Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 56, No. 1
THE LORD'S DAY; OR STRONG PROOF IN FAVOR OF THE SABBATHPage 1
Earlier text: SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONVENTIONTHE KIND OF REVIVAL NEEDED.
By Cuyler
The revival which we need is a revival of the religion which keeps God's commandments; which tells the truth and sticks to its promises; which cares more for a good character than a fine coat; which lives in the same direction that it prays; which denies ungodly lusts, and which can be trusted in every stress of temptation. A revival which will sweeten our homes, and chasten our press and commerce from roguery and rottenness, would be a boon from Heaven. A revival which will bring not only a Bible knowledge, but a Bible conscience to all, is what the land is dying for. The world's sorest want to-day is more Christ-like men and women. The preaching it needs is more sermons in shoes.—Cuyler. A WORD TO THE INTERESTED.
By Mrs. H. T. H. Sanborn
BY MRS. H. T. H. SANBORN. Last December I was suddenly called from the South on account of sickness at home. As many of the readers of the REVIEW have manifested a substantial interest in the V. M. work for Virginia, I have felt many times that they ought to know that, although duty still requires my presence at home, the writer’s share of the work receives attention, and I feel thankful that there is work for isolated lovers of the third angel’s message. My strength fails at times, and the pen lies silent, when a heart full of desire to work aches to see the work accumulating beyond power to perform. But the prayer still arises for help that the work may not be done negligently. Soon after I came North my club of Signs was raised to fifty-seven copies. Will the REVIEW please bear my heartiest thanks to the unknown friend? Missionaries, whose field of labor can hardly as yet be considered self-sustaining, appreciate such helps, and are melted in gratitude to God. I will gladly use all the Signs the Lord sends, and I believe the way will always be open to pay postage on the large correspondence. Of the fifty-seven to whom I send reading matter, a goodly number are interested readers. A lady in Parkersburg, West Virginia, writes:— “I have received the Signs of the Times for some time. Am very well pleased with it. I carefully read each number, and lend it to others. Would like to still have the pleasure of reading it. Many thanks for your kindness.” “Your paper has been received, and I have welcomed it cordially, perusing it each week with interest. I will cheerfully do so as long as it is sent to me.” A lady in Baltimore says:— “I am very much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in sending me the Signs of the Times, and I wish to have it continued if it is convenient for you to do so. Have received the papers regularly since you have been sending, and I read them diligently. The more I read, the better I like them; and after I have read, I loan them to others. We all think it a beautiful paper, and unite in thanking you for your kindness in sending it to us.” A postmaster in Roane Co., W. Va., replies:— “I received yours, inquiring if I receive the Signs of the Times and wish it continued. I would say, I am grateful to you for sending the paper. I like it very much, and wish it continued. The day I received yours I had just loaned all the papers that I had (put together in a book). I intend them to go all around to my neighbors. I think that God had them directed to me. I should like to hear from you again.” The same person writes later:— “In reply to your question I would say, Although I never heard the Sabbath question discussed, I always thought that, as far as I could see, the seventh day should be the day to keep. But as there are no seventh-day people here, the subject never comes up. I believe I have heard more said about it since I have been reading the Signs than I ever heard before.” He writes a long letter, giving his views, and making an urgent request for the living preacher. Also sends names for the Signs. From a third letter, received last evening, I give the following extract:— “Was pleased to hear from you, and that Eld. —— expects to come to Roane county. I see the papers passing through my post-office, sent to the persons whose names I sent you. I have seen Mrs. —— since. She is highly pleased with the Signs. She is an Adventist, and a good scholar. Was brought up in Lowell, Mass. Her husband is a Universalist. Have not seen Eld. —— since, but I understand he has become a seventh-day Sabbath-keeper. Since the Signs has been read here it has set the people to talking and consulting with each other a great deal. The Signs is liked by all that read it. I was glad to hear you wished me to send you more names. I will freely do so, and the people would be pleased to read the paper. I hope to hear from you often.” Why should V. M. workers become discouraged when such results can be realized in a few weeks? True, many do not accept our periodicals, but all must be warned. We are in the gleaning time. The few must be gathered. Let us toil on. A Seventh-day Baptist minister in West Virginia says:— “We read the Signs with interest, and hand to others, who speak favorably of the truths contained in them. I have been hindered some in the investigation of the doctrines set forth in your tracts, by being pressed with other labors. A few days ago a United Brethren minister came to visit me, and we investigated a tract you sent me concerning the end of the wicked, by Eld. D. M. Canright. The minister admitted that Eld. C. was a clear writer, and brought strong evidence in favor of his position, and he so penned me up that I could not escape. I am searching the Bible for information on this subject. I think I have come to the point where I am willing to be sanctified by the truth. To be honest about it, it seems to me that the soul will sleep till the resurrection, when the righteous shall go into eternal enjoyment, and the wicked shall be consumed as the fat of lambs. I do not wish to be carried about by every wind of doctrine, for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. I wish by the light of God’s word and Spirit to examine these doctrines more thoroughly before taking a decided stand, or teaching them extensively. A member of our church reads and is thoroughly convinced on the tithing system. He believes it to be his duty to pay the tenth of his income to the Lord, and has been trying hard to convince his brethren that this is their duty also.” Thus the leaven is working, and noble, intelligent minds are exercised on these great truths. Other extracts might be given; but time flies apace, and other duties press. May our hearts be inspired anew with the spirit of this great work, and our hands be busily engaged in sowing the good seed, leaving results with the Lord of the harvest. Thus employed, we shall find no time to listen to the tempter’s allurements, and each day’s record will be more satisfactory. Oh! who shall stand the test! Letters are still occasionally forwarded from Mt. Jackson, Va. Correspondents will please remember that my address is now North Scituate, R. I., Box 26. SKETCHES FROM THE LIVES OF MR. AND THE MRS. JUDSONS.
By M. L. H.
The missionary spirit exhibits the same characteristics wherever it exists; and, although it may manifest itself in various ways and by different means, it has one source and one object. S. D. Adventists are professedly a missionary people, yet in other denominations noble men and women have possessed this spirit in an eminent degree. Even at the present time we read of persons whose minds have never been enlightened by the rays of present truth, and whose souls have never been stirred with the thrilling and important truths designed for this time, whose efforts in the cause of Christ exceed ours. We are in danger of making the missionary work too narrow, of associating it with some particular branch, to the exclusion of others equally important. It is the salvation of souls which we seek, and the means within our reach for the accomplishment of this, are many and varied. We do not consider it necessary to go to foreign lands or heathen nations in order to become missionaries, but many who have thus done have left us noble examples of devotion, self-denial, and sacrifice. If we read their lives carefully, we shall be impressed with the fact that with the same earnestness, activity, and undying love for souls which they possessed, great results can more easily be achieved in our own land of freedom, where are so many facilities for missionary labor, than in heathen countries. Prominent among those who have in the past given themselves to the missionary cause in other countries are Mr. and the three Mrs. Judsons. We have thought that brief sketches from their lives might be of interest, and therefore will present from time to time some of the most interesting incidents connected with their missionary experiences, as found in the printed memoirs of their lives and labors. Adoniram Judson was born in Malden, Mass., August 9, 1788. He was the eldest son of Adoniram and Abigail Judson. His father was a man of vigorous mind, resolute will, strong common sense, and inflexible integrity. His system of domestic government probably belonged more to the patriarchal than to the present dispensation. His son Adoniram at an early age gave promise of unusual ability. His intellect [illegible] acquisition great, and his perseverance [illegible]. [Illegible] these elements [illegible] eminence which [illegible] somewhat to excess. His temper [illegible] his own family. When about fourteen years of age, his studies were interrupted by a serious attack of illness, and for a long time his recovery was doubtful. As soon as the violence of the disease subsided, he spent many long days and nights in reflecting on his future course. His plans were of the most extravagantly ambitious character. First as an orator, then as a poet, and then as a statesman, he was sure, in his castle-building, to attain to the highest eminence. After a time one thought crept into his mind and imbittered all his musings. Suppose he should attain to the very highest pinnacle of which human nature is capable; what then? Could he hold his honors forever? His favorites of other ages had long since been turned to dust, and what was it to them that the world still praised them? What would it be to him, when a hundred years had gone by, that America had never known his equal? He did not wonder that Alexander wept when at the summit of his ambition; he felt sure that he should have wept too. At length his mind reverted to religious pursuits, and gradually instituted a comparison between the great worldly divine, toiling for the same perishable objects as his favorites, and the humble minister of the gospel, laboring only to please God and benefit his fellow-men. Here, he thought, is sublimity after all. Here is fame which reaches into the other world, and is the only one worth possessing, because it is the only fame that triumphs over the grave. But here his reverie was broken by these words which flashed across his mind, “Not unto us, not unto us, but to Thy name be the glory.” He desired to be truly religious, yet religion seemed entirely opposed to all his ambitious plans. In this state of mind he entered the Providence College, now Brown University, at the age of sixteen. A classmate, speaking of him, says that he has no recollection of his ever failing, or even hesitating in recitation.11 At the close of his term he received the highest appointment in the commencement exercises. It was at this time that French infidelity was sweeping over the land like a flood, and young Judson did not escape the contamination. In the class above him was a young man by the name of E——, who was amiable, talented, witty, exceedingly agreeable in person and manners, but a confirmed deist. A very strong friendship sprang up between the two young men, and Judson soon became, at least professedly, as great an unbeliever as his friend. Upon unfolding his infidel sentiments to his father, he was treated with the severity natural to a masculine mind that has never doubted, and to a parent who after making innumerable sacrifices for the son of his pride and love, sees him rushing recklessly on to his own destruction. His mother was none the less distressed, but she wept, prayed, and expostulated. His father's arguments had no effect upon his mind, but he had nothing to oppose to his mother's tears and warnings, and they followed him wherever he went. About this time he visited New York and other States, and it so happened that he fell in company with a young man of deep piety, whose conversation was characterized by a godly sincerity, a solemn but gentle earnestness, which addressed itself to the heart; and Judson left him deeply impressed. The next night he stopped at a country inn. The landlord mentioned to him that he had been obliged to place him next door to a young man who was exceedingly ill, probably in a dying state, and hoped it would cause him no uneasiness. Judson assured him it would not, beyond pity for the sick man. But he passed, nevertheless, a very restless night. Sounds came from the sick chamber; but it was not these which disturbed him. He thought of what the landlord had said—the stranger was probably in a dying state; and was he prepared? Alone, and in the dead of night, he felt a blush of shame steal over him at the question; for it proved the shallowness of his philosophy. The clear-minded, intellectual, witty E——, what would he say to his weakness? But still his thoughts would revert to the sick man. Was he a Christian, calm and strong in the hope of a glorious immortality? or was he shuddering upon the brink of a dark, unknown future? Perhaps he was a “free-thinker,” educated by Christian parents and prayed over by a Christian mother; and in imagination he was forced to place himself upon the dying bed, though he strove with all his might against it. As soon as he had risen in the morning, he inquired for his fellow-lodger. “He is dead,” was the reply. “Do you know who he was?” “Oh, yes; he was a young man from Providence College; his name was E——.” Judson was completely stunned. Not until hours had passed did he attempt to pursue his journey. One single thought occupied his mind, and the words, “Dead! lost! lost!” were continually ringing in his ears. He knew the religion of the Bible to be true, and felt its truth. MISSIONARY WORK AT CAMP-MEETINGS.
By S. N. Haskell
Our camp-meetings have a twofold object. First, to promote the spiritual interests of our brethren and sisters; and second, to properly represent the truth and our work to those unacquainted with them. To accomplish the first, much of the preaching is usually close, practical, setting forth the nature of the work and the wants of the cause, and giving such general information as will instruct all in its different branches. The condition of the several missions, plans laid for the advancement of the cause, and the manner in which means are expended, are laid before the brethren and sisters. To accomplish the second object, tracts calculated to fasten conviction on the minds of those who have heard are frequently given away at the close of a discourse. Subscriptions are also taken for our various periodicals by canvassers appointed for this purpose. At our camp-meeting held this year, this branch of the missionary work has been a grand success, and it should never be neglected. Thousands of subscribers for all of our periodicals were thus obtained last year, and at the two camp-meetings already held on this coast, about two hundred subscribers, largely for the REVIEW, Signs, and Instructor, were secured. At the close of a discourse, which has riveted the attention of the crowd, some proper person should call attention to these periodicals, stating that canvassers are on the ground who will take subscriptions for them. Attention should also be called to publications for sale. This year another feature has been introduced, which has thus far proved very beneficial to our brethren and sisters; namely, a Bible-class. In some respects this class answers the purpose of a Biblical Institute. It awakens an interest to study the Scriptures, and serves to unite our brethren more fully on some of the vital points of our faith. The proper observance of the Sabbath is a subject that cannot be made too prominent among our people. After it has been considered in a Bible-class, we frequently hear remarks like the following: “I never saw it so clearly before; I shall do differently in the future.” Such truths, which have a practical bearing upon our lives, are of vital importance. An organized effort should also be made to learn the spiritual condition of each company on the ground. Ministers and leading brethren can take charge of a certain number of tents, and all the brethren and sisters should co-operate with them. In this way much good can be accomplished. At our camp-meetings there should be, and generally is, a full attendance of our brethren. Unconsecrated children, neighbors, and friends should be encouraged to attend, and practical missionary effort should be put forth to save souls. The time should all be occupied, and everything should be made to tend toward instructing and establishing people in the truths of the Bible; and all should be encouraged to take advance steps in the divine life. PRACTICAL MISSIONARY LABOR.
By Mrs. F. H. Sisley
In our last vigilant missionary meeting at Battle Creek, some points were brought out with so much apparent interest to those present, that we have thought it might be well to share them with our missionary workers elsewhere. Several, in verbal reports of their past week's labor, spoke of interest which seemed to be awakened in some whom they had relieved in a temporal manner. Others gave instances in their experience where through kind acts good had resulted. One brother said that years ago a relative of his died, leaving a widow and several children in straitened circumstances. He visited this lady, and tried to assist in relieving her wants. He went with a friend to a store, and there purchased clothing for each of the children. He overheard this lady say to the clerk that he (this brother) would pay for them, and further, referring to our denomination, of which he was a member, she said, “That is the kind of religion they believe in.” She was interested to know more of such a people, and did; “and now,” said the narrator, “she is a firm believer with us.” A sister also related an experience showing the effect of kindness. While canvassing in a city, she made several visits to a lady who, though poor, was very neat in her home. Each time she noticed a pile of children's garments all ready for the making, lying on the stand. The lady apologized for the worn garments upon the little ones, but said that pressure of care had prevented her from making the needful new ones. The sister kindly asked the privilege of taking them home with her to make. At first this seemed too much for the lady to accept but the next week she consented, and they were done. Now what was the result of this small act? We cannot tell; but the lady was evidently much encouraged to continue her investigations of the truth, and she is now with us in the faith. This kind act so impressed the mind of her unbelieving husband, that he said if ever he became a professor of religion he should be a Seventh-day Adventist. Our leader remarked that the giving of bread to the hungry often does as much good as the giving of a tract. This brought to mind the following familiar words, which, in themselves, preach quite a sermon:— “An old lady sat in her old arm-chair,
With wrinkled visage and disheveled hair,
And hunger-worn features;
For days and for weeks her only fare,
As she sat and sat in her old arm-chair,
Had been potatoes. “But now they were gone; of bad or good,
Not one was left for the old lady's food,
Of those potatoes.
And she sighed, and said: ‘What shall I do?
Where shall I send, and to whom shall I go
For more potatoes?’ “And she thought of the deacon over the way,
The deacon so ready to worship and pray,
Whose cellar was full of potatoes.
She said: ‘I will send for the deacon to come;
He'll not much mind to give me some
Of such a store of potatoes.’ “And the deacon came over as fast as he could,
Thinking to do the old lady some good,
But never once thought of potatoes.
He asked her at once what was her chief want;
And she, simple soul, expecting a grant,
Immediately answered, ‘Potatoes.’ “But the deacon's religion didn't lie that way;
He was more accustomed to preach and pray
Than to give his hoarded potatoes.
So, not hearing, of course, what the old lady said,
He arose to pray with uncovered head;
But she only thought of potatoes. “He prayed for patience, goodness, and grace;
But when he prayed, ‘Lord, give her peace,’
She audibly sighed, ‘Give potatoes;’
And at the end of each prayer that he said,
He heard, or thought he heard, in its stead,
That same request for potatoes. “The deacon was troubled, didn't know what to do;
'Twas very embarrassing to have her act so,
And about those carnal potatoes.
So ending his prayers, he started for home.
The door closed behind; he heard a deep groan,
‘Oh, give to the hungry, potatoes.’ “And the groan followed him all the way home;
In the midst of the night it haunted his room,—
‘Oh, give to the hungry, potatoes.’
He could bear it no longer; arose and dressed,
From his well-filled cellar taking in haste
A bag of his best potatoes. “Again he went to the widow's lone hut;
Her sleepless eyes she had not yet shut,
But there she sat in the old arm-chair,
With the same wan features, same wan air;
And, entering in, he poured on the floor
A bushel or more from his goodly store
Of choicest potatoes. “The widow's heart leaped up for joy,
Her face was pale and haggard no more.
‘Now,’ said the deacon, ‘shall we pray?’
‘Yes,’ said the widow, ‘now you may.’
And he knelt him down on the sanded floor,
Where he had poured out his goodly store,
And such a prayer the deacon prayed
As never before his lips essayed.
No longer embarrassed, but free and full,
He poured out the voice of a liberal soul;
And the widow responded aloud, ‘Amen,’
But said no more of potatoes. “And would you who hear this simple tale,
Pray for the poor, and praying prevail?
Then preface your prayers with alms and good deeds;
Search out the poor, their wants and needs;
Pray for their peace and grace,—spiritual food,—
For wisdom and guidance,—all these are good;
But don't forget the potatoes.” Truly, there are hungry souls all around us; not only those suffering from natural hunger, but honest souls longing for a sure and tangible faith to build their hopes upon. If we can help to satisfy either, it is a good work, and eternity will tell the result of unselfish interest in behalf of others. We read that in olden time the children of Israel were taught, through Moses, their duty to the poor; that when they reaped their harvest they should not make clean the corners of the fields, neither gather the gleanings. By this we see that it was a duty to relieve the wants of the needy, independent of any other consideration. By kindness we may have more influence to interest persons in the truths we cherish; yet we must not withhold our hand from the suffering and afflicted around us, even when we cannot hope to benefit them spiritually. In Prov. 28:27 we read, “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack, but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” Again, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” As this branch of the missionary work was so fully canvassed, it made us realize that the Christian platform is indeed a broad one, and that we must watch carefully at every step that we offend not. Solomon says, “He that winneth souls is wise.” Oh, for wisdom! Items of Interest.
By H. E. Sawyer
The following is an extract from a letter received from a gentleman on Long Island. May it arouse others to do what they can in circulating Good Health and our temperance tracts. He says:— “I received your letter, also a copy of Good Health, with temperance tracts, all of which were highly appreciated by me and others; for I have sent them over the place where they will do good, and I trust prove a blessing. I do not know as there was ever a copy of Good Health in this place before. I would like to become a subscriber. It is just what we need. “In this village we are saturated with tobacco. No rum is sold here in public, but nearly all are slaves to tobacco. I believe it is doing more evil than rum in this country, because so many professing Christians are using it and leading the young into the snare. Please send me the strongest arguments you have in opposition to tobacco. “I have but few with me in this work. It makes one unpopular oftentimes to stand alone and oppose popular sins, especially in the church, but I must do it. “I am about to start an anti-tobacco society. I have always been opposed to such an institution, because it seems like taking the work out of the hands of the church. The church ought to be free from such pollutions; but if they will continue to live in a backslidden state, then members who know their duty must come ‘to the help of the Lord against the mighty.’ I do not believe the Lord looks with approbation on a dead church; for he has said in his word, ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’ “About the time you sent me a copy of Good Health, I received one from M. E. Cook, containing an article which opened with this expression, ‘Tobacco is one of the feet on which drunkenness rests.’ Now, if this statement is true (and I believe it is), ought not every Christian to see it, and do all he can to remove anything that fosters intemperance?” A little later I received another letter from the same gentleman. I had sent him some anti-tobacco tracts, and this is the way he speaks of them:— “These tracts are grand. I have handed them to numbers in this place, and they have been read. The ‘Arguments on Tobacco’ are good. Please send me about twenty copies, and any others you please, all on tobacco. There is not much need of any on alcohol at present. Of course some drink it, but they are very shy about it. I find the leaflets very handy for distribution. Send me as many as you can for one dollar, and I will endeavor to place them where they will do good. “It is hard for the people to see that tea is an evil, but the time will come when Christians will not use it. I ask them, ‘Why do you spend money for that which is not bread?’ “Find inclosed $2.00, one for Good Health and the other for tracts on tobacco.” Last summer, while looking over a paper for names, I found in the children’s department an interesting letter from a little girl who mentioned the name of an excellent teacher. I took it, and began sending specimen copies of the Signs. I introduced myself by letter, and found her to be a Christian lady. I have received many letters from her, and will take extracts from them for the benefit of the readers of the REVIEW. In reference to the Signs, she says:— “I thank you kindly for the papers. I am much interested in all that pertains to Christ and his kingdom,—its advancement here and its glory beyond. I highly appreciate your kindness in sending me the Annual. I would be glad of any reading matter on such an important subject as that of temperance.” Still later, she writes:— “The last paper [the Signs] I found exceedingly interesting. Nothing would please me more than to subscribe for that excellent paper and Good Health. As I give oral lessons every Sabbath on different subjects, I will inclose an analysis of one taken from Mrs. E. G. White’s article in the Signs, entitled, ‘Joseph in Egypt.’ “I consider the College Record a beautiful index of the College. That its liberal ideas and refining influence may rapidly extend over the whole country, is the desire of your humble friend. Please send me a circular of your College, as I wish to know what is required of those who wish to attend.” Thus far, I have tried to avoid writing much on the subject of our faith. I expressed a few thoughts on the12 Sabbath question, and in her next she requested me to be free in giving my views in reference to it. She gave a few of her own ideas, and added:— “If I am wrong, I hope our Heavenly Father will enlighten me. If I have displeased you, forgive me; you know how much early training and habit can do in shaping creeds, etc. What I want, is truth; what I desire, is to do God’s will; what I desire to attain, is Heaven.” An extract from her last letter has the right ring to it. She says:— “Concerning the Sabbath question, I would say that your arguments are strong, forcible, and to the point. I confess that I have never viewed the subject in that light, and while I acknowledge all you say to be true, I would that you bear with me, when I tell you that as regards the observance of the seventh day, I see as through a glass darkly. Ever since my conversion, about seven years ago, I have been in the habit of confiding my most trifling cares and sorrows to Him who is able to keep that which we commit to him; and as it is impossible for me to go astray under the ‘Guide of the universe,’ I feel that my doctrinal views, as well as my daily path, will be directed aright. Do you not think so? Pray for me, dear friend, that I may be led into all truth. “Good Health is a first-class journal. I shall send you the subscription price for the year as soon as I get to C—. I hope, if it is God’s will, to be able to attend your College. I have a great thirst for knowledge, and I trust that the way may open for me to satisfy it.” Hamler, Henry Co., June 10.—We have pitched our tent here, and held the first meeting June 1, with an encouraging congregation. There is a good interest in the community, and they give us a favorable hearing. The brethren are active, and take a great interest in the meetings. Our prayers are that much good may be accomplished here. O. F. GUILFORD. H. H. BURKHOLDER. Litchfield, Medina Co., June 15.—We have our tent pitched at this place. Have held three meetings, with increasing interest. Bro. James and Kinney and their families have done all that we could ask in the way of helping us to pitch the tent and providing for our wants. May they be rewarded by seeing precious souls brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. R. A. UNDERWOOD. J. C. BARTLETT. Mendon, June 11.—Two weeks ago to-day I pitched the tent in this place and commenced meetings. The weather has been so wet and cold that the interest is small. There are some families on the point of deciding for the truth. Steps were taken to-day to build a meeting-house; $600.00 in money and a lot were pledged. I think the brethren here are being greatly benefited by the meeting. The Sabbath-school is very good, numbering thirty-six. Bro. W. H. Saxby, of Battle Creek, has been with me, and is good help in the meetings. Eld. E. H. Gates joined us to-day. Our tent company is now complete, and we hope by the help of the Lord to accomplish some good in preparing the harvest for the final reaping. We now expect to leave this place next week and pitch the tent in Bluffton. G. G. RUPERT. Mt. Summit, Tent No. 2.—We began meetings in the tent at this place June 4. The interest is quite good; the congregations have ranged from one hundred to four hundred. We have given one discourse on the Sabbath question, which was well received. June 15. J. M. REES. WM. COVERT. Milford, Kosciusko Co., Tent No. 1.—The meetings here have been in progress some two weeks, but it has rained so much that we have been able to hold meetings but little more than half of the time; on this account the interest and turnout have not been as good as they would have been had the weather been pleasant. There is, however, some interest to hear on the part of those who can come. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. We cannot state what the result will be. We are selling some books. Eld. Bartlett is improving in health, but is not able to labor as yet. We have hopes that some good may be done here. S. H. LANE. Labor among the Churches.—May 18, I was with the friends of the cause at Garden Grove, Decatur Co. Trials and removals threaten the existence of this church. It was small at first, and now one-half of their number have moved away. I understand that the free use of a large hall in town is now offered to us for meetings. It is desired that Eld. E. W. Farnsworth should arrange to hold meetings in this place next fall. We think it would be safe counsel to advise the especial study in the mean time of such scriptures as Jas. 1:26, also the entire chapter of James, not only for this church but for all our churches everywhere. May 19, 20, I held meetings with the church in Davis City, Decatur Co. Though our meetings were held on week days, at a busy time of the year, our people were nearly all in attendance. This was encouraging to me, and I hope a benefit to them. Two (children of Sabbath-keepers) were baptized. May the Great Shepherd bless and protect the precious lambs of the flock. May 22, 23, I was in Grant township, Ringgold Co., where I had the pleasure of meeting my former “yoke fellow,” Eld. J. H. Morrison. We organized a church here of fifteen members. Four were baptized. A leader, deacon, and clerk were elected. All the members of the church, except one, are persons in middle life, and heads of families. Four or five are keeping the Sabbath, who13 we hope, will unite with us soon. These dear friends seemed desirous to know and practice all the truth. May 29, 30, I held meetings with the Sabbath-keepers in Taylor Co., near Conway. There are about a dozen in this part who fear God and are trying to keep his commandments. I hope they may “let their light so shine” that others may be led to obey God. Mt. Pleasant, June 11, 1880. C. A. WASHBURN. THURSDAY, May 20, I started from Christiana for Denmark. At the same time an ocean steamer started with about one thousand emigrants bound for the United States. The weather is fair, and the bay presents a beautiful view. On the way I met and greeted Bro. Jasperson; he was coming up the bay, and I going down. The next day I landed in Frederickshavn, Denmark. In Norway we have a constant view of rocks and mountains reaching to the clouds. Denmark presents a flat and sandy coast. The Danes sustain themselves principally by agriculture. Here we see cattle and sheep in the meadows and on a thousand hills. The sons of Norway seek their bread principally on the sea, plowing the great waters from the cold polar seas to the hot coasts of India. And America complains of the many Norwegian ships in her harbors, because they bring down the prices on freight. Our forefathers were pirates only eight or nine hundred years ago, and they were a terror and torment to the nations of Europe. It is no wonder that their descendants are a hard and stiffnecked people. ALSTRUP.—Sabbath and Sunday, May 22 and 23, we held four meetings in Alstrup. Bro. Brorson joined me here. The weather was cold and stormy, yet the meetings were well attended. It was edifying to meet with these friends after so long an absence, and many willing hearts received the word joyfully. Monday we walked through the rain and storm two miles to Renbak and preached; there were sixteen present. Tuesday we went ten miles back and forth to Stenum where thirty met. Wednesday, seven miles to Farup. Here the house was filled with hearers, and the word was received with much feeling. These meetings were held soon after dinner, so that people could attend them instead of sleeping; for here all sleep a couple of hours after dinner during the summer time; then they work till nine in the evening. Thursday night the brethren met, and this meeting closed half an hour after midnight. They pledged about $3.00 s. b. for the quarter, and ordered twelve copies of Tidernes Tegn for the tract society. It was decided to take an hour every Sabbath afternoon for Sabbath-school, and to use the Bible lessons. Friday forenoon we walked eight miles to Brønderslev, where we met two brethren who came by rail from a distance to attend the Conference. Then Bro. Madsen took us to his home in Hellum. HELLUM.—Here we had a good meeting Sabbath forenoon. Seven brethren and sisters came on foot from Alstrup, seventeen miles. Others came from other places. In the afternoon we celebrated the ordinances; forty-one persons were present, thirty-three of whom took part. It was a very precious season to us. It was good to meet with old friends of the truth, and to see new ones who had learned to love and obey the Lord and his truth. Sunday we preached twice in Hellum and Jerslev to interested congregations. Monday forenoon the Conference held its last session. The brethren have manifested a good degree of union and interest in the cause according to their ability, and the Lord has blessed us in this our first yearly gathering. In the afternoon we met with the members of the church. They pledged $4.36 s. b. per quarter. The tract society, consisting of seven members, ordered thirteen copies of Tidernes Tegn. The brethren decided to begin a Sabbath-school. Tuesday Bro. Brorson went into another town further north to encourage and help souls there, while I held a meeting four miles from here. Neighbors came in, and were interested to hear. Wages are low in these parts (about 13½ cents per day), and the sources of income small. People live very economically and are very close in their deal. And the whole commonwealth is so arranged that the capitalists receive the income, and leave very little for the poorer class. The greatest satisfaction our American brethren have of this mission at present is, that the gospel of the kingdom is preached to the poor. My address is Christiana, Norway. Yankton, June 14.—Since our last report our interest has been entirely destroyed by storms. Twice we have circulated bills, and succeeded in getting out respectable audiences, but both times the storms have broken us up; and last week they were so severe and continuous that for several days we had no meeting. Late Friday afternoon the wind broke the chains to our guys, and the center pole, which of course prostrated our tent. Yesterday morning, although it was wet from an early rain, we succeeded in getting it up in time for our closing services, which had been announced for the afternoon and evening; but before the hour had fully arrived, another severe storm set in, which raged the greater part of the night. We consider ourselves fortunate, however, for cyclones have occurred on all sides of us, resulting in considerable loss of life, as well as great destruction of property. Expect to move as soon as we can get the tent dry. GRYTHYTTEHED, SWEDEN.
By John P. Rosqvist
THE interest in this place is good. We have had meetings every evening during the past week, and there have been many hearers. I try as gently as possible to remove prejudice from the people, and I am greatly rejoiced to learn that many understand the word preached. Yesterday I spoke on the two-horned beast in the forenoon, and on the mark of the beast in the evening. All present gave close attention, and tears flowed freely. The people said that this was a solemn day to them. The Lord be praised for this. There is a Baptist church here, and the elder and his family have commenced to keep the Sabbath. He is respected as a Christian man of good understanding, and our brethren have confidence in him. Others are interested, and in the way of receiving the truth. Pray for me that the Lord may give me strength and patience.