Earlier text: PERIHELION AND PESTILENCEEditorial Notes.
By Editor
An article on the Abolition of the Penalty of the Law, in answer to correspondents, is omitted this week for want of room. The article on the first page, under the heading, “The Law of God,” is an exposition of 2 Cor. 3, that chapter which is so much abused by the opponents of the law of God. Let all make a note of it, and preserve it for future reference. Read the interesting article in this number headed “Receipts.” It is the last article in the paper. Bro. Reese, to whose trial reference is made on page 7 of this paper, is a minister of the Congregational Methodist Church of Georgia. The reader will remember a full notice of the trial given in REVIEW, No. 23, p. 179, of last volume. The Bible Banner, which has heretofore been published as a monthly, enters upon its eighth volume, as a weekly. The first number has just come to hand. It is filled with a good variety of matter, has an able corps of contributors, is presented in a new dress, is lively and stirring in its tone, proposes to turn a cold shoulder to religious scavengers, and treat with Christian courtesy those who may differ with it; for all which reasons, especially the latter, we feel like saying a good word for it. We look for it soon to become the leading paper among first-day Adventists. The address is Vineland, N. J. The National Reform Association.
A CONVENTION of this Association has just been held in Rochester, N. Y. In the Christian Statesman, of Dec. 20, 1877, we find the following brief report of the meeting:— “We are just able to announce that the Rochester Convention was successful beyond all hopes. O. S. Baker, former President of the Rochester Board of Education, was temporary Chairman, and Judge Harmon of Oswego, President. C. D. Husbands, a prominent lawyer of Rochester, was Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions. The addresses were effective, the resolutions vigorous and judicious, and good reports were given in the local papers.” For the last four years the financial depression has affected chiefly individual firms. But during the past few weeks the great feature of this crisis has been the failure of moneyed institutions, which are described as having gone down one after another, “like trees before a gale.” A very large number of these have been savings banks, and the loss will consequently fall in those quarters where it will be peculiarly aggravating and distressing. The depreciation of real-estate securities has been the cause of many of the failures; but it comes to light, as expressed in one of our exchanges, that “in a distressing number of cases, the real cause has been dishonest management.” What faith can man have in man in the light of such revelations? A CORRESPONDENT writes: “The question is asked, If I obey the fifth commandment and that only, when Jesus rewards every one according to his works, shall I possess the land promised? If I come up in the second resurrection and experience the second death, how can I receive that reward?” We answer that if a person should break every other commandment but the fifth, no reward would be due him for any efforts to keep that; and it might just as well be added that if he should rebelliously break any other commandment, the result would be the same. James says that he that offends in one point is guilty of all. There can be no obedience that is not prompted by love. A mere compliance with the letter of the law, without this principle, God could not accept. But if a person knowingly breaks one commandment, he sets aside the authority of God and shows that he has no love for him, and all his outward compliance with the other commandments amounts to nothing. If a person steals on Friday afternoon, it matters not how sanctimoniously he may enter upon the observance of the Sabbath when it comes, he cannot keep it in any way that God will recognize while the guilt of theft is upon his hands. So with the fifth or any other commandment. All are kept or broken together. To Directors and District Secretaries.
By W. C. White
TIMES are hard, and there is a great work to be done. We do not want our district or State funds to be embarrassed and thus the work hindered. Therefore, let no funds lie idle in the treasuries of the district while the State is in debt. At the district quarterly meetings to be held the 13th of Jan. let each district secretary make a complete report to the State secretary of all books and funds on hand, remitting as far as possible the payment for indebtedness, and also sending an order for the books that will be needed for the next quarter. This will free the State officers from much anxiety and embarrassment. Read again article of the New Constitution on quarterly meetings in REVIEW Supplement of Oct. 15. W. C. WHITE. Church Records and S. B. Books.
By W. C. W.
THE REVIEW Office has taken a long step in advance in establishing a complete Bindery. It is now enabled to do better work and cheaper than when we depended on Chicago Binderies for Embossing and Ruling. In the perfection of a Bindery costing $3,000 for new machines there have been some unexpected delays, the result of which has made it impossible to furnish all our churches with blank books by the time appointed. Our bindery is now running night and day as our presses have been for many weeks; and we shall in a few days be able to mail advance copies, to State quarterly meetings. The perfection of the books and the completeness of directions will largely compensate for the loss in time. To Correspondents.
By Editor
H. PARSONS: Send back numbers of the REVIEW, &c., that you have to spare, to the State secretary of your T. and M. Society. H. W. CAREY: Read more carefully the tracts on the covenants issued at this Office, and you will see wherein your views differ from those of S. D. Adventists. Till further notice, my address will be, Bladen Springs, Choctaw County, Alabama. The P. O. address of Daniel Carpenter is Grand Prairie, Dallas Co., Texas. Wanted: Farm Situation and Blacksmith Position
A YOUNG man wants a situation for a year or more, on a farm in Iowa, Wisconsin, or Minnesota. Address, Frank O. Hodges, Pompey Hill, Onondaga Co., N. Y. A GOOD, steady Sabbath-keeping blacksmith can secure a good situation by addressing A. Caldwell, Ozark, Anderson Co., Kansas. SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
We have now spoken six times on the leading subjects of the Advent doctrine. Last Sunday night the hall was crowded, and many had to leave for want of room, although additional seats and chairs were used. The subject was “The Second Advent.” I have never seen a better interest than has been manifested here, thus far. But we have been under the necessity of closing our effort in our large hall, although we offered to pay a reasonable price for it till we had discussed our principal subjects. Evidently some, jealous of the influence of our preaching, have labored against us. The mayor, who is friendly to us, tried hard to have us occupy the hall free of charges, but the current against him was too strong. Thus the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom was shut out of the hall in which balls, operas, and spiritual conferences can be held. We have received, in all, about one hundred francs, enough to cover all the expenses of the hall, and to pay for the use of another hall for two months. Thus far God is opening the way before us. A leading business man, our next-door neighbor, offers us the only other suitable hall in the city; but I shall make sure of another room that I can fall back upon in case this one fails me. On leaving the city hall, I handed out fifty copies of the tract entitled, “Present Truth.” I could have disposed of three times that number, had I had them with me. I have inquired in Lausanne, the chief city of this canton, respecting the matter of tract distribution. I can give away tracts, but cannot sell them at different points as a colporteur without obtaining a license. This costs twenty-one francs (about $4.17). This license is only good for one month, and every time it is renewed I must pay twenty-one francs; but by paying the sum of six francs for a permit of residence, I can sell tracts where I reside. Several have called on us and shown us kindness, and an appreciation of what they have heard. We hope Bro. Andrews will be able to join us soon; for as the work opens before us it is impossible for any one man to meet the wants of the cause. Mrs. Bourdeau has lately had serious attacks of heart disease, which have endangered her life. She asks the prayers of those who have faith, that she may live to stand by me in the work. Rue de la Gare, 12, Morges, Suisse, Nov. 24. Dec. 7, Bro. Bourdeau adds:— We are having good meetings in our new hall, which is so arranged as to hold one hundred and sixty persons. It has usually been well filled. As this hall had been offered us free of charges for a number of nights, we thought we would not hang up our banks; but at the close of the first meeting, the people looked for them, and some said, “You ought to have left as much as a hat on the table in the entry.” So I put them up again, and find the same proof of liberality. Some of the preachers have warned their members against the danger of prying into the mysteries of God. Without referring to them, we have shown that it is not only our privilege, but our imperative duty, to investigate the word of God. One prominent preacher attended our last meeting, and endorsed what he heard before some of his leading members. Mrs. Bourdeau is now out of danger. We saw that relief must come at once, or she would soon die, and we resorted to prayer; for everything else failed us. Jesus seemed very near and merciful; the directions of James were followed, and deliverance came. Her fever and her difficulties of breathing caused by the faint and abnormal action of the heart, left her in a moment, and she walked the room for more than an hour, praising God. The Lord, who made man, and raised Lazarus, can easily heal all the disorders of the system. Freedom is breaking in our souls, and we would not forget God’s benefits, but would devote all our energies to the furtherance of the cause of truth. I have been at this place one week; and have given nine lectures to good audiences, in the Disciple church. The people are very kind and courteous. It is necessary to adjourn our meetings for one week on account of the roads, after which we hope to be able to continue them as long as the interest may demand. L. McCoy. We commenced meetings here Dec. 9. The average attendance is about one hundred and fifty. After a discourse on the millennium, the little tract on that subject, and a number of old Reviews, were offered from the stand, and were taken with unusual eagerness. The Sabbath question has been partially canvassed, and the interest still increases. We shall hold meetings on the Sabbath at 11 A. M. while we remain here. Our brethren who live near are invited to attend. We request the prayers of God's dear people. H. Nicola. C. A. Washburn. I held profitable meetings with the church at Waukon, with the Swedish church at Village Creek, and with the church at West Union. At Fayette, where I held a few meetings, five or six who had not recently been doing so, resolved to keep the fourth commandment with the rest of the law of God. The friends are very anxious to have a tent-meeting here next summer, and will do all they can in bearing the burdens of the meeting. At our meeting in Bradford, we think the Lord was with us by his Spirit, and that some good was done. One was baptized. C. A. Washburn. REYNOLDS, GA.
By C. O. Taylor
On coming to this place last week, I found the company of Sabbath-keepers here steadfast, and growing in the knowledge of the truth. They are anxious to have a meeting-house, where they can worship with none to molest. The Lord prospering, by the time Bro. Haskell visits us this winter, we shall ask him to assist in dedicating a Seventh-day Adventist meeting-house in Georgia. In several counties in the southern part of the State, some are keeping the Sabbath; others are reading. The truth has made a great change in the religious sentiments of those who have become acquainted with it. The Bible is a new book. Once they took no interest in reading it; now they read it with great pleasure. The readers of the REVIEW will remember Bro. Killen, of Houston Co., whose letter7 appeared in the paper for Oct. 25. I sent him some pamphlets, tracts, and papers, and have recently received a letter from him, from which I take the following:— “I spent the holy Sabbath in reading the Bible and the papers you sent me. I have kept three Sabbaths, blessed be the name of the Lord. Before I got through reading ‘The Three Messages,’ God opened my eyes, and I was in a great hurry to obey him. My wife and children, and my mother-in-law, all cheerfully keep the Sabbath with me, and I have no trouble in getting my laborers (colored people) to keep it. I feel like ‘lifting up my voice like a trumpet,’ and showing the professed followers of God their transgressions. How gladly would I preach to this people if they would let me; but I trust that God will yet open the way for me, and grant me what I have been a long time praying for, that is, to be a humble, faithful preacher of the pure gospel of the Son of God. Dear Bro. Taylor, I am with you, mind and soul. I have counted the cost, and do not intend to look back.” Bro. K. also expresses strong affection for this people, especially for those whose writings he has read. By profession, he is a lawyer. Sister White’s writings are well received. One gentleman said he would go fifty miles to hear her speak. I shall have a supply of REVIEWS, SIGNS, &c., when all get here that are on the way. I shall get those sent to Quitman. Many thanks to kind friends. C. O. TAYLOR. NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
I was with the friends at Groton, Dec. 7-12, and found nearly all of them firm in the truth and growing in grace. Formed an acquaintance with a young man who is attending the theological school in Rochester, and found him considerably interested in the truth, at least so much so as to express the purpose to candidly and thoroughly investigate the subject of the Sabbath. Dec. 14-18, I was with the friends in Parma. The health reform is testing some of them pretty closely, especially in the matter of tobacco; but the plain testimony seemed to be gratefully received at last, and there is strong hope that all will get the victory. Prejudice and opposition seem to be subsiding, and the interest and attendance were much better than when I was here before. Here I found a young Catholic who attended the lectures last spring and was convicted on the truth, but who did not dare to obey on account of his friends, fully decided and firm in keeping the Sabbath and performing all Christian duties, notwithstanding the opposition he meets, which is a great deal, as there is a strong Catholic element in the place. He is about eighteen years of age, and seems to realize in a good degree the responsibilities of a Christian, and his prayers and testimonies give evidence of a genuine experience. He is studious and anxious to learn, and some one may possibly find it duty to assist him. Was at Groton again from the 19th to the 24th, but during the time visited Genoa and held a meeting with the church there. Mannsville and Pulaski, N. Y., Dec. 25.
In connection with Bro. A. H. Hall, I held three meetings at the Haight school-house, about three miles from Mannsville. Finding the people interested, we promised to return. We then visited the churches at Mannsville and Pulaski; and Bro. Wm. H. Brown, our new director, accompanied me to Pineville and Pine Meadows, to look after the T. and M. work, in which most of the brethren were desirous of engaging. On returning to the Haight school-house, we found the people anxiously awaiting us. Notwithstanding the bad condition of the roads, the interest has increased, and on Sunday evening the house was crowded. We have now reached the Sabbath question. Bro. Burdick has labored some here, and left a favorable impression. We held thirteen meetings at Pierrepont. This church has passed through many trials; but as the result of these meetings, all their difficulties are settled, and union, love, and confidence are restored. Three have united with the church; we think more will unite soon. We have had large congregations, some coming a distance of six miles to hear for the first time, and many are deeply interested. Bro. H. H. Wilcox, who has helped in these meetings, remains to follow up the interest. I came to this place, Dec. 14. Found two brethren near here who commenced keeping the Sabbath about one year ago, as the result of reading our works. I know of no other Sabbath-keepers anywhere in this part of the Conference. I have held five meetings, with a good attendance and good interest. The people generally are intelligent and very hospitable. Some have already invited me to make it my home with them while I remain, and they seem anxious to hear the truth, although it is entirely new to them. Have been invited to hold meetings in four other school-houses within five miles of here. My address, at present, is Starrucca, Wayne Co., Penn. E. W. WHITNEY. West Pike and Hector, Potter Co., Pa.
West Pike and Hector are seven miles apart. We have held two meetings in each place, alternately. As the going was bad, we gave them two nights to rest in in each place. As a result, twelve in West Pike are now keeping the Sabbath, and in Hector sixteen. In each place a class is organized. Others will soon join them, we have no doubt, for a spirit of inquiry and investigation now prevails. I must now leave them till after our quarterly meeting at Port Allegany, McKean Co. My experience for the past five weeks has been one that I have longed for. The language of my heart has been, “As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Brethren, pray for Pennsylvania. WHEAT AND TARES.
By Mrs. I. D. A. Stuttle
Far on the slope of the sunny mead
Saw I the workers sowing seed.
Scattering germs on the fruitful soil,
Weary, and fainting with earnest toil;
Hungry and thirsty, yet pausing not;
Faithful their work, though the sun was hot. Swift, from the dome of the azure sky,
Saw I a beautiful angel fly;
Pauses he now by the weary men,
Bearing a scroll and a golden pen;
Quick on the page all snowy white
Did the recording angel write. Faithful and true was the record kept,
Just, for the writer never slept.
Every thought that is good and true,
Every deed that the workers do,
Every word that is good or ill,
Notes the scribe on the record still. Time passed on, and the seeds had grown
Tall and rank, which the men had sown.
Saw I now, with a throb of pain,
Ugly tares ’mong the golden grain.
Silently, carelessly, unawares,
Heedless fingers had scattered tares. But the recording angel knew
Which of the servants were good and true,
Whose were the fingers that scattered tares,
Whose were the lips that had uttered prayers;
There was the record, all complete,
Written down on the snowy sheet. Saw I the Judge on his throne appear,
Knew I then that the end was near.
Bowed with shame was the guilty head
When the recorder’s book was read,
Hidden sins that were long concealed,
Faithless hearts, were at last revealed. Weary ones who had suffered pain
Patiently scattering golden grain,
Bravely enduring scorn and ill,
Manfully bearing the burden still,
Saw I rise to the azure dome,
To sweetly rest in their Eden home. Heard I the songs of the seraphs fair,
Saw I the crowns that the ransomed wear,—
Beautiful crowns with their jewels bright,
Glowed on the brow with a wondrous light.
Heard I the Saviour’s matchless voice
Bidding the ransomed ones rejoice. Restless soul, with thy load of sin,
Bartering gold for the worthless tin,
Ever before you the motto keep:
“What you have sown you must also reap.”
Ask your soul, with its load of cares,
“What are you sowing, wheat or tares?” REPORT FROM DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
I have now been on this island four weeks. The opposition has been very strong. The priest preaches against us, calls us heretics and fanatics, and says that we set the time for the coming of Christ, and that we endeavor to be justified by the law. This excites the people against us, and grown people hoot and jeer at us on the street, and even when they go home from church. Under such circumstances as these, there are not many who have courage enough to attend our meetings. Our audiences number from fifteen to twenty-five. Those, however, who have a desire to learn from the word of God, beg of us not to leave them till the battle has been fought out at present. I have avoided all strife, and have spoken with respect both of the church and the authorities; but it is the testimony about the law of God and the Sabbath that has raised all this commotion. The authorities would not at first allow me to ask the people to make donations toward defraying my expenses; but after some conversation with them, they consented to this, with the understanding that I should let them know in what manner it would be done. The friends have donated 44 crowns (about $14.00) for hall rent, and 32 crowns for my traveling expenses. I have sold books for 14 crowns, and obtained eleven subscribers to the TIDENDE. There are now twelve persons here who keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and are trying to prepare for the coming and kingdom of our Saviour. There are others who are convinced. We have commenced a Bible-class, with sixteen members. We have also started a Sabbath-school and a prayer-meeting. These dear friends have no leader, as yet; but Jesus will lead them, and his promises belong to them. May the Lord strengthen those who love his word, and await the appearing of Christ, living a godly and holy life. May he glorify his name by spreading the truth, and leading many in our native country also, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Nov. 26. John G. Matteson. MICHIGAN
By W. H. Littlejohn
On Dec. 8, in company with M. S. Burnham, I went to Monterey for the purpose of preaching the funeral discourse of Salmon Howard, Sen., an aged brother who had long been a member of the church in that place. The attendance upon the funeral was large, and the occasion furnished a good opportunity to reach, by the preaching of the word, a large class of individuals who are seldom seen inside of a church edifice. By the request of the brethren, we remained in Monterey and preached on the afternoon of Sunday, and on the evening of Monday following. The results of our labors seemed to be good in the direction of awakening the church to new interest in the service of God, and the establishment of more favorable conditions for a closer union among the brethren than has heretofore existed. On Sabbath, Dec. 15, and on the following Sabbath, I preached to the church in Allegan. The brethren in this place are manifesting an increasing interest in the services of the Lord’s house, and seeking for a deeper individual experience in the things of God. In common with the church in Monterey, they manifest a laudable disposition to cultivate harmony and concord, to the end that all who love the Lord’s Sabbath, and look for the appearing of the Son of God in the clouds of heaven, may be united in one fold as well as in one hope. At the close of the discourse on the last Sabbath mentioned above, I was summoned to Kent Co., to preach the funeral discourse of Robert R. Jones, the account of which is given in detail in another place. Sister Mary M. Cook, wife of Eld. J. H. Cook, writes from Labette Co., Kan:— The great I Am has been more to me than all I could have enjoyed without him. Great mercy and overflowing goodness have followed me. I sit at the feet of my Saviour. I am very unworthy, yet he cares for me. I trust him, and he blesses me largely. Praise him, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. We have excellent meetings here. The power of God rests upon us, and our motto is, “Nearer, my God, to thee; nearer to thee.” My earnest prayer is that the Lord would give strength, wisdom, and power to his people, that many dear ones who now sit in darkness may yet be brought into the true fold. Dear reader, let us labor with much energy, that our sins may be washed away, and our robes cleansed and made pure; for soon the Redeemer will come to claim his own. Shall we be found wanting? Oh! no; for we should then miss eternal life. May the thought of this stir our hearts to the very depths. Bro. J. B. Alexander, of Sullivan Co., Mo., says:— We are entirely alone here, having no brethren nearer than Half Rock, about twenty miles distant; but we have our blessed Bible, the Review, and some interesting tracts. As we read number after number of our teacher, the Review, we learn that we are very far from being the only lonely ones. We also sympathize with our ministers, who are called to undergo hardships, especially with those who leave home and friends, and, severing all earthly ties, cross the broad ocean, that they may spread a knowledge of present truth, and bring precious souls to Christ. And we rejoice to see the good that they are accomplishing. We will circulate tracts, and pray for the advancement of the cause and the safety and success of our missionaries. Bro. M. A. Lincoln, of Newaygo Co., Mich., in a note dated Nov. 29, says:— Dear Editors Review: I look over my last week's paper with pleasure, and note the many words of love and cheer. What wisdom and truth are contained in the article, “Be Patient.” God bless the writer! How much comfort it gives me to read the contributions of the dear brethren and sisters, who are looking for the blessed hope of eternal life. I see Bro. Frisbie's note to his friends. I am one of them. May God bless him for what he has done for this neighborhood. There is still a work to be done here, and we ought to have some one laboring in this field. Bro. J. L. Edwards writes from Barton Co., Kan:— My wife and myself have been alone in trying to keep all the commandments of God for nearly two years; but lately our dear Bro. Dawson has given a few lectures here, and now we have a little company of like precious faith. The truth of God is very powerful; it will convert the souls of men. Green Valley, Miami Co., Dec. 24. I held meetings with the friends at this place last Sabbath and first-day. There have been a few believers here for nearly three years, but they have never manifested much disposition to help themselves; but they appear to be waking up some now. There is quite an interest on the part of others to hear the present truth, and some are laying hold of it. Four were baptized last first-day. J. Lamont. I spoke to-day from Jer. 29:13. After service three united with the church. In the afternoon two were baptized. The church is prospering under the leadership of Bro. Stover. Two weekly prayer-meetings have been established, and are well attended. This is the strongest church in Southern Kansas. May the love that fills their hearts to-day never grow cold. L. D. Santer. KANSAS T. AND M. SOCIETY.
Report for the quarter ending September 30, 1877. The report is set as a table with columns for Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, and Total. Its rows are: No. of members; Reports returned; Donors; Families visited; Letters written; New Members; New Churches; Periodicals subscribed; Periodicals distributed; Tracts distributed; Pages of Tracts & pamphlets; Rec'd for Membership; By donations; From book sales; By periodicals; from each District. Nettie Sharp, Sec. J. N. Ayers, Pres. We have been laboring in Kandiyohi Co. The work has gone forward slowly so far; but the truth is surely finding its way to the hearts of the people. Some have already decided to obey God, and others are favorably impressed. Two ministers have been helping us some by preaching in favor of Sunday-keeping. W. B. HILL.
H. W. BABCOCK. I HAVE been laboring at a place about twelve miles west of Lake Johanna. Here I found some good souls who were strict believers in the Bible, and who, as some of them said, could find no fault with the law of God; but they had no light in regard to our views. They searched the Scriptures daily, and moved very understandingly, as I spoke to them the word of truth. I obtained six subscribers to the THUNDER. Six signed the covenant; and from twelve to sixteen, I think, will keep the Lord’s Sabbath. Sabbath meetings were established, and a leader appointed, and a Sabbath-school was organized. I trust a good church will soon spring up here. Pray that the truth may prosper among the Scandinavians in Minnesota and in other places, and remember me also. Denmark and East Fryeburg, Dec. 21.
THESE places are about two miles apart. We have held meetings here, and sixteen or eighteen have commenced to keep the commandments. Sabbath meetings have been established. We still hope to see others take their stand to obey the truth. There has been no open opposition, but the keep-away argument has been presented, as usual. However, the Lord gave the increase, and some good souls have embraced the truth. May the Lord bless them, and help them to be faithful. I HELD meetings with the church at Ligonier, Dec. 5–12, and organized a V. M. Society. They took a club of twenty Signs, and entered upon the work of canvassing the town for the REFORMER. I baptized one, and left them much encouraged. Came to Salem Center, Dec. 13. This church is almost broken up by removals. Not more than four or five come together for Sabbath worship, yet they do not fail to meet. The outside attendance was good. There are several openings for labor in this vicinity. The friends were much encouraged by my visit, the first help they have had for nearly three years. They feel to work more earnestly, and hold up the light of truth. W. W. SHARP. Since the first of December I have held meetings in the Presbyterian church in this place, when the weather would permit. Have given nineteen discourses. The audiences have averaged two hundred and fifty, and the interest seems to be increasing. I hope a company will be raised up here that will honor God by keeping his law, and to this end ask the prayers of his people. C. H. Chaffee. Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, Fort Howard, Fremont, Foy Sippi, Mackford, Oakland, and Little Prairie. I HAVE recently held meetings with the churches at these places. Bro. Decker joined me in the meetings at Fish Creek, which resulted in much good. The Lord blessed our meetings at Foy Sippi. They were continued through the week, two meetings each day. Several made a start to serve the Lord, and two were baptized. Most of these meetings were held with the Danish brethren, and all of them were very encouraging. The brethren are taking hold of the missionary work with commendable zeal. The purpose of all is to put forth a stronger and more earnest effort than ever before. Eld. Hanson closed his labors at Swan Lake last week. Four were baptized Dec. 6, and two the Sunday following, making six gathered into the fold by conversion, besides two who came from the Baptist Church. Others are almost ready to obey, and still others think we have the truth of the Bible, if any have it. One of the six young persons baptized was the son of Eld. Frederickson. We all rejoice over his conversion, as the family have passed through severe trials during the past few months. We thank God for this victory; but all this work is among the Scandinavian people. Can nothing be done for the hundreds and thousands of English-speaking people scattered over Dakota? Are they to see the sign of the Son of man in the heavens without a chance for previous preparation? The ignorance of both clergy and people concerning the will and law of God, is astounding. WINDHAM CO., CONNECTICUT.
By J. S. Miller
Dec. 15, 16, Bro. and Sr. Hastings and Bro. Wood met with the friends of present truth at Chaplin. Several who should have met with us were not there, and so lost a great blessing. The meeting was a success, because attended throughout by the Spirit of the Lord. The social meeting on first-day was the best meeting of the series, and all present felt that they had received a blessing. In the evening Bro. Wood spoke in the Congregational church, on the Sabbath question, to a full house. Some opposition was manifested, but we hope good was done. In Plainfield there is some outside interest. We have two evening meetings a week, and present the truth as the people are prepared to receive it. WHAT A SWEDISH BROTHER SAYS.
By Olof Söderlund
A. FEW words to my dear American brethren: I am very thankful to you for the enlightenment and truth I have received from the REVIEW, especially on the Sabbath and immortality questions, which are precious truths to me. The doctrine of the second coming of Christ, together with the third angel's message, has taught me to look and wait for the glorious appearing of my Saviour. My earnest desire is to work in union with you in the cause of God. OLOF SÖDERLUND.