Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 13.
A SAD, BUT TRUE PICTUREPage 1
Earlier text: DO BEASTS HAVE IMMORTAL SOULS?LITERAL INTERPRETATION.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
It is often the case that we hear people say, Well, I believe so and so; not giving any reason why they believe so, or offering any evidence of the truth of their position; as if their believing so was all the proof necessary to make it so. I have lately received a communication, called out by an article of mine in Review of Jan. 20, under the caption, “Are we Understood?” in which the writer expresses his belief that the messages of Rev. 14: 6-12, will be given by literal angels. No reason is given for this faith, except the suggestion that we must accept the word of God. It is true, angel is the word used. I hold to literal interpretation; but not quite to this extent. Are there no symbols used in the book of Revelation, and in the immediate connection? Suppose I say that the beasts of chapter 13 are literal beasts; because the word of God calls them so? Would I not be told that these are earthly powers described under the symbols of beasts? The writer speaks of the beasts of Daniel and Revelation as meaning governments. Should he not accept of “the words of God?” But in the same sentence, in which he claims that these angels should be understood literally, he says, “The gospel message is given to the apostles, and in them to all ministers till Jesus comes.” Right, my brother; said he, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world;” and are not these gospel messages? Have not these angels the “everlasting gospel?” The treasure of the gospel is committed to earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of men. As the beasts of prophecy are symbols of wicked and persecuting powers, so the angels are symbols of proclamations of truth. The chosen instruments are men. In John the Baptist was fulfilled the promise, “I send my messenger before thy face;” but John was not an angel from Heaven. But though the beasts and the angels are symbols, yet their works are literally described. How literally has the ten-horned beast done the work assigned it; and how literally are the predicted messages being preached in our day! R. F. COTTRELL. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MINN. CONFERENCE.
By Harrison Grant
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Will you permit me to stir up your minds by way of remembrance? At our good camp-meeting in June 1874, many of you pledged liberally in support of the California mission to help start a paper there. By the kindness of Bro. White, those pledges less than one hundred dollars were transferred to the Minn. T. & M. Society in consideration of the hard times in Minnesota and that the Society was in debt. At present, but few of these pledges have been paid, and the T. & M. Society owes a large debt. Shall we leave it so? Some one said at that camp-meeting that S. D. A. pledges were worth ninety-five cents on a dollar. If we wish to keep up that reputation we must pay our pledges. I entreat every one who is able, and who pledged at that camp-meeting, to make an earnest effort to pay from five to ten dollars, at least, on every pledge, and that smaller ones be paid up entirely, if possible. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay. The directors have your pledges, but they can do nothing if you are not willing to do your part. Shall we not make a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice, and so be prepared to come to our next great annual gathering with at least a great part of this debt off our hands! It troubles me greatly, and I entreat you, brethren, to labor in this direction. You have had one year and a half to raise this money. If you don't do it now, will it ever be any easier? The Lord has promised to bless those who deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. The T. & M. Society is doing a good work here. About two hundred have been added to our Conference since our last camp-meeting. Many of them were first aroused by reading matter furnished them by the T. & M. Society. Shall we not sustain this Society, and help in keeping up the work? HARRISON GRANT. Medford, Minn., March 15, 1876. A terrible visitation at Hazel Green, Wis., on the 10th of March last, is described in a special dispatch to the Chicago Tribune as the result of a collision between two sections of a cloud, which had divided and come together again:— The clouds joined, and a long cylindrical shaft shot down. The cylinder was about 120 feet in circumference and 70 feet in height. It struck the ground a mile southwest of Hazel Green, and, ploughing a furrow 600 feet long, 4 feet wide, and several feet deep, seemed to absorb the earth and the rocks. As it moved along in a northeasterly direction, it looked like a clay-colored column whirling with incredible speed around a central vacuum. It was a solid mass of heavy rubbish. As the cylinder came up the slope, the rush and yell and whirr of the column—sounding like the rush and shrieks of the wind on the sea, and like the thunder of guns—attracted the attention of the people of Hazel Green, and they flocked to their doors and windows. Steadily it came on, sometimes bounding fifty feet into the air, then rushing down again. In two minutes it descended on the little hazel grove just southwest of the town. The trees were snatched up by the roots, whirled ninety feet into the air, and supported there. The cap of the column was a stone 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet thick. This stone was held in its position while the column covered a space of three quarters of a mile. Just between the grove and the town, 250 feet from either, the column halted and spun around over a small space, and then recommenced its march. The air was filled with the yells and lamentations of the people. Tearing off a corner of a frame house, the column rose some thirty feet into the air, and then, hovering for an instant, fell perpendicularly upon the roof of the Masonic Hall, a stone building. The structure was mashed flat. This was at half past four, and a meeting had been called for five o’clock. Half an hour later seventy persons would have been assembled in the upper portion of the building. The next house was of frame, and occupied by Mrs. Richards and her family. A daughter-in-law and her two children were saved by the scantlings above them, while the rest of the family were killed outright. A frying pan containing three cakes, was on the stove, and the frying pan, still containing the cakes, was found a mile and a half northeast of the village. Twenty-six houses were carried beyond the ken of mortals. Where they went, no one can tell. The track of the column is filled with sawdust and bits of wood, as though a saw-mill had belched out a half-finished lumber yard. The trees for several miles are filled with chairs, bits of furniture, carpets, clothing, bits of window shades, and household materials. Mrs. Looney was sitting in her kitchen. The house disappeared as if touched by the magician’s wand, and the crushed body of Mrs. Looney was found 400 feet off, stripped of clothing and with the skin peeled off her back from her neck down. Of the rest of those killed nothing can be said, beyond that the bodies were found not less than 200 feet from where they started. A boy and girl were found out on the prairie, wandering about helplessly. They were in a house of which no account has been received. They remember being lifted into the air, and, when found, were nearly a quarter of a mile from where the house used to be, badly bruised and unable to account for their condition. Probably the most remarkable spectacle was that of Dr. Kittoe’s horses, which, with barn, buggy, and harness, were lifted 60 feet into the air, and the horses dropped at least 100 rods from the former site of the barn. The column was then a huge mass of debris, and a spectator says that the horses went up through the center of the column, whirling around so swiftly that they looked as if torn in pieces. They were found utterly unbruised but stone dead, and not more than 10 or 20 feet apart. The whole affair was over in two minutes, but the devastation was most complete.—Scientific American. TO THE CHURCHES IN WISCONSIN.
By O. A. OLSEN
“Bring all your tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.” Mal. 3:10.
As another Conference year is nearing its close it would be well for all churches to look after their accounts and know how they stand on their S. B. books. While there are many who are very punctual in carrying out the plan of Systematic Benevolence, I am sorry to say that there are others who are very slack. Now, brethren, if you had made a promise, or signed a note, you would not think it right to let the time specified pass by in indifference. You would bear in mind the time the money was due, and would do your utmost to secure the necessary means to pay your debt; for if you should neglect it, it might cause you trouble. But when we come to pay our vows to God, there is often a great indifference manifested. The time arrives when the pledge for the quarter becomes due. We hear the notice given, and the means may be at our command. But instead of paying up we think it is no matter if we do not pay just now. We like to keep the money on hand, thinking there is time enough yet, and we will pay sometime before the year is out; or perhaps the money is not just at hand; and as there is plenty of time yet, no effort is made to secure it. So the first quarter passes. The second quarter arrives, and no more concern is manifested than during the first one. The third quarter comes, and still nothing has been paid on the pledge, neither is there any special burden in the matter. By-and-by the Conference is to meet, when a portion of the Lord's means is wanted to carry on his work, or the cause must suffer on account of the negligence of its professed lovers. Dear brethren, your pledges have amounted to quite a sum, and what are now your circumstances? You are probably somewhat concerned about your promise to the Lord, and will make an effort to pay your pledge. But it often happens, with your best efforts, that you cannot secure more than one-half or perhaps only a quarter of the amount you have promised the Lord for the year. This is sad, but the Lord is robbed at least of the use of the money. The Conference meets to consider the wants of the cause. They see a great work and a large field open before them; but what can they do? Their hands are crippled—the treasury of the Lord is empty. Why? Because his people have neglected to bring their tithes into his storehouse. But it does not stop here. The blessing of the Lord is withheld from his people because of their great neglect, and discouragement settles upon them. In a little while they are almost ready to give up their hope. Dear brethren, I do not desire to follow this description any farther, but would invite you to seriously consider this matter. The subject has been clearly set before us time and again, and our duty in reference to it pointed out. Now let us take hold of this matter at once. Have we been neglectful, let us make haste to amend our ways. I would request all the churches of the Wisconsin Conference to look into this matter immediately. Elders, are you doing your duty? Examine the treasurer's book, and learn how the account stands, and set the matter properly before the church. Treasurers, are you doing your duty? Have you properly notified the churches when their pledges were due and called upon them for the same? Have you been faithful to give a quarterly report of the condition of the treasury? This should not be neglected. We invite you, one and all, to look to this matter at once; and if you have neglected to meet the payment of your pledges up to this time, put it off no longer. Go to work and make arrangements to square up your account with the Lord. And when the next Conference meets, shall we not find that every church has met its pledges and balanced its account on the State secretary's book? Send your money to the treasurer, Wm. Kerr, Monroe, Green Co., Wis., by draft or P. O. Order, and report to the secretary, A. S. Osborn, Bloomington, Grant Co., Wis. “Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Fish Creek, March 16, 1876. LAMB-LIKE, BUT DANGEROUS.
By A. H. Lewis
A “Debate on the Religious Amendment” of the Constitution of the United States occurred at Crestline, Ohio, on the 29th of December, 1875. In the course of the discussion, the advocates of the amendment presented the following, as a sample of the thing designed concerning practical points:— “The Jew and many Baptists have conscientious convictions that the seventh day of the week is the true Sabbath; but as many (or more) of other persuasions, believe the first day of the week to be the Sabbath. In this conflict the State has not hesitated to decide. And that decision—the only one that can be made—is based upon what is recognized as the Great Public Conscience. In other words, the conscientious belief common to the majority is given the preference, and embodied in legal enactments; while the minority, instead of being compelled to profess, or believe with the majority, are left to hold their own views and promulgate them, without incurring any civil penalty, provided they are not guilty of any overt act in violation of law.” Read carelessly, the above sounds quite harmless; examined more closely, it has the true ring of the coin which says, “Might makes right.” The darkest periods in the history of Romanism, when its hands were full of blood, were days in which the “Great Public Conscience” was “given the preference,” and became the standard of the civil law. Even then, the minority were allowed to hold and promulgate their views, providing they were “not guilty of any overt act in violation of law.” But on practical questions it is not possible for the dissenter to obey conscience without committing an “overt act in violation of the law.” Violations of the Sunday law—weak as it now is—are permitted only by sufferance, and because many believe the law to be unconstitutional and unjust. Increase the power of this “Great Public Conscience,” and make it a tool in the hands of partisans, and this sufferance will speedily disappear. Note the words of the above: “In this conflict the State has not hesitated to decide. And that decision—the only one that can be made—is based,” etc. Exactly, “the only one that can be made.” That is well put. That is plain. It is a true statement, from the standpoint of those who press such amendments. Majorities must govern in matters of religion, and the national government must so decree. That was good doctrine in the tenth century, when the death-pall of a corrupted State-church hung over the world. It was good doctrine even in the latter years of the fifteenth century, when “Rome’s worst pope,” Alexander VI., and his son, Cæsar Borgia, made the black pages of history blush with their crimes. We may deem this “Religious Amendment” scheme an idle tale. It may prove to be an idle tale. It may prove to be nothing more. But earnest men are behind it. They think they do God service in pressing it. They are not now cruel in their opposition to the minority, at least the Protestant minority. They are only orthodox; intensely orthodox. So the Romish persecutors who slew thousands of Sabbath-keeping Waldenses during the latter years of the Dark Ages were only orthodox. They only put the “Great Public Conscience” into civil laws. The road between intense orthodoxy on the part of the “Great Public Conscience” and persecution is short. Truth need not fear, but it is well not to be hoodwinked or cajoled.—A. H. LEWIS, in Sabbath Recorder. The Peril of Universal Salvation
By R. F. C.
Suppose the doctrine of universal salvation be true, and you disbelieve it; will it harm you? Suppose you fear God, and are devout and holy; will this exclude you from Heaven? By no means. Make Christ your portion, and whether it be true or false, you are safe. But suppose this doctrine be false, and, unwashed, and unholy, you are called to Judgment; will that delusion save you from the bitter fruit of your own doing? R. F. C. SUMMARY OF LABORS IN MICHIGAN.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
As I have taken a careful census of all the churches in Michigan, so far as I have visited them, I think a few facts will be of interest for the REVIEW. I obtained a blank book in which I have made a careful record of the names and addresses of all the officers of each church, the number of the members, number of Sabbath-keepers outside the church over ten years of age, the amount of S. B. pledged for 1875, the amount pledged for 1876, &c. As they show some important facts I will give them. Churches visited, 54; elders elected and ordained, 10; deacons elected, 10; persons who have united with the different churches, 167; number baptized, 90; number reclaimed, or those who have started for the first time to be Christians, about 400. The majority of these have been young persons, between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five. Membership of these 54 churches, 1,513; those observing the Sabbath above ten years of age who are not members, 366; total number of Sabbath-keepers, 2,379; children under ten years of age, 827; Systematic Benevolence pledged for 1875, $5,208.96; for 1876, $10,532.20. The S. B. is a little more than double what it was last year. There are twenty-five churches yet to be visited in Michigan, or just about one-third of the entire number in the State; and this includes such large churches as Battle Creek, Jackson, Flint, Burlington, and those in Hillsdale County, so that full one-third of the membership and wealth of Michigan is not counted in the above figures. If this should be approximately correct, then the entire membership of our churches in Michigan would be 2,269, the number of Sabbath-keepers, 3,568, and the S. B. pledged, at the same rate as the others, would be $15,998.30. But there are scores, and I think hundreds of scattered Sabbath-keepers, of whom I have made no account, as I have counted only those in the near vicinity of all the different churches. It will be seen by the above figures that considerably over one-third of the Sabbath-keepers worshiping in our different churches are not members of the church. Add to this the scattered ones, and I think it is safe to estimate that nearly, if not quite, one-half who observe the Sabbath are not reckoned in the membership of any of our churches. If this is so in Michigan, it is much more so in the newer Conferences, where organization is much less looked after. The entire membership of all our churches everywhere, at present, I believe is about 10,000. Upon the above basis, the number of Seventh-day Adventists would be about 20,000. Sixteen thousand ($16,000) dollars S. B. for Michigan may seem like a large amount to some, but after having organized it in about fifty churches in Michigan, and having become acquainted, as I have had a good chance to do, with the circumstances of our people, I can say truthfully, without overstating the matter, that if all our people would pay one-tithe of their annual income, the S. B. in Michigan would be considerably over $30,000. Then when we remember the fact that last year the entire pledge of the State was only about $6,000, we can form some estimate of how much our people are withholding from the treasury of the Lord. If all our people would conscientiously come up to the Bible plan of paying into the Lord’s treasury simply one-tenth of their income, there never need be one dollar’s donation raised outside of this to meet any and all of the wants of the cause. It would pay all our preachers, run all our tents, furnish capital for our Publishing Houses, our College, our Health Institute, our book fund, &c. And is this the people who are looking for the immediate coming of the Lord, who believe that the destruction of all earthly things is right at hand? Brethren, it seems to me that some different action should be taken by our people upon this question. D. M. CANRIGHT. Vassar, Mich., March 18, 1876. MINNESOTA
By Harrison Grant
I attended the quarterly meeting at Mankato Jan. 1. The fast was observed by this church, and we had a very good meeting. The next Sabbath I met with the Round Grove church in their first quarterly meeting. This is a new church, just raised up under the labors of Brn. Ells and Curtis. Here we met Ela. Babcock, a seventh-day Baptist from Transit, who assisted in preaching, and was a great help in our meetings. He seemed to drink in the spirit of the work. He also met with us at the Hutchinson quarterly meeting, and preached on the Sabbath to a large congregation of eager listeners. Jan. 22 and 23, held a meeting at Kingston. This church was organized less than one year ago. The straight-forward, godly, lives of the members have told in its favor, and its numbers have more than doubled during the last six months. Others, without doubt, will join them soon. I have also held quarterly meetings at Litchfield, Koronas, Grove Lake, and West Union. I re-organized Systematic Benevolence at all our meetings held since Jan. 1. Feb. 27, 28, I met with the church at Round Prairie. Here is a company of twenty-five, just raised up by Brn. Hill and Morse. We celebrated the ordinances with them, and were led to exclaim, How they love one another! Brethren and sisters attended this meeting from Grove Lake, West Union, and Hartford. And what is better, the Lord met with us; his Spirit warmed their hearts, and we left them rejoicing in the truth. I am now at Sauk Rapids, looking after a few scattered ones here. I find them very lonely, and we are taking steps to have them unite with some church. Our meetings have been very interesting thus far. At almost every one some are present who have lately come out by reading, and wish to become acquainted with our people. A man and his wife walked fifteen miles and carried a small child that long distance to attend one meeting. A sister walked eight miles through the snow to attend an S. D. Adventist meeting for the first time at West Union. Others have come forty and sixty miles to attend our meetings. I am astonished, and feel to praise God as I see the fruits of the labors of our T. & M. Society here in Minnesota. A Baptist minister at Burbank has been reading, and has now taken his stand on the Sabbath, and the life and death question, and he is reading with much interest on other points of the Advent faith. God has blessed the labors of his servants in this State very much of late. About two hundred have received the truth since our last camp-meeting. Eight new churches have been raised up. And in other fields the people have been reading, and are waiting with great anxiety for a minister to come. How it stirs my soul to hear these calls and see no one to fill them. Our ministers are doing all they can. Oh! that God would raise up more laborers; for the fields are whitening, and the harvest is great. TRIPPVILLE, WIS.
By E. M. Crandall
I HAVE been laboring in this place about four weeks, trying to set the truths of the third angel’s message before the people. As the result of my efforts, eight have commenced to observe God’s holy rest day. One was keeping it when I came here; so there are nine in all. The Lord has greatly helped me in my feeble efforts. To him be all the praise. I ask the prayers of my brethren and sisters that I may keep humble before the Lord, that his blessing may attend my future labors. E. M. CRANDALL. Since I last reported, I have labored as follows: Jan. 28 to Feb. 22, in Jefferson Co., helping those who have recently received the truth to get established in the work. These have already been reported by Bro. Kennedy. Feb. 23, to March 2, I was at Rantoul and vicinity. Four ministers, of as many denominations, had been here trying to tear down the Sabbath, some of them going so far as to demolish Sunday, in order to strike a harder blow, as they seemed to think, at the Sabbath. Our brethren are firmer, if possible, than before, having seen the weakness of the opposition. Five others signed the covenant. The spirit manifested by the opposition has done a great deal to rivet on the minds of non-professors the fact that we have the truth of God for this time. March 3–16, at Centerville. The general quarterly meeting the 4th, and 5th, though not as well attended as we desired, was quite interesting, and I trust profitable to nearly all present. As the meeting continued, the outside interest, which was very low at first, began to increase, and was still rising when I came away, having an appointment to begin a series of meetings at a new place. Four were added to the church, and we hope for several others as Bro. Ayers is to continue the meeting. I begin here to-night. J. LAMONT. THE FRENCH IN ILLINOIS.
By J. E. Morin
I left Battle Creek last January to visit the French in Illinois who embraced the truth under the ministry of Eld. D. T. Bourdeau. I was cordially received. I first visited St. Anne and held several meetings there. One backslider returned to the truth to the great joy of all his family. He recognized humbly his faults, and promised henceforth joyfully to serve the Lord. May the Lord bless him abundantly, and also his family, who are much devoted to the cause of God. Two more have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and another promised before I left him that he would keep it. I left that church much encouraged, and several promised to devote themselves more fully to the cause of God. Bro. Buizon, a true and courageous missionary who has been engaged in the perilous work of evangelical colportage in France, promised me that he would visit these brethren often to encourage them. I also left the brethren around Kankakee encouraged. The last Sabbath which I spent among them was a very interesting occasion. The Lord was with us. The meeting was held at the house of a person who was very much opposed to Bro. Bourdeau, and who hated the Adventists. At the close of the meeting the lady wished to pray to God, imploring his blessing upon my work, and upon me the special benediction of Heaven. All eyes were filled with tears. May the Lord touch the hearts of this family, and cause them to see and feel the importance of the present truth. I visited also the brethren of Erable and Pittswood, and left them all of good courage in the cause of the Lord. There is yet much to be done in these places. The weather was not favorable. The farmers were obliged to remain at home on account of bad roads, and it was also impossible for me to meet with them. During two weeks I held meetings in Manteno among the Roman Catholics. The first week over one hundred came and listened to me and were very much interested. I spoke to them of the soon coming of Christ. The Sunday following, the priest told them to come no more to listen to me, and he assured them the end of the world would not come for three millions of years. Peace, peace, and there is no peace! The week following, several came no more, and I begun to be insulted in the village. One evening I was at the store of a friend, and there came in an important looking personage who said with the greatest confidence, speaking of me, “That young Frenchman is a fool.” My friend replied, “Do you know Mr. G., the poor idiot who lives in the village? Well, he came this morning, and said the same words you have just uttered.” Before denominating any person as a fool we must investigate the theories he advances. During that same week I commenced speaking on the prophecies. The people, excited by the priest, intended to assault me. They came into the Hall, but the Lord protected me. They made only a few demonstrations, and went out intending to return in a short time. Before the Hall was an enraged mob making a great noise to drown my words. But the words of truth rose above the din. I was of great courage, and felt that the angel of the Lord was on my side. After the meeting I offered tracts, and they promised to read them. I told them that was the last evening I should speak to them, but that perhaps, after a time, I would come again. The next day they told me if I should preach again I must have the assistance of a policeman, for my life was in danger. But the Lord is all-powerful. If he be for us, who can be against us? I left Manteno thinking to return if the way opens. I stopped also a few days at Watseka where I had meetings truly interesting. I regretted not being able to stay there longer. All were convinced of the present truth. Six embraced it. I appointed someone to read one of our French tracts to them and their friends at their meeting each Sabbath; for the majority of them cannot read. The village is really awakened. An old man of seventy-five years said, while weeping for joy, that he thanked God for having permitted him to live to this time to keep all his commandments. He was always foremost in attending our meetings, notwithstanding the cold and snow. He103 said that he felt his youth renewed, so happy was he. He promised the Lord to spread this truth among all his friends and acquaintances. I pray the Lord to bless the French church of Watseka. En route for Battle Creek I stopped at Chicago to visit the Norwegian church. I was cordially received by the elder, Bro. G. F. Berg. He related to me that they begun to build the church five years ago, eight days before the Chicago fire. No Adventist lost anything in this fire. The number of members of this church is seventy. I am now in Battle Creek, writing with pleasure for the French paper soon to be published in Switzerland, for which I have obtained about fifty subscribers. I have given away 4,633 pages of French tracts, sold $7.32 worth of English tracts, $1.23 worth of French tracts, and 50 cents worth of German tracts, and visited fifty families. J. E. MORIN. [Dr. Sheldon Jackson offered a prize of fifty dollars for the best home missionary hymn. The following, out of a great number, was selected as the best. The author's name is not given.] SAINTS of God! the dawn is brightening,
Taken of our coming Lord;
O'er the earth the field is whitening;
Louder rings the Master's word:
“Pray for reapers
In the harvest of the Lord.” Feebly now they toil in sadness,
Weeping o'er the waste around,
Slowly gathering grains of gladness,
While their echoing cries resound:
“Pray that reapers
In God's harvest may abound.” Now, O Lord, fulfill thy pleasure,
Breathe upon thy chosen band,
And, with Pentecostal measure,
Send forth reapers o'er our land,—
Faithful reapers,
Gathering sheaves for thy right hand. Ocean calleth unto ocean,
Spirits speed from shore to shore,
Heralding the world's commotion;
Hear the conflict at our door—
Mighty conflict—
Satan's death-cry on our shore! Broad the shadow of our nation,
Eager millions hither roam;
Lo! they wait for thy salvation;
Come, Lord Jesus! quickly come!
By thy Spirit,
Bring thy ransomed people home. Soon shall end the time of weeping,
Soon the reaping time shall come—
Heaven and earth together keeping
God's eternal harvest home;
Saints and angels!
Shout the world's great harvest home. It is some time since I have reported, but it is not because I have been inactive. Most of my time has been spent in laboring among the churches, and in the work of the Tract Society. I am glad to report that the Lord is blessing us more and more. I have realized the sustaining help of the Lord in a special manner as I have tried to set forth the importance of our time and the work before us. The meetings held in the different parts of the State have been well attended. I am very thankful to receive letters from different ones in the State containing words of good courage and testifying to the prosperity of the cause. Many say they never had such good meetings before. I have noticed lately more than ever before an interest manifested by those not of our people. In almost every instance the house would be filled to its utmost. Tract and missionary worker, be not weary. The Lord is blessing the truth, and precious souls will be saved in the kingdom of God. The Spirit of the Lord is with our ministers in their several fields of labor, and many souls are joining the ranks of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Feb. 9, joined Bro. A. O. Johnson in his meetings among the Norwegian people near Leon, Monroe Co. There is quite an interest among the people, and the prospect is that a number will embrace the truth. Feb. 18, in company with Bro. Johnson, commenced meetings near Hixton, Jackson Co., among the Norwegian people. The Lord blessed us much in our meetings here. Had ten meetings with them. Feb. 26, 27, held meetings at White Hall. The friends from Jackson Co. were present. On first-day, seven went forward at the ordinance of baptism. It was a precious season to us all. Three years ago I labored in Jackson Co., and some decided to obey the truth. But a strong tide of opposition set in, and most of them became discouraged. It filled our hearts with gratitude to see the work of the Lord reviving. We commenced the organization of a church with eight members. If these are faithful, others will soon be added to their number. It will be known as the Hixton church. March 14, I arrived at Fish Creek. Bro. Decker has been laboring here for the last six weeks, and between fifty and sixty have commenced to obey the truth. A number of the Norwegian people have received the truth also, and I am here to follow up the work among my country people. May God give me the needed wisdom and help. I feel of good courage in the Lord. I desire to consecrate myself, and my all to the Lord and his work. O. A. OLSEN.
Fish Creek, Door Co., Wis., March 16, 1876. SEVILLE, MICH.
By John Sisley
MARCH 18, concluded a short course of lectures in Seville. I found here a few scattered Sabbath-keepers in a backslidden condition, some having joined the Grangers, and all had lost the spirit of the truth and had become much discouraged. They had not held any meetings for seven years, yet could not give up God's ancient Sabbath although surrounded by opposition. As we labored for this dear people the blessing of God came upon us, and we rejoiced to see nearly all start anew in this good work. Six others embraced the truth, one a man of Christian experience, who will be their leader. Since leaving Lebanon, six who were undecided there have come out on the truth. QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE IOWA & NEB. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By H. Nicola; C. G. Johnston
This meeting was held at Sigourney, Iowa, on the 4th and 5th of March, 1876, and was called to order by the president. Session opened with prayer. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Report of labor being called for, the secretary read the sum, which is condensed as follows:— No. of districts, 13; No. reported, 13; No. represented, 8. No. of families visited, 503; letters written, 215; No. of new paying subscribers for REVIEW, 53; INSTRUCTOR, 78; REFORMER, 79; TIDENDE, 36; SIGNS, 24; HERALD, 8. No. of periodicals sent to friends—REVIEW, 172; INSTRUCTOR, 40; REFORMER, 40; SIGNS, 41. Reading matter distributed—periodicals, 1,340; almanacs, 811; tracts and pamphlets, 196, 171; books furnished libraries, 46. Money rec'd by donations, $109.65
“ “ “ membership, 71.20
“ “ “ book sales, 67.75
“ “ “ on delinquent fund, 8.00
Total, $256.50 On motion, all members of the Society present were invited to participate in the deliberations of the meeting. The motion, made and adopted at the Marion meeting to equalize the debt and credit accounts of the districts with the Society, was on motion reconsidered and voted down. On motion, a new district, designated as No. 12, was received into the Society, consisting of the following churches: Saunders County church, Stromsburg church, and Blue Valley church, with Chas. L. Boyd, Blue Valley, York Co., Neb., director. On motion, a new district, known as No. 13, was received into the Society, consisting of forty-eight members, with John F. Hanson, Elk Horn, Shelby Co., Iowa, director. Upon call for essays, in accordance with the action of meeting at Marion, Bro. L. Mc Coy read a very pointed and practical article on the subject of missionary work, bringing out many good and pertinent points for the consideration of the Society. Many good and encouraging experiences were related by the brethren, and the business meeting closed with good feeling, and a greater zeal in the hearts of all to make greater efforts in the work. On motion, the meeting adjourned. READ IT, HEED IT.
By M. Wood
It is an old adage that there is no use of employing a physician, unless you follow his instructions. This rule could very appropriately be applied to tract and missionary labor. Doubtless every member of the T. & M. Society is fully aware of the fact that we have not entered upon a work of such vast magnitude in a hap-hazard manner. On the contrary, we have a system; we have laws and by-laws by which to be governed in our missionary labors. And unless we make ourselves acquainted with these laws (or the constitution), become familiar with them, and are governed by them, we are liable to make mistakes; and mistakes cause confusion. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to the prosperity of the cause that we move systematically, unitedly, and harmoniously in this most solemn work ever committed to mortal man. The success which has attended our feeble efforts during the past five years is, to a very great extent, attributable to our uniformity of action. And, as an illustration of the immense amount of labor that can be performed by systematic effort, I would call attention to the following significant facts. The population of Boston at the present time numbers 350,000, including an organized body of police, numbering 700 effective men. There are times when it is absolutely necessary to stop the supply of water for a few hours. For instance, if there is a leak, or break in the main supply pipe (as there frequently is), the chief police is immediately informed of the fact. He, in turn, telegraphs to every station house in the city, and in less than three hours from the time of the first report every family, numbering 350,000 souls, has been called upon by these 700 officers, and notified that their supply of water would be cut off, in order to make repairs. So much for discipline, system, and equalization of labor. But without system, and every one acting independently of the others, the utmost confusion would be produced, and no general report could be returned to the officers. The city would be in an uproar. Families would be deprived of water, factories and machine shops would stop running, boilers would explode, and the cry would ascend from a thousand tongues, “Why did you not tell us?” It has frequently been stated that the work which we have done has been but a preparatory work; and that the contemplated moves for the future far exceed anything we have as yet seen in the T. & M. work. And as the obtaining of subscribers for our periodicals, the distribution of our reading matter, and the forwarding of names and money is no small part of our work; the best way to perform it ought to be understood and practiced by all. Having erred myself in this, I mean with God's blessing to be more careful in the future; and I cordially invite my brethren and sisters, especially in Dist. No. 2, Mass., to carefully read and heed the instruction given us in reference to missionary labor. As we have laws, may God help us to enforce them. M. WOOD.