As proper physical exercise develops and strengthens the muscular system, so well-directed missionary labor strengthens and gives courage of purpose to toil on in spreading the sacred and saving truths committed to our trust. I have repeatedly observed the truthfulness of this statement, and especially recently.
What can afford the humble follower of Jesus, who rejoices in keeping the commandments of God, and in the glorious doctrine of the soon coming of the Saviour, happiness equal to that of knowing that others are receiving and rejoicing in the same soul-inspiring truths? A large number now in darkness as to the message we bear, will be brought to a knowledge of the truth by means of our publications. Everywhere the field opens before us to spread the truth. Workers in the vineyard of the Lord are called for. We sing:—
“’Tis sweet to work for Jesus,
There’s resting by-and-by.”
Who will prove the sweetness there is in working for Jesus, by understandingly laboring to send out the light and truth through the circulation of our publications? Men moved with love and tenderness for the salvation of souls have written our works, clearly and forcibly bringing out the truth. Shall we give of our means and use our influence to send out these Heaven-given truths to those who would receive them with as much joy and gladness as any others have? Of Jesus it is recorded that he “went about doing good;” “for God was with him.”
If we dwell in God, and God by his Spirit dwells in us, we shall be moved by that Spirit to reach out for souls and labor to gather them to the fold of Christ. And labor in this direction will inspire our hearts with this love.
I have recently heard our brethren and sisters speak with gratitude of unexpected satisfaction in selling our Health Almanacs, and in circulating the REVIEW and REFORMER, and in obtaining names for our publications. In behalf of the cause in our Conference, we invite our brethren and sisters to take hold of this work anew. Be in earnest. A new volume of the REVIEW, REFORMER, and INSTRUCTOR has just commenced. Now is the time to secure subscribers. And remember the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. This excellent paper should have many times the circulation it has in our State.
Last month, I visited a brother who, with his companion, embraced the Sabbath from reading. He was an active member of the Methodist church, and town superintendent of common schools. He is very anxious to have a tent-meeting in his section another summer. I think it would be a good field. And here I might say, that I anxiously watch the appointments of Bro. Canright in Michigan, and do earnestly hope and pray that as soon as his duties are closed there, we may be favored with his labors in this State.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Gold Cannot Purchase a Good Conscience
Gold cannot purchase a good conscience.
DUTIES OF S. B. TREASURERS.
By H. A. St. John
1. To keep the Systematic Benevolence account book neatly, correctly, and legibly.
2. To keep, in some part of the same book, or in another book, an account of all receipts, with the name of the person from whom they are received, and date.
3. To keep another account of all money paid out—to whom paid, when, and for what purpose, with date.
4. To labor with gentleness, kindness, energy, and love, to get the names of all the members of the church upon the S. B. book, together with their weekly pledges.
5. To get the names and pledges of others, not members of the church, who profess to love the present truth, and who are anxious to contribute for its advancement.
6. To labor ardently and gently to gather in the children and youth, and to seek earnestly to inspire in them a love for contributing their pennies and dimes to the treasury of the Lord.
7. To take a deep interest in the work assigned you, carefully guarding the Lord’s treasury.
8. To send quarterly to the State Conference treasurer, one-fourth of your pledge to the Conference, and report to the State Conference secretary.
9. Preserve the above rules for frequent reference.
H. A. St. John.
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING IN SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
The period of one year having elapsed since our first general business meeting at Locle, a second meeting of this kind convened at Bienne, Dec. 12, 1875. A good representation of our friends was in attendance, and we had a profitable meeting. Remarks were made concerning the work before us, and the proper manner of accomplishing it. Though we have much need of improvement, yet many things encourage our hearts with respect to the advancement of the work.
Our most important work was the formation of a Tract and Missionary Society, as nearly after the model of our societies in America as present circumstances will admit. The plan of action met the approval of all, and was entered upon with alacrity. We hope, by means of this society, to bring all our friends into activity in the cause, and to get our publications into the hands of the candid everywhere in this country. We hope for good results, but not without constant effort to urge forward the work.
The subject of Systematic Benevolence received some attention. An earnest effort has been made to bring up all the brethren to their duty in this thing. It was therefore proper at this meeting to show how the money has been used by the committee, and for what purposes it has been paid out. The examination showed what portion had been used for the work in Germany, and what for that in Switzerland, and how it had been used. It also showed that the proper balance was in the treasury. I think all were satisfied with the investigation.
The money raised one year since for the publication of tracts was entrusted to the Executive Committee until such time as circumstances render it proper to form a legal association. The report of the Committee showed that they had printed 3000 copies of each of the following tracts: Millennium, Second Advent, Two Thrones, Judgment, and Sanctuary, and 10,000 copies of Which Day? Other tracts would have been printed, but they are not yet translated. The first tract was printed at Neuchatel, but though the printer had careful and repeated instructions, and a sample copy which he was to reproduce, and though he promised everything, his work was not satisfactory. So the Committee, after corresponding with printers in other cities, to secure good work and as favorable terms as possible, changed to Basel, which has been an improvement. The report showed that the value of the tracts at wholesale rates, together with the balance yet in the treasury, is considerably greater than the amount intrusted to the Committee one year since.
There are some seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in this country, besides a considerable number of Sabbath-keeping children. Systematic Benevolence pledged for the year to come amounts to about 2300 francs.
We shall commence the publication of a paper just as soon as, in the providence of God, this is possible. The difficulties in the way are considerable, but they can be surmounted with persevering effort, by the help of God. I have never for a moment doubted that we can have pecuniary assistance at the right time, and to a reasonable extent, from America, yet it seems to me that the good of the cause here demands that the friends in Switzerland make a proper effort to commence the work, and that they give evidence of interest therein by doing what they can. I believe they will be found true in the trial.
Albert Vuilleumier, J. N. Andrews, and J. E. Dietschy, were chosen Executive Committee. J. Ertzenberger and J. N. Andrews received credentials, and licenses were given to five persons. The expected arrival of Bro. Bourdeau gives much encouragement to the brethren. He will meet a cordial reception.
J. N. ANDREWS.
La Coudre, Neuchatel, Dec. 1875.
SOLINGEN, GERMANY.
By J. Ertzenberger
I have never labored at any place as hard and perseveringly as I have at Solingen. Circumstances have been such as to demand it, and they will constrain me to continue thus to labor for a time.
The battle has been very hard, and my faith and patience have been tried. Satan has been defending every inch of ground. But the truth is steadily taking hold of hearts. Often have I cried to God for help from the very depths of my soul; and, although I have been obliged to wait before seeing any fruit, I could not believe that the efforts which have been made there would be without result.
In my lectures held at Solingen, I have now presented the doctrines of the soon coming of the dear Saviour and the sleep of the dead, and have also spoken on the law question. From time to time, I set before my hearers the practical duties of a Christian. Last Sunday, I spoke for the first time publicly on the Sabbath question.
A good number of very attentive listeners were present on this occasion. Most of them have followed the lectures all through. The Lord assisted me graciously. Hearts were touched by the truth, and God’s Spirit convicted souls of the sure word. It was a most solemn season. And as I shall speak several times on this subject, it will be seen how many will obey. May the Lord help.
As it may be of some interest to the readers of this dear paper, I present here the substance of two letters I received since the lecture of last Sunday. The first is from a very intelligent gentleman; the second is from a lady of education.
“Dear Brother: I would gladly walk in the way you spoke of; but you know my circumstances, and I cannot force them. Such things must be brought before the Lord. He can turn the hearts of men as the streams of water are turned. All you have said has not been strange to me. Before this, I greatly desired to speak with you upon these things.
“I feared a great storm with my wife, and it has come. She is looking at this as at great and high mountains. But to-day I felt the peace of God in overflowing power in my heart. And to him I look for help.
“Several years I have been lonely here. Many times I prayed to God, with deep sighings, that he would send us one who would teach us his holy word as it is; and as such a man I considered and received you.
“You have acted prudently and very wisely here. The field must first be prepared before the good seed can be sown; and thus it is with the word of life.
“The Lord permitting it, I hope to meet with you on next Sabbath.
“Yours, with much love, H.”
“Mr. Ertzenberger: That your lecture of yesterday has made a deep, even an awful, impression upon my heart, as will be the case with every one, you will understand.
“I, for one, took no rest last night. I desired to be sure of this. I sought the Lord, and prayed him to assist me, and to send me light from on high. I searched the Scriptures, and closely examined your proof-texts. But at no place did I find any other response than, ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.’ Thus, I have no way of escape. If I will keep God’s holy commandments, and this I am obliged to do; then I must also keep holy the seventh day.
“Be sure it will cause a great battle and struggle until the victory shall be won. I must quit my place, and entirely give up the plans I have laid for the future. And I do not know how I shall succeed in it. But I hope, and firmly believe, that the Lord will help and lead me into the way I should walk.
“Do remember me in your prayers!”
“Yours truly, J. S.”
To these persons I sent “Truth Found” in German. I have given to several others. But what are a dozen copies among so many? Last evening I received a letter from a stranger to me, who had read “Truth Found” in the German. He appears to be a humble Christian man. He says:—
“By the grace of God I have been led to see and to understand God’s will more perfectly. I am fully convinced that we must keep all of God’s holy commandments, and with them the fourth, which commands ‘to keep holy the Sabbath day’; and I am fully determined to do it. Then in this consists our love to God, that we keep his commandments.
“The Lord has opened my heart and my eyes to see wondrous things out of his holy law. Our dear Saviour says, ‘He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.’ I know the Lord by experience already. But we must grow in grace and in the divine knowledge, ‘till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.’
“Now I rejoice greatly over this great grace, and hope to be united with you.
“My Christian greetings, A. H.”
Feeling the great need of some tracts in the German, I translated some of our small English tracts. I selected from “Scripture References,” “What is Truth?” “Which Day Do you Keep and Why?” and “Who Changed the Sabbath?” They have been printed at Solingen, and already many have been distributed, and they were gladly received. May God make them a great blessing.
Joyfully I put in all the money I had to help some in this precious cause in this manner. The Lord said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” And it is the sincere desire of my heart to do what I can for the Lord who has done so much for me. May I have strength and grace sufficient!
I read the article, “The Great Work,” in Review, Vol. 46, No. 17, p. 32, from the pen of dear Bro. White, and what shall I say? In what manner can I express my feelings? I am a debtor both to the Lord, and to you, Bro. W. But as it is a privilege to me to work for Jesus, it will be a great pleasure to me to be of some help to you. And if you can make use of me, gladly will I co-operate with you.
I feel to express my deep gratitude to dear Bro. W. for the great interest he takes in the work in Europe; and with gratitude to God I hail the good news that Eld. D. T. Bourdeau will soon come to this country. May God’s angel prepare the way before him! Europe is not America; but the holy truth is everywhere the same. And the Holy One of Israel, who conquered the terrible foe, has said: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” And may God bless you, dear Bro. W., and may this good work be prospered with you and in all places. Amen!
Yours with much love,
J. Ertzenberger.
Vohwinkel, near Elberfeld, Prussia, Dec. 22, 1875.
YORK CO., NEBRASKA.
By Chas. L. Boyd
HAVE organized a Sabbath-school consisting of about fifty members in the neighborhood reported by Bro. Butler. Have21just commenced meetings in an adjoining district, with a good attendance. Repeated attempts have been made by different denominations to overthrow the truth; but these efforts are causing it to take deeper root in the hearts of those who have received it. CHAS. L. BOYD.
Blue Valley, York Co., Neb., Jan. 10, 1876.
HATE NOT.
By J. E. Green
Why hate one another? Too short is this life To be spent in hatred, in discord, and strife; Life soon flies away “like a bird on the wing,” Like dew in the sunshine, like showers in spring.
There is no time to hate; there's no time to destroy Our pleasures by bickerings that bring us no joy. Hatred eats like a cancer; it ruins our peace; It rankles within, makes our troubles increase.
If hatred reigns in us, no sunshine we see; No music we hear, though the world's full of glee; There's naught that can lighten our pathway, or give Us happiness pure if we fail to forgive.
Our dear Saviour has told us our neighbor to love, That we may be heirs to the glory above; Should a brother do wrong, be not angry and strive, But seek from your heart to forget and forgive.
Then hate not another; in the grave's lowly bed We must sooner or later all sleep with the dead. In the great Judgment day we shall surely regret If ever we've failed to forgive and forget.
J. E. GREEN.
OAKFIELD, AROOSTOOK CO., ME.
By J. B. Goodrich
I labored in this place some before our camp-meeting last summer, and twenty commenced to keep the Sabbath. On my return, I found them all firm, and that others had joined them in keeping the Sabbath of the Lord.
Some have overcome the habit of using tobacco; others are struggling for victory, and I hope to see others commence the work soon. In this vicinity, many of the people think tea, pork, and tobacco indispensable; therefore, they buy these articles in large quantities. Those who are acquainted with the lumbering business know very well that where twenty or thirty men camp in the woods all winter, tea, pork, and tobacco, seem to be among the chief articles used; but I am glad that some have the courage and disposition to deny self and leave off their use.
I rejoice, as I pen these words, to know that there are some noble-hearted souls in Aroostook Co., who love the third angel’s message and are willing to do what they can to help forward the cause; but times are hard, there seems to be but very little money in circulation, and our brethren cannot do as they would be glad to. The third angel’s message calls for a great work, and how many will overcome in this place, correct all their wrong habits of life, and develop such characters as God will accept, time can only tell. Pray for us and the work in Maine. J. B. GOODRICH.
Linneus, Jan. 11, 1876.
MISSOURI
By J. H. Rogers
Visited the churches in Nevada, Drywood, Rockville, and Lincoln, Johnson Co. I found all of these churches in much need of help to set things in order and to encourage them forward in the work for the present time. I trust all will enter more heartily into the practice of Bible religion.
Came to Index the 5th inst., and engaged in giving a course of lectures in the Disciple meeting-house, with good attendance, and interest increasing every meeting. The Sabbath was never presented here before. The people are inquiring, and appear desirous for the truth.
My address, for awhile, will be Index, Cass Co., Mo. J. H. ROGERS.
Jan. 14, 1876.
LYONS, MICHIGAN.
By A. O. Burrell
Meetings in this place began Thursday evening, Jan. 6, according to appointment. The weather and roads were quite favorable. The services were held in the town hall. Friday evening, Bro. Canright spoke upon the importance of present truth; the hall was well filled, and the sermon was listened to with the best attention. It made a very marked impression upon all present.
Sabbath, at 9:30, A. M., the meeting was well attended, there being about sixty present from Orange, Muir, and Lyons, besides others from Matherton, Greenville, Ionia, and St. Johns. Many of these had embraced the Sabbath within a few months, and their testimonies were cheering and hopeful. At 10:30 Bro. Canright took up the rise and progress of this cause, and I think we were all able to see that God’s hand had guided.
At one o’clock P. M., Bro. C. spoke again from 2 Cor. 6:2, making a special appeal to the sinner and backslider. The Lord was present by his Spirit, and worked mightily for his truth. We were made to rejoice by seeing twenty or more come forward, three of whom had never taken their stand upon the Sabbath before. Another, who had wandered away, desired to return. This was a good meeting, and one which will be long remembered.
The social meeting, from 6 to 7 P. M., was another refreshing season to all present. From 7 to 8, Bro. Canright spoke to a full house upon the Sabbath, using the arguments, or as many of them as time would permit, which are found in his little work lately published, entitled, “The Morality of the Sabbath.” This sermon made an impression. This work should be read by all our people. It is excellent to place in the hands of those who are investigating.
Sunday, from 9:30 to 11 A. M., was consumed in the examination of candidates for baptism and other matters common to such occasions. Then followed the preaching, but the weather being damp the attendance from outside was small. Bro. C. took up the subject of Systematic Benevolence in the afternoon, and after he had set the matter before us in a very clear manner, the Orange church about doubled theirs, making it for 1876 nearly $200. The s. b. of the Muir and Lyons churches will be about $150, for this year. At the conclusion of this meeting, we retired to the banks of Grand River, where seven were baptized, and, although the rain was falling quite heavily, a large number gathered upon the bank to witness the scene.
At our concluding meeting Bro. C. spoke upon the mark of the beast, setting the subject before us in a very forcible manner. Thus concluded the effort in this township. We were all very much gratified by this timely visit from Bro. Canright, and trust there will be some fruits of it in the kingdom of Heaven.
I have remained with this people more than five months, but had I gone away when I had been here three months the whole effort would have been nearly lost. Now there are more than forty who are observing the Sabbath, while there were only three when we erected the tent here. The time that it has taken appears to be long, but I never saw any time when I dared to leave them. A. O. BURRELL.
Saranac, Jan. 13, 1876.
MINNESOTA
By D. P. Curtis; L. H. Ells
We have been holding meetings at the Lilly Pond school-house since the evening of Dec. 31. We have good congregations, and there is an increasing interest. Some have decided to obey God, and others are examining. Eld. Welcome spoke against us last evening, mainly on the visions, though we have said nothing concerning them. His effort was a very poor affair. We answer this evening. Eld. Fassett, pastor of the Advent church at Monticello, preached against us in his quarterly meeting, at the church, a week ago last Sunday, taking the common Advent ground on the two covenants. Yesterday and last evening, we reviewed him at the same place, having advertised the review in the paper published in the village. It was a very cold day, and there were only about thirty present. We shall continue to lecture this week at the school-house, the Lord willing.
D. P. CURTIS,
L. H. ELLS.
Monticello, Minn., Jan. 10, 1876.
THE MISSIONARY ARMY OF KANSAS.
By A Private; P.
This army was organized to do battle for the King of Righteousness, to pull down the strongholds of Satan, and to rescue perishing prisoners from one end of the State to the other.
High hopes were entertained of the success of this army—even that it would go forth conquering and to conquer. Has it done so? If not, why not? Perhaps it has gone into winter quarters; may be all is “quiet on the Potomac;” possibly each division commander (director) has his soldiers in camp of instruction, getting everything in the best possible condition, that they may soon come against the enemy with the impetus of an avalanche, destroying, demolishing, covering, burying, and utterly making way with him and his forces in one grand charge. But that we may know which, if any, of these conjectures is true, we will inquire of the officers, especially the division commanders, as they are men “under authority having under them soldiers,” &c., How is it? Winter quarters? well, we were inclined to that opinion. But shall our winter last all the year, and from year to year, without any cessation?
Last year the winter quarters excuse had some force, reminding us of Washington at Valley Forge. But now, under our present circumstances, this inactivity looks more like Belshazzar feasting inside his closed gates while besieged by the Medes and Persians. And can we expect a much better fate than this ease-loving monarch and his kingdom met, if we continue to pursue this ease-taking (almost do-nothing) course?
I think the private soldiers of the Kansas department are as willing and ready as any others to go out against the King’s enemies; but they must be led, or, at least, directed. If our directors intend to quietly remain at home, and thus hold the whole army in inglorious inactivity, would it not be better to disband, so that those who felt disposed to make a small raid on the enemy occasionally would be free to do so? [Do this any way.—Ed.] But we do not wish to be mustered out. We enlisted, understanding that there was no discharge in this war. I appeal to you, then, officers of the missionary army, will you not rally your forces, take the field in person, and make one grand campaign during this favorable time of the year? This opportunity once lost can never be regained. To move? or not to move? that is the question.
A PRIVATE.
P. S. When you (officers) have another grand review, come and see it yourselves. Remember Lot’s wife and Rock Creek.
P.
PATIENCE AT HOME.
By Jos. Clarke
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.” James 5:7.
It is comparatively easy to be patient when we are associating with the people we meet on the highway of life; for we know we may meet those who would give a blow for an insulting word, or we might have a running fight if we should rasp every one with our fretful dispositions; so we smooth down our tempers when we sally forth on the business of life.
But at home, look out. There is the place where we can give vent to passion and fretfulness to a considerable extent without risking so much as we would if we should fret at any one we meet. It would be really humiliating to be looked upon by every passer as a termagant and scold; so most of us reserve our spite and pettishness for the home circle.
The patient, pious wife (or vice versa) is always close by, and we can, when tried in the crucible of every-day life, come home, and pour forth upon her all the ill nature we have been hoarding up for the day. And she has become so accustomed to it that she thinks it a matter of course, and balances the account by some act of kindness, friendly and well-timed.
The one thus soothed by the power of kindness takes the credit of his good temper to himself, and considers himself a noble personage, when, in fact, the temper is yet unsubdued.
Now we may be sure of this: If we are at any time fretful and peevish, the impression will be lasting as the rock; and such tempers do as surely hinder our efforts to do good as sunken trees impede the navigation of our western rivers.
Good temper is necessary, and indispensable, to all who would do good and work in God’s cause; and an ill temper and a peevish disposition he will not approbate, nor will he always tolerate them.
Age does not of itself sweeten a temper naturally acid, but religion does; and he who does not grow more calm, even, and placid with age, may reckon that he has not yet been wholly renewed in heart, and that he is yet in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity. Many of us must yet be converted, or fail of eternal life.
Jos. CLARKE.
A GOOD DAY IN BOSTON.
By M. Wood
Sabbath, Jan. 1, 1876, was a day never to be forgotten by the Boston church, not simply because it was God’s holy Sabbath and a day of fasting and prayer, but because God met us by his Holy Spirit; and the solemnity which characterized our meeting through the entire day was so deep that fleeting time can never erase from our minds that precious season in which we were the recipients of bountiful blessings from the great God.
According to previous arrangement, many of us met at our place of worship before the rising of the sun. Sister Temple, one of the old pioneers, living at a distance of eight or ten miles, was one of the first at our hall. As we entered the house of prayer, it seemed like entering upon holy ground. We simultaneously sought our Bibles, and for a few moments feasted our souls upon the word of God. Punctually, at the time appointed, our meeting was opened by reading the 58th chapter of Isaiah. After a few remarks appropriate to the occasion, we bowed before the Lord in prayer, and the Lord hearkened and heard us. As agonizing cries ascended to our Heavenly Father for forgiveness of our sins, and the continuation of his rich mercy and blessing upon his people, we felt the assurance that he accepted us as members of his family. It was quite evident from the freely flowing tears that the tender Spirit of God was operating upon hearts. All present appeared to hold sweet communion with Jesus, and to join with the angelic host in ascribing “blessing, and honor, and glory, and power,” unto “Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
It was feared by some that our meeting would become tedious or monotonous, and that the interest and zeal manifested in the morning could not be maintained throughout the entire day; but God’s dear people had met for a purpose, and the form of the Fourth was in their midst. Their hearts were warmed with love for God and his cause. With the exception of the time occupied in reading the Appeal, which, by the way, received the utmost attention, and whose teachings many expressed a determination to profit by, the entire day, from sun to sun, was spent in pleading with God in prayer, that success might attend his servants, and the work move forward with greater alacrity.
It was a blessed season, and there was a general turning unto the Lord with brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit. Some who had wandered from the fold confessed their backslidings, and expressed a desire to walk in wisdom’s ways; still others bore their testimony and took part in the meeting for the first time. Some present who had participated in the ’44 movement felt a rekindling of the fire in their hearts, and almost imagined themselves back in the days of father Miller. Said sister Temple, “This is a ’44 meeting, such as we experienced just prior to the tenth day of the seventh month.” Sister Brown, who was one of the first to embrace the Sabbath, speaking of the meeting, said, “I felt when I crossed the threshold as though I was stepping upon holy ground, and it reminded me of the meetings we used to hold in 1844 when we expected the coming of the Lord.”
May the Lord deeply impress upon our minds the necessity of drawing fresh supplies from the throne of grace, and of not resting satisfied with our present attainments. Let us “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” realizing that the blessings we obtain are only to fit us for greater conflicts and severe trials as we journey along the rugged path. M. Wood.
TENNESSEE
By A. Smith
Sister M. J. Wetherbee, who is a member of the church at Blendon, Mich., but now lives in Bledsoe Co., Tenn., writes under date of Dec. 29:—
“I do not think I ever saw so good an interest to hear the truth as at this place. Many of the ministers and people acknowledge it to be Bible truth; but they fail to come out full in the faith. They say they want a messenger to come here. The way is all prepared in a good many places; houses are offered free for meetings, and the people are anxious to hear.”
Her husband appends the following:—
“Thirty-two persons here have taken the VOICE OF TRUTH, and all say they like it very much. I hope you will do all you can to have a preacher come here.”
Will some one respond to this call?
A. SMITH.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.
A BROTHER writes from Chester, Pa.:—
I have been searching the Scriptures for some years past, and had become convinced of the present truth as taught by you with the exception of the seventh-day Sabbath, but had had my attention directed to that point. A friend placed the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and some tracts from your Office in my hands, which caused me to investigate the matter, and now I am keeping the true Sabbath of the Lord—have been keeping it for twelve weeks. I came out alone, surrounded by strong opposition. Now I have persuaded two, who have also come out on the Lord’s side, and several others are almost convinced. I shall never leave them as long as I have one ray of hope. May God help to convince others, that it may not be long before our numbers may be considered worthy of a visit from some brother who can speak to us.
Sister J. Myers, of Lincoln Co., Neb., says:—
It is nearly a year since the VOICE was sent to our house by the Tract Society—a favor for which I am very grateful. It has been a great help to me, as well as a source of comfort, and I do not know how to get along without it. I have been trying to keep the Sabbath about ten months. I am alone here, and yet I am not alone, for the Saviour said, “Lo, I am with you alway.” I am thankful that there is a people who dare to come out from the world and stand for God, the Saviour, and the law; and I earnestly desire to keep the holy law of God.
QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE ILL. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By G. W. Colcord; F. M. T. Simonson
This meeting was held in the church at Serena, Dec. 19, 1875. Called to order by the president; prayer by Eld. R. F. Andrews. Report of the last meeting was read and accepted. The report of labor for the past quarter was as follows:—
Families visited, 434; letters written, 178; new subscribers for SIGNS, 13; REVIEW, 17; INSTRUCTOR, 8; REFORMER, 11; subscriptions renewed: SIGNS, 4; REVIEW, 4; periodicals distributed, 585; No. of pages of pamphlets and tracts given away and loaned, 742,101; volumes given to libraries, 6.
Money rec’d for memberships, $ 8.15
“ by donations, 11.65
“ from book sales, 10.63
“ for poor, 60.00
Total, $90.43
Treasurer received during past six months, $122.40
“ paid to Association, 122.40
Remarks were made concerning our indebtedness, as a Society, by Eld. R. F. Andrews; and the president made remarks, inciting the members to greater zeal. As a result the following pledge was made:—
Resolved, That we will try to accomplish more the coming three months than in any previous quarter.
Some interesting verbal reports and extracts from letters were given. The Society was much encouraged.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
G. W. COLCORD, Pres.
F. M. T. SIMONSON, Sec.
THE YEAR 1876.
By Francis Gould
The year 1876 will be an eventful one to our nation, and to the people of God. To the nation, it will be a year of jubilee. The centennial celebration will mark an important era in the history of our government. It will show us what has been accomplished in the march of civilization. It will reveal the advancement made in the cause of education and in the arts and sciences, and also the great improvements in mechanics and agriculture. Perhaps we may see in this movement a further fulfillment of the prediction that at “the time of the end, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Dan. 12: 4.
The constitutional amendment will make rapid advances this year toward its final adoption, which, by anticipation, seems now to be a settled fact. The public mind is becoming agitated over the matter, and it is evident that the image beast, notwithstanding his lamblike professions, will soon speak as a dragon.
Another presidential election will take place before the year closes, which will probably cause great changes to be brought about in public affairs. This question has already begun to be agitated; and its influence will be felt by the people of God everywhere.
Dear brethren and sisters, how shall these things affect us? Shall we suffer their influence to carry us away in the great whirlpool of excitement, and cause us to lose sight of our allegiance to God and his righteous government? How appropriate it was to begin the new year with a new consecration to God. Let us remember that we have a world-wide message to proclaim; and that numerous channels are opening which call for labor in the Master's vineyard. The fields are all white, and ready to harvest; “and he that reapeth receiveth wages.” FRANCIS GOULD. Bordoville, Vt.
Tornado and Natural Disasters in the Philippine Islands
As if anything more were needed to supplement the chapter of horrors which the old year gives us, there comes the news of the terrific tornado which has passed over the Philippine Islands, resulting in the loss of over two hundred and fifty lives, and the destruction of four thousand houses, besides which cattle perished, and crops in all directions were ruined. The elements have worked fearful devastations in these islands. Five earthquakes have laid Manila in heaps since 1645; in the last, that of 1863, one thousand lives were lost; fire destroyed ten thousand of her huts in 1833; repeatedly have Malinao, Albay, and the adjacent towns, suffered from volcanic eruptions.—Christian at Work.
REST
By Christina Rossetti
O earth, lie heavily upon her eyes,
Seal her sweet eyes, weary, weary of earth,
Lie close around her, leave no room for mirth
With its harsh laughter, nor for sound of sighs.
She hath no questions, she has no replies—
Hushed in and curtained with a blessed death
Of all that irked her from her hour of birth,
With stillness that is almost paradise.
Darkness more clear than noon-day holdeth her,
Silence more musical than any song,
Even her very heart has ceased to stir:
Until the morning of eternity
Her rest shall not begin, nor end, but be;
And when she wakes she will not think it long.
—Christina Rossetti.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Fell asleep in Jesus, sister Jane Demorest, wife of Bro. David Demorest, of North Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y., aged seventy-five years. Sister D. embraced the truth of the Sabbath over 16 years ago. The Sabbath meeting of the last quarterly meeting of the church was appointed at her house. The Spirit of the Lord was present in power. Sister D. rejoiced in the fair promise of additions to the church, and gave a glad, hopeful, happy testimony. Her closing words were: “My work is over; I can do no more. But go on, brethren and sisters, labor for Jesus, strive to bring souls into the truth: and I hope to meet you and hear spoken to you the well and faithfully done.” Immediately after, she desired to be taken to her room, was stricken with paralysis, and was unable to speak again. She remained conscious, manifesting it by the pressure of the hand when asked if she knew those speaking to her. She lingered until nearly midnight, Wednesday, Dec. 8, and without a struggle, in full assurance of living faith, passed into the “blessed sleep.” Funeral discourse, by request, from Rev. 14:13. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Died, in South Norridgewock, Maine, Dec. 3, 1875, Mary Ann Jones, aged forty-nine years. She was one of the first to embrace the truth under the labors of Elds. J. N. Andrews and Cornell, when the tent was first pitched in N. She has been faithful. She died in the triumphs of faith, and is now at rest, soon to awake in the likeness of her Master. Discourse by the writer from Prov. 18: 24. J. B. GOODRICH.
Fell asleep, we trust, in Jesus, at Linwood, Butler Co., Neb., Dec. 15, 1875, Charles N., son of H. N. and S. A. Willsey, aged sixteen years. Funeral discourse by Eld. Farnsworth.
Fell asleep in Jesus, Jan. 6, 1876, at Lovington, Moultrie Co., Ill., Laura May, daughter of Dudley N. and Julia B. Story, aged one year, seven months and five days. She had a gentle disposition and amiable qualities for one so young. Remarks by the writer. DENNIS MORRISON.