We left New Orleans Wednesday night, Feb. 3, having been there twelve days. During this time arrangements were made for an exhibit of the International Society and the publishing work. Bro. H. W. Cottrell, of Ohio, remains to take charge of the exhibit. We have a good location for the educational department, where there is an excellent opportunity to converse with the best class of visitors and exhibitors. Bro. Cottrell has already found many individuals who have become interested in our work. There are quite a number who have had their attention called to our views for the first time. Some seem to be captivated with our explanation of the prophecies. The addresses of all are taken, and when they leave the city, at what place they will stop, etc. These individuals are visited by those who are laboring in the city, and are furnished with publications to read on the way home and to take to their friends. In many instances they are sold, while in other cases they are given away.
The great need at the present time is for laborers. Openings have already presented themselves for Bible readings, and appointments have been made for the same. Bro. Morrow, from Kansas, visits the depots, and furnishes publications to those who are about to take the cars. Thus the truth is being scattered throughout the various States. Bro. Dugan, who embraced the Sabbath when Bro. Kilgore was there, visits the ships. Two from Ohio, one from Kansas, and Bro. Dugan, who is employed by the Texas Conference, are the only workers there at present, except Bro. Thompson, who will labor as long as he stays in the city. It is evident that our brethren have not realized the importance of the work in New Orleans, else more would have gone there. We delayed going partly from the fact that it was not consistent to go sooner, and thinking that at that late date we should at least find a score of workers on hand ready for business. Twenty-five could well be employed in that mission this winter. Provision has been made for all to lodge in tents who may come authorized by the Conferences. Bro. Cottrell will take charge of the work, and any correspondence relating to the work in the Mission, and any periodicals sent, should be addressed to H. W. Cottrell, Fonta's Bloomingdale Nurseries, New Orleans, La.
S. N. HASKELL.
SWITZERLAND AND THE VALLEYS OF PIEDMONT, ITALY.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Since closing my last report, I have labored for the churches of Bienne, Tramelan, and Neuchatel, Switzerland. I found much to be done in helping young believers and some who had been longer in the truth, also in assisting in the work of getting up clubs for our French and German papers, and in obtaining renewals to the same, and in raising more means for our publishing house at Bâle. In this branch of the work our Swiss brethren have done nobly.
There have been encouraging additions to the churches of Neuchatel and Bienne. Especially is this true of the church at Neuchatel. This is largely owing to the effort made near Neuchatel last spring, and to the faithfulness of young converts and Bro. Albert Vuilleumier in following up the interest raised by said effort. Our French paper has done a good work also, in preparing hearts to receive the truth.
Neuchatel and vicinity was considered by some a hard field when I commenced a course of lectures there nine months ago. But God greatly encouraged me by his Spirit to make an effort, even when things looked very forbidding from more than one standpoint. Since then, about sixteen persons have been added to the church, and more are expected to follow their example. Why may we not regard this as a good indication that we should still push on the work, even in large cities? Nothing tends to unite and encourage old brethren like seeing the work progress in their midst and in “regions beyond” through their co-operation. The church of Neuchatel is now in a thriving condition, and bids fair to be one of the largest and strongest churches in Switzerland.
Being overburdened with the work I had undertaken in France and Italy, I was greatly relieved by my brother’s taking charge of the work in France, while I should spend a season in Italy. The Spirit of God endorsed this decision, and great peace has followed it. I believe God wants us to so labor as to retain the victories we have gained, and economize our strength, that we may still have the privilege of laboring in the blessed cause.
I have now been in the valleys of Piedmont since the 14th inst. I found Bro. Adémar Vuilleumier engaged in distributing tracts and papers, but he was in great need of having his faithful efforts followed at once by a course of lectures. He had hired and prepared a hall, and a longer delay to occupy it would have worked against us. We at once advertised for lectures; and although we have since had a three days’ snow-storm (the greatest storm of the kind that has been witnessed for forty years), followed by steady rain for twenty-four108hours, yet we have been enabled to hold five meetings. Among my hearers have been the two leading ministers, and the publisher of the place, who edits an Italian paper for the valleys.
Though we suffer from the errors of one who badly represented the cause here twenty years ago, yet we find many warm hearts, and hope, yes, expect, that with the blessing of God and perseverance, we will yet see many of the descendants of ancient Sabbath-keepers led to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
We have also hired a hall at St. John, a village three miles distant, where I purpose giving my first discourse to-morrow night. On my way to this place, I spent five days in Geneva in doing some missionary work and in securing rooms for my family, also in preparing the way for the work of colporting, which must necessarily precede a public effort at so important a point. During this period I enjoyed peace of mind in meditation and in seeking for a knowledge of the mind of God in regard to the proper methods to adopt in starting a mission in this city, where so much is to be met, and where there is so much at stake.
Shut up to finite strength and wisdom, this seems like a great undertaking, from which one would naturally shrink. But as we look at the power of present truth, at the shortness of time, and at the importance of enlarging our borders, and bringing our reading matter before so many who have no knowledge of our work, thereby helping our publishing houses and preparing the way for the living preacher, faith, hope, and courage revive. We expect yet to see a church raised up in the city of Calvin, the seat of the French Protestant reformation of the sixteenth century, and the renowned seat of learning for Central Europe.
As the work enlarges before us, bringing with it increased responsibilities, we feel like dedicating ourselves anew to God, and seeking for a fresh unction from on high. We beg the prayers of God’s remnant people, that we may have every needed grace, and that our hopes may be realized, to the glory of God and the Lamb.
Two new converts kept last Sabbath with us in this place. This will be a source of encouragement to Sr. Revel, who has stood alone like a rock amid the dashing billows for twenty years.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Torre Pellice, Italy, Jan. 19.
HOW TO MAKE GENERAL MEETINGS PROFITABLE
By G. I. B.
The experience at the Hillsdale general meeting, reported in this number, gives valuable hints as to how such meetings may be made profitable. Unless there is a general attendance of people, the preaching and exercises may be ever so valuable, and yet little good be accomplished. We have brethren in all our churches who see the benefit of attending such meetings; but the very ones that most need the help of them are apt to stay away. At the Hillsdale meeting we had a very large attendance, nearly every church in the district being well represented.
We have every reason to believe that this was owing to the faithful efforts of the director, who had such a burden and interest for the success of the cause in his district that he visited the various churches beforehand, and invited many whom he was anxious to have present, and wrote many letters.
The notice was not made more prominent in the REVIEW than is often the case; but we were very happily surprised to find such a large attendance as there was; and most of them came to stay through the meeting. We shall feel very much gratified if the same state of things exists in many of the meetings to be held this season. We greatly wish every director would stir around, and work up an interest to attend these meetings. They are held at considerable cost, and much good can be accomplished if all will attend.
The ministers who labor should feel the burden of souls resting upon them. Their preaching should not be dry and formal, but upon the living issues of present truth. If they do not feel a burden in their hearts, they should pray to God for it beforehand until they do. If there is anything discouraging in this cause, it is to have large numbers of the brethren and sisters take much time to come out to listen to the truth, and be at considerable expense to come, and then have the teaching and social meeting dry, formal affairs. A minister of Jesus Christ ought to consent to labor in such meetings unless he can feel the inspiration resting upon him with power, so he can impart life, and energy, and hope to those for whom he labors.
The missionary meetings, the Sabbath-school exercises, etc., should not be neglected. Our missionary meetings are many of them the most interesting of all, because the spirit of labor connected with this cause is its most important means of efficiency. We fervently believe that if our brethren would consider these points before important meetings are held, they might make such meetings more profitable. G. I. B.
TO THE S. D. A. CHURCHES IN MICHIGAN.
By D. H. Lamson
It may not be generally known that the plan of commencing the primary school week on Tuesday instead of on Monday is growing into favor in many parts of our State. It is nevertheless true, and many of our children are thus deprived of the advantage of school one day in each week. This plan is adopted largely in Hillsdale County, and, as I am informed, in other counties of the State. It is also true, as is known by nearly all, that the days fixed for the examination of those desiring to teach in the primary schools include the Sabbath, so that the teachers among us are frequently obliged to lose one examination day, and be content with a lower grade, or get a private examination at a pecuniary loss. It is thought that favorable legislation could be obtained this present winter, as several members of both houses of the Legislature are friendly to our interests, and have pledged themselves to further our desires in this matter.
What we want is, that in all cases where the rights of conscience are involved respecting the observance of the Sabbath, the primary school should invariably begin on Monday morning and not on Tuesday morning; and that the days for the examination of teachers for the primary schools should not include the day called Saturday. Such legislation would relieve our people very much in some localities, as far as the children attending school are concerned, and all over the State in respect to our teachers.
It is probably true that there is as great a proportion of our young people who are, and will be, teachers as among any other class, and even greater; that is, according to our numbers, and we need in both the cases mentioned above such protection as we may be able to obtain. What we suggest is that the elders or leaders in all our churches in the State circulate a petition among all the members of their respective churches or classes, getting the names of all who can be interested in this matter. I cannot see why it should not include the children of school age, as they are most grievously affected by the present system in many places. Expedition is necessary, as there are yet but fifteen days to present the bill.
D. H. LAMSON:
Counsel on Choosing Confidants Wisely
—Lay not thy heart open to every one, but treat of thy affairs with the wise, and such as fear God.
WELCOME WITH WARNING.
By N. W. Vincent
BY N. W. VINCENT.
Saints of God, oh, sound the warning
That the sinner’s doom shall tell,
Who in spite of God’s dear longing
Will pursue the way to hell!
In God’s heart is wondrous pity,
And there’s yet abundant room
In God’s great all-lovely city,—
Whosoever will may come.
Sinner, if you tarry longer
Oh, there’s wrath and plagues in store,—
Death, a fiery deluge stronger
Than the flood in days of Noah.
He who now commands repentance
Saying, “Come,” with yearning heart,
Soon will utter loud the sentence,
“Into fire, ye cursed, depart.”
Now, to-day, with tender yearning
Jesus bids you, “Come to me;”
Come, and of the Meek One learning,
Be from bonds of sin set free;
Come, and test his truth and power,
Come, and share his boundless grace,
Then in that last trying hour,
Christ will be your hiding-place.
Casa, Perry Co., Ark.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
AMHERST.—We have just closed a two weeks' meeting in New Ipswich. Eld. Goodrich and Bro. Frank Mace came with me. This church was raised up under my labors some sixteen years ago; but only a few of the original members are here. Like all our churches, they have had but little preaching. Trials had come in, so that we found the church in a poor condition. We had all our meetings publicly in a good hall, but labored wholly for the church. The interest was such that we could not leave as we appointed; so Eld. Goodrich went to Amherst, and I remained another week. Spoke once to a good house full at West Wilton.
The difficulties in the church were all happily settled. As is generally the case, they were only mere trifles. It seems astonishing that intelligent men and women, and Christians, too, could let such little things separate them. We all hope that this will be a valuable lesson to them, which they will not have to learn over.
The outside attendance was excellent, far better than was expected. I am sure that a good impression has been left, which will bear fruit in the future. Three grown persons began the observance of the Sabbath, and four spoke in our last social meeting for the first time. There will be half a dozen or more to be baptized soon, and some others will unite with the church. On the whole, we feel much encouraged over the prospect for the future of this church. I design to return and spend another week with them in about one month, to see who have kept their promises. I find Bro. Mace excellent help in such meetings.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
WISCONSIN
By N. M. Jordon
ELROY.—The general meeting held here January 10, 11, was well attended, and much of the good Spirit of the Lord was present. Eld. H. W. Decker did most of the preaching, which was principally upon practical subjects, and was well received by the people. The company at Elroy were brought into the truth as the result of tent labor at that place last summer. They are united, and have built themselves a house of worship during the last fall. The house is very neatly finished off, and presents a fine appearance, especially on the inside. Sunday morning it was dedicated to the Lord, Eld. Decker preaching the discourse. Before proceeding with this service it was thought best to provide for what debt there was against the house, which was but $30; and this was promptly done by pledges for the same. The subject of singing was presented and well received by the church.
In the afternoon of Sunday a church was organized of twenty-seven charter members. Others are expected to unite soon. It was voted that the church be called the Elroy church, and that a request be made that it be taken under the watch care of the Wisconsin Conference. An elder was elected, and a deacon appointed, and both were ordained to their respective offices.
Jan. 13. N. M. JORDON.
MINNESOTA
CLARISSA, TODD CO.—We have been holding meetings at Clarissa and Sugar Grove for about four weeks. The interest has been good from the first. There are twenty keeping the Sabbath, and others will take a stand soon. I feel to thank the Lord for his goodness, and I praise him that he can use me in his great work. Feb. 3. GEO. M. DIMMICK.
PARKER, FEB. 5.—Came to this place Jan. 1 and commenced meetings the 9th. Previous to our coming here, there had been somewhat of a revival among the Methodists, closing the evening before we began. We attended the farewell service, and asked the minister to announce our appointment, which he refused to do, but gave us the privilege of doing so. Said he did not see why we came in there, as the work of our people, as far as he knew, was to proselyte from other churches, and warned us that if we used our peculiar texts of Scripture on his people, he would use his own. We replied that we supposed that “All Scripture was given by inspiration of God, and is profitable,” etc. He left an appointment for Jan. 1. When the time came all the neighborhood was on hand to hear what he had to say; but, as they told us afterward, they were disappointed, as, with the exception of a few insinuations, he passed it by unnoticed. The building in which our services were held being small and uncomfortable, and the weather extremely cold, the congregations were not large. Those who came gave the best of attention, and manifested deep interest in the word spoken. After presenting the Sabbath question, we visited nearly all the families in the vicinity, and all, with one or two exceptions, admitted that we had the truth on our side. We gave in all twenty-six discourses.109Three signed the covenant. Others are deeply interested, and with the proper effort we believe a goodly number will take hold of the truth. We go home for a few days, and will then return to finish up the work as far as possible. We ask the prayers of God’s people, that we may be enabled to move in harmony with his will, and accomplish some good. BYRON TRIPP. FRED A. LASHIER.
BAXTER.—The 27th inst. we came to this place, a small station on the Southern Minnesota R. R. No religious meetings of any kind, except a Sabbath-school, have been held here for a long time. Once had a church near here; but removals and the scattered condition of the remaining members made regular meetings difficult; so for a long time they have been abandoned altogether. But friends received us gladly, and hope seemed to revive. The school-house was first secured, and we gave two discourses on temperance, which were well received. The only church in the place was offered to us for a whole year. Have now given six discourses to interested listeners. Our congregations have increased from the beginning. One evening over a hundred were present, and all listened with the most profound attention. The church has an organ, and the choir assists us in singing, and the people are very friendly. We have already taken several subscriptions for our church paper and Good Health. We feel to consecrate ourselves as never before to God and his work. Will our brethren ever remember us in their prayers, that we may be humble, and that souls may be saved. H. F. PHELPS. C. M. CHAFFEE.
NEW AUBURN AND ROUND GROVE, SIBLEY CO.—According to the arrangements made at the State meeting at Minneapolis, I am now laboring among the churches and scattered brethren in Dist. No. 1, in connection with Bro. A. Battin, director. Arriving at the first named place, the evening of Jan. 6, we found that the brethren had secured a public school-house and had circulated the appointment. We were surprised to see a full house of interested listeners in this little village. Held meetings three evenings, and the best of attention was given to the word spoken. We were kindly assisted in our meetings by Bro. Ray of the Baptist church. We found but few here who were still striving to keep God’s commandments and hold up the light of truth. These were somewhat discouraged, not having heard any preaching for a year or more, and, in consequence of being so scattered, having had no meetings or Sabbath-school for nearly six months. Though there were but few, we believed that the Lord would meet with us, and we were not disappointed. I believe our meetings were a success. We tried to bring before the brethren and sisters the evidence that Jesus’ coming is near, that the Judgment is in session, and the necessity of walking in the light God has given us. The Spirit came into our midst, and hearts were melted. Sabbath, Jan. 10, was a good day for us, and will be long remembered. An interest was manifested in the missionary work, and plans were laid for carrying it forward. Church and Sabbath-school officers were elected, and meetings and Sabbath-school will be held every three weeks. The brethren and sisters from Glencoe and vicinity will meet with the few here. We hope God will bless these brethren and sisters here in Auburn and vicinity, and we know they will walk in the path of duty.
Thursday evening, Jan. 15, commenced meeting at Round Grove. There was once quite a large company of Sabbath-keepers here, but so many have moved away that but few are left to maintain meetings. The weather was very severe, but the friends all came regularly to the meetings; here again the Saviour came very near, and we were encouraged. The brethren and sisters resolved that they would be more faithful in bringing all the tithes into the storehouse; and we know God will bless them in so doing. An aged brother and sister signed the pledge to forever discontinue the use of tobacco and tea, the brother having used tobacco from his boyhood. May they look to Jesus for strength to gain the victory over these habits.
Sunday, Jan. 18, I spoke twice in Bro. Dalon’s house to his German neighbors. We presented to them the claims of God’s law, to which they listened with interest, and desired to hear further. We believe that if some German brother could labor here, some souls might be gathered into the truth. Church and Sabbath-school officers were elected, and the missionary work was started. We left these friends feeling more encouraged, and hope soon to meet them and the New Auburn company again. I feel much encouraged, and have reason to believe that the Lord is helping in the work. W. B. WHITE.
KANSAS
By N. J. Bowers
SURVEY, ROOKS CO.—Have held fourteen preaching services and one Bible-reading. The attendance has been good, considering that the weather has been unfavorable a share of the time. The interest is better now than ever before. Reading matter is taken, and some are beginning to manifest a spirit of inquiry. Have had several invitations to visit. Introduced the Sabbath last night. Good attention was given. Brethren, pray for me and this work. N. J. BOWERS. Feb. 2.
DAKOTA
By G. W. Perry
PARKER.—Last Sabbath was a good day for the church at Parker as they were assembled for Sabbath-school and social meeting. The members were nearly all present, some of whom live about nine miles from the place of meeting. All are earnestly trying to learn the word of God. This church has no ordained elder, yet some of the brethren have been praying for the blessing of God upon the work here. We praise God that he is not slack in bestowing his blessing and Spirit upon those who ask in harmony with his will. It is very evident that this church is turning to the Lord not only in word, but in deed and in truth, in tithes and offerings. Surely the Lord has a large blessing for his people all over Dakota, yea more, all along the line, if they will return to him all the tithes and offerings, and keep all his commandments. Pray for the work in Dakota.
Feb. 1. G. W. PERRY.
Pittwood Church Visited by Elder Stewart and Brethren
By Mary Burkitt
Illinois.
Pittwood, Feb. 4.—Last Sabbath, Jan. 31, was a good day for the church at this place. Eld. T. M. Stewart, accompanied by Dr. Pottenger and other brethren from abroad, made us a short visit before his departure for Canada. We were all much rejoiced to see Bro. Stewart once more, and listened with deep interest and pleasure to his words of admonition and kindly advice. Elds. E. O. Hammond and W. H. Owen, who are holding a series of meetings in a neighborhood some eight miles east of this place, where a deep interest is awakened, were also present. Brotherly love and good feeling prevailed throughout the meetings; and though we were saddened at the thought of Bro. Stewart’s soon leaving us, all felt that the meetings were a source of much comfort and encouragement, and we rejoice to know that in the near future if faithful, we shall participate in a general meeting from which there will be no breaking up or separation.
Mary Burkitt.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
By H. W. Read
BRUSH PRAIRIE.—I am now at this place, which by direct line is about twenty miles from Portland, Or. I have come here for the purpose of holding a series of meetings on points of our faith. During the past summer Bro. John Cole did some colporter work in this community. I came here last evening. The people are somewhat scattered. I have visited some families, also the school now in session, giving out notice of the meetings. I shall commence Sunday at 11 A. M. I believe that God is with me by his Holy Spirit. I can see his guiding hand leading me to this place. Since coming to this Conference, my time has been mostly taken up by our city mission at East Portland. I am pleased to report that it is doing a good work, which eternity alone can reveal. I am of good courage, and hope and pray that God's blessing may accompany my feeble efforts. I have many eastern friends, and I beg an interest in their prayers. H. W. READ.
Jan. 16.
MISSOURI
By Dan T. Jones; J. W. Watt
SPRINGFIELD, BOLIVAR, AND HALF WAY.—Jan. 5 we went to Springfield and stayed one day, visiting at their homes the few brethren that were there. We believe this thriving town will afford a splendid field for tent labor at some future time if those who live there are careful to exert the right influence at all times.
Jan. 7 we arrived at Bolivar, where the tent was pitched last summer, and commenced meeting in the court-house the same evening. We found the prejudice very strong against the truth. Lines were strictly drawn, and very few but those who were favorable to our views would attend the meetings. The weather was also very inclement during the entire meeting. We remained at Bolivar nearly three weeks. Seven adults signed the covenant, (two of whom had already commenced to keep the Sabbath before we came, through the labors of one of the sisters that came out last summer), besides six children from nine to fourteen years of age. Some members of this company are showing a commendable zeal in giving up the use of tobacco, tea, coffee, etc. And we hope this leaven will continue to work until the whole lump is leavened.
Jan. 25 we came to Half Way, and up to the present writing, have given nine discourses to a good audience, which has increased in numbers and interest from the beginning. Opposition has been aroused. Two ministers of the Christian order who have accepted the truth on man's nature and destiny, are doing all they can to oppose the work, and break down the interest by telling the people what our position will be on the Sabbath and other questions. We trust in God, and move forward. DAN T. JONES.
Feb. 2. J. W. WATT.
MAINE
By A. O. Burrill
NORTH BERWICK AND PORTLAND.—January 28 I left my home at South Lancaster to begin labor in my native State, from which I have been absent almost seventeen years. I arrived at North Berwick, that same evening in the midst of a severe snow-storm; but I soon found comfortable quarters at the home of Bro. J. L. Prescott. I spent nearly two days in North Berwick, visiting from family to family. As we rehearsed the evidences for the soon return of our Lord and the important work which is going on among our people, new courage seemed to come to all present. One sister ordered an outfit for canvassing, and, I trust, will be successful in carrying the light of present truth into many families. A good assortment of tracts and Bible-readings have been shipped to them. There are two who intend to begin holding Bible-readings, and thus scatter the seeds of truth. Now is the time to sow it among our neighbors.
From Friday till Wednesday I was at Portland. Held eight meetings and two Bible-readings. The weather was very cold, and a portion of the time stormy. Just outside of the city the mercury dropped to 30 below zero and at Yarmouth the thermometer registered 41 below. At no service was the attendance large, yet the meetings were good. Our brethren are having a good interest; already more than a dozen have begun to keep the Sabbath, and more invitations to hold Bible-readings are received than can be accepted. There is much prejudice against Sr. White and her work; and this is favorable, for it affords opportunity to fully canvass the subject of spiritual gifts, and bring the nature of her work before those who are seeking for the truth. The canvassers are having remarkable success. It seems as though heavenly messengers accompanied them from house to house. I am much encouraged about the work in this city. At our last meeting all expressed a willingness to pay their tithes. This mission is struggling to meet rent, and I am sure our people in Maine will not let such a noble work stop for want of a few dollars each month. Those who want to make donations to it can send them to the State Secretary, Miss Rose N. Redmond, 113 Pearl St., Portland, Me.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” The cause now is in great need, and those who now help will be laying up a good treasure for time to come. My courage in this work was never better. It is sure to triumph, and if we keep humble and faithful, we may triumph with it. Mail sent to South Lancaster, Mass., will be promptly forwarded to me.
A. O. BURRILL.
WILL VERMONT COME UP?
By A. O. Burrill
It is with deep gratitude that we recount the many mercies and blessings bestowed upon our Conference during the last few months. It is but a short time since Bro. Hutchins stood pleading in our General Conference for help to go to the Green Mountain State, and the sound of his voice had hardly ceased when the Lord began to raise up helpers to assist him in the work. Now there are a goodly number, with the prospect that at the close of the school term in May a number more will unite their efforts to aid in the good work. In proportion to the number of believers, Vermont will be as well supplied with laborers as almost any Conference among our people. The Lord has been stirring up individuals to give themselves to his work in almost every branch of it, and shall old Vermont be behind?
With this corps of laborers will come an increase in expenses. The apostle says, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we should reap your carnal things?” 1 Cor. 9:9–11. These statements of inspiration show that those who have been receivers of the spiritual blessings are made responsible to supply the laborer with temporal things; and since there is duty in it, all who neglect it will do so at the peril of their souls. What made the church of Corinth inferior to the church of Philippi? Paul answered, “For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.” 2 Cor. 12:13.
We all want to see the work in Vermont make rapid strides, and this it will do if all will faithfully do their duty. The majority of Christians part with their means very reluctantly. Many are careful not to give even one-twentieth of their increase to God, and some far less than that; while many rob God of all their tithes and offerings, and still others give only a tithe. If all the110tithes and offerings among our people flowed into the treasury of the Lord, great blessings would be poured out upon them both temporally and spiritually, God would be greatly honored, and every branch of his work would be fully supplied.
Why should we wait until some thrilling appeal is made before doing something? There will be no stirring appeal for the gates of the city to open at last. No; only those will enter who have willing and obedient hearts. A few days ago, while consulting with the Conference Committee, it was thought best to send to every family of our people in the Conference the pamphlet, “Honor Due to God,” an appeal, and a pledge to be signed by every one, the pledge, when signed, to be returned to the State treasurer, A. S. Hutchins, Irasburgh, Vt. Who will be first in this good work?
A. O. Burrill.
OHIO
By Victor Thompson
Piqua, Walnut Grove, and Mendon.—Since my return from Iowa, Nov. 16, I have been working in the interests of the cause at the above-named places by preaching, holding Bible-readings, etc., my labor being confined mostly to Piqua and vicinity. The prospect for the truth wore a dull appearance at first in P., but through diligence in work and prayer, it brightened, and some began to feel an interest in keeping the Sabbath. But as the Disciples had challenged Bro. Gates for a discussion, some stood on undecided grounds until they could hear it. Eld. Howe, of Indiana, was chosen as their exponent. Eld. Lane met him Dec. 16. The truth gained a decided victory. Held meetings in the counsel house, and at Bro. Ainsworth’s after the debate for some two weeks, which resulted in others deciding in favor of the truth. Commenced meetings in two school-houses in the country, but the prejudice being deep against us, we could hold neither of the houses.
Jan. 14-17, I was with Bro. Underwood and Gates in a general meeting at Walnut Grove. The meeting was a good one. Jan. 18 to Feb. 4, held meeting with the church at Mendon. The Lord blessed us here. All seemed revived in the truth. Two united with the church. We entertain hopes of others who acknowledge the truth. Sold four copies of “Great Controversy” and obtained two subscriptions for REVIEW. Ten copies of the Signs were taken to send out on their mission. May the Lord bless these churches.
Victor Thompson.
THE WORK AMONG THE GERMANS.
By R. Conrad
Jan. 26 to Feb. 1 we held ten meetings at Good Thunder, Minn. Our brethren turned out well; and on Sabbath we had an excellent meeting, the Lord coming very near with his good Spirit. Bro. Holser met with the company at Garden City, and had a good meeting with them. On Sunday we had an interesting business meeting. Seven joined the tract society, a vigilant missionary society of twenty members was organized, and besides the club of Signs they already take, a club of twenty Stimmen was ordered. I received eleven subscriptions for the Stimme and Harold, and sold $6.00 worth of books. A few from the outside became interested, and attended every meeting. We trust the seed sown will soon spring up. Next we visited a German family at St. Peter, who have started to obey since camp-meeting. We were glad to learn that they had Sabbath meetings with a Swedish family here. We held a few meetings with them. Here I left Bro. Holser in order to fill my appointment in the East.
The good work begun in Kansas does not seem to stop. From letters received I learn that two more have started at Marion Center, and several at Lehigh. The brethren who went to Russell County report that six there have promised to keep the Sabbath, and from Rush County we hear of five. So the truth goes with power. From Dakota we learn that several new ones have started at Milltown whom we visited during our stay there. We feel grateful to the Lord for the prosperity of the German work in the West; and our prayer is as we start East that he may still go before us. R. CONRAD.
N. Y. HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
[We would not have the readers of the REVIEW suppose because of our failure to report, that the right arm of present truth has become paralyzed in the Empire State. We hope to see all our people in the State take their stand firmly upon the strict principles of Christian temperance given by inspiration. Our reasonable service is to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, and to this end we intend to labor. On account of so many other duties, the former secretary did not find time to arrange the report of our last annual meeting, and has recently sent it to me. Thinking that it might not be altogether unprofitable even at this late hour, I send it for publication. ELLA M. SWIFT.]
MINUTES OF THE FIFTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE NEW YORK HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY, HELD AT THE SYRACUSE N. Y. CAMP-MEETING, AUG. 14-26, 1884.
The first meeting was called Aug. 20, at 5 P. M. Prayer by Eld. D. B. Oviatt. Minutes of the last annual session read and approved. Remarks were made by the president, Eld. E. W. Whitney, concerning the work and progress of temperance among us during the past year, encouraging all to adhere firmly to the principles they have undertaken to support. The meeting was favored with the presence of Elds. Smith, Haskell, and Sr. E. G. White, the latter presenting earnest and practical thoughts concerning the temperance work. Following these remarks, Eld. Haskell said that there was to be a very distinct line drawn on this eating and drinking question. We want to be alive to every principle that will make us a separate people; and if we do not do this we shall drift away into darkness. We must be continually taking a step in advance of where we are.
The number of those who desired to become members of the society was then taken, forty-seven signing the teetotal pledge.
The Chair was empowered to appoint the usual committee, the following persons being named: On Nominations, E. E. Miles, M. H. Brown, R. E. Cottrell; on Resolutions, H. E. Robinson, J. E. Swift, G. W. Bliss.
A committee to canvass those on the camp-ground to secure signatures to the different pledges was then appointed as follows: Mrs. J. E. Swift, Louie Higby, Mrs. E. E. Walsworth, Mrs. J. R. Calkins.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING, AUG. 24, AT 2 P. M.—Prayer by Eld. E. E. Miles. After reading the minutes of the previous meeting, the report of the Committee on Resolutions was called for, and the following were presented:—
Whereas, The Lord has shown that the health and temperance work is an important part of the third angel's message; and—
Whereas, With some of our people there has been a departure from the principles underlying true temperance; therefore—
Resolved, That we earnestly urge speedy and radical reform upon these points, by discarding such food and drink as the Bible and testimonies of God's Spirit have shown to be injurious.
Whereas, The impending Sunday conflict will probably be connected with the temperance movement; and—
Whereas, Because of our opposition to the Sunday law many will suppose that we are enemies to the cause of temperance; therefore—
Resolved, That we recommend increased diligence on the part of our people generally, and the tract society in particular, to scatter such reading and give such instruction as will inform the public of our true position on this important subject.
Resolved, That we urge our canvassers and colporters to increased efforts in reference to obtaining subscriptions to Good Health and other standard works relating to our physical well being.
These resolutions were spoken to by Elds. M. H. Brown, E. E. Miles, D. B. Oviatt, and others, after which each resolution was considered separately, and unanimously adopted.