It is a fact, as our books will show, that on July 1, 1878, there were due to the society from the different districts and individuals, on periodical account alone, nearly two thousand dollars ($1986.36, actual figures).
These periodicals have been ordered by our brethren, either for their own individual use or for use in the missionary work, and our tract society is responsible to the offices of publication for every dollar of the same, which constitutes the greater share of our present indebtedness. Not only is this the case, but another fact is that the offices of publication are now entitled to, and need, every dollar of this account.
I might say also that this entire indebtedness has been incurred during the past three years, or since Oct. 1, 1875, at which time some seventeen hundred dollars ($1700) were paid out of our tract society fund to balance the district accounts. This was for periodicals which had been used in the missionary work. Now the question is, How shall this indebtedness be met?
On this point we propose:—
1. That those who are owing the society on periodicals ordered for them, either for their individual use or for missionary work, pay the amount of their indebtedness at once, or as soon as possible. We appeal to them personally to do this, that our society may be relieved from embarrassment. We also appeal to every director and librarian in our society to act as agent to collect these dues and forward them to the State treasury at or before our annual tract meeting. This is but simple justice, the reasonableness of which ought to be appreciated by all.
2. That donations be made to pay for such periodicals as have been used exclusively in missionary work, for which no individual is responsible, and for which the society, in its present financial condition, is not able to pay, as will be shown hereafter. Let our wealthy brethren donate liberally, and those in more moderate circumstances in proportion to their ability; but let all do something. Again we appeal to the directors and librarians, to consider themselves responsible to see that there is not a member of the society in their church or district but has an urgent invitation to donate for this purpose. We fully indorse Bro. Haskell’s suggestions in last REVIEW Supplement on the subject of finances, and shall labor to carry them out in our society. We request all our tract workers to carefully read the article again.
It is also a fact that from July 1, 1877, to July 1, 1878, the bills of books purchased by our society amount to $1758.72, while during the same time the whole amount paid into the tract fund from membership, donations, and book sales, including the one-third, is only $1610.63. When we take into account the additional expense of freight, express, postage, etc., etc., it will be seen that there exists an urgent necessity for the raising of funds to meet the demands of the missionary work, as we have indicated above.
Again we appeal to the officers and members of our society to consider the matter, and take hold unitedly of this work of raising funds for this purpose. Let those who are able give liberally of their abundance, and let us all do something, and do it at once. Shall we not have a donation to our T. and M. society from every member between this time and the annual meeting? B. L. WHITNEY.
Wisconsin Camp-meeting.
By H. W. Decker
The camp-meeting for Northern Wisconsin will be held at Grand Rapids, Sept. 11-17. We have selected this place because it is the most central for our people living in the northern and central portions of the State. It has also the best railroad accommodations. We have the use of the fair-ground, with all the buildings, free of charge. The Green Bay and Minnesota railroad will carry passengers to the meeting for a trifle over half-fare. Those who come on that road will pay full fare coming, and return for one-fifth regular fare. There is now a prospect of having better terms on the Wisconsin Valley road.
Now, brethren, we want to see a general rally of our people from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. This is our first camp-meeting so far north, and we are very anxious to have it a grand success. Let all who can, bring tents; but none need stay away on account of not having tents, as there will be ample accommodations for all. Those living so far north that they could not attend previous camp-meetings should make a special effort, and sacrifice much in order to attend this meeting. The scattered ones, too, all over this part of the State, should be at this meeting. Many of these never have opportunity of meeting with our brethren. Let these come, seeking God that they may obtain a blessing.
Bro. Smith and Haskell are expected; and as these servants of God come to do us good, let us not hinder the work by staying at home, and thus lose the blessing in store for us. Our missionary workers should be present, as Bro. Haskell will be there to give important instruction.
Come, and bring your friends and neighbors. Let the backsliders come. Let all come to work, not in our own strength nor leaning on the arm of flesh, but trusting in the power of God, to work for ourselves and others. We are nearer the end than we have ever been before. Solemn scenes are before us. Do not wait to get the blessing of God at the camp-meeting, but seek him earnestly now. Receive the blessing before you come to the meeting, and then you will be ready at the beginning of the meeting to work, and to receive blessings of God.
Brethren, pray that the meeting may be a success, and come prepared to make it the most successful one ever held in the State.
H. W. Decker.
SUNDAY-SABBATH CONVENTION.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
We do not write to announce such convention, with time and place, but to suggest that our first-day friends ought to hold one, in order to agree on some line of argument by which to sustain their favorite institution in its tottering condition, so that the confusion existing upon this subject may be remedied, and all be in harmony in giving the reasons of the faith and hope and practice in which they mutually delight. Those who discontinue the Sabbath of the decalogue, and substitute for it the first day of the week, should be able to sustain their views with a united voice. But how is it?
One tells us that the whole law “written and engraven in stones” has been abolished; another, that that form of it has been abrogated; another, that the Sabbath only of that law has been done away; another, that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is universal and perpetual, but the day of the Sabbath has been changed, so that they truly keep it by rest and worship on another day; another, that any one day of rest after six of labor is all that the commandment requires, so that any day we choose is truly the Sabbath of the law of God; another, that every day should be kept holy in this dispensation, there being no distinction of days. And besides all this, most of them claim that time has been lost so that we cannot tell which is the seventh day; that is, that it is impossible to keep a particular day on a round and rolling world. Still they are all agreed that the definite first day of the week, the day on which Christ arose from the dead, should be kept by all in all parts of the world.
And these various, conflicting, and contradictory positions are not only held by different individuals, but the same individual will hold nearly all of them, and will set them forth, one after another, in the same discourse.
They will tell us that Christ and his apostles changed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment from the seventh to the first day of the week; but not finding any evidence to sustain this assertion, they will claim that any one day of the seven is all that the commandment requires. If this is true, a change of the day is impossible. But these two contradictory arguments not being of sufficient strength to answer their purpose, they present another, and that is, the commandment has been abolished, at least that form of it, and its Sabbath taken out of the way, being nailed to the cross. This leaves us without a commandment and without a Sabbath; for the commandment has not been renewed.
Their arguments naturally remind us of those of the young lawyer in a suit brought against his client for breaking a borrowed kettle. Said he, in summing up, “Please the court, we claim to have proved, 1. That the kettle was cracked when my client borrowed it; 2. That it was whole when he returned it; and 3. That he never borrowed the kettle.”
Truth never stands in need of such absurd and contradictory arguments. They are unworthy of a person of candor and sense, a disgrace to a professor of the religion of Christ; what then shall we say of them coming from the mouth of a pious and learned minister?
We have no reason to believe that the proposed convention will be held. If it should, they cannot agree with one another; and besides this, no one would agree with himself.
R. F. COTTRELL.
To the Kansas Church Officers.
By Chas. F. Stevens
I want to say a few words to our church officers in relation to appointments.
First, when notice of a meeting for Sabbath and Sunday is given, it is expected that meetings will begin with the Sabbath, or on Friday evening.
Secondly, please see that the appointment is published as extensively as the time will permit. This, many times, requires considerable exertion. It frequently happens that those who do not take the REVIEW (the very ones who need help the most) do not hear of the meetings till near their close. When we have only a two-days’ meeting, it is very important that all who expect to be benefited should be there at the commencement of the meetings. Much is lost by being late, or missing the first meeting.
Thirdly, the house should be cleaned and lamps trimmed before the time to begin the meeting. It has a discouraging effect to go to the house of worship at the beginning of the Sabbath and find the floor unswept and no provision made for lights. This is enough to destroy all the good influence of the first meeting, and should be carefully attended to.
Fourthly, when we have to use school-houses that are used by all denominations, it frequently happens that there are other appointments out that conflict with ours, and we have to give way. Care should be taken that the hour for meetings does not conflict with previous appointments. Please see that the coast is clear; and if it should happen that the house is occupied by others, see that other arrangements are made and the appointment generally understood, so that our time may not be lost.
These matters should be attended to by some one, as much is depending upon them.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10. Let us all try to be faithful servants.
CHAS. F. STEVENS.
Maine Camp-meeting.
By J. B. Goodrich
We hope to see a general gathering of all our people at the camp-meeting, Sept. 4 to 9. Commence now to make preparations to attend. No one can afford to lose the benefits which may be derived from attending the camp-meeting. Come one, come all, and bring your unconverted children and friends with you. Now is the time to work for the salvation of precious souls. The working time will soon be over. The Lord is coming, and that very soon.
Waterville is the most central place in the State to accommodate all our people; therefore let none stay away. The camp-meeting committee will do their best to have things in order, and to accommodate all. A team will be at the depot to take passengers to the camp-ground at reasonable prices. A provision stand will be on the ground, and horse feed will be sold, as usual. Let all that can, come with tents, and let those that cannot provide themselves with tents bring bedding. All coming on the cars will stop at Waterville. Here the P. and K. and the M. C. R. R., form a junction, so it makes no difference over which road you come.
The camp-ground is about 1½ miles from the depot, and about ½ mile from Crummitts Mills. The meeting will be held in a grove slanting to the east, commanding a fine view of Waterville.
Let us come up to this yearly gathering praying that the Spirit of God may be with us, and that great good may result.
J. B. GOODRICH.
Ohio Sabbath-Schools.
By H. A. St. John
At the next session of the Ohio Conference, something should be done in behalf of the Sabbath-schools in Ohio. No doubt a State organization will be considered, and entered into. A united and systematic effort would doubtless increase the efficiency and benefits of this good work.
In order that something may be done in this direction, we hereby request that all Sabbath-schools in this State immediately appoint some one of their number as delegate to represent their interests at the Conference. If the superintendent is to be at the meeting, he would be the proper person. These delegates should bring a written report of their school, embracing the following points:—
Number of classes.
Number in each class.
Total number of scholars.
Question books used.
No. of classes in each book.
How far advanced in the book. Page.
When organized.
Degree of interest, etc.
Let this matter be attended to, and then something may be done.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
Ohio R. R. Notice.
By H. A. St. John
THE C. S. & O. R. R. promises excursion rates (two cents a mile) to all that go to the Tiffin camp-meeting from Springfield, Sandusky, or the principal intermediate points. The B. & O. R. R. has as yet paid no attention to our request. H. A. ST. JOHN.
IOWA
Iconium and Garden Grove, Aug. 12.
WE closed our meetings in Iconium, July 21. As a result of our labors, nine signed the covenant. We have never been in a community where the feeling was so friendly as here. The people bore all our expenses. A large majority of them belonged to no church, and some were avowed infidels; yet all treated us kindly, inviting us to their homes and talking with us freely. We were strongly urged to come again this fall or winter, when there could be a71better attendance. Many are already convinced of the truth, and almost all are favorable, and we hope many of these kind friends will be found among the redeemed on Mount Zion.
Bro. Minos Miller was with me the last three weeks of our labors here.
The tent is now located in Garden Grove, Decatur county. Eld. E. W. Farnsworth was here the first week. Bro. Miller is now with me. The interest is good. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Last night the tent was full, and many stood outside. C. A. WASHBURN.
Winterset.
Closed our meetings at this place, with a full tent, Aug. 4, after giving over fifty discourses. About fifteen have embraced the truth, and those already obeying have been strengthened and encouraged. We think good Sabbath meetings and a Sabbath-school can be sustained here.
We are now at Carlisle. Have given five discourses. People come out well, and are interested. May God bless the work here. J. H. MORRISON.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Tent No. 2, Newfane, N. Y., Aug. 13.
As we anticipated, the opposition have ceased their public efforts, giving us an opportunity to press the truth home upon the hearts of the people. And the word spoken has had its effect. Quite a number have been forward for prayers, and all have expressed their determination to keep the commandments and be Christians. Fifteen or more have embraced the Sabbath, and we continue another week, hoping that others may take hold of it.
S. B. Whitney.
Tent No. 4, Mannsville, N. Y., Aug. 12.
Our tent is located four miles from Sandy Creek and six miles from Mannsville, the latter place being our post-office. We pitched the tent here July 31, and commenced meetings Aug. 3. During the first few days we had high winds, and violent storms of thunder and lightning. Aug. 4, after our evening meeting, a terrific gale blew over our tent, but we all escaped without serious injury. The attendance has increased, as the weather became more favorable, from forty to about two hundred. We have now reached the Sabbath question, and many are willing to acknowledge that we have the truth on this point; yet it remains to be seen who will obey. The most unfavorable thing is the fact that they have had revivals through this section through the work of praying bands, and the people seem satisfied with their condition. Yet we labor in hope.
M. H. Brown.
H. H. Wilcox.
Tent No. 10, Coudersport, Pa., Aug. 12.
The interest here so far seems almost wonderful. We have had ten meetings, and our tent has been nearly full every time. We have already introduced the Sabbath question and spoken four times upon it. We feared that this might have a tendency to lessen the interest, but it has seemed to increase instead of diminishing. We never saw closer attention given to the truth than is given here.
The people seem very cordial, and provide bountifully for our wants.
We have already had calls to go out and speak in school-houses in the country.
E. W. Whitney.
H. E. Robinson.
TEXAS CAMP-MEETING.
By R. M. Kilgore; L. J. Caldwell
Rockwell, Aug. 13.
We have had a glorious meeting—far exceeding our fondest hopes. More than one hundred adult Sabbath-keepers were out. Almost as many more were kept at home by sickness—a thing unheard of before in Texas climate. We have never attended better meetings than these. All came praying and seeking the Lord, and he blessed mightily. The bitter tide of opposition and prejudice raised here has been rolled back, and a goodly number will remain as witnesses for the truth. Full account next week. R. M. KILGORE.
L. J. CALDWELL.
MICHIGAN
Blendon Landing.
On the 25th of July we commenced labor with the church at Blendon Landing, where we continued our work until the 5th of August.
This church has for a long time felt the need of ministerial labor, and furnishes another illustration of the importance of help from without in order to the adjustment of those misunderstandings which often arise in churches which are for too long a period isolated from their brethren in other parts of the field. They readily yielded, however, to the softening influences of the Spirit of God, and we left them quite hopeful of better days for the future.
While among them, it was our fortune to listen to a discourse from a Methodist clergyman, which did great injustice to our views as a people. On the following evening we reviewed the discourse in the same place where it was delivered, correcting the false impression which had been given, to the effect that we are among those who seek to be justified simply through the keeping of the law.
The results of the sermon and the review were, we think, in the end, favorable to the interests of sound doctrine.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Tent No. 3, Hickory Corners, Aug. 16.
Our congregations the past two weeks have been small, but some are interested. On the Sabbath and on first-days our meetings have been quite interesting. Last Sabbath over forty were out. Some have taken a stand with us, and others are reading. Have sold a few books.
Pray for us.
J. B. FRISBIE. T. M. STEWARD.
Pontiac, Aug. 12.
We have now been in Pontiac three weeks, and the interest is still good. Some eight or ten, as nearly as we can learn, have already commenced to keep the Sabbath, and many more are deeply interested. The ministers of the place just begin to realize that the people are in earnest, and they have commenced preaching against us and our work, denouncing us in unsparing terms. Their course, however, only helps the truth, and we expect to see good results. Last Sabbath more than fifty were present at our first Sabbath meeting, and some encouraging testimonies were borne in favor of the truth. We hope for a good company of Sabbath-keepers in Pontiac.
The friends in Birmingham are growing stronger in the truth from week to week, and nearly all expect to attend the September camp-meeting. We meet with them each week and enjoy precious seasons.
J. O. CORLISS.
Tent No. 2, Greenville, Aug. 16.
THE interest in our meetings in this, the sixth week of our stay, is rather increasing, than otherwise. Two evenings of the present week our tent has been full. We have not had a really small audience in all the time. We have all kinds of opposition to meet, including the most ridiculous rumors and stories about our faith and work. But we are gradually gaining the confidence of the people, many of the better class of citizens constantly attending our meetings.
We cry to the Lord for help, and need the prayers of his people. Our faith does grasp, eventually, a harvest of souls. Our tent will remain here till the season is past.
D. H. LAMSON. H. M. KENYON.
Jasper, Aug. 14, 1878.
We have been at this place about three weeks, and although an effort has been made to keep people away our meetings have been well attended. A few more have decided to obey God, and many others are convinced, for whom we will still earnestly labor.
One of us will remain here, while the other will take the tent four miles north-east, where there seem to be some interested.
Last Sabbath we met with the little company near Canandaigua, and had a very interesting meeting. Sunday morning seven were baptized, and eight joined in church covenant. Although they are few in number, they seem earnest in the work.
JOHN I. COLLINS. T. P. BUTCHER.
Muskegon Tent, Aug. 15.
THIS is now the fifth week of our meetings in this place. The attendance on week days has been small; but on Sundays the congregations have numbered from seventy to one hundred and fifty. In order to keep up the interest, and because of urgent requests from many Americans to hear our views, we speak every other evening in the English language. An interest has thus been raised among both Americans and Norwegians. Six have promised to keep all the commandments of God.
So far as we are able to learn, nearly all of those who have attended our meetings are convinced of the truth; but the cross of obeying is too heavy for them to take up. The only industry in this place is the work in the saw-mills. Nearly all the men labor there, and they say that they could not retain their places if they should begin to keep the Sabbath. But we have hopes that others will take a stand for the truth.
Brethren, remember us in your prayers.
A. B. OYEN.
LIFE
By Eliza H. Morton
Troubles dark! trials deep!
Conflicts fierce! eyes that weep!
All tell the strife
Of mortal life.
Weary hearts! tired hands!
Restless years! shifting sands!
And then life's day
Doth pass away.
End soon comes! darkness dire!
Dead are raised! world on fire!
And then doth dawn
A brighter morn.
Comfort sweet! naught to fear!
Rest and peace! Jesus near!
And all for aye,
One endless day.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen's Corner, Me.
TENNESSEE
By S. Osborn; G. K. Owen
Cross Plains, Aug. 12.
We are through with the investigation of the theory of our faith, and the interest is good. Some who came at first have quit coming, but others are filling up their places. Quite a number are keeping their Sabbath, how many we do not know. We shall stay here until we are satisfied our work is done. The people are slow to act, but are investigating with some degree of earnestness. They are very kind in supplying our wants.
Pray for us.
S. OSBORN.
G. K. OWEN.
ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrill
Atalla, Aug. 13.
THE work here is progressing. We have been here six weeks, yet our congregations are still good. Saturday evening forty came forward for prayers, and, as many more on Sunday morning.
We have been obliged to move to another part of the town. Shall be ready for meetings to-night. The citizens helped move and pitch the tent, and provided for our wants in every way possible. We have good congregations on the Sabbath, and a goodly number have commenced its observance. We are talking of building a church, and find the people willing to help.
Atalla is on the great thoroughfare from Georgia to Alabama, and emigrants call to see what we are doing. This gives us an opportunity to sell them tracts, pamphlets, and sometimes books. If we cannot sell to them, we give them back numbers of the SIGNS, REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and REFORMER. And here let me express my gratitude to the many that have sent us publications. We have a fine assortment on hand.
Our tent master has recovered his health, and, although the heat is intense, we are all well. Surely the Lord does remember us in much mercy, and to him be all the praise for the good work here.
A. O. BURRILL.
INDIANA
By W. W. Sharp
Alexandria, Aug. 12.
CLOSED our meetings here last evening, with a congregation of about three hundred. We have spoken here sixty times, obtained several subscribers for REVIEW and REFORMER, and sold twelve dollars' worth of books. Also received $18.50 in donations. Sixteen signed the covenant, three were baptized, and twenty-five or more are keeping the Sabbath. Some will attend the camp-meeting. One young man of talent, who was a skeptic when we came here, will attend the College for the purpose of fitting himself to proclaim the last warning message.
Our effort here has been far more successful than we at one time had faith to hope. To the Lord be the glory. W. W. SHARP.
KENTUCKY
By E. G. Garrett
Pleasant Hill, Aug. 13, 1878.
Commenced a course of lectures at Pleasant Hill, Breckinridge county, Ky., last Sabbath evening, the 9th inst. The Methodists very kindly granted me the use of their house of worship. I have given five discourses upon the prophecies. A good interest is manifested; the congregations grow larger every evening.
E. G. Garrett.
OHIO
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
Springfield, August 14.
The tent-meeting in Springfield is still in progress, with a spreading interest. Congregations do not average as large as we hoped, but the interest seems to be increasing. We are every day hearing of some new one convinced of the truth. Many are “almost persuaded.”
We have had no open opposition, except in the way of getting up every imaginable thing to divert the minds of the people. We have had mostly good weather. Our meeting last Sabbath came near being an entire failure on account of a heavy rain. Six were baptized Sunday morning. It was a most interesting and profitable season, and the influence of it was good on the cause.
We regret that the coming of the camp-meeting is going to close our labor here so soon. We hope, however, that an opening may be found to continue the work here after the camp-meeting.
Bro. Stone left early this morning for Indiana. We shall all miss him much. Hope he may return to the Ohio camp-meeting. J. H. WAGGONER.
NEBRASKA
By CHAS. L. BOYD.; DANIEL NETTLETON, JR.
Ord, Valley Co., Aug. 14.
This is a new and small place in Loup Valley. An interest is awakened for miles around, and we hope for good results. The no-law element is strong. Brethren, while we preach at the tent and visit from house to house, will you not pray around your altars for the triumph of the truth?
CHAS. L. BOYD.
DANIEL NETTLETON, JR.
KANSAS
Osawkee, Aug. 12.
I was with the church at this place, Aug. 3-12. The meeting has been one of interest, and the outside attendance quite good. Seven have been added to the church, five of them by baptism.
Systematic benevolence was raised some, and several dollars were pledged for the Dime Tabernacle. A neat, commodious place of worship, like the new house here, is what is needed in our churches in Kansas to help give permanency to the cause.
Smith Sharp.
Ft. Scott, Aug. 8.
Our meetings are progressing. Have just finished presenting the subject of the Sabbath. There is a deep interest, and twelve in this place are now keeping the Sabbath. The good work is but just begun, and unless adverse influences shall come in hereafter to cripple our work, there will be a large church raised up here.
J. H. Cook. L. D. Santee.
ALSTRUP, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
I have been sick the past week, but am now better, and was able to hold a meeting yesterday in this place. I feel very thankful to God for his tender mercies, and will endeavor to trust in his kind providence at all times.
It is truly cheering to hear of the progress of the work in America. When we read of the success of your blessed camp-meetings, missionary labors with tracts and papers, tent-meetings, and other operations, we praise God for his goodness. Yet the tear unbidden starts, seeing that here we are tugging away, a lonely watchman among millions.
It is not the easiest work to always break new fields, and labor far from our loved ones. In REVIEW No. 2, Vol. 52, Bro. J. N. Andrews has described the condition of the people in this country as truly as though he had lived in their midst. Indeed, darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people.
Yet the Lord has given us eighty souls in Denmark who love to keep the commandments of God and prepare for the soon-coming of our dear Saviour. For this we praise his holy name and take courage. Bitter opposition seems to pour in upon us from every side. But we will labor on, trusting in God. There are many calls for labor. May the Lord direct in all things for his own glory. JOHN G. MATTESON.