Review and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 14.
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTSPage 1
Earlier text: MICHIGAN CONFERENCETO THE BRETHREN IN NEW ENGLAND.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
It will be seen by this week's REVIEW that the annual meeting of the N. E. Tract Society will be held Oct. 20-22. The principal reason for appointing it at So. Lancaster was that this is the most central point for a general attendance. This meeting will be one of unusual importance. Matters of vital interest to the cause in New England will be considered. Not only is it the time for the election of officers for the Tract Society for the coming year, but important questions will come up for consideration. The prosperity of the cause in this Conference the present season is without a parallel in the history of our Conference. What shall be done to co-operate with the providence of God in this respect? One company in Newburyport and one in Westmoreland have been raised up, besides the work in Danvers, which has extended to all the adjoining cities, towns, and villages. Nearly one hundred souls have embraced the truth in this vicinity, and there are openings for courses of lectures in many of these places. There has been no such interest in the cause of present truth in New England in the history of this work. A number equal to more than one-third the entire membership of the Conference have embraced the truth the present season. The cause is rising everywhere, and God has visited us in an especial manner. Then our tract and missionary work has accomplished more and can show more fruits this present season than ever before in the same period of time. We are about to enter the fall campaign for this branch of our work. There will be a full supply of the almanac for 1878. Canvassers for the HEALTH REFORMER will start out from this meeting. They want to go out right, imbued with the Spirit of God. Two meeting-houses are to be built immediately. Then what about a Biblical Institute? Shall we have one in New England this winter, and give young men and women the privilege of that drill which will be the means of preparing them to go out to labor for God in the broad harvest field? Are we ready with our means, prayers, and influence to co-operate in every respect with the opening providence of God? We want to see all our scattered brethren and sisters at this meeting, all the old hands, in fact, every one interested in the prosperity of the cause in this Conference. A tent will be pitched sufficiently large to accommodate all who may come. Should it be cold, stoves will be provided so that it will be comfortable in the tent. Bring bed quilts and comfortables and come one, and come all. Eld. Canright will attend the meeting. S. N. Haskell. THE KING OF THE NORTH.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
What power is designated in Dan. 11 as the king of the North? Since this power is noted in the closing scene of the prophecy, just before the standing up of Michael, or the reign of Christ, it is a question of great interest. There is a theory that this king of the North is Russia; and to the superficial reader and thinker this view may seem very plausible; because Russia is the most noted power in the northern part of Europe and Asia, and because she intends to possess Constantinople, which lies “between the seas.” But there are difficulties which seem as insuperable objections to this view. 1. It is difficult to see how that “tidings out of the east and out of the north” shall trouble Russia. Tidings to her from the north must come from the frozen polar seas. 2. Though Constantinople is between two seas, the “glorious holy mountain” is in another place—between the Mediterranean and the Dead seas. 3. Before the coming of Christ, and preparatory, as it seems, to that event, the king of the North is to come to his end, for want of help from other nations; but it seems evident that Russia will be victorious in the present struggle, unless other nations shall help the Turks, as they have formerly done. In the forepart of the chapter we have the conquest of Alexander and the division of his kingdom into four parts, after which the king of the North and the king of the South are the chief actors in the scene for a long time; and it is very evident that Syria, including Palestine, is the king of the North, and that Egypt is the king of the South. After this, Roman history is followed for a long period, and as we approach the time of the end, the infidel kingdom of France, naturally enough, bears a conspicuous part, as the king that regarded no God. Then, at the time of the end, the king of the South, Egypt, pushes at him, and the king of the North comes against him and overflows and passes over. In 1798, the very point where the time of the end begins, we are brought back from the digression to the kings of the South and of the North. Egypt was the king of the South, and that power which occupies Syria and the holy land, the Turkish government, it is reasonable to conclude is still the king of the North. At that time there were events of history that verify the pushing of Egypt against the French and the victorious coming of the Turks against them like a whirlwind, and passing over and wresting Egypt from their power and making it tributary. The proof of this is given in “Thoughts on Daniel,” published by the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, Battle Creek, Mich. Now taking Turkey, which holds the possessions of the original king of the North to be the power, every specification of the prophecy will apply. Tidings from the east, from Persia, and from the north, Russia, have troubled the Turkish government, and when it is driven from its present seat at Constantinople, as will evidently soon be the case, how natural it is to expect that a stand will be made in the glorious holy mountain of Palestine. Yet he shall come to his end and none of his former allies shall help him. Then will the symbolic river, Euphrates, be dried up, Michael, the Prince of God’s people, having received his throne, the nations will be gathered and the final battle, that of Armageddon, will be fought. To those who may read these brief hints, I recommend the careful reading of the work above referred to, “Thoughts on Daniel.” It is a work of great value to the pious student of prophecy. None can well afford to be ignorant of the expositions it contains. AN APPEAL.
By A. S. Hutchins
We have frequently seen a call for old REVIEWS, SIGNS, REFORMERS, and other reading matter, for Southern fields. Some have nobly responded, while perhaps many of us could do much more if our efforts could be systematized. Since reading Bro. C. O. Taylor’s statement in the REVIEW of Sept. 20, 1877, in which he makes reference to the strong desire on the part of people in Georgia to read, and the good results attending the circulation of reading matter there, I resolved to make this appeal to all T. and M. workers in Vermont, and to all who are anxious to have a part in the salvation of souls in this way: to collect each quarter all the reading matter which they can, and would wish to send to new fields, and at the time of the district quarterly meetings take or send these papers to the place of their meeting for the director to box and send to the place designated by myself, unless there is an opening to which they wish to send them themselves. I will correspond with Bro. Taylor, and should be thankful to correspond with other brethren who would be glad of reading matter, if they will write me, giving their address; and I will state to the directors where it is deemed best to send the precious rays of light so collected. Now, it seems to me, dear brethren, if we look at this matter in a true light, if we take into consideration that souls may in this way be saved to shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of Heaven, that we shall want some part in this work. Please do not let the sheets bearing the truths of the last message be wasted or laid aside to do no one any good, but rather gather up quarterly the above-named publications, and let us send them, with our fervent prayers, to other fields, where, with the blessing of God, they may lead men to search the Scriptures, and turn from darkness to light, from sin to the power of God. And let the children gather their INSTRUCTORS, and send them along, unless they wish to preserve them. Children may have a part in this work. A little boy once asked, “Does not the Bible say anything about little children?” Yes; it does. It says Christ blessed little children. And it says, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov. 20: 11. Let this work commence at our next quarterly meeting. SHALL WE RETAIN THE BLESSING?
By A. S. Hutchins
That our recent camp-meeting was a source of great blessing to our churches, and the brethren and sisters generally, is well attested. Shall we by watchfulness and prayer retain these blessings from the Lord? The postponement of the meeting three weeks secured many more hearers than we otherwise should have had. And beyond our most ardent expectations, we were favored with help to preach the word. Truly, God is good. We were much cheered by the presence and help of Bro. and sister White, though we sorrowed at the low state of Bro. W.'s health; but we trust the everlasting arms of the Most High are around him, and that he will be raised to his usual health. We were thankful that Brn. Smith and Haskell, and others could be with them, and speak the word of life to the assembled multitude. The sermon of sister White on Sunday P. M. made a favorable and, we trust, permanent impression for good upon the minds of some six thousand persons who attentively listened to her as she spoke with freedom and great power. How many became settled on the Sabbath question as connected with the third angel's message at this meeting, we cannot state, but it is certain that several noble minds did. The presence of Bro. and sister Eastman from New Hampshire, with their solid testimonies, and understanding reception of the truth, and that of Bro. Beckwith, from West Fairlee, gave interest to the meeting. The sermon of Bro. Beckwith on Monday evening from the words, “Hear ye him,” showed a well studied and thorough understanding of the connection of the law and the gospel, of the harmonious union of the Father and the Son in the work of salvation under this dispensation. This view as contrasted with the discordant and unscriptural doctrine of the abolition of the law of God at the introduction of the present dispensation, shone forth in its excellence and beauty as he spoke. Dear brethren and sisters, we may hold these blessings, and continue to grow in grace. THE LAW OF TEN COMMANDMENTS.
By A. S. H.
We present the following brief extract from Farrar’s Life of Christ, as worthy of the consideration of Christian people of all denominations. In speaking of Christ’s sermon on the mount, as contrasted with the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, he says:— “And yet the new commandments of the Mount of Beatitudes were not meant to abrogate, but rather to complete, the law which was spoken to them of old from Sinai. That law was founded on the eternal distinction of right and wrong—distinctions strong and irremovable as the granite bases of the world. Easier would it be to sweep away the heaven and the earth than to destroy the least letter, one yod—or the least point of a letter, one projecting horn—of that code which contains the very principles of all moral life. Jesus warned them that he came, not to abolish that law, but to obey and to fulfill; while at the same time he taught that this obedience had nothing to do with the Levitical scrupulosity of a superstitious adherence to the letter, but was rather a surrender of the heart and will to the innermost meaning and spirit which the commands involved. He fulfilled the old law by perfectly keeping it, and by imparting a power to keep it to all who believe in him, even though he made its cogency so far more universal and profound.” A. S. H. SUNDAY NOT IN THE BIBLE.
By John R. Calkins
“The Pulaski [N. Y.] Democrat seems to intimate that Adventists who work on Sunday there may be prosecuted. Such a step would make the Adventists the strongest sect in that village. The observance of Sunday is nowhere taught in the Bible, while the observance of Saturday is, and where the law conflicts with the Bible there are always found plenty of men to defy the law.” The above is from the Rome, (N. Y.) Sentinel, the editor of which is a member of Rev. F. Widmer’s church, who lately discussed the Sabbath question with Eld. Canright. It shows how much Bible was brought out at that discussion by Rev. Widmer, a very talented man. Rome, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1877. A PRACTICAL AND SENSIBLE PRAYER GAUGE.
Says the Wayside: “We pray, and forget the prayer, and when the answer comes, the thanksgiving which a remembrance of the prayer would bring, is not upon our lips. “A record of prayers offered for specific objects would be an encouragement to faith. A friend of ours, a teacher, opened in his commonplace book a prayer account; drawing a line down the center of the page, he recorded on the left side the things for which he made request of God, with the dates. On the right he recorded the answers, with the dates. His prayer account has been running for some years, and is an interesting as well as an impressive testimony to the value of prayer. He is a much stronger Christian because of this record. He has but to turn the pages of his book, and case after case of blessings granted in direct answer to prayer comes before him, and he goes in confidence again to Him who hath heard him in times past. “This is the most practicable and sensible ‘prayer gauge’ of which we have heard.” AUDITORS VERMONT CONFERENCE.
By A. S. Hutchins
In our recent Conference business, the appointment of an auditor was overlooked. I would therefore recommend that Haskel Peebles and W. H. Jackman act as auditors for the present conference year. Their respective addresses appear in the Conference directory. I would suggest that the Conference treasurer, the T. and M. treasurer, and each S. B. treasurer, make a report on the first day of January, 1878, to Bro. Peebles, of the amount of money received and paid out from June 1, 1877, up to that time; and also report again the standing of books the first day of June next. Then let each of the above named officers submit their books to this committee for examination, and to be compared with previous reports, at the time of the next State Conference. In this way my books were audited at our last State Conference, and I shall request the same another year. This committee will also audit the accounts of the Camp-meeting Committee. It would be well for those making remittances to the treasurers to enclose a card or stamp, requesting an acknowledgement of the reception of the money. In this way each one sending money may know if it has reached its destination. The hard-earned, frugally saved, and cheerfully given means of the lovers of the work of God, should be sacredly guarded. And each one of us through whose hands these funds may flow, should be able and ready to give a satisfactory answer to the question, “Where did my money go?” A. S. HUTCHINS, Pres. Daniel Webster on Teaching Sons a Trade
DANIEL WEBSTER is credited with having said: “If I had as many sons as old Priam, I would have them all learn a trade, so they would have something to fall back on in case they failed in speculations.” A Philadelphia paper moralizes thus sensibly thereon: The number of young men who are brought up to no useful trade or calling, is on the increase. The effect of this is seen in political life, where thousands of men are begging, as at present in Washington, for ‘position’ with a vague idea that their untrained powers and ignorance can find shelter in some cosy nook where they may at least draw their pay. Being practically of no earthly use to themselves or any one else, they only hope to find some place where they can continue to exist without benefiting any one. A destitute young man, without a trade, and who is not qualified by practice to fill any position, is in a condition to become a tramp, and the chances are that he will become one, or fare even worse by becoming a criminal. We have struck the tent, and folded it away in safety. Wednesday, Sept. 19, sixteen persons were buried with the Lord in baptism. The weather, which had been cold and rainy, was clear, bright, and warm. A very large number gathered, although we had refrained from making any special public announcement. Long before the time, 1:30, teams came from all directions, and the people lined the shore of the beautiful shaded stream we had selected. A deep feeling of solemnity rested on the people, and a bright hope, a calm serenity, a holy joy, seemed to animate the candidates, as each followed the Lord down into the watery grave, and arose to walk in newness of life. There are thirty-three keeping the Sabbath; twenty-eight have signed the covenant. Thus ends our tenting season for No. 3; and the one emotion of our soul is gratitude to God—praise to his holy name. During our whole year’s labor we have felt that we were sustained by the prayers of God’s dear children. Our success has been much promoted by our afternoon meetings. Nearly all who attended the afternoon services have embraced the truth. I propose to spend the Sabbath with the dear friends at Jamestown, who are all holding on and making good progress. Thence I go to Clear Creek, and then home for two or three weeks of much-needed rest. Then I return to this field for fall and winter labor. The work here is advancing. We are receiving new and valuable accessions to the number that promise to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. During the absence of Bro. Whitney, with the tent, at the camp-meeting, we have held public services on Sabbath and first-day only, at Lincoln Hall, and at the school111 houses which have been free to us. We are holding three prayer-meetings each week, which are largely attended, and are exerting an excellent influence in favor of the truth. We have also organized a Bible-class, which we hope and believe will add to the interest. Work on our new church is progressing well. We shall raise it to-day, Sept. 25, and the work will be pushed forward as fast as possible. The Lord is helping in this work, and our courage is good. Bro. Whitney returns this week. We closed our meetings at Greenwood M. E. church, after giving twenty discourses. Although the house was promised us by the trustees, they could not bear that the people should hear and indorse the truth, so we were cut off in the midst of the work. Four good souls are willing to obey the truth, and we hope for others. Bro. Starr will continue the meetings in a school-house near by, while I attend the General Conference. The Lord has been our help. Praise his great name. L. McCoy. In this place, the interest is still good. When the question was put, forty or fifty voted in favor of the Sabbath, and not a single one for Sunday. This week there are a great many things to keep the people away from our meetings. A Methodist minister from Ft. Dodge came here, and after publicly announcing in the school that he would set the Sabbath question straight at their church last night, he withdrew the appointment from the church, and held his meeting at a private house. We offered him our tent, but he said his meeting was just for his members who were not satisfied on the question. The people think his course strange. Last Sunday night the mayor of the town raised a collection for us, and got $7.31. They had given us over $3.00 before. We have more invitations to visit than we can accept. A few have begun to obey the truth, near Fonda, where Bro. Hart has been laboring. Bro. Pegg was called home last Sunday. We miss him greatly. G. V. Kilgore. DANVERS, MASS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The interest in our meetings has never been greater than during the past week. We have been very busy with the meeting-house project. Have received $1400 subscription, so far. Have bought a very fine lot, near where the tent stands, for $525. Have let the job for building a meeting-house, 32x52, 18 ft. posts, with a good gallery arranged for a prayer-meeting room. The cost of the house all completed, except the seats, done in the best manner, will be $1700. House to be done Dec. 15. We have calculated on help from our brethren in the Conference. Last week it was very warm, and as nothing special was up, our audience dropped down to about two hundred; but the ministers of the place held a council and decided that they must do something to save their craft; hence there were three sermons preached against us on Sunday. We dismissed our meeting, and gave all a chance to hear them. Monday we scattered bills in all the towns around, announcing a reply. Everybody is excited over the matter. The last two nights we have had as large congregations as at any previous time during our meetings. The tent was crowded, and many stood outside. I had freedom in reviewing the orthodox minister on the Sabbath question, and the Methodist on the advent. So far as we can learn, it has been the best thing for us that has happened during all our meetings. These things have brought up our interest again as high as ever. Last Sabbath was a good day with us. Friends came in from every direction. After the sermon I counted ninety-five persons present. About a dozen were brethren from Ipswich, and some were children, but all were Sabbath-keepers. As nearly as we can now count, though we are finding new ones every day, there are seventy-five observing the Sabbath; and we find them to be a better class than ordinary. Several are quite well to do in life, and all are intelligent and respected. We shall have good timber for leaders, teachers, etc. Sept. 20, 1877. D. M. Canright. Holden, Index, and Rockville.
I SPENT one week, from Sept. 7-14, with the Lincoln church, six miles from Holden. Spoke eleven times. With a nominal membership of thirty-five, this church has at times hardly been able to keep up meetings, because of a lack of union. In visiting from house to house, I could see no lack of material for a prosperous church, if consecrated to God and his cause. This might be one of the strongest churches in Missouri, if all would live near to God, and draw together. I labored to impress upon all the importance of devotion to God and his truth, and dwelt at some length upon the different points of truth especially applicable to our time, to strengthen some who were wavering. Many promised me they would again take hold in earnest, attend the meetings, and seek to regain lost ground. I hope our meetings were profitable to most of the church. Spoke six times in Index. This is a young and small church of about fifteen members; but they seem to be united and to desire to learn their whole duty. Five were received into the church, and three young men were baptized. It was a very pleasant baptism to me, and the Spirit of God was present. It is always encouraging to see young men in the strength of their young manhood giving themselves to God. May these fully consecrate themselves to this holy work. Our meetings were good and profitable. At the earnest request of Bro. Clark, of Urich, Mo., I went to his place about fifteen miles from Index, and spoke three times in an entirely new field. No special interest was manifest, though we had fair congregations. From thence I went to Rockville, Mo., where is a church of nineteen members. This church, in proportion to its membership, has done full as well as any in the Conference in bearing burdens in the cause, paying S. B., etc. They are generally prompt in paying their pledges, and a portion of the members sign according to the plan recommended by the General Conference, which I find is quite an uncommon thing in Missouri, therefore it is worthy of mention. I staid from Friday night till Sunday night, and preached seven times, and held two social meetings. This church greatly needs a spiritual awakening, as well as most other churches in this Conference. Monday, Sept. 24, I came to Bro. Terry's, fifteen miles from Rockville, to a new place where a minister of the Christian church had been preaching against us, and had thus created an interest to hear our side. Gave two discourses on the Sabbath and law to a house jammed full, and to many who could not get in. We are much obliged to the elder for thus advertising us and creating an interest to hear our views. Before I had given my first discourse, the local elder of the church seemed very anxious to get a promise from me that they might ask questions. But when I closed and gave such permission, and repeated it, not a question could I get. In my second meeting I gave an earnest discourse on the Sabbath question. When I closed up and gave a chance for questions, a man arose in the congregation, and asked for a chance to reply. I left the matter to the audience, and was treated to a speech of about an hour and a quarter, to which I replied for half an hour. This kept us till most midnight. When he tried to reply further, the audience left. The matter passed off in a friendly spirit, but it created quite a stir. We found at least three ministers had been summoned in, as there was none present the first night. One had come some ten miles. It was quite evident after my first discourse that they considered their craft in danger. All this I think will create an interest to hear further in this neighborhood. I BEGAN labors here Sunday evening, Sept. 23. The audiences have not been large, but have been very attentive. Eld. Eyerly still stands firm on the Sabbath, and rejoices in the glorious light of God's word. His church have turned him out without preferring charges against him or giving him a trial; and besides this they have voted to publish him in the State papers, and have refused to hear him give his reasons for keeping the Sabbath. A healthy reaction is now taking place, and the church begin to regret the course they have taken. The spirit of inquiry and investigation is manifesting itself, and we hope for good results. North-western Missouri bids fair to become a good field of labor. Eld. Eyerly's move will cause great agitation on the Sabbath question in several counties. I feel that the Lord has been at work. WE closed our meetings in the tent, Sept. 16. The interest was good to the last. Twenty-six have embraced the whole truth, and united with the church. Twenty-one have been baptized, and several more are keeping the Sabbath, who, we hope, will unite soon. Bro. W. went to Sullivan Co. for a few days, to encourage the brethren there, and get as many as possible to go to camp-meeting. We now have a church here of forty-four members, and the best of feeling prevails among them. Held two meetings with them last Sabbath. We had prayer and social meeting at four P. M., in which nearly all took part. The Lord was present by his Spirit. Quite a number of the young here have come out in the truth, and it cheered us much to see them take part in the worship of God. We celebrated the ordinances in the evening, and it was a blessed season. Systematic Benevolence was raised to the amount of $108 for the remainder of 1877. We have enjoyed much of the blessing of the Lord for the past two months. Bro. T. J. Butler assisted some the last two weeks of the meeting. I am now on my way to Daviess Co., with the tent, to attend camp-meeting. Called out to fill the traitor's place,
To bear the news of saving grace
Shed forth upon our fallen race! Called forth, the wanderer home to lead,
Called forth, the flock of Christ to feed,
To sow on earth the heavenly seed! Oh, blessed lot! and yet below
Scarce aught beside his name we know
On whom God did this grace bestow. We know not where for God he fought,
What wondrous works by Him he wrought,
What nations of Christ's love he taught. Then never deem it cause of shame
If none on earth inscribe thy name
Within the book of worldly fame. If of God's chosen, holy saint,
We only see the outlines faint,
What right have we to make complaint? If He who doth in secret see
Approve our work, small need have we
Of earthly fame or eulogy. Grant only, Lord, that in thy sight
We walk as children of the light,
And 'neath thy banner bravely fight.
—E. D., in Sunday Magazine. DANVERS, MASS.
By C. W. Stone
The past ten days have been filled with interesting events. The review of the discourses of the Congregationalist and Methodist ministers by Eld. Canright had a most excellent effect, serving to establish more firmly the friends of the truth. But these ministers had not finished, and last Sunday afternoon, Sept. 23, they both spoke again on the Sabbath question. Bro. Canright had left us a few days before, to attend the General Conference, at Lansing, Mich., and the preaching fell on me. We had a good audience. I told them that Mr. Wright, across the street, was preaching against the Sabbath, and that, if the congregation desired, we would all go to hear him, adding that I should like very much to hear what he could say. So I asked those in favor of adjourning to arise. Not one moved; and we went on with our meeting. Bro. Israel went over and took notes, and others of our company did the same at the Methodist church, where another discourse was preached in the evening against the advent; and I appointed to review the latter Tuesday evening and those on the Sabbath question on Wednesday evening. This I did with much freedom; and the friends feel that the truth has triumphed greatly. Both ministers said there was no express command in the Bible for Sunday observance, and the Methodist minister added, “Don’t let it disturb you because you find no direct command in the Bible—it is all plain enough without that—go on, and keep the first day of the week.” In reply I took his own Methodist Discipline, and read from it, “The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.” The work on the new house of worship is going right along. We are taking down the tent this morning (27th), and are to hold our first meeting in the hall we have engaged to-morrow evening, when we expect Eld. D. A. Robinson will be with us to help. C. W. STONE. SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
We came to Morges, Switzerland, Sept. 4. Before leaving Valence, France, we had two more baptisms. We baptized, in all, fifteen persons, organized a Bible-class, and S. B. amounting to over 150 francs a year. We also insisted on the importance of the missionary work, encouraging the friends to extend this work by holy living, visits, correspondence, tract distribution, and by extending the circulation of LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. Bro. Gabert will do all he can as a colporteur, and will preach where the way opens. He is willing to follow the American model, and to use little of the funds till he can show fruits of his own labors. This is a beautiful country. We are 30 miles north of Geneva, and are surrounded by the villages and cities lying between Geneva and Lausanne. We expect that Eld. Andrews will be with us in a few days. We rejoice that we can now preach, scatter tracts, and obtain subscribers for our paper, without being trammeled by oppressive laws; yet we shall not forget France. Nature has united Southern France with Southern Switzerland by the river Rhone, and we cannot separate France from Switzerland in our feelings and labors. It is estimated there are between four and six millions of Protestants in France, many of whom are not connected with religious bodies; and from this class we believe souls will be gathered. Bro. Gabert’s daughters, the teachers of whom we have spoken, have been greatly blessed and strengthened in taking their stand for the Sabbath in the high schools with which they are connected. Especially has the teacher in Germany been favored at the institute of the countess, an intimate friend of the family of the emperor of Germany. The countess showed this teacher great kindness, and after hearing her, said: “If such are your convictions, it would be a sin for you to do otherwise. As to your lessons on Saturday, they can be given on Thursday.” And with usual tenderness they embraced each other. This teacher is truly humble and devoted, and expresses great gratitude for the kind reception she has met. She says: “The following words of David express the true feelings of my heart: ‘I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.’” Ps. 119:46. The one who teaches in a neighboring city will meet with us next Sabbath. Morges, Vaud, Suisse, Sept. 6. DIXVILLE, P. Q.
By R. S. Owen
WE started for this part of Canada, Aug. 16. As this was to be our first effort alone, we felt that it was only through the power of God and his truth that we could hope to lead any into the light. We were greatly surprised, on reaching this place, to see how the Lord had prepared the way before us. An interest had been awakened by some who opposed the Sabbath, which led to its investigation, and since the first of January eight persons had commenced its observance. Not one of them had yet seen one of our ministers. We had a cheering meeting with them on the Sabbath. They felt that God had directed us here. They had circulated tracts, and thus prepared the way for the truth. The Adventist chapel was opened for us. Our meeting last Sunday evening was one of especial interest. The house was filled, while the Baptist meeting held at the same time, a few rods away, was almost forsaken. The Lord gave freedom in presenting the claims of the Bible Sabbath. At the close, I invited all who believe that Sunday is the Sabbath and can produce one text to prove it, to arise. Although the Methodist minister and members of different churches of the place were present, not one arose in favor of the papal institution. All were silent except a boy who whispered, “Cowards.” A vote was then cast on the other side, when twelve or fifteen arose in favor of the Bible Sabbath. Five more have already commenced to keep the Sabbath; others are convinced whom we hope will obey. The people invite us to their homes, and we spend much time in visiting from house to house. VERMONT T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By A. S. Hutchins; Thos. H. Purdon
The sixth annual meeting of the Vermont T. and M. Society was held on the camp-ground at Morrisville, Sept. 7, 1877. The meeting was opened by prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell, the president, Eld. A. S. Hutchins, in the chair. The secretary not being able to attend to his duties, Bro. H. W. Jackman was appointed secretary pro tem. The following report of labor for the year was then read:— | Districts. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Total |
|---|
| No. of members |
75 |
56 |
34 |
45 |
35 |
17 |
262 |
| " Reports rec'd. |
96 |
86 |
67 |
83 |
64 |
53 |
433 |
| " Letters written |
176 |
30 |
30 |
68 |
39 |
65 |
408 |
| " Families visited |
61 |
33 |
30 |
86 |
75 |
42 |
327 |
| New subscribers |
243 |
31 |
9 |
10 |
16 |
29 |
338 |
| Periodicals dist. |
641 |
928 |
436 |
953 |
682 |
1153 |
4793 |
| Pages tracts & pamph |
23721 |
18668 |
20203 |
18119 |
17434 |
24861 |
123006 |
| Bird's eye charts |
10 |
10 |
|
|
15 |
|
40 |
| Almanacs |
1000 |
1000 |
1000 |
1000 |
500 |
500 |
5000 |
Amount on hand at commencement of year $ 100.39
Received to July 1, 1877, 972.87
Total, $1073.26
Paid out during the year, $1069.71
Balance on hand, 3.55
Total, $1073.26 It was then voted that the Nominating Committee of the Conference be also the Nominating Committee of the T. and M. Society. Eld. Haskell then made some very interesting remarks, setting forth the wonderful manner in which the truth is doing its work through the efforts of the T. and M. Society, and also advised the Nominating Committee regarding their duties. A few remarks were also made by Elds. Hutchins and Bourdeau upon the same subjects, after which the meeting adjourned to call of Chair. SECOND SESSION, SEPT. 11.
Opened by prayer by Eld. A. C. Bourdeau. The report of the Committee on Nominations was then accepted, after which the following named persons were unanimously elected to their respective offices for the ensuing year:— President, Eld. A. S. Hutchins; Vice-President, L. Bean; Treasurer, sister S. R. N. Barrows; Secretary, Thos. H. Purdon. Directors: Dist. No. 1, M. Gould; No. 2, G. W. Page; No. 3, M. H. Wheeler; No. 4, P. S. Bicknell; No. 5, D. Wilcox; No. 6, sister M. A. Green. The meeting at Valley, Kan., though not so well attended as we had hoped, was both interesting and profitable. Six were baptized. It was determined by the T. and M. workers to make a special effort to circulate the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and HEALTH REFORMER in their respective districts, by obtaining paying subscribers. I have just begun a meeting at this place. There appears to be a moderate interest. Church News from Darlington and Peoria
The work here is onward. Great increase in attendance and interest. Our last Sabbath meeting was one long to be remembered. Aged soldiers of the cross, with tears streaming from their eyes, thanked God for the light of present truth. The middle-aged were equally affected, and several youths have taken their stand for Jesus. Our meetings on Sunday last were a grand success. The attendance was large, especially at night, when an immense congregation assembled to hear modern spiritualism exposed. The truth is mightily stirring the people, and may much good result. A. W. Bartlett. L. Caldwell. Peoria, Miami Co., Tent No. 2. Our congregations have not been large, but the attendance has been very regular. We are nearly through discussing the Sabbath question. We meet with no opposition to speak of. Held our first Sabbath meeting Sept. 22. There were twenty-five present. Several bore testimony. Some are keeping the Sabbath, and we have strong hope of several more. Will test them soon. We have taken down our tent this week, and laid it away, and are holding meetings in the church, which is free to us.