p. 4 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 30. (8/7/1884)

FOREIGN MISSIONS.

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE.

We are not, as a people, sufficiently aroused to the short time in which we have to work, and we do not understand the magnitude of the work for the time. The night soon cometh, in which no man can work. Satan is earnest, zealous, and persevering in his work. If he fails to accomplish his purpose the first time, he tries again. He will try other plans, and work with great perseverance to bring in various temptations to ensnare souls. He never becomes so discouraged as to let souls entirely alone. If the zeal and perseverance of Christ's followers in their efforts to save souls were equal to Satan's efforts to deceive them to their eternal loss, we should see hundreds embracing the truth where we now see one.

God calls for men and women to qualify themselves, by consecration to his will and earnest study of the Scriptures, to do his special work for these last days. He calls for men now who can work. As they engage in the work in sincerity and humility to do all they can, they will be obtaining a more thorough experience. They will have a better knowledge of the truth and better know how to reach souls and help them just where they need to be helped. Workmen are needed now, just now, to labor for God. The fields are already white for the harvest, and yet laborers are few. There are those among us who could work if they were awake to the wants of the cause, and were willing to bear burdens. God calls for men and women, who are followers of Christ, to volunteer to work under his dictation to rescue souls from ruin.

As a people, we have been asleep as to our duty in regard to getting the light before those of other nations. Is it because God has excused us, as a people, from having any burden or special work to do for those of other tongues that there are no missionaries to-day in foreign countries? Why is this negligence and delay? There are those of superior minds in many other nations whom God is impressing with the lack of spirituality and genuine godliness in the Christian denominations of the land. They cannot harmonize the life and character of professed Christians generally with the Bible standard. Many are praying for light and knowledge. They are not satisfied. God will answer their prayers through us, as a people, if we are not at such a distance from him that we cannot hear his voice, and so selfish that we do not wish to be disturbed in our ease and agreeable associations.

We are not keeping pace with the opening providence of God. Jesus and angels are at work. This cause is onward, while we are standing still and being left in the rear. If we would follow the opening providence of God, we should be quick to discern every opening, and make the most of every advantage within our reach, to let the light extend and spread to other nations. God, in his providence, has sent men to our very doors and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that they might learn the truth more perfectly, and be qualified to do a work we could not do in getting the light before men of other tongues. We have too often failed to discern God's hand, and we have not received the very ones God had provided for us to work in union with, and act a part in sending the light to other nations.

There has been a slothful neglect, and a criminal unbelief among us as a people which has kept us back from doing the work God has left us to do in letting our light shine forth to those of other nations. There is a fearfulness to venture out and to run risks in this great work, fearing that the expenditure of means would not bring returns. What if means are used and yet we cannot see that souls have been saved by it? What if there is a dead loss of a portion of our means? Better work and keep at work than do nothing. You know not which shall prosper, this or that. Men will invest in patent rights and meet with heavy losses, and it is taken as a matter of course. But in the work and cause of God, men are afraid to venture. Money seems to be a dead loss that does not bring immediate returns when invested in the work of saving souls. The very means that is now so sparingly invested in the cause of God, and that is selfishly retained will, in a little while, be cast with all idols to the moles and to the bats. Money will soon depreciate in value very suddenly when the reality of eternal scenes opens to the senses of man.

God will have men who will venture anything and everything to save souls. Those who will not move until they can see every step of the way clearly before them will not be of advantage at this time to forward the truth of God. There must be workers now who will push ahead in the dark as well as in the light, and who will hold up bravely under discouragements and disappointed hopes, and yet work on with faith, with tears and patient hope, sowing beside all waters, trusting the Lord to bring the increase. God calls for men of nerve, hope, faith, and endurance, to work to the point.

If Christ saw that the souls of men were so precious that he could leave the royal courts and humble himself to humanity, in order to help man in his darkness, and to finally die for him, how ought we to feel for one another who have been made subjects of the grace of God, and partakers of this great salvation. I say to you, my brethren, in the fear of God, that we do not place a just estimate upon souls for whose redemption Christ paid so great a price. Christ and angels are ready to work with our efforts, if we will work with love, simplicity, and faith.

Our publications should be printed in different languages and sent to every civilized country, at any cost. What is the value of money at this time, in comparison with the value of souls? Every dollar of our means should be considered as the Lord's, not ours; and as a precious trust from God to us; not to be wasted for needless indulgences, but carefully used in the cause of God, in the work of saving men and women from ruin.

The press is powerful for good or evil. This agency can reach and influence the public mind as no other means can. The press, controlled by men who are sanctified to God, can be a power indeed for good in bringing men to a knowledge of the truth. The pen is a power in the hands of men who feel the truth burning upon the altar of their hearts, and who have an intelligent zeal for God, balanced with sound judgment. The pen, dipped in the fountain of pure truth, can send the beams of light to dark corners of the earth, which will reflect its rays back, adding new power, and giving increased light to be scattered everywhere. Truth is what the people need. Fables are cheap, and can be found at hand anywhere.

The publications have already been doing a work upon some minds in other countries, in breaking down the walls of prejudice and superstition. I was shown men and women studying with intense interest papers and a few pages of tracts upon present truth. They would read the evidences so wonderful and new to them and would open their Bibles with a deep and new interest, as subjects of truth that had been dark to them were made plain, especially the light in regard to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. As they searched the Scriptures to see if these things were so, a new light shone upon their understanding, for angels were hovering over them and impressing their minds with the truths contained in the publications they had been reading. I saw them holding papers and tracts in one hand, and the Bible in the other, while their cheeks were wet with tears, and bowing before God in earnest, humble prayer, to be guided into all truth,—the very thing he was doing for them before they called upon him. And when the truth was received in their hearts, and they saw the harmonious chain of truth, the Bible was to them a new book; they hugged it to their hearts with grateful joy, while their countenances were all aglow with happiness and holy joy. These were not satisfied with merely enjoying the light themselves, and they began to work for others. Some made great sacrifices for the truth's sake and to help those of the brethren who were in darkness. The way is thus preparing to do a great work in the distribution of tracts and papers in other languages.

HARVEST CALL.

By V. O. Cross

BY V. O. CROSS.

Oh, see how the fields of earth's harvest are whitening! How great is the harvest! but laborers are few. Why stand we here idle? the Master is calling, There is work in my vineyard for each one to do.

From o'er sea and o'er land, from the South, from the North, Comes the loud cry for reapers to gather the grain; Armed with sickles of truth, let each one hasten forth, To diligent work through the hours that remain.

For lo! in the distance a storm is approaching; Already, we list to its muttering roar. Dark grows the horizon, fierce clouds are encroaching; Soon our work time is past, and the harvest is o'er.

The earnest and faithful, the true and the tried, Overcome by their labors, are falling around; Who will fill up the ranks, and whatever betide, Ever earnest, and faithfully toiling, be found?

There is work here for all,—for the young, and the old, Even children may share in this harvest of souls. For each saved one a star in their crowns of bright gold Will shine while the age of eternity rolls.

Then how can we sit idly dreaming of pleasure, And seeking the joys and the treasures of earth? Let us hasten to lay up in heaven our treasure, And gain the true riches of heavenly worth.

OUR CAMP-MEETINGS.

By Ellen G. White

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

WHILE preparing for the meeting, each individual should closely and critically examine his own heart before God. If there have been unpleasant feelings, discord, or strife in families, it should be one of the first acts of preparation to confess these faults one to another and pray with and for one another. Humble yourselves before God, and make an earnest effort to empty the soul-temple of all rubbish,—all envyings, all jealousies, all suspicions, all fault-findings. "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

The Lord speaks; enter into your closet, and in silence commune with your own heart; listen to the voice of truth and conscience. Nothing will give such clear views of self as secret prayer. He who seeth in secret and knoweth all things, will enlighten your understanding and answer your petitions. Plain, simple duties that must not be neglected will open before you. Make a covenant with God to yield yourselves and all your powers to his service. Do not carry this undone work to the camp-meeting. If it is not done at home your own soul will suffer, and others will be greatly injured by your coldness, your stupor, your spiritual lethargy.

The words of the prophet Ezekiel are applicable to the people professing the truth at this time: "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling-block of their iniquity before their face; should I be inquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God, Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him that cometh, according to the multitude of his idols."

If we love the things of the world and have pleasure in unrighteousness, or fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we have put the stumbling-block of our iniquity before our face, and have set up idols in our heart. And unless by determined effort we put them away, we shall never be acknowledged as the sons and daughters of God.

Here is a work for families to engage in before coming up to our holy convocations. Let the preparation for eating and dressing be a secondary matter, but let deep heart-searching commence at home. Pray three times a day, and, like Jacob, be importunate. At home is the place to find Jesus; then take him with you to the meeting, and how precious will be the hours you spend there. But how can you expect to feel the presence of the Lord and see his power displayed, when the individual work of preparation for that time is neglected?

For your soul’s sake, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of others, work at home. Pray as you are not accustomed to pray. Let the heart break before God. Set your house in order. Prepare your children for the occasion. Teach them that it is not of so much consequence that they appear with fine clothes as that they appear before God with clean hands and pure hearts. Remove every obstacle that may have been in their way,—all differences that may have existed between themselves, or between you and them. By so doing you will invite the Lord’s presence into your homes, and holy angels will attend you as you go up to the meeting, and their light and presence will press back the darkness of evil angels. Even unbelievers will feel the holy atmosphere as they enter the encampment. Oh, how much is lost by neglecting this important work!

You may be pleased with the preaching, you may become animated and revived, but the converting, reforming power of God will not be felt in the heart, and the work will not be so deep, thorough, and lasting as it should be. Let pride be crucified, and the soul be clad with the priceless robe of Christ’s righteousness, and what a meeting will you enjoy.

The same work of humiliation and heart-searching should also go on in the church, so that all differences and alienations among brethren may be laid aside before appearing before the Lord at these annual gatherings. Go about this work in earnest, and rest not until it is accomplished; for if you come up to the meeting with your doubts, your murmurings, your disputings, you bring evil angels into the camp, and carry darkness wherever you go.

For want of this preparation these yearly meetings have accomplished but little. The ministers are seldom prepared to labor for God. There are many speakers,—those who can say sharp, crank things, going out of their way to whip other churches and ridicule their faith,—but there are but few earnest laborers for God. These sharp self-important speakers profess to have truth in advance of every other people, but their manner of labor and their religious zeal in no way corresponds with their profession of faith.

These yearly gatherings might be, and they should be, meetings of earnest labor. Ministers should seek a heart preparation before entering upon the work of helping others, for the people are far in advance of many of the ministers. They should untiringly wrestle in prayer until the Lord blesses them. When the love of God is burning on the altar of their hearts, they will not preach to exhibit their own smartness, but to present Christ who taketh away the sins of the world.

In the early church, Christianity was taught in its purity; its precepts were given by the voice of inspiration; its ordinances were uncorrupted by the device of men. The church revealed the spirit of Christ, and appeared beautiful in its simplicity. Its adorning was the holy principles and exemplary lives of its members. Multitudes were won to Christ, not by display or learning, but by the power of God which attended the plain preaching of his word. But the church has become corrupt. And now there is greater necessity than ever that ministers should be channels of light.

There are many flippant talkers of Bible truth, whose souls are as barren of the spirit of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain. But what we need is men who are thoroughly converted themselves, and can teach others how to give their hearts to God. The power of godliness has almost ceased to be in our churches. And why is this? The Lord is still waiting to be gracious; he has not closed the windows of heaven. We have separated ourselves from him. We need to fix the eye of faith upon the cross, and believe that Jesus is our strength, our salvation.

As we see so little burden of the work resting upon ministers and people, we inquire, When the Lord comes, shall he find faith on the earth? It is faith that is lacking. God has an abundance of grace and power awaiting our demand. But the reason we do not feel our great need of it is because we look to ourselves and not to Jesus. We do not exalt Jesus and rely wholly upon his merits.

Would that I could impress upon ministers and people the necessity of a deeper work of grace in the heart, and more thorough preparation to enter into the spirit and labor of our camp-meetings, that they may receive the greatest possible benefits from these meetings. These yearly gatherings may be seasons of special blessing, or they may be a great injury to spirituality. Which shall they be to you, dear reader? It remains for each to decide for himself.

THE TRUE MISSIONARY.

By James White

BY ELD. JAMES WHITE.

“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” are the words of the Great Missionary, as he closed his mission here below, and was about to ascend to Heaven to enter upon another work. And this high and holy commission given to Christ’s first chosen representatives upon Olivet, more than eighteen hundred years ago, has not lost its power to move the very soul of those who have within them anything of the true missionary spirit.

Christians have ever had a world-wide mission. And from the time this mission was first given to the present time, there have been a few men who had the “Go” in them. But in the closing message, fraught with the deepest interest, the word is, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind,” “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Luke 14:21, 23. And the extent of this work is indicated by the prophetic declaration, “Thou must prophecy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Rev. 10:11.

Men and means are wanted. Our schools should be crowded with young men, and young women too, preparing themselves for this great work. Some should be studying the languages in reference to the work in other countries. And while these should be encouraged, especially those of our brethren of other tongues who have already engaged in the work, and helped to immediate usefulness, they must make a complete consecration of all to the work in order to be of any real benefit to the cause.

The most worthless class of ministers in existence are those who have been educated at charity schools. The most valueless missionaries are those who are sent upon high salaries. And the poorest kind of Christians are those who have been made such at those missionary posts where the impression has been given that all they had to do was to hear, the missionary being supported by the liberalities of others. The principles of labor and sacrifice must be incorporated into all our missionary operations.

Jesus, the great missionary, made an infinite sacrifice. His mission was one of toil, care, and weariness. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Among the children of men in this world, he was as a homeless stranger. And he did not hold out inducements of worldly prosperity and a life of ease and affluence to any who were disposed to become his followers.

When a “certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,” Christ would have him to understand at the outset what his followers might expect, and says to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matt. 8:19, 20.

Jesus says to the twelve, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16. “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” Verses 24, 25.

In the wonderful conversion of Paul, and his call to the work of the ministry, he does not receive the impression that even his learning and superior talents would secure to him a large salary and a high reputation as a Christian minister. But on the very start, the Lord says of him to Ananias, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:16.

The missionary work is one of sacrifice. Christ set the example. And the true hearted missionary will bid adieu to worldly hopes, and worldly prospects, and will hang all his hopes for this life, and for that which is to come, upon Jesus Christ. He has hold from above. The earth may tremble beneath his feet, worldly comforts may for a time be beyond his reach, and earthly prospects may fade. He has hold from above, and can rejoice in tribulation.

It is the Lord’s plan that men should swing out by faith on his promises, and stay swung out until they have fully proved their strength. The hundred-fold in the line of friends to administer to their needs, does not come until the missionary has first forsaken houses, brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, and lands.

Our gracious Lord has his hands full of blessings for his people, waiting to respond to their acts of faith. He is more willing to pour the Holy Spirit upon them than parents are to bestow good gifts upon their dear children. But these blessings come in response to acts of living faith.

It is the Lord’s will that men and women should give themselves fully to him, to be fully his, the representatives of their Lord, and his true missionaries. And it is also his will that all his people should cherish the spirit of willing sacrifice to send the light and truth of our time, by our publications, and by living teachers, to every Christian land.

We are told that the sacrifices and the missionary efforts of Seventh-day Adventists fall below other denominations. A case came to our notice, while passing over a railroad in the State of Illinois. We entered into conversation with a Presbyterian missionary to China, who had just returned with his two children, both born in China, to find homes for them and have them educated here, while he and their mother would return to close their labors and their lives in China, away from their children. Where are the men and women among us who would make similar sacrifices? And yet the world have reason to expect of those who are looking for the soon coming of the Lord greater sacrifices than are being made by any other people.

INSTRUCTIONS TO GOD'S PEOPLE.

Read and Remember.

The Lord gave special instruction to his people anciently, when and how to appear before him. He also made them special promises providing they would obey this instruction. Three times in the year they were to appear before the Lord God. Ex. 23:17; 34:23. At the feast of the Passover they were to bring the first-fruits of their increase; this was their spring harvest. “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits.” “The first of the first-fruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God.” “Ye shall bring a sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest unto the priest; and ye shall wave the sheaf before the Lord to be accepted for you.” “And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year, for a burnt offering unto the Lord.” “And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears until the self-same day that you brought an offering unto your God.” Ex. 22:29; 23:19; Lev. 23:10, 11, 12, 14. A wave offering was a thank offering. It was an acknowledgement of God’s prospering hand temporally,—an expression of thankfulness that Heaven had given the first and best it possessed for the human race; and of belief that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and that through his resurrection they would enter the realm of the blest.

THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

Prophecy meets its fulfillment in the natural course of events, and in a quiet manner, so that few at the time recognize its fulfillment.

Moses in prophesying of Christ said "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." This the Jews fully believed, but the manner of Christ's coming, the humility of his birth, and the thirty years of his life spent with his father as a carpenter, so blinded their eyes that notwithstanding he fulfilled the prophecy in every particular they did not see it. As he taught in their synagogues many hearing him were astonished and said "From whence hath this man these things; and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses and of Juda and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him."

When God predicts an event to take place he does not always give the particular circumstances that are to bring it about or accompany its fulfillment. God has predicted concerning the closing work of the gospel that it shall go to "every nation and kindred and tongue and people," and when "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, then shall the end come." And this prophecy will be fulfilled in our midst while as it has been with other prophecies in the past, but few will understand it.

Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter And he will make it plain.

The progress of the third angel's message during the last twelve months has been remarkable indeed. It would seem that an infinite power has been moving the people of God and leading them to take steps that would appear utterly impossible.

Four new periodicals in the interest of present truth have been issued within the last seven months in Europe in as many different languages; three of these, one each in the Roumanian, Italian and German, are published in Bale, Switzerland, and one in English in Great Grimsby, England. These papers have a large circulation in Europe and each is to a large extent sustained by subscriptions. God is raising up friends to the truth in these countries to fill positions of trust.

Missions have been established in many of the largest cities in this country, and a large number of persons have entered the field as colporters and canvassers and are holding Bible-readings, etc.; not a few of these are becoming successful workers. Truly God is going before us and preparing hearts to receive the unpopular truths we profess.

Our educational interests also have received an impetus that is very marked. Three large institutions of learning have been established at a cost of not less than $150,000, while smaller denominational schools are springing up like plants out of the earth. There is an increasing desire with many of our churches to secure the most exemplary and God-fearing teachers to teach their children,—those who know how to teach the Bible successfully. Our people are beginning to realize that time is fast closing and that if they would be prepared for the coming storm they must put forth greater efforts than in the past. The time has come when advance moves are being made in every part of the field.

The Sunday agitation, having in view an amendment to the Constitution, is another token of the near approach of the time of trouble. We have been expecting the fulfillment of the prophecies relating to this event for the past thirty years, and we now see it before our eyes.

Our camp-meetings are increasing in importance. They are far more extensively advertised this year, thus securing a larger attendance than ever before. Three of these meetings will be held in New England the present season in the following places. Worcester, Mass., Burlington, Vermont, and Portland, Maine. These meetings will be the most important and will doubtless be the largest of any ever held in the New England States. S. N. HASKELL.

The Sabbath-School Work

In no denomination does the sabbath-school work receive greater attention than among this people. It is not considered as a means to educate the youth and children only, in the Scriptures, but, all, young and old take part in it. Not content with merely reading the text, they urge a careful study of the same, till the student thoroughly understands the subject.

The General Sabbath-school Association publishes a weekly paper, The Youths Instructor, devoted principally to the Sabbath-school work. The various state organizations are branches of this association.

A model Sabbath-school will be held on the camp-ground each sabbath of the meeting, at 9:00, A. M. in which the entire encampment will participate.

Ship Missions

SHIP missions have been established in San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, New York City, Buffalo, Boston, New Bedford, and Providence, in America; and Liverpool and Hull in England. Nearly every vessel that leaves these ports is visited and religious reading matter distributed among the sailors and passengers. Many of these vessels carry papers and tracts to distribute at the foreign ports to which they are bound.

Seventh-day Adventist Growth and Missions

It is less than forty years since the Seventh-day Adventists were first organized as a denomination, yet their members have rapidly increased until at the present time they have about thirty thousand believers in this country. They have also well established missions in England, Norway, Switzerland, Prussia, Italy, and Roumania, and by means of these their missionary operations are extended throughout Europe and into Asia and Africa. Believers to this faith may be found in the islands of the Mediterranean as well as those of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Growth of Camp-Meetings

It is now sixteen years since the Seventh-day Adventists adopted the plan of holding camp-meetings and during this time the interest in them has steadily increased until the present summer will witness larger and more interesting ones than ever before.

Commencing in the early spring these annual gatherings are held in each of the Eastern, Western, Middle and Southern States as far as Alabama and Texas, including several on the Pacific Coast. Not less than thirty of these State meetings will be held this year and as in former years will be marked with the most perfect order and quietness. Over one hundred thousand people attend these meetings during the season many of whom, for the first time, become acquainted with the views of this denomination.

Reduced Fare to the New England Camp Meeting.

By D. A. Robinson

The Worcester and Nashua, Fitchburg, Boston and Maine, Providence and Worcester, and Cheshire railroads, grant us reduced rates over their lines and branches. Free Return Tickets will be given upon the camp-ground, to those who come over any of these lines except the Providence and Worcester road. Those coming over that road, must purchase at the ticket office in Providence, a round-trip camp-meeting ticket which will be good to return on, at the close of the meeting. All coming over this line must purchase their tickets at Providence and come to the meeting on one of the following days; Wednesday, Aug. 20, Friday, Aug. 22, or Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Those coming from Martha's Vineyard, New Bedford, and all points south of Boston, also, those from Newburyport, Haverhill, Ipswich, Danvers, Reading, and all points on the Boston and Maine road, should come to Boston and there take the cars at the Fitchburg depot for Worcester. All who come from Boston, and adjoining towns, should come over this line also; for by doing so you can secure on the camp-ground, of the Secretary, a Free Return check. Should you come over the Boston and Albany road we cannot do this, as they give us no reduction. Be sure to come over the Fitchburg line.

By taking the Worcester car at the Fitchburg depot in Boston there will be no change. Those coming from Cornish, Claremont, Newport, and points north should come by way of Bellows Falls and Keene, over the Cheshire road to Fitchburg, and change for Worcester. Those from Washington, Marlow, and vicinity should come over the same line also. All who come over the Cheshire road should be sure to purchase tickets through Fitchburg to Worcester, in order to secure free return. Those who come from Zoar, Buckland, Athol, and all points on the Fitchburg road west of Fitchburg, should come to Fitchburg and change for Worcester. Those who come from Wilton, Temple, New Ipswich, and surrounding towns, should take cars at Greenville for Ayer Junction where they will change for Worcester. Those from Marlboro and Hudson should take train to South Acton, where they will change for Worcester. All who come from Amherst, and Manchester, N. H. and towns that way, should come to Nashua and change, as we can return them free to that point.

D. A. ROBINSON.

CAMP-MEETING.

Free Access to Valuable Books.

By Editor

THE attention of the public is called to the following valuable and most interesting works, which the International Tract and Missionary Society, through its branches, is liberally distributing as far as possible amongst free libraries and reading-rooms throughout the country: "History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week;" "Thoughts on the Book of Daniel;" "Thoughts on the Revelation;" "Life of Wm. Miller;" "The United States in Prophecy;" Spirit of Prophecy (4 Vols.) including the lives of Christ and his apostles; and "Life of Joseph Bates." The society has placed the foregoing volumes in the following libraries in Massachusetts, where the public may have free access to their contents:

Amherst College, Amherst. Memorial Hall Library, Andover. Boston Athenæum, Congregational Library, General Theological Library, Massachusetts Historical Society, New Church Library, State Library, Boston. U. S. Marine Hospital, Chelsea. Social Library, Boylston Center. Harvard College, Cambridge. Tufts College, Universalist Historical Society, College Hill. Bryant Library, Cummington. Library Association, Erving. Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester. Eaton Family School, Middleboro, Free Public Library, New Bedford. Eben Dale Sutton Reference, Peabody. Berkshire Athenæum, Pittsfield. Charitable Mechanic Association, Salem. Arm's Library, Shelburne Falls. Goodwin Library, So. Sudbury. City Library Association, Springfield. Young Men's Association, Ware. Library Association, West Newbury. Union Philosophical Society, Wilbraham. William's College, Williamstown. American Antiquarian Society, Worcester County Mechanic's Association, Worcester.

Also in the town libraries in the following places:—

Brookline, Chatham, Lancaster, Lowell, Malden, Newburyport, Pepperell, Southbridge, Amherst, Blackington, Taunton, Upton, Warwick, Wayland, West Brookfield, Westford and West Springfield.

THE

By Editor

SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTISTS

WILL HOLD THEIR ANNUAL CAMP-MEETING AT

WORCESTER, MASS.

On the Fair-Grounds, AUG. 21 TO SEPT. 2, 1884.

ELD. S. N. HASKELL, of Mass., President of the International Tract and Missionary Society and of the N. E. Conference. ELD. URIAH SMITH, of Mich., Editor of the "Review and Herald;" ELD. A. O. BURRILL, of Vermont, MRS. E. C. WHITE, of Cal., ELD. D. A. ROBINSON, of Mass., President of N. E. Health and Temperance Association. And Other Speakers, will be present.

Public Services Daily at 10:30 A. M., 2:30 & 7:30 P. M. (Opening Service Thursday A. M.)

Reduced Fare will be granted on the Railroads mentioned in another column.

A Well-Supplied Provision Stand will be kept upon the ground for the accommodation of those wishing refreshments.

Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 30.