I had the pleasure of being with the Ravenna church, Dec. 22-24. Our Sabbath meetings were very interesting; some made a start for the first time.
The T. and M. work and S. B. were looked after on Sunday, and arranged for 1877. We find some of this church slack about their “tithing.”
“Will a man rob God?” yet when we use our tithes, this is what we do. Read, dear brethren, what the Lord has said in Mal. 3:8-11; Lev. 27:30-33. 23:10, 14; Deut. 14:22; Matt. 23:23; and when we read let us ask ourselves if this means anything.
Wednesday following, I reached Battle Creek, where I hope to spend the winter in our good school. Having been a pupil here, I am the more free to state that could nearly all my brethren in the ministry spend a short time here, it would greatly aid them in this good work, and especially those young men who are contemplating the ministry will find here what they need, and without which they can scarcely succeed. Bro. Smith’s lectures ought to be heard by hundreds, and especially by those who are expecting to become teachers of the present truth.
Board, room, wood, and lights, in the clubs, can be obtained for about $1.60 or $1.70 per week. Come to the school, brethren; send your sons and daughters. A. O. Burrill.
Terrible Railroad Accident.
By C. W. S.
A TRAIN of eight passenger and three other cars, drawn by two engines, fell through a bridge at Ashtabula, O., on the evening of Dec. 29, carrying everything but the leading engine down an embankment fully seventy feet. About 175 passengers were on board, and about 100 lost their lives, many perishing in the flames, as the wreck speedily took fire.
A few days since, a convent in Montreal was burned, and 13 or more perished in the flames. And to-day’s papers bring the sad intelligence that a vessel stranded off Long Island, and after a night of intense suffering from cold, twenty-eight souls went down into a watery grave with the falling of the iron masts to which they had bound themselves. The night was spent in agonizing cries to God and singing hymns to him, which could be heard from the shore.
Our minds have hardly time to recover from the shock of one calamity before another is recorded. C. W. S.
“He Exalteth Himself.”
By C. W. S.
FROM the Christian Weekly we glean the following:—
“Rev. Dr. Cumming, of London, says that the Roman Catholic Church has expunged the word ‘God’ from all the Psalms where it occurred, and has substituted for it the word ‘Mary,’ and their ecclesiastical authorities have ordered the word ‘Mary’ to be substituted in place of the word ‘Father’ in the Lord’s prayer.” C. W. S.
Attention: Ohio T. and M. Society Subscriber Designations
By M. E. Underwood
Attention.
ALL persons doing business with the Ohio T. and M. Society will please designate subscribers as renewals, worthy poor, premium subscribers, or whatever they may be, and thus save delays, mistakes, and confusion.
M. E. UNDERWOOD, Sec.
WHAT do our receipts indicate this week?
MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By H. A. St. John
WATERFORD.
I had freedom in speaking. There was a very good attendance. Systematic Benevolence for 1877 was arranged, the church coming up well. We think there is a growing interest in the T. and M. work in this district. May the Lord bless the canvassers that go from this section.
BELLVILLE.
I held three public meetings and one long business meeting with this church. Left them encouraged. We are confident this church will do its whole duty on s. B. They pledged nobly. They have an interest in the Tract Society also.
HAMLER.
The weather was extremely cold and stormy. The attendance was small. Some that we expected, failed to come. Re-arranged s. B. Two seasons of failure in crops have produced financial embarrassment and even destitution in very many families all through north-western Ohio. They signify their purpose to do what they can, however. God will bless the liberal soul.
BOWLING GREEN.
Eld. Butler and Sr. Lane assisted in the meetings. There was a good attendance, and we had a good time. We held two long, long, business meetings. Systematic Benevolence for 1877 was well started. The T. and M. work was not neglected. Bro. S. Simonds was chosen and ordained deacon. Church discipline was considered and enforced. Bro. O. Mears, the elder, is taking a noble stand. Clouds are breaking, and light flashes in. Forward, Bowling Green, leaning upon the arm of your Beloved.
YELLOW SPRINGS.
From Dec. 22-25, I held meetings with the Bowersville church at the above-named place. Our meetings were held in the Lutheran church, which was kindly granted us for the purpose. We rearranged s. B. for 1877, all present doing well. The ordinances were celebrated at Bro. Hill's after preaching at the church on Sunday night. All seemed encouraged.
Bro. J. G. Benton of Dayton will begin the work of canvassing for our periodicals in a couple of weeks. We expect he will do a good work if he is humble. At this meeting we met Bro. J. W. Lucas, the director of this district. He has been canvassing for a few days. He was discouraged because he had done so little. We thought he had done well. He felt much better when we parted with him. Lord, bless our canvassers.
H. A. St. JOHN.
IOWA
By George I. Butler
KNOXVILLE.
My meetings here continued several weeks, lecturing evenings to outsiders and our own members, and holding meetings in the day time quite often for the benefit of the church. The religious interest here among our own people had been very low—the lowest, I think, I have ever known in so large a church. After much patient instruction and public and private labor, a more hopeful state of things was reached. I hope to see yet a far better state of things in Knoxville as the church takes hold of the duties they have hitherto neglected. Bro. Minos Miller was elected and ordained elder. Bro. Geo. Howell was chosen clerk. When church discipline is enforced, and the church generally take hold to do their duties, I expect to see souls added to their numbers. There is no lack of talent in the Knoxville church.
STATE CENTER.
From Knoxville I came to this place, and have held meetings over a week. The brethren have built a new meeting-house 30x50, and have furnished it creditably. At the dedication the house was packed full of the citizens, and the whole affair passed off very pleasantly. The house is a credit to our people and to the village. This church is, perhaps, the strongest in our Conference in numbers and financial strength. We hope the house will be a valuable means of good to the church. Our lectures evenings have been quite well attended by our own people, and by the citizens when the weather was favorable. We have had some quite severe weather for this season of the year, which has stood somewhat in the way of the meetings. Meetings with the church are held in the day time occasionally. We hope for good.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Dec. 18, 1876.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane
At the time of my last report I was giving a course of lectures at Jalapa, Grant Co. The interest was good as long as I remained. At the general T. and M. meeting at Rochester, it was decided by the proper ones that I should, with the president of the Conference, who is not in good health, visit some of the churches, and present to them the importance of immediate action in the T. and M. work, and of coming up fully to the Bible plan of systematic benevolence.
At the close of the Rochester meeting I returned to Grant Co., and continued meetings at Jalapa three days. During that time, Bro. Sharp came to carry on the work while I should visit churches. In a late letter he reports large congregations, good interest, and some embracing the truth.
From Jalapa I went to Marion, where we held a tent meeting last summer. Quite a number then embraced the truth. While preaching at Jalapa I met with them Sabbath and occasionally work-day evenings, and taught them in regard to organization, the plan of S. B., and the subject of health reform. During my last visit, organized a church of twelve members, and S. B. to the amount of $60.00, per year, which was donated to the Indiana Conference.
According to appointment, I visited the church at Mechanicsburg, Henry Co., Dec. 2, 3. The meetings were good, and the turnout from without large as could be expected. The church was wakened on the subject of missionary labor, and if we are not mistaken they will take hold of the matter in earnest. Systematic benevolence was increased—nearly doubled.
The State debt of the T. and M. Society has been introduced in some of the churches, and nearly enough has been subscribed to pay off the debt. More than one half of it has been paid. Thus the good work is being pushed on. Pray for its success.
S. H. LANE.
IOWA
By R. M. Kilgore
PERU.
I labored at Peru about four weeks and preached forty times. The interest was good all the time. Once we had to close the door against those without, for there was no room within. The Lord gave good liberty in speaking the word, and all were encouraged while we reviewed the evidences of our faith; and especially the good Spirit of the Lord was near while we tried to press upon the minds of the brethren the necessity of a speedy and thorough preparation to meet the things that are coming to pass upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of man.
Eight new ones were led to take their stand on the side of the truth, and two others who had formerly obeyed the truth returned again to the fold with renewed zeal and courage, having, as one of them remarked, “learned a good lesson.” I hope their experience gained by this “lesson” will prove of great benefit to them in the future.
Three willing souls were baptized and three were received into the church. Systematic Benevolence was presented from a Bible standpoint, which, upon being reorganized, was raised from $84.22, their pledge for last year, to $174.34, for the coming year, which would have been over $200 if all had done their duty.
The former elder of the church having resigned, Bro. John M. Brown was elected to fill the vacancy.
It is to be hoped that the brethren here will fully realize the increased responsibility which now rests upon them, and that they will labor to build each other up, and provoke one another to love and good works.
WINTERSET.
The churches here are closed against those who are preaching this message, though the people are anxious to hear. Our meeting here was, therefore, of short duration, and was confined to a schoolhouse in the country, where I preached several times. The weather being extremely cold, but few of the brethren from a distance were able to attend. Two wagon loads came from Peru. This was appointed for the district quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society. Seven persons constituted the entire membership of this church. They are very anxious to have their numbers increased. They call for the tent. Systematic Benevolence was presented, and their pledge was raised from $68.22 to $101.14.
I go now to Adel to labor as the way may open. May the Lord lead.
R. M. KILGORE.
MINNESOTA
By D. P. Curtis
We have continued our work here in New Auburn with increasing interest. Our congregations range from fifty to eighty. We have canvassed the prophecies, messages, and the Sabbath. A large proportion of the congregation are convinced of the truth of our positions. Three or four families commenced to obey God by keeping last Sabbath. I think others will follow. On Sabbath we had a good meeting. Several of the Round Grove brethren, one family from Glencoe, and a number of S. D. Baptist families met with us, and the Lord gave us a good measure of the promised Spirit, to encourage and strengthen. We feel hopeful of good results, to God's glory, and the salvation of some precious souls. We desire to come so near to the Lord that he can work through us to make the message effectual in gathering out a company who shall be “to the praise of the7glory of his grace,” “when his glory shall be revealed.”
Bro. Ellis has gone home intending to return, if the Lord will, the latter part of next week. Providentially, Bro. Batten has joined me for a few days in Bro. E's absence. Our courage is good; and our confidence in God, and in the truth of this message, is growing stronger with each succeeding day. We believe that our brethren have prayed for us: we ask you to pray for us still.
D. P. CURTIS.
New Auburn, Dec. 27.
TRUST
By Julia A. Whipple
I know that thou art faithful, Lord,
That o’er thine own thou hast a care,
That though the waiting seemeth long,
Thou wilt not disappoint their prayer.
For thou a faithful few hast had
Through all the ages dark and long,
Whom thou hast helped through sorrow sad,
Because their faith in thee was strong.
Then help, that we may faithful be,
Each at our post our duty do,
Leaving the consequence with thee,
For thou wilt surely bring us through.
JULIA A. WHIPPLE.
Alma, Mich.
FISH CREEK, WIS.
By John G. Matteson
The last two weeks I have held meetings in Door Co., three days in Sturgeon Bay, and the remainder of the time in this place. There are about fifty Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. A few are Norwegians, the rest Americans. They embraced the truth last winter when Bro. Decker preached here. A few more have commenced to obey the truth lately. I have tried to present to them the life in Christ and the duties for our time. The Lord has helped in this work. They have never yet celebrated the ordinances, but we hope soon to be ready for this. Some have not yet cleansed themselves from the use of tobacco, but they will either do so or go back to the world. I am trying by the grace of God to encourage them to choose the first.
John G. Matteson.
MICHIGAN
By J. Fargo; A. O. Burrell
Since the report in last paper we have visited Muir, Orange, Saranac, Vergennes, Orleans, Gowing, Greenville, Lakeview, Bushnell, and Carson City, and re-organized S. B. and T. and M.
At Muir, we found the church in a growing condition generally. Bro. N. Outwater was ordained elder of the Orange church.
The weather was such that our quarterly T. and M. meeting at Saranac was not so much a success as we had anticipated. While at Gowing we met Bro. R. T. Sisley, who had been giving a course of lectures near by. When we arrived on Friday evening at Carson City, we found the church well lighted and a goodly number present waiting the arrival of the hour of meeting. We were greatly delighted with everything. Soon Bro. Smith came in. To see one of our old tried friends among us added much to the pleasantness of the evening.
It was only two years before this that in the night I reached this place with the tent alone. At that time there was not a Sabbath-keeper here; and now to see this large church and their new house of worship was truly gratifying. To God be all the praise. Of the dedication Bro. Smith speaks in another column.
At all these meetings we have realized the blessings of our Heavenly Father, and nearly all have taken hold of the work. These districts, Nos. 6 and 7, include four counties, in which are sixteen churches and one class. These churches have a membership of 447. Number above ten years of age who are not members, yet keep the Sabbath, 154; and of children, 181. Amount of S. B. pledge $2591.53. T. and M., a little more than $800.00. In these districts we hope to see much accomplished by those who are canvassing; and it is expected that each canvasser will be responsible for his outfit in case it becomes injured.
J. Fargo,
A. O. Burrell.
STANWIX, N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
By the advice of the Conference committee and Bro. Canright, I commenced meetings in this place, which is about two miles from the city of Rome, about a week ago. The interest is excellent and the attendance large for the place, a goodly number coming out on evenings that are so tedious that we almost expect the meeting to be a failure. We hope for good results.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Dec. 20, 1876.
STERLING, KANSAS.
By J. N. Ayers
The meeting at this place closed last night. Two united with the church. Bro. E. H. Seward was ordained as elder of the church. First-day afternoon we had a precious season celebrating the ordinances. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and all felt that it was a good season. May the Lord help the brethren of this church to put into practice the resolutions made at this meeting. On account of the severity of the weather and some prejudice, the outside attendance was small. I commence a series of meetings to-morrow night, the 22nd, about eight miles east of this place. I shall remain as long as the interest demands. I hope to have the prayers of the brethren for the advancement of the truth in this place. My P. O. address is sterling. Rice Co., Kansas, for the present.
J. N. AYERS.
Dec. 21, 1876.
MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By George C. Tenny
DURING the month of October I was holding meetings near Knowlton, Marathon Co. I gave two short courses of lectures. The first did not seem to amount to much; The second was well attended, and I had a good hearing, though the result was not fully reached when the lumbering season came on, and the people went into the woods, thus cutting the meeting short before the interest was developed.
Two families began to observe the Sabbath, and there are others whom I hope will yet take hold of the truth when I can return to finish up the work. On my way south I held two meetings at pilot Knob and spent two Sabbaths with brother A. D. Olsen, who is laboring in the vicinity of Friendship with good success. Fifteen or more have been brought into the truth through his labors there.
Dec. 1st, I came to Bro. Farrar's in Waushara Co., and commenced meetings. This is considered a hard field, but there is a good interest to hear. We hope through the blessing of the Lord some good may be done. A few have decided for the truth, and we hope for more. From here I expect to go to Outagamie Co.
GEORGE C. TENNY.
Ordino, Dec. 14.
KANSAS
By J. Lamont
OSAGE CITY.
Passing through this place on my way from Jefferson to Morris Co., two weeks ago to day, I stopped to stay over night with a family of Sabbath-keepers who had come here for the winter. They thought we ought to have a few meetings in their school-house (about two miles west of town); so we began meetings the next evening, and closed last night.
Seventeen have signed the covenant, and several others are keeping the Sabbath. A Sabbath-school has been organized with an attendance of over thirty.
COUNCIL GROVE.
Arrived here last night after an absence of nearly three months. A few have moved away; one or two have given up the present truth; but more than enough to keep the number good have taken hold. So the good work moves on.
J. Lamont.
Dec. 26.
MICHIGAN
By R. T. Sisley
After having rendered brother John some assistance in Delhi, I started Nov. 6th to find an opening to labor farther north. Staid at Greenville, to consult Eld. Fargo. It was soon decided that I should give a course of lectures six miles north-east of Greenville at the Brown school-house. While the appointment was being circulated, I held a few meetings with the friends on West Plains. Commenced to lecture in the Brown school-house Nov. 17th, and gave twenty-five discourses.
From the first of our meetings, a very bitter spirit was manifested by the members of the church, composed of a combination of Methodists and Free-Will Baptists. They sent for Eld. Stafford, thinking he would soon upset all that had been said. He showed a very bitter spirit, calling us disturbers of the peace, a curse to the neighborhood, and heretics. These strong expressions were thought, by some, to be uncalled for, while the church members felt highly delighted with the tirade. His discourse was reviewed, omitting that part which was unworthy of notice on account of its meanness, in the evening, before a full house, to the satisfaction of all but his special friends, who were much displeased to see his arguments before the clear light of God’s Word.
The following Tuesday evening, a lecture was to be given by Prof. Tompkins; but he, for some cause, did not come. It was proposed that I should occupy the time, upon which the church members left the house under full sail. After they left the house, I commenced to speak, but the noise made by those who had withdrawn, was so great I could hardly think, or the people hear. This confusion lasted about half an hour. Mr. Underwood, a very influential man, desiring peace, gently remonstrated with them, upon which their leader took off his coat, threatening to whip him.
The next step in the opposition was the circulation of a petition to close the house against us. A majority of the voters was obtained, and Dec. 9th the school-house was closed.
The following evening, Sunday, Elds. Stafford and Smith each gave a discourse on the Christian Sabbath. When they had finished speaking, I asked for the privilege of speaking for a short time, which they would not grant. As soon as the benediction was pronounced, I commenced to speak, in order to show how basely they had misrepresented the views held by our people, as well as to make apparent the weakness of their position. Not more than two or three sentences were uttered, when there went up a shout “Get out of here!” “Let us roll him in the snow!” They started for me; and, as the foremost one was about to seize me, Mr. Underwood, the school-director, caught hold of him. He then turned upon him badly scratching his face and neck and kicking his shins. A real mob ensued so that I had to give up reviewing their remarks. The sisters of the church also took an active part, declaring that I had no right to preach in that neighborhood. I think I was never in so warm a place before. These people claim to have the kingdom of God set up in their hearts. If this was a manifestation of it, I hope the same will never be set up within me.
Does not this seem something like the dragon voice, when two ministers can get up and misrepresent the doctrines held by others; and, if one who presented those views, endeavors to say something in their defense, he must be shut up, or rolled in the snow? Is not the dragon wroth with the woman, and has he not commenced a warfare upon the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ? Is it not an indication that we are near the end, when we can see the prophecies relating to that period fulfilled before our eyes? Has not the time come when they will not endure sound doctrine?
Some good has been accomplished by these meetings, as some have decided favorably, and we hope that others, who are much interested, will soon find their way out of the labyrinth of error. Dr. Chaffee has rendered valuable assistance during the meetings.
R. T. SISLEY.
Lakeview, Montcalm Co., Mich.
GEORGIA
By C. O. Taylor
I FIND the climate of this country all that I expected. It has never been known to snow here but once, within the memory of the oldest inhabitants. The ground can be worked every day in the year. They are now sowing oats. No day while I have been here has it been necessary to close the doors or windows.
I find the people very friendly and kind. They are glad to have northerners come among them. They are living according to the light they have. There is much more for them. The society calling themselves “Primitive Baptists” are very earnest for the Bible. They practice feet washing. They have some hymns for the occasion that would be a benefit to us. I improve every opportunity to speak to the people and give them reading. It is calling their attention to some things new. They receive it kindly, and wish to hear more. I expect no trouble in presenting the truth. Here is a large field. I do not know of one in all this State that is keeping the Bible Sabbath. If there are any, I would like to have them write to me. One serious objection to the progress of the truth in other places, is here—tobacco and swine’s flesh. The colored people have places of worship by themselves, occupying the same house with the whites, only sitting by themselves. Last Sunday one-third of the congregation were colored persons. They gave good attention, as did all present.
C. O. TAYLOR.
Quitman, Brooks Co., Georgia, Dec.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
After a walk of over fifty miles, with blistered feet and weary frame I reached the friendly shelter of a Sabbath-keeper, just at the close of day. Here a hearty welcome and warm Christian sympathy caused me nearly to forget my pains. I immediately had an appointment circulated for the next night; but the weather was so bad that few came, and it remained bad during my stay. This little company of Sabbath-keepers have many perplexing cares.
Bro. Richardson is in company with unbelievers; and they have kept him from preaching all summer, and are still doing so. Our people should avoid co-partnerships of this kind. I held nine meetings with them, baptized one, and organized a church of five. W. A. Richardson was chosen elder, H. C. Leach, deacon, Sr. Rosa Richardson, clerk. The elder and deacon were ordained, and S. B. organized amounting to six dollars and twenty-four cents.
The outside attendance was good considering the inclement weather; and some prominent citizens bid fair to become Sabbath-keepers. This church has a broad field for labor. May the Lord help them to be diligent.
I have now secured the use of a commodious Methodist church, known as the Swafford chapel, and expect to commence lecturing there Dec. 24th. I ask the brethren, of Tennessee especially, to remember me at the throne of grace.
All mails coming to me should be addressed, Nine Miles, Bledsoe Co., Tenn.
ORLANDO SOULE.
WISCONSIN
By I. Sanborn
According to request, we met Bro. Decker at Waterloo. Our meetings were very interesting and, we think, profitable to the church; and if all carry out the instructions given, great blessings will certainly follow; for God has promised, and who can doubt his faithfulness to perform? Our next meeting was at Mt. Hope, where Brn. Decker and Atkinson left us to go to Sand Prairie. We remained five days. Our meetings were well attended, and a deep interest was manifested by all to know and do the will of the Lord. A good interest was shown in the missionary work. About $30 were pledged to the tent fund, and they raised their s. b. pledges from $116 to $224. All decided that they would lay by one-tenth of all their increase as the Lord has directed, that there may be meat in God's house, and they receive the rich blessings which always follow prompt and faithful obedience. They also decided to put a sum equal to one-third the amount of their s. b. pledges into the treasury of the T. and M. Society.
On Wednesday, the 13th, we started for our appointments in the northern part of the conference. As we had to remain in Lake City one night, we spoke to the little company of Sabbath-keepers, who welcomed us so cordially to their hearts as well as homes. We found them all of good courage in the Lord, and very desirous that our precious views should be clearly and fully presented to the inhabitants of their beautiful town. We were much pleased and greatly encouraged by forming acquaintance with our dear Swedish brethren and sisters. Their hearts are warm, and their faces aglow with the love of God and the glorious truths of his word. How can it be otherwise with those who receive the love of the truth?
Friday, the 15th, we went to Maiden Rock. I spoke on Sabbath and first-day to interested congregations. We were kindly received at the homes of our brethren and sisters of the Minnesota Conference, and were welcomed to four different houses of worship during the week we were there. We earnestly recommend a thorough study and careful practice of the third and fourth chapters of James as a sure remedy for church maladies.
We stopped three days with Bro. and Sr. Roese, and held three meetings with their neighbors, who seemed much interested. Bro. Roese thinks of laboring awhile this winter among his countrymen, the Germans, and if possible to win some of them to the Lord. We pray that he may be successful in the work. God bless the messengers, and may their labors be fruitful.
I. SANBORN.
Arkansaw, Dec. 26.
BELVOIR, KANSAS.
By Geo. Kennedy
Separating from Bro. Lamont at Osawkee, I went to Palermo, Doniphan Co., and held a four days’ meeting, Dec. 11–14, with the brethren there. They are all in good working order. This is a strong church. They are all adopting the tithing system, giving the tenth. This is as it should be. When our brethren in Kansas come up to what God wants, we shall not have to lean longer on the General Conference. Come up, brethren, come up.
GEO. KENNEDY,
Dec. 8, 1876.
BELLVILLE, OHIO.
By WM. COTTRELL
I returned to my field of labor on the 30th of Nov., after an absence of ten weeks, which was occasioned by my wife's getting badly hurt. The interest was not so good as when I left there. I commenced, however, on the 1st of Dec. The attendance was small nearly all the time. A very few were interested. Gave fifteen discourses, and reviewed Eld. Peters (Christian minister) on the Sabbath.
I expect to commence a course of lectures next in Independence. No visible results of the meeting referred to above. I do hope for a few who appear to be almost ready to take a stand. I desire to be humble, that the Lord may use me as an instrument to accomplish some good.
In love of the truth,
WM. COTTRELL.
SLASH, IND.
By Wm. Covert
I HAVE now given ten discourses at this place. I intend to introduce the Sabbath question to-morrow evening. I consider the interest very good. Congregations averaged about ninety. The people are very kind. Wood and oil are freely furnished. I proposed to relieve the sexton, but he refused to accept my services. There has been no opposition from the ministry as yet, but I am expecting them to claim the house to run a protracted meeting in. I shall pray that our interest may not be broken up. I am laboring to establish a class near West Liberty. I hope to have the help of the Lord.
Wm. Covert.
Dec. 18, 1876.
FARIBAULT, MINN.
By C. Nelson
I HAVE labored two weeks among the Norwegians in this vicinity, meeting some opposition from minister and people. Still some are convinced that we have the truth of the Bible; and the Word, though spoken in imperfectness, has left a good impression on some minds.
I hope and trust that a few will decide to keep the commandments of God. Brethren, pray for me. C. NELSON.
FRANKLIN CO., IOWA.
By G. V. Kilgore
I TRUST that permanent good is being done in this county. Last Sabbath eleven arose to manifest their desire to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Five were keeping the Sabbath before I came to the place. Some have not only turned to keeping the fourth but also the third commandment. We feel thankful to God for turning the hearts of these men to fear and honor his holy name. I shall commence meetings in Hampton soon. I wish I had some strong man to lead in these meetings. But I will trust in the Lord, for in him there is everlasting strength. Pray for me. G. V. KILGORE.
LABETTE, KANSAS.
By L. D. Santee
ABOUT two weeks ago I commenced a series of meetings here at Shiloh school-house, two miles east of Labette. The Methodists have been holding a revival, and I found on coming to this place a warm-hearted, zealous people. I have given fifteen discourses on the prophecies and Sabbath. About all are agreed on the prophecies, and last Wednesday night six testified that they would observe the Sabbath of the Lord. I believe two or three more have commenced since then. Our audiences are large and attentive. Bro. A. J. Stover has been a great assistance during the meetings. We trust in the Lord to do a good work. Pray for us.
L. D. SANTEE.
SPRINGPORT, MICH.
By Frank Starr
AFTER holding several meetings in private houses, one person commencing to keep the Sabbath as the result, I commenced meetings, Dec. 20, in our school-house, a commodious one, built one year ago, this being the first sermon ever delivered in it. Three meetings have now been held; and, although it seems strange to stand before those among whom I was brought up, yet I hope, through the power of truth and the prayers of God's people, that good may be done.
FRANK STARR.
Dec. 25, 1876.
Send Your Child to Bed Happy
SEND your child to bed happy. Whatever cares press, give it a warm good-night kiss as it goes to its pillow. The memory of this will be like Bethlehem’s star to the bewildered shepherds.