 69 subscribers for Tidernes Tegn, sold 1,192 papers, 69 pamphlets, and 32,544 pages of tracts; in all about 40,000 pages. They have also distributed 117 papers and 2,496 pages of tracts, written 16 letters, and visited 15 families. The sales amounted to Kr. 218.88 ($58.66), which was Kr. 25.13 more than the cost of all tracts and papers. It takes some experience to sell tracts and papers, but one tract sold is worth more than twenty given away, because, however small the sum is that is paid for the tract or paper, it almost always secures the reading and preserving of it, while those that are freely distributed are often treated most shamefully. The tract society in this city, consisting now of only 34 active members, has sold, during the nine months since its beginning, tracts and papers for Kr. 750.49 ($201.19). Besides this, our colporter has sold tracts averaging Kr. 10.00 per week ($2.68). Yet these sales are not effected because other denominations do this way, for they often scatter their tracts broadcast and free, nor because the people are anxious to buy. Most of them entertain a very strong prejudice against everything that comes from S. D. Adventists. But the people are gently persuaded. And thus the tracts go out from ships, steamers, hotels, streets, and public places all over the country. In this respect this city is an excellent place for our head-quarters, and there is none equal to it in the Scandinavian countries. This is also proved by the reports from Brn. Loughborough and Ings. The $6.70 surplus was used to buy Swedish tracts for Bro. Rosqvist. A brother also gave him tracts to the same amount. He received other donations besides, as he is about to labor in Sweden. According to the unanimous vote of the church, Bro. Rosqvist was set apart by prayer and laying on of hands to proclaim the message in his native country, Sweden. The Lord came very near to us on this occasion. The next day he left for Aamodt. We have received a letter from him. He preached four times Sabbath and Sunday to interested congregations. There is a good opening in that vicinity, and a prospect of getting a church established. In Philipstad there are also several Sabbath-keepers. Bro. Tockzelius is laboring some in Lungsund. Bro. Söderblom in Märsta, Bro. Olsen in Söderhamn, and others in other places in Sweden. In my opinion, Sweden is a better field for the truth than either Norway or Denmark, if proper labor could be bestowed. There is more religious stir, and the people are further advanced in religious matters, and more willing to listen to new theories. Yet the laws are more stringent. Bro. Klungland is laboring as colporter in the western part of Norway, and has sent us some subscribers for the paper. He has been educated in the truth in this place, and so have Brn. Olsen and Rosqvist. Now another young brother has commenced as colporter here. His name is Vold. There is a fair prospect that he can learn,—learn to be efficient in obtaining subscribers and selling tracts, and learn to keep himself and family for $2.41 per week. This is the highest we have been able to pay our colporters yet; and it is not bad, either, in these hard times, when a day laborer often gets only $1.87 per week. In Denmark the battle goes well. The Lord is blessing Bro. Brorson’s patient and self-sacrificing labor. The churches in Alstrup, Tylstrup, Hellum, and Dronninglund are prospering. The brethren west of Vejle are faithful and active, and new ones have come into the truth near Aarhus and Ribe, and in other places. Bro. Kristensen has commenced to render acceptable help in preaching. Yet there is need of more laborers; many doors and hearts are being opened. On Sjælland there is also a better prospect of doing good than there has been in the past. Thus our brethren in America have a view of affairs in this mission. We still ask for an interest in your prayers, and a place near your hearts, that the Lord may bless this part of the great harvest field also, and eventually give us all a place in his kingdom. Christiania, April 14, 1880. J. G. MATTESON. TOO OFTEN.
By Mrs. Annie E. Thomson
Too often we idly sit and dream,
When we should be up and working;
Too often we think, and plan, and scheme,
When dangers are round us lurking;
Then wake to cry, when these truths we see,
Alas! alas! that these things must needs be. Too often we fold our hands in sleep,
In the summer sunshine lying,
While the hay lies there in a tangled heap,
And the vines and flowers are dying;
Then rise, when the winds blow bleak and cold,
To fret o’er the ruin, the rust, and the mold. Too often we view with a careless eye
Some tired face, wan with sorrow,
Forgetful that storms may dull our sky,
And burst o’er us to-morrow;
And we in our blindness and anguish crave
The love and pity we never gave. Too often we turn with a scornful look
From a weak and erring brother,
Forgetting the precept in “The Book,”
“Children, love one another;”
And live to regret, when he’s passed away,
That we had neglected to warn and to pray. Too often, great God, we dance and sing
On the brink of deathless ruin,
Turning away from life’s boundless spring,
And thy voice so sweet and wooing,
And the beckoning light of the pearly gate,
Till death and eternity seal our fate. Blest Father, thy grace on us bestow,
And thy mind to us be given;
Then at last we’ll stand in the lambent glow
Of the jasper walls of Heaven,
And hear thee say to each crown-wreathed one,
“Well and faithfully hast thou done.” NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd; Geo. B. Starr
Dist. No. 4.—The quarterly meeting for this district was held with the Richmond church. The attendance was larger than at any other meeting yet held there. Their new sod church proving too small, we pitched our forty-foot tent on Sunday morning, and had a good meeting in it. The Spirit of God was present throughout. Two were baptized, and united with the church here. The brethren pledged $74 on the tent fund. A health and temperance club was organized, which, we believe, will be a live and earnest one. CHAS. L. BOYD.
GEO. B. STARR. Spencer Creek, April 20.—The cause of truth is advancing in Northern Michigan. At Spencer Creek we have a flourishing H. and T. club; there is an increasing interest in the missionary cause; a club of Signs is taken; and S. B. will no doubt be doubled this year. At Whitewater the friends are settling into the truth. They have organized S. B.; and each family has some of our periodicals. The cause in this part of the State will be self-sustaining, and we hope soon to help by our means as well as by our influence to extend the precious light of the third angel’s message. JOHN SISLEY. Danby, April 26.—Fifteen discourses have been given here. Our congregations have not been large, owing to the busy season of the year and short evenings. When we came here, very much prejudice existed; but it has largely been removed, and a very much better opinion prevails in regard to our work. The Lord has given freedom in presenting his truth, and a few are much interested. It seems advisable to leave soon; but we shall resume the meetings at some future time (as some request us to do), and finish our work here, believing that good will result. T. M. LANE. Mendon.—I am still holding meetings at this place, with some interest. Two were baptized yesterday; others are keeping the Sabbath; and still others are at the point of decision. I have sold several dollars' worth of books, and obtained some subscribers for periodicals. The Methodists have granted us the use of their house,—a favor for which we are very grateful. I shall be obliged to leave in a few days to attend the State quarterly meeting, but shall return as soon as it is over. The brethren here are of good courage. The church quarterly meeting was held, and the ordinances were celebrated. The blessing of the Lord was with us. G. G. RUPERT. MISSISSIPPI
By J. M. Elliott
— Jasper Co., April 26.—I close my labors at this place this evening. Have delivered seventeen discourses, and the interest is good. Seventeen adults are keeping the Sabbath, and a Sabbath-school of twenty-six members has been organized. Others speak of joining next Sabbath. Ten copies of the weekly Instructor will be taken for the school. I think this is a good field of labor. The people are anxious to hear, though there is some prejudice. I Should like to have ministerial help. I think it is greatly needed; it looks as though a great work might be accomplished here. If any of the brethren have reading matter that they can send me at Bladen Springs, Ala., it will be thankfully received. I shall return here again soon, and look after the interest. Brethren, pray for the cause in the far South. St. Helena.—April 10 and 11, I spent with the church at St. Helena. There was a good representation of our brethren and sisters at the Sabbath meeting. I had freedom in speaking from the words of our Saviour found in John 15:7, 8. Following the discourse we had a very profitable social meeting, nearly all present taking part, after which the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated. Bro. Wood was present and conducted this service. Sunday there were no meetings in the other churches, and the house was crowded. The best of attention was given to words spoken from 1 John 3:1-3. In the evening we again addressed an interested company. Monday we took the cars for Napa, where we spoke to the brethren and sisters there assembled in the evening. Some of the members of this church have moved away, and some have died, so that there are but few left. Although so few in numbers, the sum of $134 was paid in as their quarterly tithe. When every church-member does his part cheerfully in tithes and offerings, the general treasury will be supplied. Napa needs judicious ministerial labor. Indeed, from every direction comes the Macedonian cry, “Come over and help us.” I would recommend that a definite time be set apart for prayer that God will raise up laborers to send into the harvest field. We see places for twenty men to labor on this coast. We must cry to God, brethren and sisters, in faith, for him to put his hand to the work, and send by whom he will. As we view this large field, and see the many openings there are for labor and the few there are to fill them, we feel humbled before God. His rebuke is upon us because of our lack of consecration. We must devote more time to heart-felt prayer that God will work in behalf of his cause upon this coast. Shall we individually put away our pride and love of self, and so humble our hearts before God that he can turn his face this way, and let the light of his countenance shine upon us? He can and will clothe us with his salvation, if we will comply with the condition laid down in his word. “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Dixon.—The meeting here was one of profit to the cause in this section. The brethren came from Vacaville, a distance of fourteen miles, and the evening meetings were attended by friends living six or eight miles distant. Sister White’s testimony, both on the Sabbath and on Sunday evening, took effect, and made a good impression. On Sunday evening her discourse was particularly impressive. On Sunday, at 4 P. M., a district quarterly meeting was held, which showed a good degree of labor performed. Should the same missionary effort be put forth in hundreds of villages where the truth has never been presented, an interest might be awakened by which scores would be led to embrace the truth. The influence of the meeting was good, prejudice was removed, and all who love the truth were encouraged. RHODE ISLAND.
By I. Sanborn
Niantic and Green Hill.—I arrived at my home in Rhode Island from Virginia on the 3d of March, after an absence of thirteen months, designing to rest a few weeks, and then return to my field of labor in the South. Soon after coming home, I received an invitation to go to Niantic to dedicate the meeting-house just completed by the little company of Seventh-day Adventists in that vicinity. I held meetings one week, and organized a church of five members. Two others intended to unite the next Sabbath. Bro. Stillman, of Westerly, was ordained elder. Two were baptized; and the ordinances were celebrated. The Sabbath-school will be re-organized in due time. I can see no reason why the cause of present truth may not prosper in Niantic, if those who love the truth will only faithfully walk in the light as it is their privilege. I also labored at Green Hill. The church there had been disbanded; but I found a few devoted, faithful, earnest workers, and, at their request, I organized a church numbering seven members. An elder and deacon were chosen. They also pledged all their tithes, paid for ten copies of the twelve-page Signs, and took twelve copies of the Instructor. They will send a delegate to the next annual Conference in New England, and desire to be taken under the watchcare of the Conference. The dark cloud that has hung over Rhode Island is lifting and rising, and I am sure that better days for the dear cause in this State are just ahead. Many things are coming to light which in the past have hindered the advancement of the cause of God in the New England Conference, and I am confident that light will now come in, and greater prosperity will attend the work, if all who really love the truth will be humble and faithful. I expect to start for Virginia the 28th of April, and will stop a few days along the way at the following places: Fleetwood, Berks Co., Pa.; Camden, N. J.; Baltimore, Md.; Washington and Soliloquy, Va.; and Rockport, Wood Co., West Va. As I do not know just how long I may want to stay at some of the above places, I cannot give appointments in the REVIEW, but will write to each place in time to give the appointment. But I want to say to all along the line, Be ready for earnest, active work when you come to the meetings. I hope there will be a general rally in every place. To the work while the day lasts. I. SANBORN. THE CAUSE IN VERMONT.
By A. S. Hutchins
Though for a few months past the weather and traveling have been quite unfavorable for holding meetings in our State, I have, in that time, held meetings with nearly every one of our churches. In these meetings we have seen some tokens of good. Our regular quarterly meetings for this month were very thinly attended, if they were held, owing to extremely bad roads and rain. To the dear brethren and sisters who feel that the present is a time of trial of our faith, I would say, Take courage in the Lord. Just “over there” is the inheritance of those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. With this blessed hope to buoy up the spirit, shall we sink because our faith is tried? Says Peter: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” As foreign substances are separated from gold by the trial of fire, and the genuineness of the gold proved without losing anything of its nature, weight, color, or valuable property, though subjected to the strongest known heat for any number of years, so genuine faith is proved by the endurance of temptations and trials. Let us not cherish the idea that our trials are more numerous or more severe than those that others experience, and thereby lose our trust in God; but rather remember the words of the apostle:— “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13. As churches and individuals, let us humble ourselves and draw near to God. Let our tract and missionary workers toil on. Some are embracing the truth by reading. One writes me, “I took twenty-one names for Good Health with the ‘Household Manual,’ in three days.” From the green hills and mountains of Vermont, praises to God will be heard from those who shall yet embrace the truth, and joy and gladness will echo across our valleys. It may not be in my time, it may not be in thy time; but strong men will yet sound the message in Vermont, and the cause will arise. Several young men in our Conference hold a preacher’s license, who may do much to publish the last message of mercy, if they keep near to God, and have the spirit of sacrifice and a readiness to bear the cross. But we must realize the solemnity of the work, and appreciate its importance. “Without me ye can do nothing,” says Christ. He is coming again. He is near, even at the doors. It is no time for discouragement now. “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Bro. R. S. Owen writes encouragingly from the southern part of the State, where he is laboring, and Bro. C. W. Stone contemplates running a tent here some weeks during the ensuing summer. May united prayers be offered that the Lord may direct his servants aright. April 27. A. S. HUTCHINS. Cleburne, Dallas, and Plano.—Appointments were so arranged that I was enabled to attend the church quarterly meeting at each of these places. I labored to build up the spiritual interests of the churches, and to promote among the members greater zeal and activity in the different branches of the work; and I was encouraged to see such a general response, and such a willingness to move forward all along the line. At Cleburne one was added to the church, and two were baptized. At Dallas, two were disfellowshipped, one was baptized, and three were added to the church. In this place a marked line is drawn between those who are in harmony with the third angel's message and those who are not. Two parties exist, and separate meetings are held. Those who oppose the message are quite zealous in doing missionary (?) work with opposition books and papers. I find these as I go from place to place; and I am happy to state that I have not yet found one of our brethren or sisters who was in the least affected by these efforts to shake their confidence in the truths of the third angel's message. This spirit of opposition is manifested only among those who have come from the North. Not one of our brethren or sisters of Southern birth has any sympathy with those who are engaged in it, or with their efforts to ruin and tear down what they themselves so recently professed to build up. At Plano, one was added to the church, and five were baptized. Here we were pleased to meet the brethren Taylor, late Baptist ministers, mention of whom was made in a late REVIEW, and glad to find them well established in all the truths of the message. We hope the success attending Bro. Hunter's labors the past winter will inspire others to put forth greater efforts, and manifest more zeal, in true missionary labor. The ordinances were celebrated, and the regular quarterly business was attended to at each of these places. We are more and more pleased with the plan of conducting the church quarterly meetings, proposed by the General Conference. The inquiry meeting on the Sabbath, to ascertain the spiritual standing of each member of the church, whether present or absent, is of great importance, and should be strictly attended to. It is not too much to require each member to report his or her standing, either in person or by letter, once each quarter. A duty is here involved. Between Cleburne and Dallas I stopped to hold two meetings in Bro. Oliver's neighborhood, and while here I baptized Bro. O. and wife, who are growing stronger in the truth, though they are comparatively alone, and meet with much opposition. I visited all the friends of the cause at Rockwall, and preached once. The Court-house was opened to us, there being no room for us in the churches. I hope the friends there will rally, and stand for the right, and if the battle goes hard, fight the harder. The reward is promised only to the overcomer. Bro. J. M. Huguley, director of this district, is with me, and is assisting in the work. Terrell, April 25, 1880. R. M. KILGORE. THE STATE OF SOCIETY; MR. BEECHER'S TESTIMONY.
The following vivid picture of the state of society, both in Europe and America, designed to show the importance of a judicious system of education in this country, gives a good idea of some of the elements of strife which are now being “held”:— Society everywhere shows symptoms preceding disturbance. In Europe it is far more apparent than among us. There it would seem that at last by various processes sufficient light has struggled down to the strata of the intelligence of the people, and they are beginning to take part in incidents which determine governments and events. Intelligence has been working down until the upper classes are going to let up among themselves, in influence at least, the great lower classes. Fifty years ago De Tocqueville foretold what has since become history, and the movement of the great masses in Europe has taken place. To-day, all Europe is an organized oppression. Standing in sympathy with the great under classes, I say that this oppression will be met by violence, and I believe that all are now on the verge of a great eruption. The lever has already been touched, and the men who have the vote have the command. Nihilism, Communism, Socialism, are only cries for liberty and for light. They find that the reason of their oppression is ignorance, and they cry for knowledge. But knowledge alone will never help them. They want intelligence, and observation, and decision. And as the movement advances, new channels have to be secured for the escape of their intelligence. The intelligence of the people is like steam,—harmless if free, but if it is confined and compressed you know what the result will be. In Russia the blinded political managers insist on shutting down the steam valve; they won't even allow them to whistle, and their fate is upon us. We are receiving vast accessions from all Europe and Asia, and these people are bringing hither their manners, their necessities, and their poverty. Eight millions from abroad are mingling with us. Four millions from within, but recently slaves, are with us. And in their hands we have placed the ballot. We do well to consider the situation. The industrial question for us is scarcely less important than the dynastic is for Europe. You have given them suffrage, and in doing so you have let out an angel or a devil, whichever it is going to be, and you cannot bottle it up now. The giving of suffrage to four million people as unfitted for it as any human beings could be, was a terrific experiment, and yet since they have had it they have voted just as wisely as their masters did before the emancipation. Ours is the most complicated government on the face of the earth, but I am hopeful of humanity while it has intelligence, liberty, and morality, or self-control. The preparation of the thirty-nine out of the forty millions for their responsibility rests on the new profession,—the school teachers. The free, public, common school is to do the work. The common school ought to be free as water, and should come unbidden to every man's door without regard to complexion or condition. The common school is the most democratic institution ever invented, and with it universal suffrage is possible. Why New York Prefers Theaters to Christian Lectures
—New York is a cultured city, a refined city, an intellectual city, a philosophical city—shall we not say a pious city—that is, the best part of it? And yet, brethren, and yet, Rev. Dr. R. S. Storr's splendid lectures on “The Evidences of Christianity”—they are splendid—attract just about a two-thirds audience at the not very large Association Hall—of which no small proportion are theologians. And this with the admission free to all, while six days in the week twenty five theaters are pretty well filled, some of them crowded, at prices ranging from twenty-five cents to a dollar and a half. Still the people of New York are a cultured, thoughtful, earnest people, as the spires of some 300 churches, climbing through its murky atmosphere and laying their fingers against the heavens, attest. Let us see—how do we explain this?—Christian at Work.