1. It has been the custom of some T. and M. societies to supply the ministers laboring within their limits with publications to sell. No general plan respecting prices, or the manner of doing the business, has ever been recommended; and, as is always the case under such circumstances, various plans have been adopted in the different societies. Some have charged ministers the wholesale price, adding sufficient to pay freight. This has been a favor to the ministers, which they have appreciated, as they could thus purchase publications in their own State.
2. Some societies have furnished publications to ministers at office prices without extra charge for freight, thus securing their trade in the Conferences at a financial loss to the society. This was done to encourage the ministers and relieve the office of some of its burdens, as a settlement could easily be effected between each minister and the tract society at the annual sessions of the State Conferences. If these ministers gave away tracts, it was at their own expense, unless the Board of Directors saw fit to allow them something on account at the time of quarterly meetings.
3. At the annual session of the New York T. and M. Society in 1878, at which all the ministers were present, another plan was discussed and unanimously adopted. The same course had previously been pursued by some of the ministers. They decided that the society should carry a full supply of publications for the ministers, and that all the proceeds arising from the sales of these publications should be paid to the tract society. In most cases this plan would meet with but two objections; (1) a selfish desire on the part of the ministers to appropriate this profit to their own use; and (2) that some may give away publications at the expense of the society instead of selling them. This last point was guarded by limiting the free distribution by each minister to the profits arising from the publications which he sold. The practicability of this third plan has been demonstrated in the New York Conference during the past year, where the ministers have sold nearly three times the amount of publications of any previous year, the entire sales by them alone having amounted to over $800. The zeal manifested by the ministers in this State to promote the interests of the tract society equals, if it does not excel, that of any other Conference.
The moral strength of our tract societies lies in the spirit of sacrifice manifested; and if those occupying leading positions do not possess it, how can the members be expected to do so? There is no class of men who should be more interested to assist and carry forward our missionary work than S. D. Adventist ministers. Theirs is a purely missionary work. We would not be understood as conveying the idea that every minister who sells publications and does not give all the proceeds to the tract society of which he is a member, is acting from selfish motives; neither that we wish to lay down arbitrary rules for all the tract societies to follow. This question is one which each society should decide with its ministers. In New England and New York there is a mutual understanding between the society and the ministers to act upon this plan.
TO THE T. AND M. WORKERS IN VERMONT.
By Charles P. Whitford
BY CHARLES P. WHITFORD.
As the time of our next series of quarterly meetings draws near, I am more and more anxious that they may be the most interesting and profitable ever yet held among us. And to secure this result, we must individually feel our responsibility in the matter. Let us all report. I believe that fully one-third of the actual labor performed fails to be reported on account of our negligence in this respect. The littles make the grand sum total, and the result will be seen in the kingdom of God.
That the storm of God’s wrath is soon to come, we cannot doubt. Many are the omens that the day of the Lord is near. Can we, then, remain inactive? Remember, “he that reapeth receiveth wages.” Think of all that this world can bestow,—its wealth, its pleasures, and its honors,—put these together, and one soul is of infinitely greater value in the sight of God. If we do not do our duty in warning our fellow-men, the blood of souls will be found upon our garments. To me this is a solemn thought. I greatly desire to be found doing all I can to save those for whom Christ died.
I wish there might be an advance movement made all along the line in our State this winter. We ought to have several colporters in the field, giving their whole time and attention to the work of God. We have tracts, pamphlets, and books of which the people13are in great need. Unless we awake to our duty and strive to get the truth before them, shall we not be “weighed in the balances and found wanting”? If we refuse to work earnestly for our own salvation and the salvation of others, can we expect the “crown of life,” which is promised as a reward for well-doing? Ah! brethren, do we really believe the things we profess? If our faith were in lively exercise, would not our affections, tempers, passions, and appetites all be consecrated to God and his service?
Does it not seem as though the last Testimonies should arouse us to action? Is it so, that none but those who agonize daily will be overcomers? Oh! when will the true spirit of agonizing, the spirit of wrestling Jacob-like, and prevailing with God, rest on the church? This time will come when we give up our idols, make a full surrender of self and the world, live out the Testimonies, and consecrate ourselves wholly to God. Then will the genuine spirit of labor rest upon us, and we shall be ready to inquire, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
Berkshire Center, Vt., Dec. 22.
HOW GIVING GLORIFIES GOD.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
BY ELD. D. M. CANRIGHT.
There is an interesting text in 2 Corinthians which shows how the Lord receives glory through the benevolent acts of his children. Let us carefully read the text: “For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; while by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men.” 2 Cor. 9:12, 13. The apostle says that when we, by liberal donations, supply the wants of the poor saints, they immediately, on account of their gratitude, give thanks to God for what they have received, and thus the Lord receives praise and glory for whatever his children do here.
Brethren, this is a beautiful thought. Whenever you give food to a poor saint, you not only benefit him, but you are the occasion of sending up praise and thanksgiving to God, and thus the Lord is glorified through your kind act. It is just so when you contribute of your means, or by your missionary work bring a soul to the truth and to the Lord. As soon as that soul is converted, he immediately sends up praise to God, and glorifies the Lord for the blessed truth which he has received through you. Thus every act of sacrifice and of missionary labor on the part of his children is abundant in giving glory to God.
Brethren and sisters, how many are daily thanking and glorifying God on your account, either for your kindness and help to those who are in need, or for this truth which they have received through you. Think of this, and see if you do not want to take a little more stock in this kind of work.
BOOKS FOR FAMILY READING.
By S. N. H.
BY S. N. H.
The importance of carrying into effect the plan of family reading which has been presented to our people, cannot be overestimated, and we are exceedingly anxious that no family of S. D. Adventists should be deprived of the privilege of reading the three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, the Testimonies, or the family library recommended in the REVIEW of Dec. 11, 1879.
There are some among our brethren who are not able to purchase these books. To such the tract societies make the following liberal offer: For seven new subscribers for Good Health, not S. D. Adventists, and $7.00, they will give the three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy. For 13 new subscribers and $13, the six volumes of the Testimonies, Nos. 1 to 28 inclusive. For 20 subscribers with $20, a library of our bound books, put up in suitable boxes, consisting of History of the Sabbath, Thoughts on Daniel, Thoughts on Revelation, Life of Wm. Miller, Sanctuary and 2300 Days, Bible from Heaven, Constitutional Amendment, Nature and Destiny of Man, Life of Capt. Joseph Bates, Science and the Bible, United States in Prophecy, and Thoughts on Baptism, in all amounting to 3,970 pages, worth $10.15. For 35 new subscribers the societies will furnish the above-mentioned library, the six volumes of Testimonies, and three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy.
Some of the above-named books can be delivered before all of these subscribers are obtained. Satisfactory arrangements can be made with each State society, so as to give sufficient time. This offer is to those who are unable to purchase and pay the money for the books. Arrangements should be made immediately, so that the reading can commence at once.
REPORT FROM SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
We have just closed our sixth annual Conference, our first being held a few weeks after my arrival in this country five years ago. Our Conference this year convened at Locle, Sabbath evening, Nov. 14, and terminated on first-day, Nov. 16. It was in several respects the best Conference we have ever had in this country. Our brethren have been slow to learn the things necessary for the advancement of the cause of Christ, and have not always been as ready as they should be to co-operate in the work. At this Conference all seemed desirous to engage in the work with zeal and consecration.
Some of our brethren have greatly hindered the work of the tract society by constantly saying that no one is benefited by receiving the tracts, and that the labor and expense of tract distribution are thrown away. At this Conference several persons were present who had been converted by reading tracts. This was an argument in behalf of tract work which entirely changed the feeling on the subject. The brethren voted to make renewed and persevering effort in the tract and missionary work. I shall use my best endeavors to see that this resolution is carried into effect.
They also voted in favor of a more perfect organization of our churches and our Conference. This will be immediately acted upon. The subject of Sabbath-schools was considered, and it was decided to adopt the system of our American brethren in place of the less efficient system now in use in Switzerland. The duty of giving one-tenth of our income to the cause of God was made clear to the mind of every person present, and so far as I know, every individual connected with our cause intends to carry it into effect.
At this Conference I made an earnest appeal to the brethren with respect to the duty of making our work self-sustaining. I called attention to the fact that the financial distress which has crippled us, during the entire period of my residence in Switzerland, has been in consequence of unwise management of means, so that nearly all our brethren have been embarrassed. It has seemed impossible in time past to remedy these errors, but the time has now come when this will be possible; and the brethren have learned by experience what they could not learn by being told. We are grateful to the brethren in America for the assistance that they have so generously rendered, but we are fully determined to accomplish an entire change in our financial affairs. Our first duty is to make our work self-sustaining, and this we hope, by the blessing of God, soon to accomplish. Our next duty will be to repay the money received from America, in rendering equal assistance to some other mission where this will be needed. I hope to see this accomplished at no distant day.
I have never felt so much encouraged as at the present time. It now seems possible to surmount the difficulties that have hindered our work. I have never at any time in America seen so great an accumulation of difficulties as we have had to meet in Europe. But though these things have rendered the progress of our work slow and painful, there has been, nevertheless, some progress all the time; and there is much reason to hope that we are about to see a great advance in the work. I can now be absent from Bâle the most of the time, and I hope not only to labor myself for the advancement of the work, but also to engage all of our people in active missionary work.
Two persons received credentials at this Conference, and seven received licenses. Instruction was given with respect to the duties of licentiates, and in what manner they should give proof that they are called of God to take part in this work. I have never before seen so much of a disposition to receive instruction of this kind. Sixty Sabbath-keepers took part in the Conference. In Switzerland there are 137 members; in Germany, 37; in Turkey, 20; and in France, Italy, and Egypt, the other countries connected with this mission, there are enough to make our entire number 225. This, of course, includes none that are connected with the mission of Eld. Matteson or with that of Eld. Loughborough.
I have recently succeeded in obtaining a large number of addresses of Protestants in France, and to these we purpose to send our French paper for a certain period. If any of the tract societies in America desire to aid us in this work, we will thankfully accept their assistance. We will do all the work ourselves, in the same manner that it is done by the tract societies in America, and only ask those who are willing to do so to aid us by paying for such a number of copies to be sent into France as they shall feel able to pay for.
Bro. Ertzenberger has labored faithfully in Switzerland during the past year. Our statistics show an increase of twenty-five members in Switzerland during this time. For the present he will labor with me in carrying out the action of the Conference in regard to organization and tract, missionary, and Sabbath-school work. I may then visit Bro. Ribton in Egypt, calling on the way on our friends at Valence in France, and at Torre, Pellice, and Naples in Italy. During my absence, Bro. Ertzenberger will probably visit our friends in Germany.
We hope very soon to have the assistance of Bro. Albert Vuilleumier in our work. He has been hindered hitherto by his embarrassments. His help will make a very great addition to our strength.
Our paper, during the whole period of its publication, has borne a faithful testimony on the subject of temperance, and it has wrought a marked change in the practice of its readers. I send a very full report to the General Conference, of all things relating to this mission. I trust it arrived in season.
I have known for many years that there is a denomination of Christians in Eastern Russia, called Malakani, who believe in the near advent of Christ. A recent writer in MacMillan’s Magazine, London, gives a very interesting account of this people. Many thousands of them keep the seventh day. I have prepared an article for our French paper concerning this denomination, and forward it to the Review. They received their light on Christ’s near advent from the writings of Bengel, of Germany, who thought Christ would come about 1836. The Malakani are not the only Sabbath-keepers in Russia. There is an older denomination numbering several hundred thousands, if we may credit the reports that have reached us from several apparently reliable sources.
To-day is the anniversary of my daughter’s death. I cannot tell why one who promised to be so useful should be taken away. God’s judgments are a great deep.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Bâle, Nov. 27, 1879.
REPORT FROM EGYPT.
By H. P. Ribton
A long and severe illness deprived me of the power of working for two months; but God has mercifully raised me up, and I hope again to labor diligently in his service. Meantime our brethren in the Sabbath, both here and in Italy, continue steadfast in their faith and hope. To do so in Italy in the midst of great persecution, requires much firmness; yet the little churches both at Naples and at Bari announce an increase in their numbers. Our church here have passed through a severe trial, several having left us on the question of implicit and unqualified obedience to the commandments. They went out from us because they were not of us. But the faithful ones who remained firm continue to meet for the observance of the day that the Lord has sanctified, as they do also on other days of the week for the study of his holy word.
We have done much work in correspondence and tract distribution during the past month. Indeed, Bro. Rupp has been indefatigable. He has written and sent tracts to a great number of Baptist ministers, in addition to distributing tracts here; which, as well as copies of Les Signes des Temps, have been read with much interest by those to whom he has given them. This month we have sent sixteen new addresses to Bro. Andrews for Les Signes des Temps, and about thirty to Bro. Drew in California for the Signs of the Times.
I have during the past month availed myself of my profession as a means of carrying the Word into many places where it would otherwise be impossible to gain access. I have thus been enabled to make many new acquaintances, to whom I have announced the near coming of our Lord, and the necessity of obedience to his commandments in order to enter into his new kingdom.
I am still seeking for some means of printing tracts in Greek and Arabic. An Arab friend has already translated into his language the tract, “Can we Know?” I have seen specimens of work of two newly invented copying machines, that profess to take off one hundred copies of a given manuscript; also the electric pen of the celebrated Dr. Edison, but none seem sufficiently accurate to be safely depended upon.
Our dear Bro. Bortola writes very pleasing news from Pitesti, near Bucharest, in European Turkey. A little church of twenty Sabbath-keepers has been formed there; it is increasing in numbers, and he baptized several new members during his visit. He relates especially how they put to shame the Jews around them, by closing their shops on the Sabbath; while the latter, who ought to know better, keep theirs open. This rising church owes its origin principally to the reading of Les Signes des Temps. Bro. Bortola has now gone to Odessa, in Russia, on commercial business, where he hopes to gain more fruit.
Thus is spreading the announcement of the coming of our Lord’s kingdom. So may the number of his people soon be made up, and so may he come quickly and give rest to his waiting and watching servants.
H. P. Ribton.
Alexandria, Nov. 1, 1879.
OHIO
Van Wert, Dec. 19.—Three have united with the church here, one was baptized, a few others have commenced the observance of the Lord’s Sabbath, and nine have joined the tract society. S. S. and T. and M. record books have been purchased. The brethren will engage more earnestly in this part of the work than they have done in the past. I shall continue the meetings until the 21st, the Lord willing. G. G. RUPERT.
Clyde.—We have just closed a very excellent meeting here. About seventy-five brethren and sisters were present. We had freedom in speaking. Sabbath forenoon we spoke on temperance and the duty of signing the pledge. A social-meeting followed, in which nearly all spoke, approving the temperance movement. Many gave interesting experiences, and several who had been opposers or had held back, now said they were ready to sign the pledge. This they did the next day, when a temperance club was formed.
We took up the subject of circulating Good Health, and different ones became responsible for obtaining a given number of subscribers, either for a year or for the14trial trip. Over one hundred and fifty subscribers were thus pledged. This is what each one of our churches in Ohio should do immediately. We had a Sabbath-school convention, which was deeply interesting. D. M. CANRIGHT.
NEW YORK.
Fine, Dec. 9, 1879.—Since our last report, a Baptist Sunday champion has been here and gone. We discussed the Sabbath question two evenings. If he understood his position, the people did not. The truth gained the victory. Praise the Lord. If we are humble, he will use us as effectually as he did the “stripling” David.
This effort did not satisfy the people, so another anti-Sabbath champion speaks on Sunday, Dec. 21. All this puts off decision on the part of the people, still the interest is quite good. Pray for the work here, that we may have wisdom from God.
MILTON C. WILCOX. H. H. WILCOX.
Parma and Lancaster.—I have lately visited the churches in Parma and Lancaster. The members in these places are tryin’ to hold fast, and there are tokens of revival. At Lancaster two of the youth were baptized and united with the church, and it is hoped that one or two others will follow.
The spirit of revival is with those who work in the cause, those who labor to bless others are blessed themselves. We are soon coming to the time when labor for the lost will cease, and the filthy and unjust will remain so still. It is those who endure to the end that shall be saved. Let each make an individual case sure; and to do this, the thoughts and efforts must expand and take in others.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Ridgeway, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1879.
Edwards (Belleville), St. Lawrence Co.—I have been alone since my last report, holding meetings every other night. The interest has seemed to increase; and when the weather is favorable, the house is full.
A little friendly opposition has been given by a gentleman living in the neighborhood. It was somewhat amusing to hear him say, “Let us hear what the Bible says about the matter,” while he opened his Bible and read from a little pamphlet by C. S. Grichell, of Spring Arbor, Mich. There are several copies of this work in this section.
Some acknowledge the Sabbath. There are many backsliders here; one has commenced to pray again. Shall labor here until the T. and M. Institute at Adams Center, and shall probably return when that is over.
Some say they are going to get a man to oppose the Sabbath. I earnestly request the prayers of my brethren.
CHAS. C. LEWIS.
NEBRASKA
By Geo. B. Starr
Lyndon and Richmond.—Commenced meetings in Lyndon, Nov. 28; and although the preaching was directed especially to the church, the outside interest became so good that it seemed advisable that a course of lectures should be given.
A neat sod church erected by the company at Richmond was dedicated Sabbath, Dec. 6. The church have manifested real zeal in this work, and God's approving Spirit is with them. The Lord greatly blessed the preaching of the word to the comfort of all our hearts. This meeting will not soon be forgotten. A district Sabbath-school Association was organized, from which we hope to see much fruit. GEO. B. STARR.
State Quarterly Meetings.
At Wolf Lake, Ind., Jan. 24, 25, 1880. Let all the districts report to the State Secretary, S. S. Shrock, Ligonier, Noble Co., Ind., immediately after the district meetings. We hope to have a full report of labor done in the State; also to see a large turnout at this meeting, as some important matters will be considered. S. H. Lane.
At Valparaiso, Saunders Co., on Sec. 8, Tp. 13, Range 6, Neb., Jan. 24 and 25. The State Secretary will attend, and a special effort will be made to impart instruction in book-keeping. The district secretaries and librarians are requested to be present with their official books. Let all bring a bundle of bedding. Chas. L. Boyd.
At Edgefield Junction, Tenn., Jan. 17, 18, first meeting to commence Friday, at 6:30 P. M. Let all who can possibly do so, come at the first.
Come prepared to cancel all your small debts and to pay what you can on our T. and M. fund. Our President will be absent, but we can have a good meeting, if we come imbued with the Holy Spirit.
Those who cannot come will send in a report, stating the cause of absence. Clinton Owens, Director.
At State Center, Iowa, Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25. We put this meeting one week later than usual, because we find it impossible for the Secretary to get in all the reports of the districts in time for a full report, if it is a week earlier. We hope all the district secretaries will make a special effort to have their reports sent to the State Secretary as early as possible. We want a general rally at this meeting of all the directors, State officers, ministers, and members who can consistently attend. It will be a most important meeting for the cause in our State. Geo. I. Butler, Pres. Iowa T. and M. S.
At the request of Eld. Grant, I announce a general meeting for Dist. No. 5, to be held at Lake City, Minn., beginning on the evening of the 16th of January, 1880, and continuing over Sabbath and Sunday. Also one at Lucas, Dunn. Co., Wis., to begin on the evening of Jan. 23, and hold over Sabbath and Sunday. Two or more of our speakers are expected to be present. It is earnestly desired that all our brethren who possibly can will be present at one or the other of these meetings; important matters will be considered.
Brethren, if we believe that we are living in the last days, and that God is leading us, we should be intensely anxious to know what he says, and to do what he requires. Let us come together, praying for his blessing. Let us make a covenant with him by sacrifice, and if we humble ourselves before him, he will surely bless our efforts.
Bring provisions and bedding, as there are but few brethren in each place. John Olive, Director.
At Noblesville, Ind., Jan. 3, 4. Hope to meet friends from Arcadia. S. H. Lane.
I expect to maintain the following appointments until the tent season opens: Nora, the first Sabbath and Sunday in the month; Belvidere, the fourth Sabbath and Sunday; and Rockford, the first Tuesday evening following the last appointment. C. H. Bliss.
Quarterly meeting at Nora, Ill., Jan. 3, 4. Let us have a good representation from Apple River, Greenville, and Winslow. Bring feed, provisions, and bedding, and come prepared to stay over Sunday. C. H. Bliss.
Nothing preventing, I will meet with the church at Avon, Wis., Jan. 17, 18. Meeting Friday evening. G. C. Tenney.
The quarterly meeting for the church at Bloomington, Ill., for January, 1880, will be held the second Sabbath and Sunday in the month. Meeting to commence Friday evening. Brethren from other churches are invited to attend. Eld. R. F. Andrews is especially requested to be there. J. F. Ballenger.
Eld. G. W. Colcord will meet with the church at Newton, Mich., at their quarterly meeting, Jan. 3 and 4.
Eld. John Byington is requested to meet with the church at Burlington at the same time.
Eld. T. M. Steward will meet the church at Hickory Corners, Jan. 3 and 4.
We expect Eld. W. H. Littlejohn will attend the quarterly meeting with the church at Ransom Center. Matters of importance require all to be present.
We will meet with the brethren at Spring Arbor, Jan. 3 and 4.
West Liberty, Jan. 4 and 5, at 7 P. M. each day.
Gravel School-house, Jackson Co., Jan. 6, at 7 P. M.
Jackson, Jan. 7, at 11 A. M.
Brethren from Tompkins please attend the Jackson meeting. M. B. Miller. James Roberts.
The Hastings and Maple Grove church quarterly meeting will be held at the school-house in Bro. J. F. Mead’s district, 1st Sabbath and Sunday in January, 1880. Eld. A. C. Spicer will be present. Hope the friends from Assyria and Baltimore will meet with us. L. G. Moore.
We will hold a general meeting at North Bloomfield, Jan. 2–5, also a similar one for the Sabbath-keepers of Cleveland, Peninsula, Bedford, and the surrounding locality, at North Solon, Ohio, Jan. 9–11. These meetings will commence on Friday evening. All should attend one or both of them, as important instructions relative to the cause will be given. Those coming from a distance should come on Friday. Let none stay away. D. M. Canright. R. A. Underwood.
The churches at Round Prairie, Lake Ellen, Grove Lake, and West Union will hold a general meeting at Grove Lake, Minn., Jan. 10, 11. We hope to see a general attendance of these churches.
The Sabbath-school and health and temperance work will receive special attention at this meeting. Dist. No. 7 will hold its quarterly meeting at this time and place. Harrison Grant. John Fulton.
The members of the society at Wellsville, N. Y., are hereby notified that the business of completing the organization of the church by the election of an elder and deacons will be attended to at the next quarterly meeting to be held the first Sabbath and first-day in January. This is important business, in which every member is interested. Let none fail to attend. One or more ministers will be present. D. T. Fero.
No providence preventing, I will attend the quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 5, Maine, at Oakfield, Jan. 10, 11, 1880. We hope to see a general gathering of our people in Aroostook Co. at this meeting. As we can spend but a few weeks in the county, we wish to make the most of our time. Come to work in the good cause. J. B. Goodrich.15
No providence preventing, I will meet with the church at Bancroft, Mich., Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 3, 4. Deerfield, Mich., 5, 6, 6:30 P. M. Vernon, 7, 8, 6:30 P. M. Flint, 9–11, 6:30 P. M. Birch Run, 13–15, 6:30 P. M. Thetford Center, 16–19. Will some one at Bancroft meet me at the train Friday afternoon, Jan. 2? E. R. Jones.
MICHIGAN
By A. O. Burrell
Westphalia, Dec. 15.—We have spent four days here, and have organized a church of ten members. An elder was ordained. This little company was brought out under the labors of Brn. Frisbie and Lewis some more than a year ago. They have encountered real opposition, but have held on without much encouragement from our people. They had a good Sabbath-school, and had done something in the T. and M. work. We organized S. B., and looked after the general interests of the cause.
To-day we went nine miles, and baptized five. This is a good farming community, and I think an effort with the tent should be made near here next summer.
A. O. BURRELL.
WISCONSIN
Weston.—Came to this place Nov. 21. Organized a temperance club of twenty-four members, fourteen signing the teetotal pledge, seven the anti-whisky and tobacco pledge, and three the anti-whisky pledge. Spoke seven or eight times at Hewettsville, four miles from Weston. One embraced the Sabbath, and fifteen others arose to signify that they believed the seventh day was the Sabbath. Several have promised to keep the Lord’s Sabbath as soon as they can arrange their affairs so as to make it possible to do so.
Held sixteen meetings. The Lord blessed his cause here, and some good has resulted. Clark county is a promising field of labor. There are many intelligent people here, and all they need is some one to explain the truth as found in God’s word. T. B. Snow.
American Valley.—I came to this place, which is near Arcadia, Dec. 7. Two were keeping the Sabbath. Have held thirteen meetings. The people are interested so far, but I have not come to the Sabbath question yet. Have obtained four subscribers for the Tidende and one for the Instructor. I trust I have gained the confidence of the people, and hope the Lord will bless my labor. C. Holmes.
Woodstock, Richland Co.—Commenced meetings at Liberty Pole, Vernon Co., Nov. 14, and remained one week. Through the labors of A. D. Olsen, who assisted at this place, the brethren here have taken a new start, and a good state of feeling seems to prevail. A Sabbath-school was organized. After instructions on Bible temperance, sixteen signed the teetotal pledge; among these were all the church-members present. We hope for better days for this church.
Nov. 21 to 23, visited the church at Avalanche. All here are trying to live out the truth.
Held meetings at Warner Creek, Nov. 24 to 27. Six here are trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are interested, and we trust they will yet obey.
Spent Nov. 28 to Dec. 11 with the church at DeBello. Had some very good meetings with them.
Dec. 12 to 16, visited the church at Hillsborough. This church is doing well considering the opposition it has had to meet. At this place the temperance cause was presented to the brethren, and all present signed the teetotal pledge, together with a few from without. The whole number that signed the pledge was eighteen.
Dec. 21, commenced meetings in a Disciple church in the village of Woodstock. The last two evenings the house was filled with attentive listeners. There is much prejudice against us here, but we hope by God’s help that it may be removed, and that honest souls may be led to see the truth and obey it.
Our address, till further notice, will be Woodstock, Richland Co., Wis. O. A. Johnson. Eli Osborn.
MAINE
By S. J. HERSUM
East Blaine, Aroostook Co., Dec. 16.—Came to this county, Nov. 6. Have visited the brethren in Linneus, Oakfield, Sherman, Littleton, Monticello, Maysville, and Blaine. Nearly all the brethren are still trying to live out the truth. Those in Linneus and Oakfield need to remember that Satan still lives, and to learn his manner of warfare, that they may successfully resist him. The little company in Blaine, that took hold of the truth last summer when the tent was there, are all firm but one.
I commenced meetings in East Blaine, Monday, Dec. 8. The congregations are very good. “Quite a number are interested, and have stated publicly that they have heard the truth. Among them is a minister who has recently joined the Adventists. Shall continue meetings here till those who are interested take hold of the truth, or turn against it.
I desire so to present the truth that it will carry conviction to the hearts of those who hear.
S. J. HERSUM.
DISTRICT QUARTERLY MEETINGS
Appointments.
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matt. 10:7.
DISTRICT QUARTERLY MEETINGS
To be held Jan. 10, 11.
[Each librarian is requested to send full reports.]
DIST. No. 8, Wisconsin, at Mackford. C. W. OLDS.
DIST. No. 2, Iowa, at Lisbon. J. T. MITCHELL, Director.
DIST. No. 9, Illinois, at Onarga. J. W. TAIT, Director.
DIST. No. 2, Nebraska, at Seward. E. D. HURLBURT, Director.
DIST. No. 7, Iowa, at Winterset. We expect Bro. Hart to be present. A. J. STIFFLER, Director.
DIST. No. 1, Kansas, at Bull’s City. JAMES A. ASHBAUGH, Director.
DIST. No. 15, Michigan, at Hickory Corners. L. G. MOORE, Director.
DISTRICT quarterly meeting at State Center, Iowa. S. M. HOLLY, Director.
DIST. No. 10, at Flint, Mich. Eld. E. R. Jones will be present. S. WOODHULL, Director.
DIST. No. 4, Nebraska, at Lynden. Bro. Starr expects to be in attendance. C. P. HASKELL, Director.
DIST. No. 6, Michigan, at Greenville. Eld. A. O. Burrill may be expected to attend. F. HOWE, Director.
DIST. No. 4, Maine, at Woodstock. We are anxious to see every member present. GEO. W. WASHBURN, Director.
DIST. No. 1, Nebraska, with the York Creek church. Will Brn. Dawson and A. J. Cudney be there? H. A. WHITTAKER, Director.
DIST. No. 13, Michigan, at Armada. We want to see every librarian and as many others as possible. GEO. O. STATES, Director.
DIST. No. 3, Michigan, at Newton. We wish to see a delegation from each church in the district. M. B. MILLER, Director.
DIST. No. 11, Iowa, at Smithland, Woodbury Co. Will all the members attend this meeting, as we have very important business to attend to. G. W. HOSKINS, Director.
DIST. No. 8, Michigan, at St. Charles, Jan. 11, 12. Cannot Eld. E. R. Jones attend this meeting, or send us other ministerial help. A general attendance is desired. E. S. GRIGGS, Director.
DIST. No. 4, Indiana, at Mechanicsburg, Henry Co. Hope to see a general turnout from Noblesville, Frankton, Grant City, and Yorktown. Eld. Lane is expected. FRANK ZIRKLE, Director.
DIST. No. 1, Vermont, at Berkshire. We hope brethren from Bordoville and East Richford will attend this meeting, as there is important business to be transacted. C. P. WHITFORD, Director.
DISTRICT quarterly meeting for Bellville district, at Bellville, Ohio. Let all the officers attend as far as possible, and bring their reports. If they cannot come, let them be sure to send reports in season. D. M. CANRIGHT.
DIST. No. 4, Iowa, at Mt. Pleasant. Hope to see a general turnout. Important matters are to be talked up in regard to canvassing towns where there is a prospect of tent-meetings the coming season. Bro. Washburn and Hankins are expected. W. W. CONKLIN, Director.
DIST. No. 1, Michigan, at Ransom. Any person in this district desiring to work as colporteur, or to canvass for our periodicals and books, is especially requested to be present at this meeting. We would earnestly request ministerial aid. Hope for a full attendance. F. D. SNYDER, Director.
DIST. No. 3, Nebraska, at Weeping Water. The district secretary will be there with his books. Librarians, bring your books. We hope to see every librarian in the district, and as many members as possible. Bro. Boyd will meet with us. A. W. SHEPHERD.
DIST. No. 2, New York, at Newfane, Niagara Co. Hope there will be a good representation from every church; especially let each librarian attend, if possible. And let the re-organized companies and the scattered ones come. R. F. COTTRELL.
DISTRICT quarterly meeting for the Clyde district at the new church in Camden, O. First meeting Saturday night, Jan. 10. Church clerks, treasurers, Sabbath-school secretaries, and T. and M. librarians will send their quarterly reports to me at Wakeman, Huron Co., Ohio. Hope for a good attendance. H. A. ST. JOHN.
DIST. No. 4, Wisconsin, at Mt. Hope. A Sabbath-school convention will be held in connection with this meeting, also a temperance meeting. We wish the brethren of Sand Prairie, Hurricane Grove, and Waterloo, to make a special effort to attend. Matters of importance will be considered, and we request a general rally. A. D. OLSEN.