THAT there is a great dearth of spiritual power among God's professed people in this age, few will deny. We seem to have reached the time of which Paul speaks, when the “form of godliness” prevails largely, and the “power thereof” is the exception. We are in the “perils” of the last days. And there is no one feature of these “days” so forcibly described in 2 Tim. 3: 1–9 more dangerous than the one just mentioned,—the prevalence of the “form” and the absence of the “power” of godliness. This “power” of godliness must come wholly from the possession of the Spirit. It is God working with our poor weak human efforts. This renders them effectual for the accomplishment of good results. Man's efforts alone can never convert a soul. He never can eradicate one sin from the heart. The fountain is corrupt, and will continue to send forth impure streams till the Spirit of God cleanses that fountain. Many struggle long and weary years in their own strength to gain victories over their own wicked hearts, and always fail, until discouragement seizes them, and they give up all hope of improvement. If they would come humbly to the foot of the cross, and fall broken at the feet of Jesus, one touch of his finger could impart strength which would fill their hearts with courage and peace, and then they would have a kind of strength which would surprise them, and they could gain victories over their own carnal hearts which would make them feel like new creatures indeed.
One has recently said that anciently “one sermon converted three thousand persons, while now it takes three thousand sermons to convert one person.” There is too great a measure of truth in this. Why is it? Because of the great lack of this element in modern preaching. The apostles preached “not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” In these days there is ten times the effort made to succeed with “enticing words of man's wisdom,” that there is to get the Spirit and power of God to help do the work. Hence we see but little done, and that little but poorly done. Many souls that might be reached are not affected, and those whose hearts are touched a little are not half converted to God, but are principally converted to the preacher.
If ever there was a people who needed the power of God's Spirit, we need it. We have an unpopular truth, carrying with it a heavy cross. God's great platform of truth for the last days, upon which his people must stand, embraces “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ,” and hence it includes every neglected duty and every forgotten truth of revelation. These are to be fearlessly proclaimed amid the skepticism and terrible wickedness of the last days, opposed by formal professors, scientific infidelity, the general corruption of the times, and the agents of Satan's grandest delusion, which, if possible, “will deceive the very elect.” Every opposing influence will combine to hinder and thwart God's work, yet it must go to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”
As well might a flock of sheep undertake to subjugate a pack of hungry wolves as we, unaided by the Spirit of God, to successfully contend with the powers of evil around us. What could the early disciples have done contending with the hoary superstitions of the past without it? But with it they carried the torch of heavenly light everywhere. They counted not their own lives dear, if they might win souls to Christ. That Spirit filled them with a power which their enemies could not withstand. It will fill us, if we have enough of it. But situated as we are, surrounded by formality, having seen, many of us, but little of the power of God manifest, having been trained up in the midst of cold, lifeless professors, and exposed all our lives to influences tending naturally to deaden our faith, it takes a great effort to arouse us to seek with true and living faith for blessings we have not been accustomed to consider it possible for us to obtain.
God will not give us blessings for which we do not seek. If we are satisfied with, and only expect, very limited blessings, we shall not be likely to obtain more than we seek for. Hence we are liable to live on a very low spiritual plane. Thus all the tendencies of the age are calculated to make us satisfied with “the form of godliness without the power” of it, while we are in the greatest possible need of this power to do the work we have to do. Here we are in special danger of the perils of the last days, and much in danger of not realizing it.
Could we but realize the blessings a real spiritual experience would bring to us, we should seek for such an experience earnestly, because its blessings would be so desirable. We should seek it on the same principle that worldly men labor so hard for riches, honor, worldly fame, or other earthly good. Men will risk life to obtain these. They go to the most distant parts of the earth, work in mines deep under water or on mountain heights, toil through desert plains, suffer burning thirst, frosts, and untold hardships, to obtain them. Why? Because they seem to them so desirable. Could we be made to feel the same interest in the Spirit's presence that men feel in obtaining these, we would seek for it with proportionate earnestness. Most of us do not feel that it is very important that we obtain it. We think we can get along pretty well with our own ability and shrewdness, if we do not have much of God's Spirit, and hence we do not so seek that we may obtain. If we really do not value the presence of God's Spirit as much as we do other things, he surely will not bestow it largely upon us.
To his Son God gave his Spirit without measure, i. e., in unlimited fullness; but to us he gives it by measure (John 3: 34), just in proportion to the desire we have for it, and the faithfulness with which we live out his truth. What a beautiful and forcible thought this is of God's measuring out his Spirit to us in the ratio of our appreciation of it, and the efforts we make to obtain it. James, in speaking of a class of professors who really loved the world more than God, says, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your pleasures” (margin). James 4: 3. God knew that these really desired his Spirit, not to make them useful in saving souls, but merely to make them feel happy for the time being. The motive was not right. Many, no doubt, fail of obtaining its assistance for this reason.
What will the Spirit do for us if we have its constant presence with power?—It will reprove and convince of sin. John 16: 8. It will enlighten the understanding. John 14: 26. It will implant heavenly desires in our hearts. Rom. 5: 5. It enables us to put away our sins, and to keep the law of God. Rom. 8: 4. It enables us to become children of God, and witnesses our adoption. Rom. 8: 14–16. It makes intercession for us, and helps our infirmities. Rom. 8: 26. It is a helper in the ministry, and in the thorough conversion of those we seek to save. 1 Cor. 2: 4, 5. It brings to our minds the glories of the better world. 1 Cor. 2: 9, 10. It comforts the hearts of believers, and brings a peace that passes all understanding. John 14: 16. It makes us the true disciples of Christ, and is to us the pledge of our future resurrection, and the agent which accomplishes that great work. Rom. 8: 9, 11; Eph. 1: 13. Surely here are objects of sufficient importance to prompt to the most active efforts.
God gives his Spirit to them “that obey him.” Nothing can take the place of obedience. Obedience is the best test of our love that we could possibly give. Nothing pleases the parent better than willing obedience. So of God. He gives his Spirit to such as have that mind in them, and the Spirit enables us to obey.
We are in great danger of grieving the Holy Spirit away from us, when it does visit us in mercy. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Our great danger is, that when God blesses us with the presence of the Comforter, and our hearts are full of peace and joy, and every burden of anguish is removed away, then we become careless, lightness and trifling follow, and we thus grieve the Holy Spirit from us. We should make use of this great blessing to do good. We should be grateful for it, and thank God for all his benefits, and watch ourselves closely that we sin not with our lips. We should cultivate a spirit of watchfulness. “Watch, pray, and work are the Christian's watchwords.” Never were truer words spoken. To sum up the matter, we want first to take a thoughtful, careful view of the importance of the Spirit's influence, and to learn what it will do for us and enable us to do for others. If we could realize this, how we should long for its presence. Then we should pray for it with some sense of its real value. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.” He is ready to bestow it, when we realize its true value. We should watch, then, lest we grieve it from us by folly, or by disobeying God. We should use the blessings he gives us to do others good, and constantly seek him for a larger measure of his help.
What a power we could be as a people if we were clothed with the Spirit of God. As a people, we lack here more than in anything else. Let us all seek for the Holy Spirit more earnestly. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Counsel with the Herodians.
By William C. Gage
When a corrupt ecclesiastical power finds itself unable to repel the advance of truth, or successfully meet the arguments which are calculated to overthrow its strongholds, it naturally seeks to fortify itself by exterior aids. History has repeated itself on this point many times in the past, and unions of church and state, of greater or less effectiveness, have met and opposed the progressive march of truth in all ages of the world. This tendency of an apostate church to seek alliance with civil power has everywhere been an indication of moral and spiritual weakness; and although often a source of temporary power and influence, the advantage gained is only of a worldly nature.
The very introduction of the gospel dispensation was marked by exhibitions of this spirit. The Jewish church had apostatized from God, and were walking in darkness. Their civil power was gone, their scepter had departed, and they were the subjects of a heathen government. It would seem that under such circumstances they might gladly receive the dawning light of a brighter day; but instead of this we read that the discomfited Pharisees, unable to cope with the humble Nazarene in argument, “took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.” The Herodians are said to have been a political party, in the interests of the king; and the Pharisees doubtless sought to secure their co-operation in the attempted destruction of Jesus by appealing to their jealous prejudices, and exciting their fears lest the king should be overthrown.
Their course in the matter is noticeable as an illustrative case of religious bigotry, which has had its counterpart in many instances since. The politicians of the nineteenth century are not greatly unlike those of the first, and their co-operation may be secured by measures similar to those which influenced the Herodians. Hence we find that certain zealous defenders of an unscriptural Sabbath are seeking political influence in its behalf on the ground that the safety of the state depends upon its maintenance. All the arguments deductible from the sad results of Sabbath-breaking on the part of ancient Israel as a nation are made to do duty in behalf of Sunday, and the true basis of Sabbath reform is lost to the sight in the zeal to defend an institution that has no Scriptural support.
It may not be uncharitable to say that such advocates, in their less malicious but equally mistaken zeal, are like the Pharisees of old, taking “counsel with the Herodians.” W. C. G.
O, Let Thy Sacred Will
By Herbert
O, LET Thy sacred will
All Thy delight in me fulfill!
Let me not think an action mine own way,
But as Thy love shall sway,
Resigning up the rudder to Thy skill.
—Herbert.
The Appointed Day
They tell us that it makes no difference which day we keep. It would not, had not God appointed the day. But they say that any other day will secure the end sought, but all still should be agreed in some particular day. Yes, agreement is necessary in order to avoid confusion. God knew this, and for this very reason selected the day—the day on which he rested from his work. “God is not the author of confusion;” and were he obeyed by all, there would be no confusion in regard to the day.
What Hast Thou Given for Me?
By R. F. C.
SOME of our people are so wealthy that it would seem to them a great thing to give a tenth of the interest of their money to the cause of God. To draw upon the principal is too terrible a thought to be entertained for a moment!
Christ “gave himself” for us. He did not stop with one-tenth of the interest, nor with a slight draft upon the principal; but gave up all.
“I gave my life for thee;
What hast thou given for me?”
R. F. C.
NEBRASKA
Humboldt, Richardson Co.—I met with the church here at the time of their quarterly meeting. A general attendance of nearly all the members, without previous appointment for preaching, some coming over twenty miles by private conveyance, certainly speaks well for them. The Lord blessed in preaching. The new plan of S. B. was presented, and adopted by all present. Back pledges were mostly paid, and T. and M. money to the amount of $6 was cheerfully paid, and $5 on T. and M. fund. A collection of $4 was then raised to purchase the circulating library of Sr. White’s writings. The company here have encouragement to labor in the tract work by the addition to their ranks of three good families that came into the truth by reading alone.
I am distributing tracts and papers in Omaha, the largest city in the State, preparatory to future labor and preaching. This city contains about 25,000 inhabitants, and not one Sabbath-keeper. Some are reading, and are interested. Pray for this city, and for me.
GEO. B. STARR.
Omaha, Nebraska, April 24.
Albion.—Sabbath and Sunday, April 12 and 13, we met with the company at Albion. Had four meetings, and enjoyed freedom in speaking, and much of the blessing of God in our social meetings. Since we closed our lectures here last winter, this little company have been at work in the missionary cause, and as a result they are growing in grace and a knowledge of the truth, and ten others have commenced to keep the Sabbath with them. May these “go and do likewise,” And may the dear Lord keep these precious souls from falling, and preserve them unto his heavenly kingdom.
We now go to another part of the field.
DANIEL NETTLETON.
OHIO
East Norwalk.—I held a meeting with the Norwalk church at East Norwalk, last Sabbath, April 19. Five were baptized, and ten united with the Norwalk church, all of whom have commenced to keep the Sabbath during the past winter. Three or four others are keeping the Sabbath, and we hope they will fully unite with us soon. The meeting closed with a blessed communion season. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Belleville, April 21.—Our meetings at this place have continued for five weeks. At least a dozen have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and seven have been added to the church. Bro. S. Lafferty has been appointed leader. The Sabbath-school has been greatly improved, and nearly doubled.
Brn. Mann and Richards, who are laboring three miles from here in the country, are having an excellent interest, and the probability is that there will be quite an accession to this church from that place. On the whole, we feel that the Lord has greatly blessed this people, and that this will become a strong church. We go from here to Corsica, to spend next Sabbath and Sunday. Bro. J. W. Heath, from Alabama, has been with me, and has assisted in these meetings. A. O. BURRILL.
Paulding Center, April 22.—I commenced meetings April 6, at a place three miles west of Paulding Center in the neighborhood of Bro. I. J. Brown, where Bro. Wm. Cottrell held meetings about five years ago. I sold books to the value of $1.50. Nine signed the covenant. The attendance was good from the beginning. Bro. Crouse spoke two evenings, and Sr. Crouse one evening; this helped us much. Bro. I. J. Brown was good help in our meetings; he wishes to give his whole time to the work of God. I feel to praise God for what he has done for me in this meeting. A. L. HUSSEY.
MAINE
By J. B. Goodrich
West Sumner.—As the result of our meetings in this place, thirty-five, adults and children, have signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God, and to walk in the light of the third angel's message, thus associating themselves together for the purpose of sustaining religious meetings and a Sabbath-school. How many will overcome and gain eternal life yet remains to be seen. All should have a daily experience in the things of God, and without it they will not succeed. May God's blessing still rest upon the effort for the salvation of this people, and others be led to obey the third angel's message, and be saved. The Lord has given freedom in speaking his truth, for which we feel thankful.
My address, for the present, will be Hartland, Maine.
J. B. GOODRICH.
April 17.
ILLINOIS
Greenup, April 20.—Closed meetings last Sabbath. Spoke thirteen times. Three decided to obey. Two united with the church. The seeds of truth had been previously planted, and the Lord gave the increase. The brethren are of good cheer, and if they continue to “grow in grace,” others will be added to their number. “Nearer my God to thee” should be the prayer of the “remnant church.”
A. A. JOHN.
Clarksville, McLean Co., April 20.—For several weeks I have been laboring in and around this place, in the neighborhood of Gridley church. It was a hard field, as many had heard the truth and rejected it, and some of the members of the church had been unfaithful. For some time in the past there had been no Sabbath meetings or Sabbath-school held here, and they had not attended the ordinances for over two years. By the blessing of the Lord on our labors in public and private, a little company of sixteen signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and to unite in church fellowship. Their former elder resigned his office, and a leader was chosen. Regular Sabbath meetings were established, a Sabbath-school of twenty-seven members was organized, and two were added to the church by baptism. Sabbath, the 12th, we celebrated the ordinances. The falling tear showed that these friends appreciate these long-neglected means of grace. Twelve signed the pledge to pay a tithe of their income to sustain the cause. Ten copies of the Youth's Instructor were taken, to be used in the Sabbath-school. In our public labors much prejudice was removed.
I go from here to the State quarterly T. and M. meeting. My address is Winslow, Stephenson Co., Ill.
J. F. BALLENGER.
KANSAS
Independence, April 17.—April 5 to 11, we visited the brethren at Peru. Here we organized a church of nine members, to be known as the Peru church. Nearly all of them adopted the tithing system. The circulating library of Sr. White's writings was purchased, and a Sabbath-school and tract society were established among them. Their numbers are few, and prejudice runs very high; but from the devotion and zeal manifested, we confidently expect fruit in that place. Three were baptized. The ordinances were celebrated.
April 11 to 17, we visited the church at Harrisonville, fourteen miles southwest of Independence. All the officers of this church had moved away, yet with a commendable zeal they had kept up their meetings. One more had commenced to keep the Sabbath. Our labors were well received, and the Lord gave great liberty in presenting his word. They were very much strengthened. Here they have one of the best Sabbath-schools we have seen in the State. A secretary and treasurer were chosen. They take a club of six Instructors. One addition was made to the church. Our effort closed with an excellent ordinance meeting. Most of them pledged the tithe for the ensuing year.
J. H. COOK.
Dry Creek, Saline Co., April 16.—We left the little company at Bennington doing well, and came to this place March 27. The prophecies and the Sabbath question have been canvassed. Thirteen have signed the covenant. Six of these are just beginning to keep the Sabbath. Others are investigating, and will soon sign. We expect to establish a Sabbath-school and Sabbath meetings next Sabbath.
Could not Bro. Sharp come to organize churches here and at Bennington before camp-meeting?
M. AND H. ENOCH.
THE POWER OF THE TRUTH.
By D. A. Robinson
There is that in present truth which will bind hearts together; and if we find ourselves becoming alienated from the people and work of God, we may rest assured there is some trouble in our own hearts, and a necessity for repentance and deep humiliation of soul on our part. The work we are engaged in is either the work of God or it is not. If it is not, the sooner we give up the whole thing the better; but if it is, let us accept it as such, fully identifying ourselves with it, and by so doing share its final triumph.
Some remind us of the man going West on the through train. The train was delayed at a certain point, and he concluded that through trains were a humbug, and he would be independent, and so go on his own hook; but lo! the train soon passed him, and he was left in the rear. Brethren, there is only one through train on this line. We may get up independent trains in our haste to have things move according to our ideas; but they will not bring us in on time.
The men of Noah's time might have built an ark right beside Noah's; but it would have wrecked in the waters of the flood, because there was refuge alone in the ark—the one God143ordered built. The especial work of God for this time is the third angel's message; and if we go through, it will be because we have this work all through us, and we are sound in the work of God.
D. A. ROBINSON.
HEAVEN OVER ALL.
How many hours of patient toil
Our faithfulness to test?
How many burdens yet to bear
Before the hands may rest?
How many crosses ere they lie
Calm folded on the breast?
Yet toil and burden, cross and rod,
Divinest love hath blessed.
How fierce the battle ere we win
The conqueror’s robe and palm!
How sharp the wounds before they feel
The healing drops of balm!
How loud the Babel sounds of strife
Before the evening psalm!
And yet o’er all the heaven extends
Its soundless deeps of calm.
—Selected.
Progress of the Cause.
By John Norton Loughborough
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:6.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND.
Still the cause advances in “Old England;” if not as rapidly as we may desire, it moves nevertheless, and is getting hold of minds. Two more kept last Sabbath with us, and we have received many favorable responses from those to whom we are sending the Signs. Out of two hundred names selected from various sources in different parts of the kingdom, only two have declined to read the paper.
Our missionary work has increased to that extent that we deemed it needful to have more workers, and have therefore sent for Sister Maud Sisley to come from Bâle, Switzerland. By card received from her to-day we learn that she is with her friends at Tunbridge, England, and will be with us the first of next week.
May the Lord enable us all to humbly and earnestly do what our hands find to do in his cause, is our prayer.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
April 10, 1879.
OREGON
By Wm. L. Raymond
Cove, Union Co., April 15.—I have been lecturing in this place and in Powder River valley all winter, against bitter opposition. While at Wingville the people demanded a debate, and brought their man from Baker City. We debated the second coming of Christ, the immortality, and the Sabbath question, for ten evenings. The result was very satisfactory to our friends, but was anything but satisfactory to our opponents. But it gave the prejudiced ones an opportunity to hear our views.
WM. L. RAYMOND.
DAKOTA
By S. B. Whitney
Big Springs and Swan Lake, April 22.— The meeting at Big Springs the 12th and 13th was good. Three additions were made to the tract society and one to the church. Twenty dollars was pledged to the tent, and nearly half of it paid. The church seem to be doing quite well spiritually. They have adopted the tithing system, and are doing nobly in the way of payments to the S. B. fund. Before leaving Elk Point for this place, I received to the amount of sixteen dollars on the tent.
Our general quarterly meeting at Swan Lake was excellent on the Sabbath. The Spirit of the Lord was with us in a remarkable degree. There was a good delegation of brethren and sisters from abroad, and the revival spirit was manifest to quite an extent. About twenty-five came forward for prayers, and one who had been quite bitter in his opposition came very penitent and humble, and went forward in baptism. Four were baptized.
On first-day our meetings were seriously interfered with by a terrible prairie fire, which at one time threatened to burn the church, as the wind was blowing fearfully; but we were saved from that calamity and succeeded in doing the most of our business successfully. The Territory was divided into two districts. The reports showed an increase of interest in every church. Five new members were added. Subscriptions came in liberally for the tent, so that we feel safe in ordering it, and making preparations for the summer's campaign. We hope others may respond as nobly.
S. B. WHITNEY.
MICHIGAN
By L. A. Kellogg
Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Co., April 8.—Our quarterly meeting for this county was a good one. The brethren and sisters showed a commendable zeal in attending this meeting. Notwithstanding the members of the different classes are so scattered, and the roads were bad, there were upwards of eighty Sabbath-keepers present, including children. Forty testimonies were borne. All but ten of these friends have embraced the truth during the last eighteen months. The brethren and sisters are nearly all in earnest in this work. Some have come up nobly on the tithing plan, but we fear others have not been so faithful to their vows. God will hold us responsible for our vows to him. He requires us to be faithful. Luke 16: 10, 11; Matt. 25: 21.
The two Sabbath-schools were represented, and ninety participated in the exercises. The two schools were then re-organized for the next quarter.
The reports handed in to the librarian show that some are at work in the T. and M. department.
L. A. KELLOGG.
TENNESSEE
By Clinton Owens
Edgefield Junction, April 21.—Our State quarterly meeting has just closed. The blessing of God was with us. All were greatly encouraged. Systematic benevolence was organized on the tithing plan, every one cheerfully signing the covenant, and there was paid in $8 05 more than was received last quarter. The ordinances were celebrated, and two united with the church.
Eld. G. K. Owen has a good interest in Henry county, which prevented his attendance. Sr. Owen was with us, and her labors were appreciated by all.
The secretary’s report will show a good interest in the tract and missionary work. Bro. Cartwright is doing nobly in Nashville. Five more copies of the Signs and one of the Instructor were added to the club.
CLINTON OWENS, Pres.
Brown and Renville Counties, April 18.—
By C. Nelson
Minnesota.
Brown and Renville Counties, April 18.—
Since the 2d of March I have labored partly in Brown and partly in Renville county. The people were interested to hear and read, and the Spirit of God seemed to move the hearts of many. I distributed some tracts and back numbers of the Tidende, and sold books to the value of $1.50. I promised to return after I get a house built for my family. Will the people of God remember in their prayers the cause among the Scandinavians in Minnesota?
C. NELSON.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
Page Co.—April 12 and 13, I held a quarterly meeting at Zion, Page Co. It was a good meeting, and I found nearly all faithful. The Sabbath-school is small. The Bible-class is interesting and prosperous, but by persevering effort may still be much improved. But I was pleased with the improvement that had been made, while hoping and praying for more. Nearly all had something to pay to the s. B. treasurer as tithes, and they pledged $4 50 to the tract fund, which was doing quite well considering their circumstances. That increases our fund so that we shall have $30 by the first of July. Three were baptized, and others expect to follow their example. At this meeting we met Bro. J. W. S. Miller and wife, who live in Rockingham county. He is anxious to have preaching in his neighborhood, which is about thirty miles south of this place. I shall go there as soon as I can safely leave other interests. There is a free meeting-house in the place.
Four have been baptized at Soliloquy since the quarterly meeting. The interest is good at all the points where I have labored. I now expect to commence meetings at Timberville, Rockingham Co., next first-day. This will be my address for a few weeks.
I sincerely desire the prayers of all the faithful, for the success of this mission.
I. SANBORN.
California.
Bro. W. M. Healey's meetings in St. Helena closed about the first of April. The church has been greatly benefited, six have signed the covenant, and others are keeping the commandments.
At Vacaville, April 5, the church organization was completed, and two signed the covenant. The truth has faithful witnesses in St. Helena and Vacaville.
April 5. Bro. J. L. Wood met with and organized the Lemoore church and celebrated the ordinances with them. They have an organization of thirty-five members, besides several keeping the Sabbath who have not united with them.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
By GEO. W. HOWARD
South Conway.—I held meetings here March 27 to 30. On account of stormy weather there were but few out, but those who attended seemed much interested. I distributed tracts, sold a few books, and talked with several families on the Sabbath truth. Quite a number are deeply interested, and will investigate the matter.
One family here are keeping the Sabbath who attended the meetings in Brownfield, Me., last summer. I visited the Sabbath-keepers in Brownfield, and found them all firm. I also visited some of the first-day Adventists in Porter, Me., and conversed with them on present truth. They took tracts freely, and invited me to come and hold some meetings with them. There is a wide field of labor in this region. I wish we could have a tent here this season. Pray for the cause of truth here.
GEO. W. HOWARD.
MASSACHUSETTS
By D. A. Robinson
Danvers, Ipswich, and Newburyport.—April 5-7, I was with Bro. Haskell at Danvers. The practical words spoken by Bro. H. were well received, and if the church carry out the instruction given, they may expect to share largely of the blessing of God. At this meeting the most of the brethren and sisters voted to pay one-tenth of their income into the Conference treasury. God will honor the man who will faithfully carry out such a vow. Read Mal. 3, brethren and sisters, and continue to do so till you can fully believe what the Lord has said.
April 9, I held meetings all day with the church at Ipswich. Nearly all in this church have also pledged a tithe to the Conference, and although they were so much behind last fall on the Signs, etc., they are making this up now in a commendable manner. The matter of purchasing a new sixty-foot tent came up, and they pledged $20 on that. At this meeting Bro. E. T. Bedoe was ordained elder of this church.
April 10-14, I was in Newburyport. The brethren here are all united, and firm in the truth. They have something of a trial with two persons who profess to be S. D. Adventists, but whose actions clearly demonstrate that the sanctifying influence of the last message of mercy has not affected their hearts and reformed their lives. On the Sabbath the ordinances were celebrated. At this meeting Bro. Roby, the elder, had the privilege of seeing his wife, who was opposed to him when he took his stand with us, unite with this church. The Spirit of God was present, and it was a most precious season. D. A. ROBINSON.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
TITUS.—Harriet P. Titus, wife of Charles Titus, after an illness of two months, died in her forty-third year, on the 27th of November, 1878, in Woodbridge, Hillsdale Co., Mich. For more than four years, with her companion, she had kept the Sabbath. She was an exemplary Christian, and died in full hope of a part in the first resurrection. A husband and six children mourn her loss. She was a member of the Ransom Center church. Discourse from Isa. 38:1, by Eld. Stockwell, Protestant Methodist. M. B. MILLER.
BRAY.—Little Myrtle, daughter of Bro. and Sr. J. W. Bray, fell asleep at Farmers Valley, Nebr., March 15, aged 2 years and 7 months. Eld. Wood, M. E. minister, spoke words of sympathy on the occasion of the funeral. CHAS. L. BOYD.
PRICE.—Died at Greenwood Prairie, Minn., March 28, 1879, our dear brother, David G. Price, aged 45 years. He leaves evidence of a hope of a part in the first resurrection. Discourse by the writer, from Rev. 14:13. G. M. DIMMOCK.
HARMON.—Died, near Noblesville, Ind., April 6, 1879, Olive Harmon, daughter of Jos. and M. Harmon, aged 2 years, 2 months, and 15 days. Funeral sermon by the writer, from 1 Thess. 4:16–18. W. W. SHARP.
HUTCHINSON.—Died of consumption, in Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1879, Bro. Wm. Hutchinson, aged 71 years. Bro. H. was one of the first to receive the truth in Northeastern Ohio, through the labors of Eld. J. H. Wagener in 1863. He ever loved the doctrine which he then embraced, and he died in hope of immortality. Remarks by A. S. Hayden, of Hiram College. W. CHINNOCK.
SHREVE.—Naomi Shreve died of consumption, April 7, 1879, aged 53 years. She left a husband and nine children to mourn her loss. At the age of 16 she was baptized, and united with the Christian church. Last summer she embraced the present truth, and has since endeavored to keep the commandments of God. Remarks from 1 Thess. 4:16–18, before a large congregation of mourners. O. A. JOHNSON.
KELLOGG.—Died in Matherton, Ionia Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1879, our grandmother, Damaris Kellogg, in the eighty-second year of her age. She was for twenty-eight years a firm believer in the truth, and died in hope of a part in the first resurrection. Funeral services by Eld. Jordon, Methodist. A. E. KELLOGG.
HILL.—Died of pneumonia, in Johnson Co., Tex., April 2, 1879, J. W. Hill, aged 24 years, and 10 months. Bro. H. embraced present truth a little over two years ago. He was resigned to death, feeling assured that he was a child of God. We deeply sympathize with his bereaved wife, who needs the prayers of the people of God. Discourse by S. M. Bayliss. H. C. B.
ALVERSON.—Thomas Alverson was born in the State of Vermont, near Crown Point, N. Y., March 19, 1807, and moved in the early part of his life to Ohio. He received the truth under the labors of Elds. Van Horn and Lawrence, at Frederickton in this State, and hoped to live to witness the second coming of Christ; but while on a visit to see his friends in the East, he died of typhoid fever. He leaves six children and a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss. The funeral sermon was preached to a large concourse of friends and neighbors by Eld. A. O. Burrill. Bro. Alverson, at the time of his death, was aged 71 years, 5 months, and 22 days. S. A. TALMAGE. J. T. ALVERSON.