Earlier text: THE OLD SCOTCHMAN’S PRAYERSYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.
By D. T. Bourdeau
IS IT ONE-TENTH OF THE INCREASE, OR ONE-TENTH OF THE INCOME? It being a recognized truth among us that the tithing system is approved of God under all dispensations (Gen. 14: 20; 28: 20–22; Mal. 3: 8–10; Matt. 23: 23), it is highly important that it be understood in the light of a proper answer to the above question. If it be only one-tenth of our increase that we are expected to give to the Lord, then most assuredly a large proportion of Seventh-day Adventists are wholly released from the duty of giving for the support of God’s cause; for many among us will say that their property does not increase. And if men are disposed to be selfish, and to serve themselves before giving to the Lord, they can very easily find ways to spend their means in meeting their own wants, whether real or of a different character, and shut God’s claims completely out of the question. Although there are noble souls, who would not under any circumstances knowingly set aside God’s just claims, nor deprive him of his just dues, yet this is not the general rule. Selfishness rules to a greater or less extent in the hearts of men. The first duty enjoined upon us in becoming the followers of Christ is self-denial; and after we have enlisted in the cause of the dear Saviour, who has sacrificed so much to save us, we are called upon to die daily. It would therefore seem consistent for a wise God, knowing the selfish tendency of the human heart, to recommend a plan of finance to sustain his cause, which, while not forcing men to give of their means, would, nevertheless, put before them a just and reasonable duty in such a form as to lead them to deny themselves and give God the first place in their affections, from the standpoint of their eternal interests. Now we fail to see in the idea of simply giving one-tenth of our increase, and meeting the wants of God’s cause after meeting our own wants, real or supposed, a plan that would be of a character to bring about these desired results. This plan would tend to strengthen selfishness instead of subduing it. It is not the Bible plan, which encourages a spirit of sacrifice, leads us out of selfishness, and invites us to love God and our fellow-beings, and to give unto God, from whom we receive life and all its blessings, and a right to eternal life, purchased at so great a sacrifice, one-tenth of our income. As the tithing system is as necessary in this age as it was under the patriarchal and Jewish dispensations, Christ indorses it under the new covenant, which he was to confirm. Dan. 9: 27. Speaking of tithing, he says that it ought not to be left undone. Matt. 23: 23. This agrees with the prophecy of Malachi, chap. 3: 1: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in,” etc. Here are two messengers, the first of whom prepares the way for the latter, the latter being “the messenger of the covenant,” the Lord Jesus Christ, who was to confirm the new covenant. Dan. 9: 27. In the day of the coming of the Lord a refining and purifying work goes on among the people. The people are required to return unto the Lord by ceasing to rob God in tithes and offerings, and by bringing all the tithes into the store-house and proving the Lord therewith, to see if he will not open unto them the windows of heaven, and pour them out a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. Verses 7–10. All must admit that this contemplates at least the first advent of Christ and the preparatory work to meet it. But why such remonstrances from the Lord for the people at that time, for neglecting the tithing system, if that system was to cease by the introduction of the new covenant? But this scripture must have a broader application, and embrace the experience of God’s people just prior to “the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” spoken of in the next chapter, verse 5. The two comings of Christ being in many respects parallel events, certain prophecies contemplate them both, as in the case before us, and can have but a typical fulfillment at the first advent. The new covenant was sealed and closed up at Christ’s death (Heb. 9: 17), after which nothing is added to it (Gal. 3: 15) whether in the shape of moral law or of entirely new gospel ordinances or precepts. Even the deaconship mentioned by the apostles commenced in Judah; and the rulers in the Christian church are the carrying out of those that Christ started, and answer to rulers appointed under the old dispensation to teach and to settle difficulties. It is the same in principle, the same necessity existing. Even the gifts of the Spirit were started by the Saviour, who also established the church ordinances. The plan was all devised before the death of Christ. Therefore, we say justly that the apostles not only had no right to change the Sabbath after the crucifixion, but when Paul enjoins a system of finance among the Gentiles for the support of the ministry by saying, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16: 1–3), that plan embraces the great principles and duties of the tithing system. Indeed it must, fully explained, be a weekly reminder of that system, to secure its holy fruits for the furtherance of the work of instructing and saving men. This being the case, if the Bible plan of giving related merely to our increase and not to our income, how could Paul say, “Let every one of you lay by him;” for it appears that the very ones upon whom he enjoins this duty were generally exceedingly poor (2 Cor. 8: 2), and could not boast of increase. The idea that systematic benevolence relates simply to our increase from the standpoint of what we possess, would exclude, as an incentive to sacrifice for God, the example of the widow who gave in her two mites, and would kill the spirit of sacrifice; for a sacrifice does not increase, but consumes. If the rich were to give only one-tenth of their increase, they would be constantly adding to their earthly treasures, would not be laying up for themselves treasures in Heaven according as God has prospered them, but would be burying up their talent in the earth, to be repulsed when the work winds up and their means are not needed, with, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for [Greek, IN] the last days.” James 5: 1–3. Such will then cast their means far from them, to pass away in the burning day. Thank God, we can avoid making this terrible mistake. I will close this article by meeting a very common objection, which is, “I must first pay my debts.” Do we owe nothing to God? Has he not had claims upon us since we have been able to do for his cause? While we render to man the things that are his, should we not also render to God the things that are God’s? But some will say, “What will I do in case I barely have enough to half meet my indebtedness to men? To which we reply, What would you do in case you were indebted to two men, and they both equally needed what you owed them, and you had but enough to pay one of them? If you had one man’s money enough to pay the other man, you would have no right to use it for that purpose, would you? The tithe is God’s, not ours, and he calls for its prompt payment to him, and we have no right to use it for any other purpose. D. T. BOURDEAU. GOING TO LAW BEFORE UNBELIEVERS.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Paul, writing by inspiration, reproves those of the church who are inclined to go to law with each other before unbelievers, and teaches that the saints shall judge the world and angels (evidently referring to fallen angels), and that if they are to do this, they are competent to judge in matters of differences and dissatisfaction between brethren. 1 Cor. 6: 1-4. And to shame those who are guilty of pursuing such a course, he tells them to select the least in the church to settle their difficulties. The judgment of the humblest of God's children, who has the law of God in his heart and practically carries it out in his life, is of more value in settling difficulties arising from dealings between brethren than that of the ablest lawyer who has not the law of God at heart, nor that true sense of justice and that unwavering purpose for the right which are derived from the fear of the Lord, a knowledge of his commandments, and a change of heart by the power of divine grace. Young converts should be taught that they cannot be approved in going to law with their brethren in the church, and that they should go to law with unbelievers only when such a course is unavoidable. They should also be taught the urgent necessity of consulting with those who are appointed to give advice in difficulties arising in the church, or with which the church is connected. Such measures are in accordance with church discipline under the new covenant, as well as with church regulations under the Jewish economy. Eze. 18, etc. By prudence in such matters, calamities and great losses will be avoided, and the cause of God will be saved from the disgrace that would otherwise come upon it. D. T. BOURDEAU. Encouraging Words.
By Eliza H. Morton
The V. M. society at Allen's Corner, Me., still receives words of cheer. The Signs of the Times, as it goes forth weekly, laden with truth and accompanied with prayer, is opening fields of labor for living messengers. Minds are investigating, and hearts are being melted to tenderness. Soon, very soon, the last paper will be printed, folded, and sent forth; the last V. M. meeting will be held, the last letter written, the last prayer offered, and the last sacrifice made. Do we realize this? Soon, very soon, the golden sheaves will be garnered, the glistening crowns distributed, and the weary laborers find rest. Do we realize this? O sisters, toil on, faint not. The journey is not long. The reward is sure. The King's word stands steadfast. The following extracts from letters received show the power of the truth and the workings of the Spirit of God upon the hearts of men. A lady in Maine writes: “We cannot thank you enough for showing us the truth. We can take one of the papers you send us and our Bible, and learn glorious things. We are looked down upon because we keep the Sabbath, but we are striving for something brighter than the smiles of the people.” Another lady writes: “The papers you have been sending I prize very highly. I desire more reading matter of the same character.” A gentleman writes: “I have read the Signs of the Times with much satisfaction. It instructs and elevates the mind of man and imparts unto him divine wisdom. It is a sunbeam that cometh from the throne of imperishable truth. I shall accept the reading matter you send, as coming from God. Peradventure, God may bless the seed, and harvest the fruit thereof into the glorious rest eternal.” Although these words come from the pens of strangers, yet they touch tender chords, and awaken the sympathies of the heart. We feel for the writers, we pray for them, and God grant that we may one day meet them where we shall “know as we are known.” A CONTINUAL view of our own sinfulness, and weakness, and dependence has a tendency to humility and tenderness of heart; but a constant dwelling upon the sins and weaknesses of others has a tendency toward pride and hardness of heart. It is not a good plan for too many of the same family to locate in one neighborhood. They often, by this means, stereotype old family peculiarities, which would probably be smoothed down and worn away by contact with strangers; or, if powerful, they form a clique which is sure to fall into a narrow channel; or, in other cases, they shut themselves out from the world at large, and form to themselves a little circle so very peculiar that it has no charms for those whose views of social and moral life are formed on a broader basis. A general knowledge of the world and its history is very important in judging of human nature. But general knowledge alone is not sufficient; a particular and critical knowledge of one's own heart, will cause us to be cautious, and exact, and charitable in our views of our fellow-men. JOSEPH CLARKE. Garden Grove.—Reports of meetings held by the little company at Garden Grove during the month of February, show progress. They are growing in grace, and are becoming more fully established in the truth. At a meeting held in January, each promised to read the Bible through during the year 1879. Shelby Co., March 3.—I am now lecturing in two different places, both in this county. In one of these places there are seven Norwegian families, and in the other about ten Danish families that can attend our meetings and understand the Danish. So far, the interest is good.
JOHN F. HANSON. Prescott, March 3.—We have been here about three weeks. Our congregations were small at first; but they have increased until last evening we had a house full of interested hearers. We think a great deal of prejudice has been removed. Bro. Dugger, who was once a first-day Adventist, and afterward joined a seventh-day Adventist church known as the Church of God, is here, and has been helping us. He is a young man of considerable ability.
A. W. H. MILLARD.
A. CALDWELL. Hampton, Hook’s Point, Dayton, and Fonda, March 5.—In company with Bro. Hart, I held meetings at Hampton and Hook’s Point. The brethren at Hook’s Point pledged the tithe. I went alone to Dayton and Fonda. At Dayton the brethren are of good courage, and are coming up to the work in general. The church at Fonda voted to set apart the tenth, and some expressed a determination to pay up for the past. All the friends were grateful for help. Bro. Hart is assisting Bro. Johnson at Hampton. Six there have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are deciding.
J. T. MITCHELL. Salisbury, March 7.—Have been here three weeks, lecturing in the Baptist church. Our congregations have ranged from one hundred to two hundred very regularly, and the interest has been good. We have reached the crisis of the meeting, and many are in the valley of decision. Several have concluded to keep the Sabbath, and we hope for a goodly number. The tent was here several years ago, but the interest is much greater now. We hope for a good church of Sabbath-keepers here. I have felt very free in speaking, and the Lord has helped. GEO. I. BUTLER. Green Ridge, March 2.—For six weeks I have been holding meetings at a place fifteen miles southwest of Green Ridge. The attendance has been good. Some are keeping the Sabbath, and others say they will keep it. Many acknowledge that we have the truth. H. WOODRUFF. Avilla and Index.—We were with the church at Avilla, Feb. 14 to 18. This church has passed through trials, but they seemed much encouraged by our visit and earnest labors. Some are giving the tithe. They have sold their unfinished, out-of-the-way meeting-house. They received on it $100, with which they pay their indebtedness to the tract society, about $54, and purchase the circulating library of Sister White’s writings; they also donate $15 to the Northern European Mission, and the remainder, about $27, is to be divided between the mission to England and the Missouri Conference. Feb. 21 to 27 we labored with the church at Index, holding ten meetings. They have regular Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school, which are well attended. Several brethren from Lincoln joined us on Sabbath and first-day. This church decided to send for the circulating library of Sister White’s writings. The preaching was mostly practical. We celebrated the ordinances, and left them feeling that it is good to serve the Lord. We are now holding meetings at Bee Branch school-house, about ten miles east of Index. The people seem anxious to hear. More come than can get into the house. We never before felt so deeply the importance of living near to God, and of our people’s moving forward unitedly in this great work. J. G. WOOD. Oakland.—We closed our meetings here last Tuesday evening. Four were immersed by the local elder, Bro. H. P. Ritchey. A pledge-paper was circulated in behalf of our meeting-house enterprise; and we trust a good beginning has been made at Oakland.
G. W. COLCORD. Pitwood, March 3.—The work is progressing at this point. About eighteen persons have embraced the message here and in Martintown. Last Sabbath all the French converts and several Americans took part in the social meeting. It was a blessed season. Have spoken six times the past two days. One of my discourses followed remarks from Galatians by a United Brethren preacher who has thus far treated me with Christian courtesy. I have tried to reciprocate.
D. T. BOURDEAU. DuQuoin, March 6.—Several have recently begun to keep the Lord's Sabbath here. Feb. 17, we began meetings three miles from DuQuoin. We have now canvassed the Sabbath question quite thoroughly. Six have promised to keep next Sabbath.
DENNIS MORRISON.
C. H. FOSTER. Wayland and Saranac.—At the former of these places I commenced a series of meetings Feb. 26, which continued until March 3. The weather was very unfavorable, and having taken a very severe cold I was interrupted in my labors a portion of the time. Notwithstanding these discouraging circumstances, the meetings, I believe, were of great value to the church. Heretofore they have met in a school-house, which, being removed from the railroad, was difficult of access; but while I was with them they decided to hire a hall in the village of Wayland, where they are to hold regular Sabbath services hereafter. This was a movement in the right direction. If we reach the people, we must go where they are. Another good step was taken in the complete organization of a Sabbath-school. And still another in the raising of a club of ten each for the Instructor and Signs of the Times. Bro. Alex Carpenter, the director of the district, was present at these meetings and rendered valuable aid. From the 3d to the 7th of March I was at Saranac, where, in conjunction with S. H. King and F. Howe, we adjusted some perplexing matters of business in such a way as we trust will prove to be for the glory of God and the good of the church. The brethren and sisters in this place are few in number, but if harmony shall prevail, I see no reason why their numbers may not be increased.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN. St. Charles.—I commenced labor here Feb. 8, and still continue the effort. Found this church in a very indifferent condition, but by the blessing of God and a persevering effort, there has been a general awakening. About twenty have made a start in the service of the Lord; among these is a brother who had fully given up the truth. His starting again to obey the truth gave great joy to all the church. At a business meeting the tithing plan was cheerfully adopted by nearly all, and a club of fifty Signs was taken. This church has one of the best Sabbath-schools I have seen in Michigan; they have adopted the S. S. contribution box, and it proves a success in their school.
E. R. JONES. Koylton, Tuscola Co.—I commenced meetings here Jan. 19. From the first the opposition has been very bitter. Tar, feathers, and a rail were publicly threatened. This was a step too far, and the better class became indignant over the matter. As the result, the Free-will Baptist church, the leading church in the vicinity, have lost their deacon and some of their best members, while many others are deciding on the truth. The little church at Elmwood united with us in our cry to God for help. May they not lose their reward.
WM. OSTRANDER. Dist. No. 13.—Bro. Wm. H. Mills, director of Dist. No. 13, reports meetings held at Dryden and Imlay City during the latter part of December. At Imlay City all adopted the tithing system and the added one-third, and at Dryden nearly all adopted the tithing system, and some the one-third. At Dryden one commenced to keep the Sabbath. The business meeting here was of special interest, on account of the zeal and the spirit of self-sacrifice manifested by the members of this church. They were greatly interested in one of Sister White’s books, “Experience and Views,” which Bro. M. had with him, and read it with the deepest interest. At Dryden a tract society was organized, and all entered heartily into the work. One copy of “Bible from Heaven” was sold, and one subscription was obtained for the REVIEW. Subsequent visits to this church show that they are trying to benefit others with the light they have received. AMONG THE SWEDES.
By J. S.
From letters lately received from old Sweden, we have accounts that the truth is still having effect upon the people. Already we know the names and addresses of about twenty who have begun to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Decker, from the north part of Sweden, writes Jan. 26, 1879: “Notwithstanding great opposition, the Lord has blessed me, and three have embraced all the precious truth. One was a Baptist. He was summoned to appear before the church. After responding to the call, he was excluded from the church, because he did not believe that man had an immortal soul.” Bro. Decker spends some of his time in preaching the word, and takes a small club of the Swedish Härold. Feb. 5, 1879, Bro. Olsen writes: “I have written to Bro. Matteson about my going to Christiana. I am not able to go for lack of means. I converse with many who are convinced of the truth on the Sabbath. They say they would willingly keep it,—but how do we know when the seventh day comes?” This brother is preaching the truth, and takes a club of the Swedish paper. One named Tockzelius writes thus: “When the Härold came to my attention, I began to read, and soon felt interested in it. I am no Seventh-day Adventist; i. e., I cannot at present accept all their views. With the doctrine of the Sabbath and the second coming of Christ I perfectly agree. It rejoices me that my brethren, the Seventh-day Adventists, manifest such zeal in preaching the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. This part of the gospel has been long neglected. All should sound the warning to this sleeping generation. If I read my Bible correctly, I find that it lays great stress on the preaching of the second coming of Christ. Among a great part of the Christians of our time, it is considered unnecessary and extravagant.” “The preaching now is, that we die and immediately go to Heaven; but where can we find it so written that we go to Heaven when we die? Has death become a redeemer from death? Has Jesus appointed it as another saviour? We cannot believe it. At least, we consider it foreign to the Bible. I understand that the redemption of the saints and the beginning of their glory is inseparably connected with the second coming of Christ. I call you in America my brethren, although I do not belong to your society. May your Härold find great success, and may it always contend for the truth.” Considerable interest is growing up among the Swedes in the Western States. Peter Norlund writes from McPherson county, Kansas: “I have distributed many copies of the Swedish paper. There is a large colony of Swedes here. I think a part of them would accept the truth if a Seventh-day Adventist preacher could present it to them.” Calls come from Wyandotte and Clay counties, Kansas, saying, “Can you not send us a Swedish Seventh-day Adventist preacher?” The same cry comes from Iowa and Dakota. Bro. Johnson in Iowa reports interest in Cherokee county. Bro. Kjällberg in Minnesota is having good success in canvassing for the Härold. We hear in many sections that the friends are87taking clubs of the Härold. In Maine there are two enterprising clubs that send the most of their papers to old Sweden. We are glad to hear that the American brethren in some places are interesting themselves in this work. Bro. Whitney reports from Dakota a club of twelve for the Härold and eighteen for the Tidende. The Macedonian cry is coming up from Norway in the Old World. It reaches far over the broad waters, and echoes back from hill-top to hill-top in the New. All Scandinavians unite in the response. Men of courage and faith are putting their hands to this work. It is the Lord’s. One Scandinavian in Iowa talks faith, and acts it too. He says, “Count me good for $100 on the first of April, and $500 more before the first of January, 1880.” Some Swedes have responded well, and we expect that others are getting ready to do so. Like the man at Bethesda’s pool, they know that the time to get in is when the waters are troubled. Some of our American brethren, feeling that the Lord’s hand is in the work, have not withheld their free-will offerings. To the Lord be all the praise given. A husbandman who many years
Had plowed his fields and sown in tears,
Grew weary with his doubts and fears. “I toil in vain! these rocks and sands
Will yield no harvest to my hands;
The best seeds rot in barren lands. “My drooping vine is withering;
No promised grapes its blossoms bring;
No birds among its branches sing. “My flock is dying on the plain;
The heavens are brass—they yield no rain;
The earth is iron—I toil in vain!” While yet he spake, a breath had stirred
His drooping vine, like wing of bird,
And from its leaves a voice he heard: “The germs and fruits of life must be
Forever hid in mystery,
Yet none can toil in vain for me. “A mightier hand more skilled than thine
Must hang the clusters on the vine,
And make the fields with harvest shine. “Man can but work; God can create;
But they who work, and watch, and wait,
Have their reward, though it come late. “Look up to heaven! behold and hear
The clouds and thundering in thy ear—
An answer to thy doubts and fear.” He looked, and lo! a cloud-draped car,
With trailing smoke and flames afar,
Portending elemental war; And every thirsty flock and plain
Was rising up to meet the rain,
That came to clothe the fields with grain. And on the clouds he saw again
The covenant of God with men,
Re-written with his rainbow pen; “Seed time and harvest shall not fail,
And, though the gates of hell assail,
My truth and promise shall prevail.” Eden Valley, La Grange Co., March 3.— I have spoken here ten times. The congregations range from seventy-five to two hundred, and the interest seems to increase. We have a good choir. We use the “Song Anchor” in our meetings, and the people are pleased with the book. J. S. SHROCK. Eagle, Cass Co., March 2.—For a week past I have been holding meetings in the Camp Creek school-house. The congregations have been large and attentive. Since the meetings began, the teacher here has commenced to keep the Sabbath. M. HACKWORTH. Meetings Near Tekamah
By A. J. Cudney
Tekamah, March 3.—Last Sabbath I closed my meetings west of this place, for the present. Seven have signed the covenant, and are rejoicing in present truth, one of whom was a German Baptist minister. I think others will soon follow his example. A Sabbath-school of thirty-three members has been organized. To God be all the praise for the good work here. I now commence meetings in the Valder school-house seven miles north. My address is Tekamah, Burt Co., Neb. A. J. CUDNEY. Summer Shade, Feb. 28.—I closed my meetings at Phillips, Monroe Co., Feb. 23. The Disciples closed their meeting-house against me. I then went to an old school-house; but it was so out of repair that I only held three meetings in it. There is quite an excitement about their locking the door against me. I am now at Summer Shade, helping the church here. S. OSBORN. WISCONSIN
By Ole Andres Olsen
March 3.—Feb. 22, I closed a series of meetings in Racine county. Part of the meetings were held at Racine and part at Raymond. The Lord blessed us much at the latter place. There had been much prejudice against the truth, and not without cause, but much of this was removed. Some commenced to obey the truth. The church adopted the tithing system, and also did something for the Scandinavian Mission. I spent one day at Oakland, and spoke to them twice. They pledged $66.00 for the Scandinavian Mission. All that came out at the tent-meeting at Clay Bank last summer are growing in grace, and others are taking hold. I now go to Oconto Co. MINNESOTA
By JAMES S. BROWER
Birch Dale, Todd Co., Feb. 28.—My meetings here have closed for the present. Six are keeping the Sabbath, two of whom embraced the truth by reading before I came here. There are eight others who are convinced. The U. B. preacher who left for fear the truth would go to his church, returned, bringing two other preachers and nearly all his church. With those who oppose the truth here, they took possession of the school-house, crowding me out of my appointment, and speaking in bitter terms against the truth. All this reminds us of Matt. 12 : 45. JAMES S. BROWER. Greenboro, Oswego Co., March 6.—I came here Feb. 14, and remained ten days, preaching fifteen times. Another leading family embraced the truth, and much prejudice was removed. The friends were greatly encouraged and strengthened, and we left them strong in faith and courage. They design to hold Sabbath meetings. March 1 and 2, we visited the friends in the Goodenough district. There are some discouraging features here, while there are some very encouraging ones. Those who are taking hold of the health reform are making good advancement. Self-denial always brings God's blessing. MAINE
By Samuel J. Herrick
Woodland Center, Aroostook Co., Feb. 26. —I commenced meetings here Feb. 16. There were two here, heads of families, who, at our general meeting held in Washburn in January, decided to keep the Sabbath. The average attendance has been about forty. At first there seemed to be considerable prejudice; but that feeling begins to wear off, and some are becoming interested. I expect to remain here over next Sunday.
SAMUEL J. HERRICK. Quarterly Meetings and Reports.
By A. S. Hutchins
Owing to the heavy fall of snow followed by a severe blow the first day of January, probably not one of our churches held their quarterly meeting on the first Sabbath and first-day of last month. I could not reach the place of my appointment. In one week from that time, the traveling also was bad. The attendance at the general quarterly meeting was small; but with what little business was done, the business of the S. S. Association, and seven sermons which were preached, the time was well filled up. The regular meetings for the present quarter have been much broken up, and probably reports of labor are considerably smaller than they would have been had the meetings been held, and fully attended. The present prospect threatens us with almost impassable roads the first of April; however, this may not be so. The meetings should be held if possible, and the brethren should be sure to attend them if they can. Don't let these meetings pass as though it were a matter of small moment whether or not you have an interest in them. Your presence with a cheering testimony, and a good full report of labor, and hands and heart open to help the cause, will be taken as the most satisfactory evidence of your abiding and increasing interest in the work. The scattered ones who cannot attend the meetings on the first Sabbath in April, should forward their reports to their district secretary as soon as the first day of April, and all reports should be in his hands before the second Sabbath. Please let us be on time.
A. S. Hutchins.
Vt., Feb. 24, 1879. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13. MILLS.—Died at Milton Junction, Wis., Sept. 23, 1878, of membranous croup and congestion of the lungs, our little son, Niley E. Mills, aged 2 years, 2 months, and 3 days. J. S. AND ABBY MILLS. HOFF.—Died in Newport, Jackson Co., Arkansas, Feb. 23, 1879, Norah, daughter of John H. and Hannah M. Hoff, aged 4 years, 3 months, and 14 days. J. H. HOFF. DROUILLARD.—Died in Waterloo, Grant Co., Wis., Feb. 14, 1879, Sister Rebecca Drouillard, aged 78 years, 2 months, and 13 days. She embraced the advent faith ten years ago, under the labors of Eld. I. Sanborn. We believe she will have a part in the first resurrection. Remarks by Father Ganiard, from Job. 14:14. MARY E. PHINNEY. (Signs of the Times please copy.) MELVIN.—Died at Quincy, Mich., Jan. 23, 1879, from injuries received by a fall, causing paralysis, Bro. Henry J. Melvin, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. In his death his wife and children lose an affectionate husband and father, and the church an esteemed member. Previous to hearing the truth, he had been for a long time a member of the Baptist church. He accepted the truth from hearing Elders Van Horn and Kenyon in 1873, when the tent was in Quincy. There is reason to hope that he will soon hear the voice of the Son of God, calling him forth to everlasting life. J. H. THOMPSON.