[The following from Wesley, on Rom. 3:31, is so much to the point that I thought it might be of general interest to the readers of the REVIEW.—A. G. B.]
“It therefore behooves all who desire either to come to Christ, or to ‘walk in Him whom they have received,’ to take heed how they ‘make void the law through faith’; to secure us effectually against which, let us inquire, first, which are the most effectual ways of making void the law through faith; and secondly, how we may follow the apostle, and by faith ‘establish the law.’”
“1. Let us first inquire, What are the most usual ways of making void the law through faith? Now the way for a preacher to make it all void at a stroke is—not to preach it at all. This is just the same thing as to blot it out of the oracles of God. More especially when it is done with design, when it is made a rule ‘not to preach the law’; and the very phrase, ‘a preaching of the law,’ is used as a term of reproach, as though it meant little less than ‘an enemy of the gospel.’”
“2. All this proceeds from the deepest ignorance of the nature, properties, and use of the law; and proves that those who act thus either know not Christ, are utter strangers to the living faith, or at least that they are but babes in Christ, and as such ‘unskilled in the word of righteousness.’”
“3. Their grand plea is this: ‘That preaching the gospel (that is, according to their judgment, the speaking of nothing but the sufferings and merits of Christ) answers all the ends of the law.’ But this we utterly deny. It does not answer the very first end of the law, namely, the convincing men of sin, the awakening those who are still asleep on the brink of hell. There may have been here and there an exempt case. One in a thousand may have been awakened by the gospel. But this is no general rule. The ordinary method of God is to convict sinners by the law, and that only. The gospel is not the means which God hath ordained, or which our Lord himself used, for this end. We have no authority in Scripture for applying it thus, nor any ground to think it will prove effectual. Nor have we any more ground to expect this from the nature of the thing. ‘They that be whole,’ as our Lord himself observes, ‘need not a physician, but they that be sick.’ It is absurd, therefore, to offer a physician to them that are whole, or that at least imagine themselves so to be. You are first to convince them that they are sick. Otherwise they will not thank you for your labor. It is equally absurd to offer Christ to them whose heart is whole, having never yet been broken. It is, in the proper sense, ‘casting pearls before swine.’ Doubtless ‘they will trample them under foot.’ And it is no more than you have reason to expect, if they also ‘turn again and rend you.’”
“4. ‘But although there is no command in Scripture to offer Christ to the careless sinner, yet are there not scriptural precedents for it?’ I think not: I know not any. I believe you cannot produce one, either from the four Evangelists, or the Acts of the Apostles. Neither can you prove this to have been the practice of any of the apostles, from any passage in all their writings.”
“5. Nay, does not the apostle say, in his former epistle to the Corinthians, ‘We preach Christ crucified’ (Chap. 1:23) and in his latter, ‘We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord’? Chap. 5:4.
“We consent to rest the cause on this issue; to tread in his steps, to follow his example. Only preach you just as St. Paul preached, and the dispute is at an end. For although we are certain he preached Christ in as perfect a manner as the very chief of the apostles, yet who preached the law more than St. Paul? Therefore, he did not think the gospel answered the same end.”
“6. The very first sermon of St. Paul’s which is recorded, concludes in these words: ‘By him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets, Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.’ Acts 13:39, etc. Now it is manifest, all this is preaching the law in the sense wherein you understand the term; even although a great part of, if not all his hearers, were either Jews or religious proselytes (verse 43), and therefore, probably many of them, in some degree at least, convinced of sin already. He first reminds them that they could not be justified by the law of Moses, but only by faith in Christ; and then severely threatens them with the judgments of God, which is, in the strongest sense, preaching the law.”
“7. In his next discourse, that to the heathens at Lystra (Chap. 14:15, etc.), we do not find so much as the name of Christ. The whole purport of it is, that they should ‘turn from those vain idols unto the living God.’ Now confess the truth. Do not you think if you had been there you could have preached much better than he? I should not wonder if you thought, too, that his preaching so ill occasioned his being stoned; and that his being stoned was a just judgment upon him for not preaching Christ!”
“8. To the jailor indeed, when ‘he sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ he immediately said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Chap. 16:29, etc.) And in the case of one so deeply convinced of sin, who would not have said the same? But to the men of Athens you find him speaking in a quite different manner, reproving their superstition, ignorance, and idolatry; and strongly moving them to repent, from the consideration of a future judgment, and of the resurrection from the dead. (Chap. 17:24-31.) Likewise, when Felix sent for Paul, on purpose that he might hear him concerning the faith in Christ; instead of preaching Christ in your sense (which would probably have caused the governor either to mock or to contradict and blaspheme), he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, till Felix (hardened as he was) trembled. (Chap. 24:24, 25.) Go thou and tread in his steps. Preach Christ to the careless sinner, by reasoning of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come!”
“9. If you say, ‘But he preached Christ in a different manner in his epistles,’ I answer, He did not there preach at all: not in that sense wherein we speak; for preaching in our question means, speaking before a congregation.”
“But waiving this, I answer, His epistles are directed, not to unbelievers, such as those we are now speaking of, but to the saints of God, in Rome, Corinth, Philippi, and other places. Now, unquestionably, he would speak more of Christ to these than to those who were without God in the world. And yet, every one of these is full of the law, even the epistles to the Romans and the Galatians, in both of which he does what you term preaching the law, and that to believers as well as unbelievers.”
“10. From hence it is plain you know not what it is to preach Christ, in the sense of the apostle. For, doubtless, St. Paul judged himself to be preaching Christ, both to Felix, and at Antioch, Lystra, and at Athens. From whose example every thinking man must infer that not only the declaring the love of Christ to sinners, but also the declaring that he will come from heaven in flaming fire, is, in the apostle’s sense, preaching Christ, yea, in the full scriptural meaning of the word. To preach Christ is to preach what he hath revealed either in the Old or New Testament; so that you are then as really preaching Christ when you are saying, ‘The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that forget God,’ as when you are saying, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!’”
“11. Consider this well: that to preach Christ is to preach all things that Christ hath spoken; all his promises, all his threatenings and commands; all that is written in his book. And then you will know how to preach Christ without making void the law.”
J. G. MATTESON
By J. G. Matteson
Denmark.
Bro. Jasperson reports some progress in Denmark. He says Bro. K. Brorson has worked with zeal and patience, and he has gained a number of souls for the truth. He has held meetings in many different places, and visited the people from the western to the eastern coast of the country. He has gained many hearts by thus conversing with them about the truth in their homes, and supplying them with tracts and papers.
These brethren are now laboring together. Two new churches have been organized, one in Hellum, and one in Asaa. In the former place there are twelve members. Bro. Madsen was chosen and ordained elder. They rejoiced much in the Lord as they partook of the ordinances. The meeting continued Sabbath afternoon from 2 till 8 o’clock, and still they were loth to part. A number of brethren and sisters from other places were with them. The light of Tabor shone among them.
In Asaa are fifteen Sabbath-keepers. Two were baptized. Eight united in church fellowship, and the rest will soon join them. Others are interested in the truth. Bro. C. Christensen was appointed elder. They are good Christian souls, and love the truth. These, with the two above mentioned, make in all four churches in Vensyssel, (Northern Denmark). May the Lord bless the cause in Denmark.
J. G. MATTESON
ENGLAND
From a private letter written by Bro. Ings from Southampton, Eng., under date of Aug. 13, we take the liberty to present the following:—
The tent-meeting here has not been in vain. It has stirred up Southampton considerably. There are now between thirty and forty Sabbath-keepers, and many more are convinced, some of whom will yet obey.
Interests are arising all around us. Last Sunday I went into the country eight miles, where an interest has been awakened by papers and tracts received from Sr. Bradford, of Massachusetts. Three or four will undoubtedly keep the Sabbath as the result.
We have just heard that a company at Pool are keeping the Sabbath. We have not learned the particulars. Last summer I visited the place, it being only ten miles from where I was born. I left tracts with some, and sent addresses of interested readers to our V. M. societies; and I presume this company is the result of their labors.
We are receiving some excellent letters from interested ones. We believe the blessing of God is attending the work in all its parts. Missions of truth, sent to all parts of the world, are doing their work. If all Heaven is interested in the closing work, certainly we should be. How glad I am that I have some love to work in the vineyard of my Master; but I must have more of the spirit that has characterized others in making sacrifices to spread the truth.
INDIANA
By W. W. Sharp
Silver Lake, Tent No. 1, Aug. 20.—Closed our meetings here last Sunday night. Have sold $5.00 worth of books. Received $7.80 in donations, which was $3.27 more than our expenses while there. Nine have voted to keep the Sabbath. They seem earnest, and take hold of the work with determination. We move from here to Sevastopol.
Sevastopol, Aug. 25.—This is a small country village of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. Have held five meetings, with an average of one hundred and seventy-five listeners. The people are very friendly, and give good attention to the word spoken. Bro. Lane has returned to lend a helping hand.
W. W. SHARP.
MICHIGAN
Mason, Aug. 29.—Commenced meetings here Aug. 14. The people have given us a good hearing from the first, the attendance ranging from 150 to 200, occasionally being much larger, as we have advertised special subjects. On Sundays our tent is filled. The interest has deepened, and conviction seems to be settling upon the people. We have canvassed the Sabbath question. There is here a Baptist minister who was a native of Prince Edwards Island near Nova Scotia. He was educated in Massachusetts, and has been a pastor of the Baptist church for nearly twenty years, until last spring, when he was obliged to give up on account of failing health. He and his family have attended our meetings from the first. He is thoroughly convinced, and with some others is taking his stand with us to keep the Sabbath. We intend to-morrow to hold our first Sabbath meeting with them. They seem to be intelligent, candid people. They are very kind to us. Here is a good missionary field. We need more help. Pray for us.
T. M. STEWARD.
E. P. DANIELS.
Tent No. 1, South Haven.—We commenced meetings in this place Aug. 13, and have continued them each evening and Sunday since. Our congregations have averaged one hundred candid and interested hearers. The tent tracts have been taken freely, and sometimes we have sold books faster than two of us could hand them out and make change. The people are very kind to us, and abundantly supply all our wants. It is surprising to see how careful they are that we should want for nothing.
We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question, and a slight decrease in our congregation is perceptible; but still many listen attentively. People call upon us at our tents every day to talk with us about the truth; we also visit them at their homes. There were none of our people here when we came.
We now have hope that the seeds of truth sown will take root, and that God will give much increase. There will be meeting in the tent each Sabbath afternoon at 3 o’clock while we remain here, and we invite our brethren from Douglas, and all within reasonable distance, to attend.
E. R. JONES.
WM. POTTER.
MARYLAND
By I. Sanborn
Baltimore.—I spent one week with the little company of Sabbath-keepers near this city. Found some of them a little confused on some points; but one sermon relieved their minds from doubt, and they all rejoiced for the timely aid received. They are trying to be a devoted, faithful people, striving to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth. Here I met a sister from Washington, who heard me preach a sermon nine years ago in Chicago, on the change of the Sabbath. Since that time she has kept the Sabbath, and with another sister has distributed much reading matter in the city of Washington.
I spoke twice in the city of Baltimore, in private rooms, to about twelve persons who had become somewhat interested by reading, and who seem now to be anxious to learn more about the kingdom of God.
Baltimore is just now under a great excitement about the Sunday-Sabbath question. The city police having stopped the Cockade city steamer from making a Sunday excursion trip on the bay, an indignation meeting was called by many citizens, to pass resolutions, one of which reads as follows:—
Resolved, That as law-abiding citizens we submit to the dictates of this law while in existence, yet consider that the so-called Sunday laws now upon the statute books are directly contrary to the Constitution of the United States, and the spirit of the times.
This, with other resolutions, was passed by about 500 persons. Two weeks later, the police took possession of, and stopped, an excursion train, which has added wonderfully to the excitement. The probability is that the railroad company will commence suit for damage. What a favorable opportunity is now offered to circulate tracts and papers in Baltimore! Brethren and sisters, work. Can you not discern that the end is nearing? I. SANBORN.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE OHIO S. S. ASSOCIATION.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; E. H. Gates
The Ohio Sabbath-school Association met to hold its first annual meeting on the Spring Mills camp-ground, Aug. 25, at 9 A. M. Meeting was opened by singing, “Exalt Him all ye People.” Prayer by W. C. White.
After the delegates, Sabbath-school superintendents, and teachers were called forward, all brethren in good standing were invited to take part in the meeting.
On motion, the appointing of the nominating committee was left to the Chair. The following committee was appointed: G. G. Rupert, F. Van Camp, R. A. Boardman.
The secretary read a report of the organization of the Association, after which the following annual report was read and accepted:—
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OHIO S. S. ASSOCIATION.
The first quarterly report of the Association was made Oct. 1, 1878. Number of schools reported, 6; number of pupils, 166; average attendance, 90.
The second quarterly report Jan. 1, 1879, showed the following: No. of schools reported, 9; No. of pupils, 292; average attendance, 170. An increase over the previous quarterly report, of 3 schools and 126 pupils.
The third quarterly report was made April 1, 1879. The following shows the standing of the schools at that time: No. of schools, 19; No. of pupils, 480; average attendance, 294; No. of Instructors taken, 161; amount of contributions, $24.91. Increase over the previous quarter, 10 schools, and 188 pupils. The schools at Dunkirk, Parkman, and Van Wert failed to report.
The last quarterly report was made July 1, 1879,87showing the following as the standing of the schools at that time: No. of schools, 22; No. of pupils, 726; average attendance, 518; Instructors taken, 500. Increase over the previous quarter, 3 schools, and 246 pupils. The school at Dunkirk failed to make its quarterly report. Since the quarterly meeting at Clyde, May 2-5, 1879, Bro. D. W. Reavis has been laboring in the State with good results, all the schools in the State have been supplied with record books, question books for the little ones, and clubs of the weekly Instructor.
After the reading of this report, Bro. Reavis made a few remarks on the general condition of the schools, and then offered the following resolutions, which were adopted by a unanimous vote of the Association.
1. Resolved, That we recommend each of the Ohio Sabbath-schools to pay quarterly one-tenth of their donations to the State Association.
2. Resolved, That we recommend the State Association to pay quarterly a tithe of its receipts to the General Association.
3. Whereas, The efficiency and success of our Sabbath-school teachers and officers will be greatly increased by frequent consultations, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend the officers and teachers of each school to hold a teachers’ meeting every fourth Sabbath.
4. Whereas, It is impossible for one person to visit each of our schools more than once a year, and said visiting being at considerable expense to the State, and not being frequent enough to give satisfaction to either the school or to the general superintendent, therefore,
Resolved, That the ministers who have charge of the districts in the State be responsible for the Sabbath-schools in their districts.
5. Resolved, That to establish and to finish the Sabbath-school work that has been commenced during the past summer, we hold six Sabbath-school Institutes, at such points as the president of the Sabbath-school Association may appoint.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING, Aug. 25, 6 o’clock P. M. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. The committee on nominations reported. The report was accepted, and the following named officers were elected for the coming year: Eld. D. M. Canright, president; Ida Sharpe, secretary; Executive Committee, D. M. Canright, James Rowe, B. F. Van Camp.
Adjourned, sine die.
D. M. CANRIGHT, Pres.
E. H. GATES, Sec.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
By Eliza H. Morton
Upon the mountains wild of life
The sheep are led astray,
And wander on o’er tracts of sand,
In blind uncertain way.
The floods of sin are deep and dark,
The midnight air is chill;
The wilderness is bleak and drear,
And far from Zion’s hill.
No lamb is left unsought by Him—
The Shepherd of the sheep;
He calls his own by well-known name,
Tho’ silence oft they keep.
O Shepherd, good and ever true!
Thy tender love is strong;
The shadow of thy staff is rest;
Thy voice is endless song.
O pastures green, and place of rest!
When will mine eyes behold
The Shepherd as he leads his flock
To everlasting fold?
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen’s Corner, Me.
NEW YORK.
By M. H. Brown; C. C. Lewis
South Rutland, Tent No. 3, Aug. 20.—
We close our meetings here Sunday evening, Aug. 24. We will give a summary of our labors here, and the results, in our next report. We pitch our tent in Carthage next week. Our P. O. address, till further notice, will be Carthage, Jeff. Co., N. Y.
M. H. Brown.
C. C. LEWIS.
MINNESOTA
By C. Nelson
Meriden, Aug. 20.—The Lord is very good to us. We were rejoiced last Sabbath to have the privilege of baptizing our dear brother, J. Larson, formerly a Methodist, and a preacher in the Danish and German languages. He is now ready to work among the Germans and Danes in this vicinity. Brethren, pray for us. C. NELSON.
NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd
El Dorado, Aug. 26.—A good interest has been manifested in the meetings here. Present truth has found its way to the hearts of the hearers. A church of twelve members, and a T. and M. society have been organized. The teetotal pledge was cheerfully signed, and S. B. adopted. Four were baptized, and the meetings closed with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
VERMONT
By C. W. Stone
Elmore, Aug. 27.—Our meetings still continue with as large an attendance as at the first. After speaking on the subject of temperance, several that night bade adieu to tobacco, and some others have given up tea and coffee. Fifteen have decided to keep the Sabbath. Among these are several who never made a profession of religion before. We hope for others. Last Monday evening a gentleman arose and proposed to take up a collection for us. The sum of $8.08 was obtained. C. W. STONE.
PENNSYLVANIA
By J. W. Raymond; D. B. Welch
Lindleytown, Tent No. 1, Aug. 29.—We have been here two weeks, and have canvassed quite largely the subject of prophecy. We have just introduced the law question. Eld. Ayers (Baptist) is to occupy the tent one evening next week in an opposition discourse on the law. Our average attendance is about 200. The people are very orderly and attentive. Pray for us, that the blessing of God may attend our labors, and the honest in heart be led to accept the truth.
J. W. RAYMOND.
D. B. WELCH.
COLORADO
By J. O. Corliss
Denver.—The tent has now been here a little more than two weeks. The interest is still quite good, the congregations ranging from one hundred and fifty to four hundred. Bro. and Sr. White were with us a few days, and rendered timely aid. The discourse of Sr. White on Christian Temperance was listened to by more than six hundred people, and was well received. The meetings are eliciting considerable comment even in this busy, thriving city. Books sell readily, nearly twenty dollars' worth having been already sold. The Sabbath question has not yet been introduced, but some with whom we have had private conversations say they shall observe the Sabbath hereafter. Our weekly donations in money average about $5.00. Although the work may move slowly for a time, yet we feel encouraged to believe that by earnest, persevering labor in the Lord, a good work may yet be accomplished here in Denver. J. O. CORLISS.
MISSOURI
By J. H. Rogers
Henken's Grove, Caldwell Co., Aug. 25.—
THIS is a country place, and is quite a resort for picnics and public gatherings. Bro. Alley and I had arranged to pitch the tent here before he received word to join Bro. Wood with the southern Missouri tent. I very much regretted parting with him, as I found in him a devoted as well as faithful and congenial fellow-laborer. My son still continues with me as tent-master, and assists in the singing.
Have held six meetings here since Aug. 22, with an increasing attendance. Last evening the tent was full. There seems to be an interest to hear. Bro. Long preached a few discourses here some four years since, which have not lost their effect upon the minds of some at least. I wish he were here now to assist in the work. I realize more and more the need of the blessing of God and his Holy Spirit to accompany the word spoken. Brethren of Missouri, why not arouse and buckle on the armor anew? Remember, the curse of God was upon Meroz for doing nothing. Let us come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and God will bless us in this Conference.
J. H. ROGERS.
ONTARIO
By John W. Moore; C. Black
Chatham, Aug. 25.—Since my last report two more have commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and others are in the valley of decision. Since May 30 we have given seventy sermons on present truth, have scattered 15,000 pages of tracts, sold several books, and obtained a good many paying subscribers for our periodicals. Through the agency of our V. M. societies we are now sending the Signs to 1,700 homes; and allowing that families average five each, the Signs is being read by 8,500 persons in Ontario. Thus the way is opening for the spread of the truth in this city of nine thousand inhabitants.
About one-half of those who have listened to the truth say we are right on the Sabbath question; but very few seem willing to obey. There are now about fifty-five Sabbath-keepers scattered over Ontario. Thirteen of these are brethren, while the balance are sisters whose husbands are not in the truth, or young women who are not in a position to aid the cause much financially. But we feel sure that the cause in Ontario will prosper. This is one of the richest fields in the world, and yet the people move with great caution, and look with suspicion upon a man from the States who presents anything which is new to them. This is not surprising; for peddlers and agents from the States abound in Ontario, who make their living by swindling honest people. We expect to make this place our head-quarters for some time. We shall endeavor to thoroughly establish the work here, and then labor in school districts in the country near the city. Bro. Geo. A. King has been with us since Aug. 14, and is good help in preaching, singing, and visiting. We would express our thanks to the V. M. societies for the part they are taking in the work in Ontario, and we are still prepared to send more names, if any of our societies will furnish the paper for them. We desire the prayers of God's people.
JOHN W. MOORE.
C. BLACK.
KANSAS
Burlingame, Osage Co., Aug. 26.—I have been for the past two weeks with the church at Elm Creek. The blessing of the Lord was truly with us in the meetings. Two new members were added to the church. One of these was the wife of a non-professing husband, and the mother of a family. Although strongly opposed, she steps out trusting in Jesus. The other was a daughter of Bro. Atwood. May God bless these sisters. A health and temperance society was formed, consisting of eighteen members, nearly all signing the teetotal pledge. Shall begin meetings in Osage City the 29th. Will all the brethren in Kansas pray for God’s blessing upon the effort there? Bro. E. L. Fortner will be with me. G. H. ROGERS.
Clarion, Pontiac and Caldwell.—Aug. 1–18 we spent with the above-named churches. The Clarion church was formerly known as the White Water church. This church was composed of two bodies of believers living some twenty-five miles apart. These bodies have since grown till they were large enough to form separate organizations. The company living seven miles from El Dorado was organized into a church known as the Pontiac church, numbering eleven members. My visit to Caldwell, Sumner Co., was of peculiar interest. Here Bro. Stevens labored about two weeks last winter. Since then others have been falling into rank until now they number fourteen Sabbath-keepers. Sabbath was devoted to spiritual gifts and health reform. As the result five laid aside their tobacco. May the Lord give them strength and heavenly grace to persevere. They sent for a club of five Instructors, one REVIEW, one Signs, and ten Gems of Song.
Dry Creek, Saline Co.—Aug. 22–24 we were with the brethren at this place. They had heard the truth through the labors of Bro. Orr and Sr. Enoch last winter. In the time that had elapsed since Bro. Enoch left them, an opposing minister had been preaching in their midst, and had succeeded in unsettling the minds of some in regard to organization. But God blessed our labors to their good, so that out of thirteen Sabbath-keepers in the place we organized a church of eleven members. Five of these were baptized, and two more made a start for the first time; making in all a church of thirteen members. Bro. R. F. Barton was with me in these meetings, and rendered efficient service. We go from here to Bennington, which will close up our present tour of two months among the churches. J. H. COOK.
IOWA
By C. A. Washburn; A. W. H. Millard
Conway.—We closed our tent-meetings in Conway Aug. 17. When we came to this place we were entire strangers to all, and had some prejudice and much skepticism to meet. A goodly number are almost persuaded that the things which we preach are true, and some are reading and investigating. We received $3.90 for tracts and pamphlets. Donations in money amounted to $4.25, besides help in meeting our running expenses. The attendance was better at the last than at first, and some desired that we should stay another week; but we had previously arranged to leave here Aug. 18. A deacon of the Baptist church thought he should keep the Sabbath from this time onward. We found scattered brethren and sisters in this vicinity, some of whom knew nothing of each other until the tent-meeting in Conway. Ten of these united in church covenant. I think others will join when they have opportunity. Sister Bartlett, who had come from Illinois to this State, was rejoiced to see her four daughters decide to go with God's people. We pray God to help this little company to let their light shine.
Our tent is now located in the western part of Ringgold Co. A petition signed by eighty of the citizens of this vicinity, was sent us to come here and give a course of lectures. We are about twelve miles northeast of Conway, and fourteen miles west of Mount Ayr. We have given six discourses. Last evening the tent was well filled with those who gave good attention to the word spoken. Some are attending who live six or seven miles away. We desire the spirit of earnest labor. Scattered brethren are invited to meet with us on the Sabbath, at 11 A. M. Mail can be sent us at Lenox, Taylor Co., Iowa.
C. A. WASHBURN.
A. W. H. MILLARD.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
FLEMING.—Died of dropsy of the brain, Aug. 11, 1879. Dennis Irvin, only child of J. D. and E. I. Fleming, of Shelby, Oceana Co., Mich. We miss our little one, but hope to meet him when the Lifegiver comes. EUNICE I. FLEMING.
VAN VLACK.—Died of diphtheria and membranous croup, Aug. 11, near Norton, Kansas, our little daughter Myrtle, aged 1 year, 11 months, and 10 days. Remarks, by Eld. F. K. Hansberry (Christian) from Rev. 21:4. F. AND A. VAN VLACK.
HARVEY.—Died of lung fever, April 12, 1879, at Estella, Mich., Lydia Harvey, daughter of I. and M. Harvey, aged 2 years, 4 months, and 12 days. Her bereaved parents miss her much, yet they mourn not as those without hope. Words of comfort were spoken, from Job 14:20, by Eld. Rossman, of the United Brethren. LILLIE A. NICHOLS.
CASH.—Died, in Oakland, Jeff. Co., Wis., Aug. 12, 1879, Bertha Alice, daughter of J. A. and S. A. Cash, aged 1 year 8 months and 25 days. We have laid our dear one away until the Lifegiver comes, when we expect, if faithful, to meet her again in immortal bloom, to enjoy the blessed inheritance of the people of God. J. A. AND S. A. CASH.
PALMANTEER.—Died of typhoid fever, in Tekamah, Burt Co., Neb., Aug. 15, 1879, Martha J. Talmanteer, aged 21 years, 10 months, and 27 days. A little over two months ago she was baptized, with several others, by Bro. Boyd. She was a faithful and consistent Christian, and her friends are cheered with the hope that she will arise in the morning of the resurrection. She leaves parents, sisters, and brothers, being the oldest child, and the first to be laid away. Sermon by Elds. Dawson and Olinger, from John 11:25. H. A. WHITTAKER.
CRAMER.—Died, Aug. 2, 1879, my father, Isaac D. Cramer, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He participated in the first and second angel's messages, and in 1850 he with his family embraced the third angel's message through the labors of Eld. Joseph Bates in Melbourne, Lower Canada, since which time he had been a firm believer in present truth. His sufferings were great, but he bore them with patience. He leaves a wife, daughter, and two grandchildren, to mourn his loss. But they have the blessed assurance that his hope and trust were in God, and that when the last trump shall sound he will come forth clad in immortality. Discourse by Eld. Boyd, Presbyterian. MRS. W. J. SHERMAN.
MORSE.—Died, in Battle Creek, of apoplexy, Aug. 17, 1879, Aaron R. Morse, aged 83 years, 4 months, and 4 days. He had tried to live a Christian life since the age of 26. In 1842 he embraced the Advent doctrine, and commenced the observance of the Sabbath, as a believer in the third message, in 1850. He moved from Vermont, in 1868, to Battle Creek, which has since been the place of his residence. He ever dwelt with delight upon the memories of the great Advent movement in the past, wherein the love of the brethren was so wonderfully manifested, and the power of God's Spirit displayed. He had a firm faith in the present movement as a further fulfillment of the prophecy, and was one, we believe, who loved the appearing of the Lord. Remarks at the funeral, the 19th, from 2 Tim. 4:8. U. S.
COGGESHALL.—Died of consumption, at her home in New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 1, 1879, Annie R. Coggeshall, aged 25 years, 8 months, and 27 days. Sister Annie went to Battle Creek in October, 1876, to attend the College. She remained until July, 1878, when, her health failing, she returned home, thinking a change of climate might be beneficial; but it proved otherwise. While in Battle Creek she gave her heart to the Lord, and was baptized by Eld. Canright during the revival meetings in April, 1878. Although suffering much, she manifested great patience and resignation. We have laid her away to rest until the Lifegiver shall come. Words of comfort were spoken at the funeral by the writer. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13. S. S. MOONEY.
JONES.—Died of consumption, at Smithland, Iowa, Aug. 18, 1879, sister Jerusha Jones, in the forty-fifth year of her age. In the fall of 1876, she with a goodly number of others embraced the truth under the labors of Eld. E. W. Farnsworth, and soon after joined the church. About three weeks before her death a prayer-meeting was held at her house, in which all were affected to tears as she made an earnest prayer for all the members of the church, and especially for her family. Two days before her death she expressed great thankfulness that she had believed and accepted the glorious truth of God while she had health and strength. She will be missed by the Smithland church, and by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. She died firm in the faith, and rests in hope of having a part in the first resurrection. Funeral discourse by Eld. Kilbourn, Methodist. BURGESS VAN DORN.