The meetings being held at the Seeley school-house at the time of my last report still continue. Some have already accepted of the Lord’s Sabbath, and we look for others to unite with them.
Urgent calls of “come over and help us” are heard from different parts of this broad State. One writes, “Do say you will come and spend at least two weeks in our neighborhood.” Another, “I will come after you, and you will be more than welcome at our home as long as you can stay in this region of country.” So many are the calls I am perplexed to know which way to go and what field to pass by.
Surely the fields are white, but the laborers are few. I ask the prayers of the brethren in this Conference.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
Sutton, Clay Co., Neb., Jan. 30.
BURLINGTON, MICH.
By H. M. Kenyon
By request of the brethren I came to this place Jan. 17, and commenced meetings in their new house of worship the following evening. I have now held eighteen meetings. There have been some trials existing here of quite long standing; but through the assistance of Bro. Fargo and Olmstead, difficulties were satisfactorily settled and union restored.
On Monday evening, Jan. 29, we were served to a dish of Antinomianism by Eld. Pope, first-day Adventist. The people turned out en masse so that many were obliged to return home for want of room. The positions taken were weak and contradictory; yet it seemed to satisfy the minds of a large share of the congregation. I replied to a large audience the following evening. The interest to hear has been fair, but the snow going so suddenly has left the roads in such a condition that but few can get to the meeting. I shall remain here for a short time, after which I expect to go to Napoleon, Jackson Co. H. M. KENYON.
Burlington, Mich., Feb. 2.
PRAIRIE ROSE, KANSAS.
By J. N. Ayers
The meetings at this place closed last night. One united with the Sterling church. Several others are deeply interested, some of whom, we think, will soon take hold of the Sabbath. The weather was very stormy during the first of our meetings, and when the weather settled, the ministers became worse than the weather had been. I was reviewed on the kingdom by a Congregationalist. He took the position that the United States was the fifth kingdom, represented by the stone in Dan. 2:44, 45, and that the New Jerusalem would be located on the head waters of the Mississippi River.
Then Eld. Ross, a Methodist, spoke twice against the Sabbath. He spent the most of his first discourse trying to prove that no one ever had kept the commandments, therefore no one ever could keep them, and that it was not necessary to keep the Sabbath, if it had been the Saviour would have said so in Matt. 19:16.
I showed from Gen. 26:5, Ps. 119:55, John 15:10, that they had been kept by Abraham, David, and Christ; that they would be kept by the remnant church, by Rev. 14:12; that the angels keep them, by Ps. 103:20; that it was necessary to keep them, from Rev. 22:14; Matt. 19:16; 5:17, 18; Eccl. 12:13. He then claimed that they were holy, just and good, that they were our rule of life, and that he kept the fourth commandment by keeping the first day of the week. I referred him to the commandment, showing that it said the seventh, not the first, and that it never had been changed.
The people not being satisfied with this, they sent to Sterling for a Methodist presiding elder by the name of Honey, who had been in the ministry twenty-five years, a Greek and Latin scholar, and, as they claim, the sharpest man they have in these parts. He came, and made a great bluster, a great many assertions, and closed by giving a public challenge for a discussion, but refused to let me speak at the close of his discourse. I then offered the following, which he accepted:—
Do the Holy Scriptures teach that the Sabbath of the Lord has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week by divine authority?
We held four sessions of two hours each. He went to history to prove his change, at the same time claiming that he need not go outside of the Bible. He read from Ignatius, Barnabas, and Justin Martyr; then made the assertion that this was the best evidence extant and better than the different translations of the Bible. I showed from Mosheim, Neander, and others, that his best evidence could not be depended upon. Driven from history, he went to Col. 2:14-17, to show that it was done away, as he could not prove the change. Finding that this line of defense was not secure, he then took his stand on the seventh part of time.
But being routed from this, he fell back behind the fortification of lost time, and went back to the time when Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, and from that claimed that it was impossible to tell when the seventh day was. But here he got into trouble, for he had just stated that we must keep the first day, for that was the only day that had been set apart, and that was made holy at the time of the resurrection; so we had no trouble in finding the seventh day, as it is, of course, the day just before the first.
He then made a flank move, and declared that we could keep the commandments in spirit and violate the letter. I cited him to the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments. He then claimed that they were all fulfilled on the mount of transfiguration, that Moses there delivered up the law to Christ, and we should hear him. I called his attention to Matt. 19:18; Rev. 22:14. He then with much spirit (he says a Christian should not get mad) declared that we could break every one of those commandments (pointing to the chart), and still go to Heaven; therefore it was not necessary to keep the “Jewish Sabbath,” and if we were saved, it would be by grace and not by keeping the old Mosaic decalogue. He then went off into an old-fashioned Methodist exhortation of about fifteen minutes and so the discussion ended.
The house was filled to its utmost capacity, and some went away because they could not get in. I have had several calls for labor in this part of the State, which I cannot fill at present, but will try to come back some time next spring. Those desiring labor in their community can correspond with me at Garnett, Kansas.
J. N. AYERS.
Sterling, Jan. 30, 1877.
KINGSTON, MINN.
By W. B. Hill
I have just closed a short series of meetings near Monticello, with a small company of believers there. As a consequence, six more signified their determination to join the remnant people of God, who keep his commandments, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord! The waters are being troubled in these parts, and souls are stepping in and are being cleansed from the world, and getting ready to welcome the King of glory when he comes and all the holy angels with him.
I now, by the direction of Bro. Hall, go to Hutchinson to assist Bro. Ells in his labor there. It is an old battle field, where the truth in times past triumphed gloriously, and our prayer is that victory may once more turn upon Israel’s side. Pray for us.
W. B. HILL.
Jan. 30.
ONTARIO
BRO. JOHN FULTON writes, “I am getting along nicely with my meetings. I have given 13 discourses, canvassing the prophecies and the Sabbath question. Nearly all acknowledge the truth, and a good number have decided that they must keep the Sabbath. Some of the leading men are deeply interested.
“I feel very much encouraged. God has helped much. I have had no opposition from the ministers yet, but they are urging the M. E. preacher to give the reasons for Sunday-keeping. He acknowledges that the papacy changed the Sabbath. The people are much opposed to the Catholics, and I find this has helped me in gaining their confidence. I desire still to be remembered in your prayers.”
MARQUETTE CO., MICH.
We receive good news from a little company of Swedes in this county, who have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath. About two weeks ago, Bro. Ahlsten reported from there that there were three keeping the Sabbath. Bro. Johnson now writes from there that there are six, and still more interested. In an interesting letter he says, “I feel a great love and thankfulness to you [brethren] for the glorious truth which you present.”
And so the truth keeps finding its way.
OHIO
By O. F. Guilford; H. S. Guilford
We closed our meetings at Locust Point, Ohio, Jan. 28, having given forty-two discourses, and held two Bible-classes on the last two Sabbaths we were here. We have tried faithfully to present Bible truths as those who must give account of their stewardship. Our congregations have been good the most of the time. Some reports, however, from Bowling Green came near destroying our interest, at one time cutting off quite a number from our meetings, who were much interested.
But notwithstanding these and other hindrances, we leave twelve who promise they will keep the Sabbath, and a number who are still investigating, having supplied themselves with tracts and pamphlets. Of the number who first took hold of the Sabbath was the post master and class-leader's wife. There were also some school-teachers who pledged themselves to the Sabbath. Of the last-named class, there were five who listened to the truth with much candor, but some not being able to attend regularly are still investigating. We hope for them because of the candor they manifest.
Some here are waiting for their elder, he having promised to confirm the word after we were gone. Much prejudice existed at the first, from the fact that the non-resurrection of the wicked had been taught by some. But when the Bible testimony of the state of the dead and the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked was presented, it was generally received as far as we were able to judge.
We obtained three subscribers for the REVIEW and one for the SIGNS. We give God the praise for what good has been accomplished here, and feel of good courage to press on, and hope so to labor as to win many to the truth.
O. F. GUILFORD.
H. S. GUILFORD.
HAMPTON, IOWA.
By G. V. Kilgore
My heart was made glad last Sabbath to hear such testimonies as were borne at our meeting. I believe that the Lord is indeed in this work. Our Sabbath meetings, so far, have been out in the country; for all the Sabbath-keepers, until a few days ago, lived close together two or three miles out. But we shall probably meet in town next time.
I have given twenty discourses since these meetings began, and although a Methodist protracted meeting, other prayer-meetings, singing-schools, and other gatherings, have been held, we have had good hearers,—men and women that give good attention to what is said, four of whom I know have decided to obey the Sabbath. One good Baptist brother, the tailor in Hampton, told me last night that his shop would be closed next Sabbath. Tears stood in his eyes while he spoke. He said he never had so hard a test come to his mind in his life before. I pray that God may bless such men. Pray for them.
G. V. KILGORE.
KANSAS
By Smith Sharp
I have been laboring in Osage and Shawnee Counties for the past six weeks, meeting each Sabbath during the time with the Richland church. I have not succeeded in raising any general outside interest; however, two families have taken their stand with us on the truth. Last Sabbath after an invitation was given seventeen came forward for the prayers of the church, the majority of them for the first time.
On Sunday seven of these were baptized and united with the Richland church. I confidently expect that several more will soon follow. On Monday night we had our parting meeting. Bro. Miller was ordained deacon of the church and the ordinances were celebrated.
Oh! how blessed it is to meet and labor with a church where all is harmony. If all our churches will live in union, they can cast an influence that will gather with Christ. SMITH SHARP.
Ottawa, Kan., Feb. 1.
TENNESSEE
We met with the church at Edgefield Junction, Dec. 30 and 31. Here we encountered another snow storm. The snow fell to the depth of eight inches; and on the 3d of January, the mercury was twenty degrees below zero. At Nashville, the Cumberland River was frozen hard enough to render it safe to cross on foot. This was a strange sight to this people. On account of the weather, the members did not all get together; nevertheless, we had some good meetings.
We started Jan. 5 for our appointment in Cheatham Co., in company with Bro. Clinton Owens, who took us in his carry-all. We used the day in going the distance, only 16 miles, walking, riding, pushing, and pulling, as the necessity of the case demanded. We arrived just before the Sabbath, in a very tired condition. On account of the weather, they did not expect us, and had not circulated the appointment; hence we had but a small outside attendance. Here we met another snow storm more severe than ever. The mercury was twenty-two degrees below zero.
This little church are all firm but one, who has given up the truth. The members seem to appreciate the close, practical preaching. At a business meeting, S. B. was raised from $14.25 to $50.18, with the promise fully to render to God the things that are his. This is truly a working church. The Lord will bless them.
I had to suspend labor until the weather settled a little; and on the 19th, I commenced a course of lectures at Good Spring meeting-house in this county, where, so far, a good interest is manifest.
S. OSBORN
By S. Osborn
Coopertown.
I now commence a course of lectures at this place. Bro. Owen, of Mich., will stay with me for a short time. Bro. Soule was with us several days. To-day he starts for a new field. He preached twice while here, and seems to be very earnest.
Pray for me.
My address for the present will be Pleasant View, Cheatham Co., Tenn.
S. OSBORN
Jan. 27.
ST. LAWRENCE CO., N. Y.
By Jacob Wilbur; H. H. Wilcox
After the close of our good meetings in Rossie we went to Depeyster, and spent between three and four weeks in a new field. Found after we had given a few lectures that the inhabitants were mostly Universalists, spiritualists, or infidels. So we addressed our discourses especially to them for a while, with good results. We spoke thirty times, and although the weather was cold, and snow-drifts deep, our congregations kept increasing up to the close of our meetings. Quite a number acknowledged that we had the truth on our side; and some have already commenced to keep the Sabbath.
JACOB WILBUR.
H. H. WILCOX.
Gouverneur, N. Y., Jan. 25.
BUTLER, RICHLAND CO., OHIO.
By Wm. Cottrell
The meetings are still progressing here. There are a few who are interested. On last evening, after giving reasons for our faith and hope, I called for an expression from all who believed that we had Bible reasons for the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, when about twenty arose to their feet.
How many of the above number will take a stand for the truth, we can't tell. We believe that the Lord is working for some precious souls here. Hearts were melted down, and tears flowed freely. Our prayer is that this good work thus begun may perfect fruit to eternal life. Pray for me, that I may be humble and stand in the light. Wm. Cottrell.
CANASARAGA, N. Y.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
Our first Sabbath meeting was held at the church here Jan. 27. Eight decided to keep the Sabbath. The interest is still good. The Chittenango Falls church responded nobly to my entreaty to come over and help. Sixteen came, and by their prompt, heartfelt, and stirring testimonies, greatly encouraged and helped forward the work.
I still continue meetings every night. The work is the Lord’s. Our hope and trust are in his blessing. Pray earnestly for the cause here. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
BROCKWAY, MINN.
By G. M. Dimmick; N. Battin
We began our labors at this point, eight miles north of St. Cloud, on the evening of the 27th. Up to this date we have had good audiences with an increasing interest.
The community is composed mostly of intelligent eastern people. They receive us kindly, and entertain us in a very hospitable manner. We have seen very little prejudice manifested thus far. The people have been without meetings of any kind for about two years. The prospect for doing good is, we think, bright. We feel very thankful to the Lord that he has led us here, and we ask the brethren ever to remember us and our work at the throne of grace.
G. M. Dimmick.
N. Battin.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, near Allentown, O., Jan. 15, 1877, Ottawa F., son of Albert and Mary E. Wike, aged thirteen years, nine months, twenty-three days. His suffering was intense for fourteen days, occasioned by a gathering in his head, of which he died. He had kept the Sabbath with his parents over seven years. Before he died, he requested the brethren to come in and pray for him. Funeral discourse from Ps. 115:17, by Eld. W. Lobaugh, Christian.
A. Wike.
Died, in Pine River, Jan. 11, 1877, Sr. Lydia Ann, wife of Bro. Daniel Wood, aged thirty years and a few days. Sr. Wood with her husband fully embraced present truth about one year ago, was baptized, and received into the Alma church. Her disease was consumption, in which she lingered a few months; but as death approached, her prospects of immortality brightened; and a few minutes before she died she sang,
“The opening heavens around me shine
With beams of sacred bliss,
While Jesus shows his mercy mine,
And whispers I am his.”
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should be given.
$2.00 EACH. Mrs R F Parsons 51-1, David Stevenson 51-1, B L Whitney 50-15, John Custer 51-5, Mary A Hackney 50-5, John Belden 51-5, W B Prentiss 51-5, Isaiah Stanhope 51-23, Joseph Shields 50-24, Mary R Stem 51-24, Susan B Wood 51-5, Richard Humphries 51-5, John F Baker 51-5, E P Kellogg 51-1, A Pitman 51-5, Mrs E M Pierce 48-24, J R Smith 51-6, Amos Heaton 51-5, George Carter 51-5, Joseph Hughes 51-5, J D Rockey 51-5, Wm B Bedgood 51-5, Chapman Cox 51-3, Sarah L Wood 51-5, Mrs E Hicks 50-1, John M Brown 51-6, A D Galntia 51-5, Caroline Baker 51-5, A M Kiehamhoff 51-2, Rosanna Stuart 51-1, Christopher Smith 51-5, Willis H Chase 51-5.
$1.00 EACH. John Chapple 50-9, W S Wright 50-1, C F Hall 50-14, J B Slayton 50-5, W McClenathan 50-4, J L Edgar 50-4, John A Hatch 50-2, Mrs E Crawford 50-5, Mrs Nathan Swan 50-16, Truman Ramsey 50-10, Mrs Charlie Strong 50-5, T T Brown 50-3, S B McLaughlin 50-1, Mrs Mary A Crooker 51 25, J W Vandolah 50-5, J Curry 50-7, Mrs A H Sweet 50-5, E Inman 50-5, Elijah Williams 50-3, S A Miller 50-5, S A Winchester 50-3, Betsey M Hibbard 50-4, F Wheeler 50-5, Annie Snively 50-6, W H Beddoe 50-5, J Long 49-25, Smith Sharp 50-7, Sophia Johnson 50-5, Nathan Anway 50-5, Lewis Wilson 50-1, T A Kilgore 50-5, David Hewitt 50-6.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Daniel D Haines $1.50 51-1, J L Gray 1.50 51-5, N R Bolles 50c 51-16, H A Baker 50c 49-17, Julia Kenison 1.50 51-5, J C Kelso 1.50 51-5, J M Baker 1.56 50-1, Emma Carley 50c 49-20, Lydia Lane 1.07 50-6, Ivory L Ricker 1.50 51-5, Jesse Winteringer 38c 49-17, John W Ditto 50c 49-17, Addie F Duncan 50c 49-17, Rebecca Curtis 1.50 51-5, Dan'l Litchfield 70c 50-2, Christian Baur 3.50 52-17, F W Kiehamhoff 3.00 50-19, R C Horton 1.25 51 5, Wm P Russell 1.50 51 5, H Humphrey 1.50 51-5, John Morse 1.50 51-5.
Books Sent by Mail.
D C Hunter 50c, Rev R T Armstrong 60c, S H Hunt M D $5.00, Emma J Smith 1.00, Lydia Lane 18c, F S Gilliland 50c, W Wood Bute 3.00, J M Avery 1.00, C B Tower 1.00, G G Crandall 20c, Julia C Hill 1.00, A C Neff 1.00, J O Corliss 2.00, Mrs J H Bullard 18c, J H Coffman 1.00, C W Deckenby 10c, J L Voris 25c, H P Ribton 4.55, H Beddoe 60c, Mrs H H Hibbard 1.00, L Willhite 25c, Emma Stawelife 1.00, Edward Hansell 25c, J D Downer 10c, N J Cogswell 1.00, Seth Smith 1.25, James Thorp 1.00, Wm B Twin 5.50, E M Hambergh 50c, Wm Miles 50c, Geo Carter 15c, A T Grant 1.00, J O Reynolds 10c, Dr W Hill 1.00, N Neerken 3.00, R P Van Deusen 30c, Emma M French 1.25, Willie F Payne 1.25, M F Mullen 6.50, D E Gibson 1.00, Alfred Martin 50c, Mrs S Johnson 10c, John W Wolfe 55c, J W Wood 30c, Joseph Armstrong 2.50, Seward Garceler 25c, John Fulton 4.00, W W Sharp 6.00, J C Coffman 1.00, E H Root 2.50, M Van Pelt 3.00, Mrs L J Harvey 35c, Mrs Sarah Geer 15c, Sarah M Adams 15c, J B C 27c, J B Vanghn 1.40, I L Townsend 2.00, A J Stover 5.03, L C Booth 50c, J B Krider 80c, Emma M French 1.00, Wm O Strong 10c, H L Gardner 1.00, A A John 1.90, S D Rhoades 1.00, C E Hathaway 1.00, J J Abbott 1.00, Mrs J J Finn 50c, Emma T Haskell 25c, Mrs A L Pottenger 1.50, Miss A E Green 10c, Joseph S Kerr 20c, Ellen Coleman 1.00.
Books Sent by Express.
H H Smith $2.00, August Rasmussen 4.00, Mrs E A Turner 7.00, S Osborn 12.50, O A Hedge 14.45, E P Daniels 9.00, S D Smith 2.50, J Hanson 7.75, John W Wolfe 3.00.
Books Sent by Freight.
Franklin Howe $73.53, E G Doud 31.23, S M Holly 59.82.
Cash Rec’d on Account.
R M Kilgore $10.00, A C Bourdean 25.00, Wyoming Can T & M Society 20.00, Ind T & M Society per F Grantham 14.95, Smith Sharp 8.00, John Evans 43.60.
Gen. Conf. Fund.
W Wood Bute $2.00, A Lover of the Truth 5.00.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
Jackson $6.00, Hillsdale 10.00, Bunker Hill 4.50, Mattawan 12.00, Orange 8.35.
Book Fund.
“Bible Reader” $2.00.
Mich. T. & M. Society.
Dist 3 Quincy church $7.00, Dist 11 $2.65.
Vt. T. & M. Society.
By C L Bean $10.50.
S. D. A. E. Society.
James Hoenes $10.00.
Quarterly Meetings in Kansas
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Buck’s Bridge, Feb. 16-19. Mansville, Tuesday, “ 20. Meetings will begin at 10 A. M., and close at 4 P. M. No evening meetings. We make a special request that every member of the church attend, however far away he may live. Parish, Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 1 P. M., also meeting at evening. West Monroe, at Bro. Bowe’s, Feb. 23-26. Roosevelt and Vermillion invited. Vermillion, Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10 A. M. till 4 P. M. No evening meeting. D. M. Canright.
Quarterly Meetings in Kansas.
Mt. Vernon, Feb. 10 and 11. Zion School-house, “ 15-18. Centerville, “ 24 and 25. I have left my work in a new field in obedience to the directions of the president of our Conference, to attend these meetings. I have no time to attend to the settlement of old troubles. Smith Sharp.
T. and M. quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 6, at the Stover school-house, Labette Co., Kan., Feb. 10 and 11. Send in your reports. Do not forget your s. s. pledges for 1877. We want a general rally. Brn. Cook and Santee, nothing preventing, will be present. A. J. Stover, Director.
I will meet with the following churches in northern Kansas at their quarterly meetings:— Osawkee, Jefferson Co., Feb. 17 and 18. Pleasant Valley, “ 24 and 25. Palermo, Doniphan Co., March 3 and 4. Meetings to begin at each place on Friday evening. I will continue meetings during the week in Jefferson Co., where the brethren may arrange. Hope for a general turnout. Chas. F. Stevens.
The quarterly meeting of the Blue Valley church will be held at Blue Valley, York Co., Neb., Feb. 17 and 18. Some of the ministering brethren are expected. All from this section of the country are cordially invited to attend. Johnson Buckley, Church Clerk.
The quarterly meeting for the church at Victory, Wis., will be the second Sabbath in February. Will Bro. John Atkinson attend? T. D. Wallary, Clerk.
There will be a T. and M. meeting for Dist. No. 1, at Bourbon, Ind., Feb. 24 and 25. Let us have a report from every member, and a large turnout, and that will insure us a good meeting. Can Eld. S. H. Lane be with us? J. D. Shilling, Director.
Quarterly meeting for Sand Prairie, Wis., Feb. 17 and 18. Neighboring churches are invited. Eld. John Atkinson will be in attendance. Thos. Demmon, Clerk.
C. W. Stone, Sec. Vt. Conf
By C. W. Stone
Vermont.
We sent by Eld. Haskell a quantity of blank reports to the Vermont s. s. treasurers. Please fill out reports for the two last quarters, ending Oct. 1 and Jan. 1, and send them to me. If there are any who have received no blanks, let them drop me a card, and they shall be supplied. When you send your report, which I shall expect to receive very soon, please give me your address in plain English.
C. W. Stone, Sec. Vt. Conf
Kansas Directors.
By J. N. Ayers
THE time for your third quarterly meetings for this Conference year will be the last Sabbath and Sunday in February. See that the appointments are out in time, and that all the members are furnished with blanks, and see that the report of the meetings is sent to the State secretary immediately after the meeting is over.
Now is the time of the year to work. Have you got your forces in the field, storming the fortifications of the enemy? or are they safely housed in winter quarters? If the latter, bring them out on review immediately; see that they are properly armed and equipped, and then go with them to the front. Don’t send them out with a corporal, but go yourselves, and lead the charge. Take the SIGNS and REFORMER, and see who will send in the largest list of paying subscribers. Forward march, by order of
J. N. AYERS, Pres.,
Commanding the Division of Kansas.
Church Items.
VIRGINIA is a Baptist State. One out of every nine of the population is a Baptist, making a total of 173,960 members, against 11,754 Episcopalians, 89,000 Methodists, and 17,000 Catholics.
The “Catholic Directory” for 1877 reports that the number of Catholic churches in this country is 5,292; of priests, 5,297. The estimated Catholic population is 6,200,000.
There are 396 Protestant churches and missions in New York city, with a total of about 80,000 communicants.
Phillip Brook’s new church, Trinity of Boston, is the finest Episcopal church in New England. It cost $750,000.
The Chicago churches have gathered in 1,792 members, as the fruit of the revival meetings.
To the Point.
A UNIVERSALIST, noted for his argumentativeness, says the biographer of Dr. Norman McLeod, resolved to heckle the young minister. McLeod first questioned him on the precise nature of his belief in universal salvation. “Do you really assert that every person, good and bad, is saved, and that, however wicked they may have been on earth, all are at once, when they die, received into glory?” “Most certainly,” replied the man. “A great and merciful Father must forgive every sinner. He is too good not to make all his creatures happy.” “Then why do you not cut your throat?” “Cut my throat!” exclaimed his astonished visitor, “I have duties to fulfill in the world.” “Certainly, but it seems to me that if your views are right, your highest duty is to send every one to Heaven as fast as possible. On your principles every doctor should be put in jail, and the murderer honored as a benefactor.” The effect of this argumentum ad absurdum was not only to convince the man of the extravagance of his beliefs, but to lead him shortly afterward to become a communicant.—Pres. Journal.
Subscription Time Extended for Quincy Church Mortgage
By J. Fargo; I. A. Olmstead
Notice.
PARTIES circulating subscription papers in behalf of the Quincy, Mich., church for the Bennett mortgage, can give subscribers time till the first day of April, 1877. J. Fargo. I. A. Olmstead.
Situation Wanted by Young Man as Clerk
By Dale Wagner
A YOUNG man who has followed teaching would like to obtain a position as clerk in a store, or some good situation among Sabbath-keepers. Address, DALE WAGNER, Utica, Mich.
Farm to Rent.
By C. E. Moser
I wish to rent my farm of 160 acres for 3 or 5 years, to some one who is a good farmer and a good Sabbath-keeper. Correspondence solicited. C. E. MOSER. Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.
Want of Employment.
Two young men, A. T. Strope and T. J. McConnell, of Memphis, St. Clair Co., Mich., want to work on a farm for some Sabbath-keeper.
Destitution in New York and Voluntary Penitentiary Commitments
The New York Observer gives an indication in the following, of the extreme destitution which prevails in that city:—
During two days last week in this city seventy-one persons were, at their own request, committed to the Penitentiary for one year. This not only suggests the destitution and hopelessness that abounds in some quarters, but how slight a terror imprisonment is to those who have little to live for outside of prison walls. Mere confinement is scarcely a punishment to many who know but little of the advantages and comforts of liberty. It is not at all strange that crime sometimes seems to flourish under a treatment that is doubtless welcomed by many as a privilege rather than a punishment.
European Mission.
James White.....$100 | James Harvey...$100
W. H. Hall....100 | Wm. Ings......50
R. G. Lockwood....50 | A. S. Hutchins and wife......100