[The following article is taken from the Utica (N. Y.) Morning Herald of March 24, 1880. The great significance of spiritualism consists in its being a sign of the times, a fulfillment of those prophecies which speak of the great deception to be sprung upon the world in the last days. As to its character and tendency, spiritualism has already made a full enough revelation of itself. We look for some further physical manifestations before its wonderful career shall close, which seem in a fair way to be soon fulfilled, according to the following narrative. The editor of the Herald commiserates Mr. Hatch for believing what he reports to be true. We cannot look upon it in that light, but suppose Mr. H. to be deceived, not in regard to the reality of the appearances, but only in regard to their identity.]
Spiritualism has a new and ardent supporter in a Mr. Hatch of Astoria, a wealthy gentleman, and till recently an unbeliever in spirit phenomena. He lost a daughter, three years ago, aged twenty years; and her visits in materialized form, at her parent's home and elsewhere, have converted the father. The mother was always inclined to spiritualism. Sorrow for the loved and lost daughter, Lizzie by name, led the father's thoughts to spiritualism, and with the mother he visited a Western medium. His first visit half converted him, and subsequent consultations completed the change. He now believes, and with the simplicity and enthusiasm peculiar to young converts, gives the world his testimony. There is nothing in the long recitation he makes more marvelous than has been recounted of the experience of Crookes, of Slade, the Fox sisters, the Davenports, and others. The deceptions of all these have been exposed and explained; but Mr. Hatch has seen with his own eyes, and believes he saw what he seemed to see. He is honest, undoubtedly, and as a “boom” for spiritualism his story is legitimate and will bear summarizing: When Lizzie first appeared to her parents in Terre Haute, the recognition was quick and complete, though she was more beautiful than in life. She was dressed in white, and had not neglected abundant lace trimmings, which she had always liked. She played on the piano, better than when in the flesh, and pieces unfamiliar to the parents. The new music, she said, was her latest composition in spirit land. She had named it “Peace,” by the way.
At other times, at the old home in Astoria, Lizzie came frequently. Once she brought a little child, a golden-haired angel, but so thoroughly materialized that she cut a curl from its head and left it in her parents’ possession. “We have the curl now,” says Mr. Hatch. February 25 was Lizzie’s birthday, and she came to keep it with her father and mother. She was dressed in excellent style, including white kid slippers with pink rosettes, her favorites on earth. What was a little strange, perhaps, was that the white kid slippers “flashed, as she walked about the room, like stars.” From an etagere she took bouquets and passed them around, one to each of the eleven persons present. With a passion quite earthly, she spent some time before the long mirror, fixing her hair, adjusting a bit of lace here, smoothing a ruffle there, and finally she twined a vine of slimax about her head. She went with her parents to her old room and examined the trinkets left behind, told them she had her pet dog in spirit land, and was much interested in a dog-robe her mother was making. Returning to the parlor, they had music, and the evening passed pleasantly, till Lizzie was obliged to take her departure, owing to the exhaustion of the medium, who was consumptive.
But these reunions with his daughter are not all the confirmation Mr. Hatch has received of the genuineness of spiritual phenomena. Mary, Queen of Scots, has visited him, “wearing a diadem and in full glory.” Also Confucius; and concerning the personal appearance of this distinguished and long-ago “heathen Chinese,” he gives this interesting detail: “He was very tall—over six feet high—and had a white beard, cut short.” No one present was able to identify Confucius, and he had some trouble in making himself known. He expressed his impatience by going behind the screen and kicking the door, “to express his disgust and chagrin.” When at last “Mr. Kiddle mentioned his name, he stepped up and shook him vigorously by the hand.” It may be worth mentioning that when somebody guessed his name was Swedenborg, he wrote with much impatience, on a sheet of paper which Mr. Hatch preserves, “No, no!” Many other distinguished visitors have come to the Astorian circle—among them St. Cecilia, Mrs. Pericles, otherwise Aspasia, and the Virgin Mary. Her attire, taken in comparison with Lizzie’s, showed that fashion is capricious in spirit land as well as with the daughters of earth. As she appeared in Astoria, the early part of the present month, “she was magnificently arrayed in a snow-white robe, around the lower part of the skirt of which were seven bright red stripes some two or three inches in width, which she said did not represent her sphere in the spirit world, but were badges of learning. She had on also a white scarf, on the lower part of the left side of which were four red stripes. She wore on her frontlet a double row of large pearls, which she permitted us to handle and examine very closely.” All of this Mr. Hatch tells with much earnestness.
OFFICE-SEEKING AND OFFICE-SEEKERS.
THERE was a time in the history of this country when men would have blushed to employ their own efforts to secure their election to political office. To-day our leading politicians not only announce themselves as candidates for office, but put themselves at the head of a vast system of agencies designed to secure their election. The newspapers which can be purchased or enlisted are filled with praise of the aspirant. The government patronage is freely promised as a reward, in the event of success, for services to be rendered. The election of local delegates to nominating conventions is controlled, State conventions are captured, and a “boom” is manufactured. Hitherto, the men who have thus openly promoted their own candidacy have not been rewarded with success, the choice of party conventions having usually fallen upon some one who had figured less prominently in the preparatory campaign. But year by year the evil grows bolder and more mischievous, and the people do not seem to realize that from the spirit which seeks to compass its own elevation by intrigue and solicitation to the spirit which seizes and holds the prize by force, there is but a step, and a narrow step.
Closely allied to this evil, and to some extent arising from it, is a still more shameful and malignant evil of fraud in elections. The use of fraudulent ballots, the disfranchisement and intimidation of legal voters, the ousting of legally elected representatives from their seats, have become painfully frequent. Through these means, the confidence of the people in the wisdom and efficiency of their institutions is rapidly failing, and when that confidence is gone our only alternatives are anarchy and despotism.
The divorce of government from God and from moral and religious ideas, and the loss of the sense of official accountability to a Higher Power, and the consequent degradation of official station into a prize to be sought in a willful spirit and for personal ends, are the explanation of the shameful scenes which offend our eyes to-day. The remedy, the only salvation of the nation, lies in the powerful, all-pervading and controlling influence of a national conscience, quickened and nourished by the religion of the Bible.—Christian Statesman.
Chancellor Crosby on Spencer's Books as Text-Books
—Chancellor Crosby, on Herbert Spencer's books as text-books: “It is one thing for the teacher to have a book in his own library, or even to exhibit it to his own class, commenting thereon, and warning his class against the pernicious and dangerous tendency of the author, and quite another for that class to use it promiscuously and freely as a text-book. I have read Spencer and Darwin; I have investigated what Spencer calls the process of evolution, and I believe it to be a system of philosophy that rests upon its apex. There is no doubt that Herbert Spencer is a very powerful writer, and a man with a very powerful mind; but then, so is the devil. The devil is far more powerful than either you or I, and can do ten thousand times more harm. I do not think that the doctrine of evolution, as taught either by Spencer or Darwin, can do a man any good, either morally or spiritually. It is a great question, and for minds who have attained to something of their full growth, and whose vocation renders it necessary that they should investigate that and kindred doctrines, it may be a good thing for them to become thoughtful readers of the books of such men; but when I am asked whether I would introduce Spencer's works into my university classes as text-books, you may report me as saying, ‘No,’ with all the emphasis accompanying the ‘No’ that it is possible for you to print,”
NEBRASKA
Blair, April 22.—During the past four weeks we have been holding meetings six miles west of this place, in the English and Danish languages. God has blessed our feeble efforts. Twelve, we think, have taken a decided stand for the truth. The meetings continue to be well attended. We hope that others will soon decide in favor of the truth. A. J. CUDNEY. N. CLAUSEN.
Albion, Boone Co., April 12.—The Spirit of God is still with the little company here. During the quarter just closed, two good, substantial members were added from the Baptist church in this place. At our late quarterly meeting, Sabbath, April 3, Bro. Daniel Nettleton was with us, and preached several sermons. Four precious souls obeyed the Lord by confessing him before men and being buried with him in baptism. May many more be gathered into the fold of the Good Shepherd.
Brethren, pray for us. R. R. CHESS, Elder.
KANSAS
Timber Hill.—On the 7th inst. Bro. Santee and myself organized a church of nine members at this place. An elder was elected, also a clerk and treasurer. The tithing system was adopted by unanimous vote. Five have united with the T. and M. society. A small club of the Signs is taken. All have the REVIEW and Good Health. The Sabbath-school of sixteen members has supplied itself with the Youth’s Instructor and Bible Lessons for Little Ones, also the necessary record and class books, and a penny box. Bro. N. W. Vincent was with me at this place the most of the time.
On the 9th inst. Bro. Santee and myself went to South Mound to attend the quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 12. This was a profitable occasion. One, an intelligent old lady living in the neighborhood, accepted the present truth. Six joined the T. and M. society; and thirty-three copies of the Signs were subscribed for.
The new Sabbath-school at Timber Hill and also that at South Mound decided to donate one-tenth of their penny-box collections to the State Association.
April 14. JOSEPH LAMONT.
Marquette and Coopersburg.—March 30, we began a series of meetings eight miles west of Marquette, on Mule Creek. The interest, which was small at first, has been increasing to the present.
Last Sabbath and first-day we had a precious season at Coopersburg. As the majority of the Dry Creek church had moved to that place, and others, the past winter, had accepted the truth through the faithful labors of Bro. R. F. Barton, it was thought best to change the name of the Dry Creek church to that of the Coopersburg church.
The ordinances were administered by Bro. Barton, who was present to assist in the meetings. Evening after the Sabbath a business meeting was held, and nine members were added to the church. Five of them were baptized by Bro. Barton. The tithing system was adopted by nearly all. Attention was paid to the T. and M. work. Four new members were added. Fourteen signed the teetotal pledge.
These meetings were a source of strength. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and all the brethren and sisters seemed determined to press forward with courage, and prove faithful till Jesus comes. M. AND H. ENOCH.
April 5.
INDIANA
Walkerton, April 19.—God’s blessing is following the efforts which we are making here for the salvation of souls. Twenty-six have taken their stand for the truth, and more will follow this week. To God be the glory for the success attending the preaching of his word.
The brethren and sisters at North Liberty have rendered very valuable service for the truth here, thus manifesting their zeal for the Lord. Still pray for this work.
A. W. BARTLETT.
West Liberty, Bunker Hill, and Marion.—Since my last report, I have held six meetings at West Liberty, three at Bunker Hill, and six at Marion. The outside attendance at West Liberty was quite good, and the people are very friendly toward S. D. Adventists. The T. and M. society paid up all dues.
Three were baptized and received into the church, at Marion, yesterday. The social meetings at this place are good, and the church will do well if all do their duty in reference to paying systematic benevolence, and in taking hold of the tract society and the temperance work. Should they fail to do this, they will suffer great loss.
Have held twenty-two meetings during the last sixteen days, and since the Institute at Battle Creek, have sold $25 worth of books for the State T. and M. society.
April 19.
WM. COVERT.
Labor among the Churches.—March 19-23, was at Boggstown, Shelby Co. Expected to give a course of lectures in the Protestant Methodist meeting-house, as they had promised that we might do so; but when we went to fill the first appointment, found the house securely locked. Quite a congregation met, and were disappointed because we could not address them. The great majority of the people are very anxious that we should pitch a tent there. We procured a school-house two miles from town, and gave one discourse. The people came in for several miles away, and the house was full.
March 23-25, at Gem, Hancock Co., visiting a family who have fully embraced the truth by reading our publications furnished by T. and M. workers at Kankakee, Ill. The family are active in loaning reading matter, and quite a number in the vicinity are deeply interested. I sold some books, visited families, and presented the truth to a few by preaching in a private house. Gave one discourse at the school-house, but on account of the almost impassable condition of the roads, but few could come out. Visited one lady who holds a license to preach in the Protestant Methodist church. Found her and her husband deeply interested. A few months since, while on her way to attend the Methodist Conference, she changed cars at the Union depot at Indianapolis, and while there, found some tracts which had been placed there by Sr. Bartlett, and became so interested that she took a small supply. There were others who did the same, and what she stated as transpiring even at the conference, on account of those tracts, was wonderful. She is fully convinced on many points of the truth. She has decided to obey as fast as she learns the truth. As I explained many points, they were received with gratitude of heart.
March 26 to April 1, I was with the church at Yorktown. It is one of the smallest churches in the State, but there are some faithful souls connected with it. They have a small but very good Sabbath-school. We held a T. and M. meeting with them, and celebrated the ordinances. Preached five times in one of the churches in town. The congregations were quite large, and the outside interest good. One was baptized and united with the church.
April 2-7, at Franklin. The church here was raised up by Elds. Covert and Rees, and this was my first visit to them. Found some precious souls loving the truth. They held their first quarterly T. and M. meeting while I was there. Their T. and M. accounts are nicely kept, and they seemed anxious to learn how to labor. We celebrated the ordinances. They donated $9.30 to the tent fund.
April 8-12, at Patricksburg. This church owns the only meeting-house belonging to our people in Southern Indiana. Though they had not been visited for more than a year, found them all united and prosperous. Gave five discourses. First-day preached the funeral discourse of Bro. D. F. Randolph, who died some months since. A large congregation were present. During the meetings here, baptized six. They all united with the church. Among the number is a brother who has been a Methodist class-leader for several years. He first heard the truth from the writer, in 1871, and again by Elds. Waggoner and E. B. Lane in 1872. He has been taking the papers and reading since. A few285months ago he fully embraced the truth, and as we baptized him we could but praise the Lord for the power there is in the truth. We celebrated the ordinances here, and held a T. and M. meeting.
This church is surrounded with quite a number of German people, and our T. and M. workers have introduced among them our German paper, and in one neighborhood it created such an impression that the German ministers warned them not to read the papers. The papers yet come, and still they read. The church donated to the tent fund to the amount of $17.05. Thus closed one of the best meetings we ever held in Southern Indiana. S. H. LANE.
MISSISSIPPI
By J. M. Ellitt; J. R. Waite
Otho, Jasper Co., April 18.—We commenced meetings at this place the 12th, and have spoken six times. Had been here in January, and preached a few times and left some reading matter. On returning, we found the people interested. Some are keeping the Sabbath, and we hope for others. Have received the box of publications which was ordered to Shubuta.
J. M. ELLITT.
J. R. WAITE.
WISCONSIN
By G. C. Tenney
Mt. Hope and Sand Prairie.—April 15, I met with the church at Mt. Hope, and the next evening attended the monthly meeting of the health and temperance club. This church has received much help from the labors of Bro. A. D. Olsen, and is in better condition than for some time in the past. The temperance movement was well received here, and the club numbers about one hundred and ten members. An interesting programme of exercises had been provided. It was a pleasure to address them a few moments on the principles of true temperance.
April 17, 18, in company with Bro. Olsen, I attended the Sabbath-school and temperance convention at Sand Prairie. There was a good representation from surrounding churches, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather. The meetings were of an interesting nature. Here, also, there is a flourishing temperance club of about one hundred members. G. C. TENNEY.
DAKOTA
By S. B. Whitney
Wolf Creek, April 13.— Came to this place the 9th, and found another company of brethren all ready to engage heartily in our work. Eleven signed the covenant and joined the tract society, and clubs of the Instructor, Signs, and Stimme der Wahrheit were taken. Also obtained one subscription for the REVIEW. The outside interest was good. Our meetings were well attended, some coming a distance of five miles. An invitation was extended to me by one of the most prominent citizens, to give a course of lectures in his house. The church takes the name of “Nation,” to coincide with their post-office.
SWAN LAKE, APRIL 19.—On my way to this place I held a meeting at Allentown, where Bro. Biggs has been laboring, and at Parker, the evenings of the 13th and 14th.
Our quarterly meeting just passed has been one of the best meetings we have ever held in this State. The devotional and spiritual interests of the meeting were especially cared for, to the gratification and profit of all. The invitation to seek the Lord more earnestly, given on Sabbath, was responded to by nearly the whole congregation. The Sabbath-school was also very interesting. The tract meeting was especially good, a new district being formed to accommodate the enlarged extent of the work, and the ministers and agents all voting to devote all the profits of their work in the society to its interests. The field was quite well represented. The quarterly report from our Sabbath-schools showed a good increase in the extent of our work in that direction. One, a Dane, was baptized, and united with the Swan Lake church.
S. B. WHITNEY.
THE FAR-OFF RAIN.
As torrents in summer,
Half dried in their channels,
Suddenly rise, though the
Sky is still cloudless,
For rain has been falling
Far off at their fountains;
So hearts that are panting
Grow full to o’erflowing;
And they that behold it
Marvel, and know not
That God at their fountains
Far off has been raining.
—Selected.
PENNSYLVANIA
By S. Thurston; L. A. Thurston
Kelly Hill, Warren Co.—We returned to this place April 16, after an absence of four weeks. All who had embraced the truth remained firm. The Sabbath-school was doing well. We held seven meetings, and the interest seemed to increase, the last two being the largest of any since we first came to the place. Three more have joined this church, making, in all, seventeen. We still hope for others. S. AND L. A. THURSTON.
NEW YORK.
By T. M. Lane
Danby, Tompkins Co., April 20.—We came to this place April 8, and immediately commenced meetings, Mr. G. N. Thayer having offered us a good hall free of charge. Five years ago Mr. Thayer listened to Eld. Cottrell, and is still interested in these subjects. The meetings here create considerable stir. The exposition of the prophecies has been listened to with interest, although a very strong prejudice existed here against us and our work. The Sabbath question is now just before us, and some are anxious to hear. While we hope for the best of results, we ask you to remember us in your prayers. T. M. LANE.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
Elizabethtown, Rio, and Summershade.—I attended our quarterly meeting in Elizabethtown the first Sabbath and Sunday in April. The Lord came very near to us, and we were all strengthened. From there I went to Rio, where I gave one discourse.
In company with Bro. Garrett, I next went to Summershade. After laboring nearly a week to help this church, we were obliged to disfellowship four, whose lives have had a very bad influence on the cause of truth here; the rest were left free in the Lord. May they so live as to have a gathering influence.
My address and that of Bro. R. G. Garrett will, for the present, be Knob Lick, Metcalfe Co., Ky.
S. OSBORN.
MICHIGAN
By A. O. Burrill
Cedar Lake, Lakeview, and Estella.—We spent two days at Cedar Lake; three were added to the church, two of whom received baptism. Sold about $25.00 worth of books, and obtained several subscribers. If we are not much mistaken, this church is growing in the faith.
During our short stay in Lakeview, two were added to the church by baptism. Since our visit in December, they have been growing in the truth, and we see no reason why there may not be additions to their numbers.
It is now two weeks since we began to labor in Estella. We found the brethren very much discouraged; but now their house is well filled with attentive listeners every evening. We are giving a short course of lectures, and have reason to hope for good results. Have sold about $10 worth of books, and obtained seven subscribers for the REVIEW and Good Health. We expect to remain about ten days longer.
A. O. BURRILL.
April 21.
UNITED EFFORT IN MISSIONARY WORK.
By Maria L. Huntley
BY MARIA L. HUNTLEY.
The strength of every organized body lies in unity of action and purpose, and unless this exists, a large membership becomes an element of weakness rather than of strength. This principle is recognized in the political and numerous other powerful organizations throughout the country; and stringent measures are taken to secure harmonious action in all their several parts. Under no circumstances, perhaps, is this more fully illustrated than in an army. It matters not of how many men, or how many subdivisions it is composed, when the time for action arrives, all, as one man, move forward to secure the desired object. In each division every man recognizes the fact that orders from head-quarters to that division are intended for him as really as if sent to him directly.
The great controversy between Christ and Satan draws near to its close, and the truths of the Bible are arrayed against the wickedness, unbelief, and errors of the present day. The followers of Christ are represented as his soldiers, and as contending against the powers of darkness,—foes more powerful and wily than were ever human foes. The objects to be secured in this warfare, far exceed in importance any for which patriots and soldiers ever fought. Here, then, if anywhere, is needed that which gives strength and efficiency.
Well-founded and encouraging testimony has been borne respecting the power exerted by the tract and missionary societies, but as yet only a small part of the strength of these societies has been developed. The remark has been made, and that truthfully, that our system of missionary labor places a gun in every man’s hands; but if only one or two out of every ten make use of it, they might as well not have a weapon, and are like soldiers who in battle lay down their arms, or run panic-stricken from the field. Should this course be pursued by any considerable number, the defeat of the army would be certain. According to the last annual summary of missionary labor, the average per cent. of members reporting was thirty-seven, and this was only about eighteen per cent of S. D. A. church-members. Although, doubtless, many more engaged in missionary labor, and a much larger amount was performed, than this report indicates, evidently a large number laid down their guns.
New enterprises are constantly arising which demand the support of the tract societies, and at the last annual meeting of the General Society a resolution was adopted, recommending that such enterprises, particularly those affecting the finances of the State societies, should be introduced through the agency of the officers of the State and General societies. To successfully carry out the plan which this resolution had in view, requires, (1.) That all enterprises with necessary suggestions should be presented to the State officers, in an intelligent and forcible manner, by those at the head of the work; (2.) That the State officers convey the same with such instructions and modifications as will meet the circumstances of each, to the other officers of the society, ministers laboring in the Conference, and, if necessary, to scattered members; (3.) That these persons present the same to individual members and secure their co-operation. Thus in a very short time the matter would be presented to every S. D. Adventist; and could the united efforts of all be thus secured, the strength of the society would be immense, and it would be by far the most powerful agency we have for carrying forward the work. But it will be readily seen that great responsibilities would thus be thrown upon these societies, and that, if to any extent, there should be delay, negligence, or want of interest on the part of the officers, or a lack in taking hold of the work by the ministers and people, so far enterprises thus committed to them would result in failure. It is natural and right that those who feel the importance of these enterprises should be slow to place them in the hands of those in whose faithfulness and ability they have not the fullest confidence. To secure this, the tract societies must individually earn a reputation for accuracy, promptness, and efficiency in business matters; and this requires time. Most of the State organizations have already done this, to quite an extent. Wherever there has been any lack in the past, it has largely arisen from want of proper instruction, and this want is met by the Institutes which the different States have commenced to hold.
It is of the utmost importance that a perfect agreement and co-operation should exist between the tract societies and the publishing associations. Partly because no arrangements have been made by which periodicals can be sent at pound rates from State depositories, specimen numbers have in one or two instances been sent to librarians with accompanying letters, where it was desired to call special attention to some one in particular. This, not affecting the finances of the State societies, was not considered a violation of the resolution above alluded to; however, the leading T. and M. officers have ever maintained that this was not the best plan, from the fact that it is desirable to secure the co-operation of the State and district officers, also that their position entitles them to a voice in all such matters, and for other reasons which might be mentioned. In the late effort to increase the circulation of the Signs of the Times a different course was pursued, and with much better results. The latest information from that Office gives the increase of subscribers as over one hundred per day. Such responses as this will give confidence in the efficiency of the tract societies, and give them plenty of employment.
THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK IN ILLINOIS.
By B. F. Merritt
BY ELD. B. F. MERRITT.
For eight years we have had a T. and M. society operating in this State in behalf of the present truth. As we look over the field of our labor, we are glad to know that our efforts have not been in vain. In proportion to the labor put forth and means expended, perhaps no State has a better showing.
But we have not done what we might have done. Who can say that he has taken such an interest in this work and put forth such efforts for its advancement as its importance demands? It is sad to contemplate the lost opportunities of the past eight years. May God be merciful to us.
Most of our brethren know the relation they sustain to this work, but how easy it is for us to slacken our hands and close our eyes. Could we see the snares now set for unwary feet, and realize how numbers of our fellow-mortals are daily being entangled in these snares, never to be released, we would not be indifferent. How great the responsibility of those who deny to benighted souls the Word of Life—the light from Heaven—when it is in their power to give it!
Dear brethren, let us be aroused. See how infidelity, with boastful words and scornful smile, leads mortals down to ruin. See intemperance by its power destroying all that is noble in men, and filling the land with suffering and woe. See how false religion, with all its flattery and show of piety, is deluding souls. See how Freemasonry is slyly fastening its bands upon unsuspecting young men, and searing their consciences forever. See how error in its many forms is shutting away from souls the joys of the religion of the Saviour of the world. See how it benumbs the finer sensibilities of man's nature. See how it arouses the baser passions, perverts the appetite, quenches holy aspirations, and destroys all the noble faculties of the soul, debasing man made in the image of God.
Can we not see that error makes earth a hell, while truth would make it a Heaven? Oh how can we sink down in indifference when such an active force of terrible foes is arrayed and at work before us? Yea, when Providence has placed in our hands means of defense for the pulling down of the strongholds of the enemy, and a glorious conquest is certain if we will only act.
Brethren, in the name of Israel's God, let us go to work. Let us engage in the strife. More can be done in six months, if all our army would go to praying, talking, letter-writing for God and his truth, scattering publications, visiting the needy and ministering to their wants, than has been done in the past eight years. Who will work?
Princeville, Ill.
AN APPEAL
By R. F. Andrews; Lizzie Campbell
TO OUR BRETHREN IN ILLINOIS WHO DO NOT TAKE THE REVIEW.
Dear Brethren: We desire that you should all have in your families the REVIEW, the Instructor, and Good Health. We regard these papers as almost indispensable aids for our people at this time. In order to keep pace with the message,—to be familiar with present truth and present duty,—you greatly need them. Would to God you could realize their importance to you. Our tract and missionary officers have been appointed to see that all our people in this Conference are provided with them.
Dear brethren, the fact that you do not have these papers has caused us much anxiety. Why do you not take them? Is it because of a lack of interest in the286precious truths they inculcate? Are not your sympathies and prayers still in harmony with this work? We fear many of you are perishing, spiritually, for want of these means of grace, and you know it not. Be aroused, and secure for your families the spiritual food supplied by these papers. If poverty be the cause of your not having them, our means shall be used to supply you. In love, we earnestly appeal to you to neglect not these means of grace.
Done by order of the Illinois T. and M. Society.
R. F. ANDREWS, Pres.
LIZZIE CAMPBELL, Sec.
PACIFIC S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
THE fifth annual meeting of this Association convened at the Publishing House in Oakland, Cal., at 10 A. M., April 6, 1880.
The Treasurer’s report shows the total receipts from March 27, 1879, to April 1, 1880, to be $226,464.64; expenditures, $226,153.26. Assets of the Association after all debts are paid, $33,402.41.
S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, John Morrison, M. C. Israel, and C. H. Jones were elected Directors for the coming year.
On the evening of the 8th a meeting of the Board of Directors was held. S. N. Haskell was elected President; W. C. White, Vice-president; L. D. Carruth, Secretary; John Morrison, Treasurer; J. D. Rice, Auditor.
C. H. Jones presented his resignation, and T. M. Chapman was elected to fill the vacancy.
J. H. Waggoner, W. C. White, and S. N. Haskell were elected as Publishing Committee. The editors for last year were elected, and Eld. J. H. Waggoner was chosen resident editor.
A special meeting of the Stockholders was held April 6, for the purpose of amending Section 2 of Article 6 so as to read: “There shall be an annual meeting of this Association on the fourth Monday of April,” instead of “on the first Tuesday.” More than two-thirds of the capital stock was represented, and the change was made by a unanimous vote.—Condensed from The Signs of the Times of April 15, 1880.
FAILED
By GEO. W. WASHBURN
THIS is a day of failures. Our T. and M. quarterly meeting, which should have been held at West Sumner, Maine, the 11th inst., was a failure. After riding eight miles, with high hopes of seeing a fair representation of the members, I had only an empty school-house to look at.
Now, if it is necessary to have T. and M. quarterly meetings, it is the duty of the members to attend and report, even if it is not perfectly convenient to do so. Come, brethren and sisters, let us take a deeper interest in the T. and M. work.
“Then let us toil one little moment longer,
Bring to our careworn features hope’s glad smile;
Oh! let our confidence and hope grow stronger,
Jesus is coming in a little while.”
N. Paris, Me., April 14. GEO. W. WASHBURN.
Hutchinson, Minn., April 22, 1880
By D. P. Curtis; H. W. Babcock; J. L. House
NO. 3, MINNESOTA T. AND M. SOCIETY.
The undersigned were appointed by the society at its meeting at Hutchinson, in February last, as a committee to apportion upon the district its indebtedness, which amounts to two hundred dollars. Having had the matter under consideration, and found that the payment of one dollar and a half by each member of the society in the district will nearly or quite raise the amount, we hereby recommend that the members, individually, raise and pay to the librarian of the local society of which they are members, for that special purpose, the sum of one and a half dollars, previous to the next annual meeting of the society, to be held in connection with the next camp-meeting; and we recommend that, as far as possible, they raise it by securing paying members to the society, the membership to be paid at or before the camp-meeting.
D. P. CURTIS,
H. W. BABCOCK, } Committee.
J. L. HOUSE,
Hutchinson, Minn., April 22, 1880
BETTER THAN REPORTED.
By M. L. H.
In the statement pertaining to periodicals made last week, by some inadvertence the Michigan T. and M. Society was not correctly represented, the amount ordered not having been for the same time as the other societies named. Instead of $626.22, the amount should have been $757.32. This, with the periodicals ordered by California, and the smaller societies, would doubtless bring the whole amount to over $5,000.
Although at the present time of the year business of this kind usually decreases, in some of the State societies it seems to be steadily increasing. The amount ordered by the Secretary of the Michigan Society this week is $68.91; last week it was $58.15. Including orders for Signs, this week's business on periodicals amounts to over $115.
The above figures, and those given last week, include simply the periodicals so charged to the societies, premiums having been furnished by these societies.