The organization of a Sabbath-school, like any other work, requires some planning and forethought to be accomplished with any degree of success. If a few of those who contemplate joining in the Sabbath-school work, will meet a few days before the appointed time for organizing, and discuss the best plan of organization, the number of officers required, the course of study, and the best time for meetings, they will be prepared to shorten and greatly facilitate the work of organization. Little things, like the provision of paper and pencils for the balloting, will save annoying delays.
Let us take the position of spectators at the organization of a school in an old church of forty or fifty members, that has not had a school for years, but where some faithful brother has called attention to this long-neglected duty, and has secured a full attendance at this meeting for organization.
Of the forty church members present, fifteen are youth, and besides these there are twenty children, making, in all, sixty persons.
At the time appointed for the meeting to begin, some one rises and moves that Bro. A shall act as chairman; the motion is seconded, and the mover puts the question. If carried, Bro. A takes the chair, and after briefly stating the object of the meeting, he selects a hymn in which all can join, and opens the meeting by prayer, after which he states that the first business is the election of officers. And right here is where the delays begin. The diffidence of some and indifference of others often leave the business to drag until thirty minutes’ work has occupied one or two hours. Care should be taken that the children are not discouraged by a long and tedious method of election. Every person has the same right to speak and vote. In some cases the ladies are better prepared than the gentlemen to carry on the business of the meeting.
A nominating committee of three is needed to suggest the names of those best fitted to act as officers of the school. The appointment of this committee may be accomplished by the prompt nomination of a member and the vote of the house, or by a vote that the chairman shall appoint. Let no time be lost. If no one is prompt in the naming of three persons to form this committee, let some one move that the committee be appointed by the chairman. In choosing this committee, care should be taken to select persons well acquainted with all the church, and not to select those who may be needed as officers.
After the committee have withdrawn for consultation, remarks may be made by the older members on the aims and objects of the school. Part of the time may be spent in singing, or in talking to the children. Nothing will kill out the interest like a dead calm. Do not let the children wait in silent suspense for the return of the committee. During this time the chairman should see that ballots are provided for the election.
THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE.
The work of this committee during the next few minutes may do much to decide the future prosperity of the school. It is true that their suggestions may be disregarded or their decisions reversed, but this is an unfrequent occurrence; and therefore if these persons realize the importance of the Sabbath-school work, and select a superintendent who will have a zeal, earnestness, and perseverance in the work, one who has some aptness to teach, and who will be thorough in instruction and discipline, they will have done great service to the school by the selection, although their choice may not be a popular person, and their nomination is received with disappointment by the ambitious. But if the committee feel that they have an honor to bestow, and they therefore select the most influential man in the church, the one that has the largest farm, or the elder, simply because he is elder, regardless of qualification for, or interest in, the Sabbath-school work, they may have struck the most effective blow for the destruction of the school.
In the selection of the remaining officers, the one suggested as superintendent should be consulted; and in the selection of the assistant superintendent, the secretary, and the librarian (if one be needed), the aim should be the same: To secure men that fear God, that will exert a good influence in and out of the school, and men that have enough love for souls to work faithfully and perseveringly. Let it be borne in mind that the qualifications for a good elder or an efficient tract and missionary officer are not always the best qualifications for a successful Sabbath-school worker. In many places there are sisters who can better fill the offices of the school, and who will be better superintendents than any of the brethren in the church.
THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
Of the various plans for the election of officers, there is none so fair, so accurate, and so completely satisfactory to both scholars and officers, as an election by ballot. Upon paper each can write his choice of officers without calling especial attention to himself. Each one interested in the school, great and small, should vote. If the children who cannot write want to vote, let some one write for them.
If properly managed, the election need occupy only eight or ten minutes. In order that no time be lost, the chairman will have provided the ballots. Those about three inches square are the most convenient. After the report of the Nominating Committee, and the acceptance of the report, the chairman should name two persons to distribute, collect, and count the ballots. As soon as each individual has a ballot, the chairman again reads the nomination, and then each individual should write, 1. The name of the one that he chooses for superintendent; 2. Assistant superintendent; 3. Secretary; 4. Librarian. Let the ballots be quickly gathered, and in counting, let the straight tickets be first separated and counted. If they are a majority over all scattering votes, the election is clear. If desired, each name on the scattering votes can be counted up and the exact result of the election read. Should there be a failure to get a majority vote on the name for any office, let that office be balloted for again, those two being candidates who received the largest number of votes.
Supposing that an hour and a half is the limit of the time for this meeting, and that ten minutes were occupied in opening, ten in nomination, and ten in election, there are sixty minutes left for the classification of the school. The superintendent now takes charge of the school, and with the counsel and aid of his assistant at once proceeds to the work of division into classes, and the appointment of lessons.
W. C. WHITE.
CLASSIFICATION
By G. H. Bell
Most schools are naturally classified into three general divisions,—adults, or grown up people; youth, or boys and girls from ten to sixteen; and children.
Among the adults will be found three classes,—“young people,” as we call them; those in middle life; and elderly people.
When convenient, it will be best to arrange those in each of these periods of life in classes by themselves; but if there be too few of either kind to make an interesting class, they may be placed with those considerably older, or with those considerably younger than themselves.
In large schools it is better to have the different sexes in different classes, except in the case of children, who might as well be together. In small schools the classes may have to be made up with very little regard to sex.
The youth and children should be classified as nearly as possible according to their age and aptness for learning.
There should be in each class not less than two or three, nor more than ten.
When teachers are plenty, it will probably be best to have about six members in each class; but if the teachers are few, the classes may have to be considerably larger. No one should be placed in a class where the lessons are too difficult for him; yet it is better to have large classes with good teachers, than small classes with poor teachers.
The classes having been properly arranged and seated, the superintendent should appoint a teacher for each. He should also assign a definite lesson for each division of the school, these lessons to be learned during the week and recited on the following Sabbath.
G. H. BELL.
THE SITUATION IN THE EAST.
So far Russia has said “check” to every movement of England in the exciting game that is going on upon the diplomatic chess-board. England demands that Greece be represented at the approaching Congress, because Greece is interested to check the progress of Russia, and has a wild hope of a revived Macedonian empire in place of that of the Turk. Russia replies that she has no objection; but, of course, on the same principles Servia and Montenegro will be entitled to representation. England demands that the entire treaty shall be submitted to the Congress; Russia replies that the Congress will decide what of the provisions of the treaty concern Europe and what are matters of only private concern. England orders up her Mediterranean fleet to the mouth of the Dardanelles to co-operate with that which has already entered the Sea of Marmora; Russia advances her troops to the Isthmus of Gallipoli, and to the neighborhood of the Bosphorous, north of Constantinople, so that in the event of hostilities the fleet in the Sea of Marmora can neither get out to the Mediterranean nor the Mediterranean fleet get in to co-operate with the ships in the Sea of Marmora, and neither of them can enter the Black Sea, without reducing Russian fortifications or leaving them behind.
Meantime the political heavens are certainly not clear. The barometer is perhaps rising, but the weather prophet can certainly say no more than “cloudy and clearing weather.” The Austrian government is not satisfied with the present situation, though the appropriations voted to the administration are only adequate to put the army in a good defensive condition; but the court and the people are divided in interest, the Slav and the King sympathizing with Russia, as against the Turk, and the Hungarians and Andrassy with the Turk, as against Russia. Russia’s claim to recover Bessarabia, which was taken from her in the Crimean war, is met with a decided resistance from Roumania, which alone is, of course, powerless to resist her stronger neighbor, but it furnishes a ground of resistance from other powers in the Congress. The report from France that she will object to any territorial changes must be taken for what such unofficial rumors are worth; which in this case we judge to be—nothing. Finally, the reader must remember that it is not always easy to discriminate between rumors which are put in circulation from a diplomatic desire to produce certain results, and those which are guesses with some basis of truth; and that the best of them are but guesses. Bismarck and Gortschakoff do not supply the cable with its news.—Christian Union.
Tent Pledges in Missouri.
By George I. Butler
As THE pledges made on our camp-meeting and tent fund are due the first of April, we wish to call the attention of all our brethren to this fact, trusting they will be prompt in paying them, as we shall need the money immediately. These pledges are recorded in the State secretary’s books; and the librarians of the different churches have copies of those names belonging to their churches. So in each church let those who have made pledges pay them to their librarian, who should give credit for the same. Let the librarians look after the collection of these pledges. There are so many in the State who do not take the REVIEW, that it would be well to read this notice in each church, that all may receive notice at once. We hope all the directors will look after this matter; for the money will soon be needed. There are many scattered brethren who have not pledged anything, yet who ought to help in buying our tents. We need their help. Let those who are scattered, send money directly to the treasurer, William Evans, Hamilton, Mo., either by draft or registered letter, as Hamilton is not a money-order office. Let all be prompt, for money will be needed very soon. Our tents will be wanted for camp-meetings, and we want to commence early in the season. GEO. I. BUTLER.
IOWA
Osceola.
Our meeting here, which has just closed, has been a good one. The weather was fine; and we had a very large gathering of our people from adjoining churches. It was a great privilege for me to meet with these old friends, as I had not been here since we built and dedicated the meeting-house, six years ago. A very few have apostatized, several have moved away to live the truth elsewhere; but the most of them were here still, and strong in the truth. Quite a number have joined them. Best of all, the church has lived in harmony and love.
Unexpectedly, the outside interest was very great. Our house was crowded at every sermon. Sometimes all could not get in. A deep impression has been made. Some of the wealthiest families in the county attend, and are about satisfied on the truth. Bro. Farnsworth preached half the time, and gave good satisfaction. We held meetings from Thursday evening to Tuesday evening. We spent most of the time with the brethren, in laying before them the history of the cause, and its present condition and wants. Preached a long sermon on S. B., and then took the pledges of all present, which amounted to $975 per year. This was a large increase over what it had been. I was surprised to find that some of our brethren had not paid a cent of S. B. for years. How can they expect the blessing of God in such a course? About $60 were pledged for new tents, and nearly $1000 for the European mission, though we devoted but a few minutes to the subject.
Monday we had an interesting lesson on the way to keep books properly in the various branches of the work. One session was spent with those designing to preach, of whom there were several present. We found a number of young persons here who ought to attend our school. They will endeavor to do so.
Tuesday we had a business meeting of the church. It was an excellent season. Nine united with the church. Two of these had lately embraced the Sabbath, one took his stand at this meeting, and four were the young daughters of our people. Two of these have just graduated at the highest school in the county. We were glad to find all these young people willing and ready to unite with us in the work of God. Bro. Farnsworth then baptized six of those who united with the church. It was a pleasant scene.
We leave the brethren greatly encouraged. Such meetings are needed in all our Conferences. D. M. Canright.
Forest City.
Our meetings at this place closed March 4, after continuing thirty days. As a result of our labor, between twenty and twenty-five good Christian men and women are now keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A leader was appointed, and these friends covenanted to meet on the Sabbath until a full organization can be effected. John F. Hanson. Lewis Johnson.
MISSOURI
By George I. Butler
Drywood, Avilla, and Rolla.
Since my last report I have labored in these places, in all of which are small churches. I have been striving to increase their interest in the solemn truths of the message, and in the tract and missionary work. In each place the meetings were much hindered by unfavorable weather; but for this there would have been a good interest at Drywood. Continued labor might be profitable here. A club of six SIGNS was taken.
Near Avilla I spoke eight times. This church is now composed mostly of Sabbath-keepers who came from Illinois. The cause here has been wounded by some of its professed friends, still there are some earnest ones left, who feel an increasing interest in the work. A club of sixteen copies of the SIGNS was taken, and we hope some effective canvassing will be done. There was quite an outside interest here.
At Rolla I found the little band of Sabbath-keepers still firm in the truth, though they have had but little labor these two years past. It is little less than marvelous, considering the circumstances through which they have passed, and the bitter opposition they have had to meet, how a little company, mostly women, could be able to keep up regular Sabbath meetings and weekly prayer-meetings, isolated as they have been, without any former experience in the message, and with no help from abroad. Surely there is a power in the third angel’s message. Their hearts still glow with love for this truth. The Spirit of God was in our meetings. On account of the opposition of some members of the nominal churches, we were obliged to hold our meetings, with one exception, in a private house. I found many of my old friends, not our members, anxious to hear, and I think more meetings must be held at this place, when we can have a place in which to hold them. Had some very pleasant visits with prominent citizens. Adventism has gained a standing in Rolla, and we rejoice at it. On the whole, I felt much encouraged by my visit here. I obtained two new subscribers for the REVIEW, four for the REFORMER, three for the INSTRUCTOR, and eight for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
I spent one day in ascertaining the price of tents in St. Louis, and shall soon be able to give reliable information on this point. Stopped over one day at Salisbury, Mo., with Bro. Gallemore, and spoke to a fair congregation in the evening. There seems to be some interest at this place. Obtained a club of twelve SIGNS here also. We still believe that faithful labor will accomplish as much in Missouri as elsewhere. This Conference is in great need of this kind of labor. May faithful laborers be furnished by the Master, is our earnest prayer.
March 15. GEO. I. BUTLER.
KANSAS
Marsh Creek.
I BEGAN meetings at Marsh Creek, Feb. 26, and continued till the 17th of March. Although the attendance was not large, there was a commendable interest on the part of those who did attend. Fourteen have signed the covenant, and several others are keeping the Sabbath. We expect to organize a church here soon. Three were baptized. Arrangements have been made to keep up regular Sabbath meetings. We confidently expect that if the friends here are faithful their numbers will be increased. C. F. STEVENS.
Morton Co., March 18.
I AM now holding meetings at the Farmingdale school-house, Morton Co. I commenced one week ago, and have had a fair attendance, thus far. Last evening I spoke on the Sabbath question. The house was crowded, and the best of attention was given.
The interest in this place was first awakened by publications scattered by Dr. Hoyt, of Orleans, Nebraska. Six have already commenced Sabbath observance as a result of his missionary effort, and the prospect is that others will yet obey. J. S. THORP.
Spring Side, Pottawatomie Co.
I HAVE been holding meetings at this place. This is a new field, and it gave me much encouragement to see the effect of these meetings. Quite a number manifested a desire to investigate the doctrine preached. I had a good interest, and the people want to hear more. Expect to visit them again after our quarterly meeting. B. F. TRUEX.
ILLINOIS
Lovington.
On my return to Illinois from the General Conference, I came directly to this place, where I found Bro. Bliss in the midst of an interesting series of meetings; and now, as these are closed, I look back to them with gratitude to God. In our business session a great victory was achieved. All past church difficulties were buried. One was received into the church, and for others we confidently hope. Bro. Jacob Newlan was ordained elder. The meeting-house has been greatly improved. The S. B. pledge is being raised; many understand the tract work better; and a great interest to hear is manifested from without.
Now, my Lovington friends, remember that God is on the giving hand; if you do not prosper, it will be because you fail to keep your solemn vows. I hope for Lovington. G. W. COLCORD.
Oakland, Ill., March 15, 1878.
Humboldt.
I left Bro. Colcord at Lovington, March 12, and went to Humboldt, where an appointment for a temperance lecture had been circulated. Spoke to a large audience upon this important theme, and succeeded in breaking down much prejudice. My meeting on the next evening was well attended. I obtained one subscriber for the REVIEW. One offered her name to become a member of the Oakland church. Over $14 were raised for the Conference.
At Arcola I met one deeply interested in present truth. We have received urgent calls for labor in Arcola, Charleston, Paris, Shelbyville, and many other points; but where are the laborers?
C. H. BLISS.
MICHIGAN
Maple Grove, March 18.
HELD meetings at Maple Grove about five weeks during the summer of 1877. Some decided to keep the Sabbath, and others were halting, but almost persuaded. I was taken sick, and have not been able to do anything since until I came out here March 1, to begin where I left off. The seed sown had taken root, and some had embraced the Sabbath. I have been here two weeks. Am not able to hold meetings all the time, but have Sabbath-school, and meetings Sabbath and as I am able, through the week. One has taken a stand on the Sabbath since I came here. Am trying to gather them together. Pray for me. T. M. STEWARD.
West Liberty.
We have been here a little more than one week. At our first Sabbath meeting one expressed a determination to keep all the commandments. Last Sabbath, March 16, was a good day for the church here. The Lord gave liberty in speaking on the subject of faith. The social meeting that followed was a precious season. Hearts were made tender, and tears flowed freely. Two adults started to serve the Lord. We continue the effort here. M. B. MILLER.7
Deerfield and Ottawa Lake, March 19.
We closed our meetings at Deerfield March 9, after seven weeks’ labor. The course taken by the professor from Adrian College, who came to defend the tottering Sunday institution, made those who had commenced keeping the Sabbath more firm, and made us many friends. Seventeen signed the covenant, all adults but four, and these are the children of Sabbath-keepers. Last Sabbath they had their third Sabbath meeting, and they intend now to organize a Sabbath-school.
This is our third week at Ottawa Lake. Our congregations average about seventy-five. There is but little opposition. The interest is increasing. Several acknowledge we have the truth, and some begin to see its importance. We have many calls to other places in this vicinity. J. S. PRESTON. C. A. PRESTON.
Dundee, March 17.
Two here, both heads of families, have commenced keeping the Sabbath. Yesterday they, with another one who is convinced of the truth, met with us, and we enjoyed a good meeting. God is working here, and the spirit of inquiry is great. Will the friends of present truth pray for us, and that the good work may go on? D. FITCH.
When earthly friends deceive me,
And with their coldness grieve me,
With broken pledges leave me,
How sweet to find in Thee
A friend that changes never,
Whose promises forever
Do comfort me.
When heavy cares oppress me,
And earthly ills distress me,
Though trials sore harass me,
How sweet to find in Thee
A sympathizing Saviour,
Whose aid and kindly favor
Do comfort me.
When sorrow’s clouds are bending,
The heart with anguish rending,
And sighs and tears are blending,
How sweet Thy face to see,
Behind the silvery lining,
Look out, with radiance smiling,
To comfort me.
And when my heart grows weary
With gloomy thought and dreary,
I cry, and Thou dost hear me,
As to Thy side I flee;
And on Thy bosom leaning,
Thy looks, so full of meaning,
Do comfort me.
And when familiar faces,
From out their wonted places,
Slip from my warm embraces,
Thy voice of sympathy:
“I will not leave you,” precious,
Heals all my heart’s distresses,
And comforts me.
When fades all earth has borne me,
And shadows dark before me,
From Death’s dark vale come o’er me,
I rest my all on Thee;
Thine arms, they do enfold me,
Thy rod and staff uphold me,
And comfort me.
—Baptist Weekly.
FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
God has given us a few witnesses to the truth at Morges. One is converted from Catholicism, another from the world, and others from different Protestant churches. One of our converts lived several years in Warsaw, Poland, where she knew an Englishman of good Christian character, who kept the Sabbath. Soon after we had presented the Sabbath question at Morges, we were refused the further use of the hall, though we had paid for it two months ahead. We have had to use our small kitchen for meetings five times a week.
I have made a three-days' trip to St. Didier, France, between Lyons and Paris, to help Bro. Gabert meet opposition. There are in that place a few Baptists who have recently embraced the Sabbath.
In Morges I have obtained twelve subscribers for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS, and in France, fourteen.
Mrs. B. has had a serious drawback. She has had a hard fever. She is commencing to improve a little, but is still confined to her bed and is very feeble. Her sickness has made it very hard for me, for more than three months. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Morges, Switzerland, March 3.
EAST SALISBURY AND NEWBURYPORT, MASS.
By C. W. Stone
We shall close our lectures at East Salisbury next Sunday, March 24. The attendance has been small. The meetings have awakened a deep interest in several that have attended, besides awakening the Methodists to a spasmodic zeal in holding some extra meetings to keep people away from the sound of the truth. Last Sabbath we had a meeting. Four, all heads of families, kept the Sabbath for the first time. The church at Newburyport came over to help us en masse. We had a good meeting; and it was a means of much encouragement to those just starting. We hope for some others who are deeply interested. Eld. G. F. Haines has given most of the lectures. This is his first course.
The Sabbath question has been receiving considerable attention of late at Newburyport. Eld. D. P. Pike, Christian Baptist, a man of ability, who has led his church in that city for many years, perhaps thirty, a custom-house officer, and a man who has been a candidate for the mayoralty, lately preached on two Sundays against the Sabbath. He does away the law, takes a no-sabbath stand, calls all days alike, and then sets up Sunday as the Lord’s day. After his second sermon, there appeared in the daily a breviary of nineteen points, said to have been made in his argument, and well sustained by Scripture. I wrote a reply to each point, filling a column and a half of the same paper. It is worthy of remark that the secular papers are free to publish our views, and readily open their columns to our strongest arguments. We try to improve this opportunity.
Last Sunday, Eld. Pike spoke a third time on the subject, inviting me to be present. I accepted, and listened to his tortuous endeavor of an hour and three-fourths, to get around the law of God. His own members beginning to go, he closed, when I arose and appointed to review him at Central Hall, Tuesday evening, which I did, with much freedom. Is not the Sabbath question the next to form the basis of public discussion?
At Seabrook, where Eld. Canright gave a few discourses in December, and where the first-day Adventists were so bitterly opposed, there is now an interest to hear, and they have thrown open their doors and challenged Eld. Haines to discuss the Sabbath three evenings next week, March 26, 27, and 28, with Eld. E. S. Moulton, which he has decided to do.
C. W. STONE.
COVINGTON, PA.
By S. B. Whitney
The interest here is running quite high. We have had rainy evenings and a maple sugar festival during the week past; but our congregations have been very steady, never numbering much, if any, less than a hundred. I never had so steady an attendance for so long a time. Last Sabbath we had the best Sabbath meeting we have had yet. There were about thirty-five out, and two-thirds of them remained for the Bible-class, after the public service.
There is quite an excitement over the proposed discussion, which is likely to fall through on account of the failure of the opposition to come to time.
S. B. WHITNEY.
INDIANA
By W. W. Sharp
Yorktown.
There are fifteen or eighteen keeping the Sabbath here. Eight have signed the covenant. Some of them give evidence that they are fully converted to the truth; some are throwing away their tobacco.
I am now holding meetings in a school-house two miles from Yorktown. There seems to be some interest. May God bless the seed of truth. W. W. SHARP.
TENNESSEE
Nashville.
By invitation I preached a few times at the Baptist church. Four discourses were given on the Sabbath question, making a deep impression. The pastor, who is an editor, is favorable to our views, and promises to publish some on our faith. Other ministers and many of the members are interested. I think it best to work around the city rather than in it, though there are openings in town that seem good. I am now lecturing about four miles out in the country.
Nashville has nearly 50,000 inhabitants. There is a city library, free to all, where they offer to take Adventist books for the benefit of the many readers. Who will send our works to this city?
My address is Nashville, Tenn.
ORLANDO SOULE.
Coopertown, March 14.
THREE more have commenced to keep the Sabbath at Coopertown. Dr. Glover has been lecturing against the Sabbath, claiming that the moral law is all typical and was all abolished at the death of Christ. We tried, with the help of the Lord, to present the nature and claims of his law, Sunday P. M. The church was crowded with attentive hearers.
G. K. OWEN.
Revival Blessings and Tent Meetings at Danvers
Bro. W. H. Edwards, Jr., writes from Danvers, Mass.:—
We feel that the Spirit of our Master is still with us and striving with the unconverted. We have glorious times of refreshing in our meetings; and though we are without an elder a great part of the time, we are united, and the interest continues. Last Sunday evening, the 10th inst, we had a social meeting, and it was generally conceded to be the best that had been held in the church. We could hardly close the meeting although it had been in session about two hours. The following Tuesday evening in the regular prayer-meeting a similar spirit was exhibited.
This Sabbath, Mar. 16, we have been highly favored. Eld. Wood, of Boston, gave us a stirring discourse on “Present Truth,” his text being 2 Peter 1: 12. We were all very much strengthened by it. He preaches to the point. At the close of his sermon, thirty or more of the brethren and sisters acknowledged the work of the Spirit in their hearts, and we had a blessed season.
We think that God has been very good to us in Danvers, in influencing Eld. Canright to hold tent-meetings here, and proclaim the third angel’s message to us. We learn that there is a great desire manifested in the towns around here to listen to a course of lectures.
REPORTING MISSIONARY LABOR.
By M. Wood
As an evidence of what a united and systematic organization can accomplish, we may note the progress of the T. and M. society. Eight years ago it was thought by some an impracticable undertaking, destined to perish in its infancy; but the blessing of God has followed it, and it is now acknowledged to be an indispensable auxiliary in the work of proclaiming the third angel’s message. Many have been brought to a knowledge of the truth through the influence of reading matter distributed by its members. These facts we should not so fully understand were it not for the reporting system. Some of our new-found brethren do not realize the importance of this branch of the work; and we fear that some of the older brethren need to be reminded of their duty.
Perhaps there is no one feature of the tract enterprise of greater importance than that of reporting. The reports give life and interest to the meetings. Abandon the reporting system, and you cripple the tract society. If there is no labor reported, no experience related, the meetings will be uninteresting; and it will be utterly impossible for either the president or the directors to give proper instructions relative to labor. By mentioning commendable acts that result in good, we follow the example of Christ and the apostles. In the Bible we have no book of resolutions, but we do have a book of the Acts of the Apostles. The New Testament would lose much of its interest and beauty were its writings confined wholly to doctrinal instruction.
No individual is exalted by this system of reporting. The amount of labor performed is, in many instances, known only to the secretary. God’s work alone is magnified; and God is honored, inasmuch as others are provoked to love and good works by the good reports read at our quarterly meetings, where we get a summary of the work done during the quarter.
All members of the tract society should keep a record of the number of pages of reading matter distributed, and of any other missionary work they may do. This can easily be done by keeping a small blank book, in which any item of tract labor may be noted down at the time it is done. A record should also be kept of all money paid to the tract society.
There are many friends, members of the T. and M. society, who have not seen the utility of reporting. They will manifest a deep interest in the work, scatter our publications, donate quite liberally, and would do nothing to retard the tract work; and yet these very self-sacrificing brethren and sisters are really impeding the work by their failure to report. Their influence would add very much to the upbuilding of the cause could they see the utility of this part of the work. Brethren, “It is high time to awake out of sleep.” If we have adopted a right system, and past results clearly indicate that we have, we should support it. A united effort gives strength and force to any organization. There is no reason why the strength of S. D. Adventists should not be felt in every quarter of the globe. We have a system by which this can be done, and by which it will be done, whether we engage in the work or not. The Lord is witnessing to every step taken for the advancement of his cause. We would say to all, Pull with the body, and we shall see this work move far beyond our most sanguine expectations.
M. WOOD.
Oakland, Cal
California.
SINCE leaving Nevada, Eld. J. N. Loughborough has held meetings at Red Bluff, Sacramento, and Vacaville. At Red Bluff deep interest was manifested. The people are very anxious to have meetings held here. Our own people pledged $75 and the seats for the tent, besides their liberal S. B. pledge, if the tent could come.
On Sabbath, March 2, Eld. L. held two meetings in the Antelope district, where Brn. Israel and Brorsen held meetings this winter. Four were received into the Red Bluff church.
Four discourses were given at Vacaville, March 9 and 10. Not one of those who came out on the truth here has given it up, and there is a growth in grace and earnestness on the part of the church.
Oakland, Cal.
THE meetings here continue to draw good audiences. Sunday evening, March 10, was devoted to the temperance question, Mrs. E. G. White addressing the large audience. Dr. Dio Lewis was present and made some remarks; others also took part, and the meeting seemed to be pleasant and profitable.
The California Christian Advocate published an editorial on the Sabbath question, which Eld. Healey is reviewing. No new argument is presented in the Advocate, but about all the old ones, although they conflict with one another.
Twenty-three have signed the covenant here, thirteen have been baptized, and others are almost persuaded.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
I commenced meetings near Shepherdsville, Bullitt Co., March 14. Came to help the few Sabbath-keepers here, not expecting to get up any outside interest; but to my surprise and joy, the prejudice, that raged for some time after I held meetings here a year ago, was nearly all gone. The school-house, that holds about a hundred, is now crammed every evening. I have been preaching day and night to the present, but my strength is not sufficient to hold out that way any longer.
I gave the first discourse on the subject of the Sabbath last evening, with the best of attention. My prayer is that God may bless the word spoken. Pray for the cause in this Conference. S. OSBORN.
MINNESOTA
By W. B. HILL
Our meetings at Lake Calhoun closed, for the present, March 17. Twenty grown people are keeping the Sabbath. At our last Sabbath meeting there was an attendance of over fifty. Have organized a Sabbath-school, with a regular attendance of over forty. We expect to return in two weeks to baptize, and organize a church. Several are investigating.
Bro. J. W. Moore has been with me the past two weeks. W. B. HILL.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3 Review
By M. E. Steward
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY, VOL. 3.
I cannot express my feelings regarding this book. God is good to give it to us. How inconceivably precious Jesus appears to us in these pages. I never read a work so tender, so thrilling as this; and yet at the same time it is so simple and natural that one seems almost to be seeing and hearing it all himself. The first and second advents are so intimately associated in our minds that these clear views of the former bring us to more deeply realize the solemn importance of the present, and to realize better the stupendous events of the near future. What a precious blessing for the dear Saviour to send his people, while Satan is intently trying to lull us to sleep and blind all our sensibilities. I hope all will read it.
M. E. STEWARD. Battle Creek.
HAVING THEIR CONSCIENCE SEARED.
By J. S. Shrock
AFTER having investigated the subject of the Sabbath, Eld. Lane inquired whether any had decided to observe the seventh-day, the Sabbath of the Lord. Among those who had resolved to do so was a young woman who was very highly thought of in the Baptist church, of which she had been a devoted member. After our meeting a Baptist brother called on her with the intention of persuading her not to leave off Sunday-keeping; but finding her very firm, he said, “Well, should you wish to keep Saturday you need not leave the Baptist church.” The lady replied, “Do you not think that these men are right?” “Yes,” said he, “I must confess that we have Bible evidence only for the seventh-day Sabbath; but I have kept Sunday so long that my conscience would not permit me to make the change.”
Did not Paul have reference to such when he said, “Having their conscience seared with a hot iron”?
J. S. SHROCK.
Friendship, Ind.
Religious Principles Planted in Childhood Endure
Religious principles inculcated in a child's heart are like golden nails which time drives in faster, and no philosophical claw can completely draw out.