p. 91 | Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 6 (Thursday, February 5, 1880)

EXPENSES AND OTHER MATTERS.

By S. N. Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

IN every State society there will be more or less general expense, such as freights, postage, placing books in libraries and periodicals in reading-rooms, etc., etc., which it does not properly belong to any one district or church to pay. The State officers should once a year apportion this expense to the several districts, according to their financial ability. To do this, (1.) Ascertain the number of members in each district and their circumstances with respect to means; (2.) Ascertain the relative financial strength of the districts; (3.) Divide the expense among the several districts in proportion to their ability to pay, and charge to each its respective proportion.

1. Do the directors decide important questions at the quarterly meetings, or are they decided by those present at the meeting?—The directors; but after they have decided the points, it is always well, in matters of general interest, to lay them before the brethren, that they may understand them, and be more interested in them, although this is not necessary.

2. When a member goes into a district where he does not belong, where shall he get his tracts and to whom shall he report?—Of the church society of which he is a member, and he should report to the same, even if he is in another State. If he changes his church relationship, he should change his tract membership.

3. Can a tract society be organized before a church is organized?—Yes.

4. Must a member pay a dollar every time he changes his place of membership?—Not unless he moves out of the State; but if he removes from one Conference to another, it will be necessary for him to pay another dollar, before he can become a member of that Conference tract society.

5. Can a church society or district receive members in the tract society for any sum less than one dollar?—It is not Constitutional. See Article IV.

6. Has any State society the right to change the Constitution, so that individuals might be admitted for a less sum than one dollar?—We know of no reason why not, but it would be detrimental to the interests of the society.

7. How shall those directors attend the quarterly meetings who are unable to bear their individual expenses?—(1.) It is well to have all the directors, as far as practicable, attend each quarterly meeting. (2.) Each director should feel it his duty and privilege to attend these meetings, even at a sacrifice. (3.) It would be well to have men for directors who are able, and can spend much time and bear their expenses for the privilege of engaging in the work of God. But in some of our large Conferences it frequently happens that some of the directors live at a long distance from the quarterly meeting, and are in circumstances which will not justify their bearing their own expenses. (4.) It would be well in such cases if the district could raise money outside of the tract society to bear the expenses of the director. (5.) But if there be no other way, it is in the province of the directors to pay a portion or all the expenses of one or more such directors from the tract-society funds, and bring it in the general expense, which should be apportioned annually to each district. (See first paragraph of this article.) (6.) If any important meeting is to be held, the President should be authorized by the Board of Directors to urge those directors in limited circumstances to attend, in view of their expenses being partially or wholly met as above suggested. (7.) It should ever be remembered that all moneys received by the tract society from donations, book sales, free-will offerings, and the one-third, is tract-society money, and no one person has the right of appropriating these funds out of the regular tract-society business.

NEW YORK T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By E. H. Whitney; B. L. Whitney

EIGHTH ANNUAL SESSION.

The first meeting of this session was held at Adams Center, at 9:30 A. M. Sunday, Dec. 21, 1879. After the opening exercises, the minutes of the last annual meeting of the New York and Pennsylvania T. and M. Society, at which the division between the societies was made, were read and approved.

Eld. Haskell followed the reading of the report by remarks on the efficiency of the tract-society system in carrying out the various enterprises, financial and otherwise, connected with the work.

The report of labor for the year was then presented as follows:—

	First Quarter	Second Quarter	Third Quarter	Fourth Quarter	Total
Number of Members			273
Number of Members added		6	4	1	11
Number of Members Reporting	63	83	104	76	326
Number of Families Visited	386	773	529	386	2074
Number of Letters Written	363	349	222	195	1129
Pages of Tracts, etc., distributed	74426	10175	96264	80318	271183
New Subscribers for Review	13	25	5	5	48
New Subscribers for Good Health	6	15	1	5	27
New Subscribers for Instructor	79	69	32	13	193
New Subscribers for Signs	121	23	7	5	156
New Subscribers for others	53	2			55
Signs in Clubs	99	83	7	42	231
Annuals Distributed	581	1298	253	39	2171
Periodicals Distributed	3026	4292	3205	3294	13817

FINANCES.

	First Quarter	Second Quarter	Third Quarter	Fourth Quarter	Total
Donations and Membership	$88.80	131.46	$89.90	195.01	$505.17
Book Sales	30.69	38.58	37.58	10.72	117.57
Periodicals	139.49	275.69	155.72	152.47	723.37
One-Third	70.00	114.55			184.55
Life Membership	130.00	35.00	30.00		195.00
Dime Tabernacle	51.95	28.15			80.10
Oakland Church	17.60	26.80			44.40
Totals	532.53	653.98	313.20	358.20	1857.91

NOTE.—The society has received $461.71 on general book sales, and $238.77 on books sold by individuals. This, added to the $117.57, gives a total of $808.05. The one-third for the third and fourth quarters is included in “memberships and donations.”

The President remarked upon the system of general book sales adopted by the New York and Pennsylvania tract societies at the last annual meeting in connection with the Conference in 1878, noticing the fact that the book sales for the year just closed showed more than double the amount reported for the preceding year, the happy result, under the blessing of God, of the working of the system adopted.

Being instructed by the meeting to appoint the several committees, the Chair announced the following: On Nominations, J. Q. Foy, S. N. Walsworth, and A. H. Hall; On Resolutions, E. W. Whitney, C. C. Lewis, and M. H. Brown.

The meeting now adjourned to call of Chair.

SECOND MEETING.—The second meeting was called Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2:30 P. M. After the usual opening exercises, and the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, the report of the Committee on Resolutions was presented, as follows:—

Whereas, We recognize in the work of the tract and missionary society an efficient means for the spread of the truth, and

Whereas, God, through the spirit of prophecy, has also recognized this as a most important branch of the third angel’s message, therefore

Resolved, That we hereby express our increased confidence in the plan adopted, and its efficiency, and we pledge ourselves to labor earnestly to advance the interests, and increase the efficiency of the society in carrying out the various enterprises which are connected with it.

Resolved, That we adopt the recommendation of the General Conference, relative to the matter of raising a sum equal to one-third of the tithes paid for the support of the ministry, for the direct support of the tract and missionary work; and that we urge upon all our churches the importance of acting in harmony with this recommendation.

Whereas, The Lord has in mercy again spoken to us as a people through the gift of prophecy, and

Whereas, The writings of Sister White, especially Vols. 1, 2, and 3 of Spirit of Prophecy, and the Testimonies, contain matter of great importance to the world as well as to the people of God, the reading of which is the most effectual means of removing prejudice against this gift, and increasing the spiritual growth and prosperity of our people, therefore,

Resolved, That we will use our best endeavors to secure their introduction into every family of Sabbath-keepers, and the adoption of the plan of reading recommended by the General Conference, and we pledge ourselves to use earnest efforts to give these writings the widest possible circulation.

Resolved, That we express our satisfaction with the plan adopted by all the ministers in this Conference, of giving the tract society the benefit of all profits on book sales, etc., while in the employ of the Conference, believing it to be in accordance with the spirit of sacrifice that should actuate all who are engaged in the work of the third angel’s message.

Whereas, It has been decided by the trustees of the Publishing Association, to enlarge and greatly improve the REVIEW, without increasing its subscription price, and

Whereas, We believe these improvements will tend to increase its circulation and usefulness, both among our own people and others, therefore

Resolved, That we express our hearty approval of this change, and pledge our earnest co-operation in giving to the REVIEW as extensive a circulation as possible.

Whereas, “The world is to be warned, educated, and tested on the subject of appetite, and other departments of hygiene, as well as upon the Sabbath and other important truths,” and

Whereas, The publishers of Good Health liberally offer to send that journal four months on trial for twenty cents, therefore

Resolved, That we heartily second the request of the publishers that “a club of trial-trip subscribers be obtained in every community where there is a church of Seventh-day Adventists,” and recommend that individuals take this opportunity to introduce Good Health to their friends.

Resolved, That as ministers and tract-society officers we will do all we can, (1.) To secure permanent paying subscribers to Good Health; (2.) To meet the call of the publishers for fifteen thousand trial subscribers.

Resolved, That our people should not take advantage of the liberal offer referred to, for their own benefit, but should become permanent subscribers.

Whereas, The various periodicals issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association contain matter of the greatest vital importance to all our people, and

Whereas, Many families of S. D. Adventists take none of these periodicals, therefore

Resolved, That we urge our ministers and tract-society officers to use their most earnest endeavors to secure a wide circulation of these periodicals, especially among our own people.

Whereas, The Signs of the Times has already accomplished great good as a missionary paper, and has been an effectual means of carrying the truth to all parts of the world, and

Whereas, The publishers have made improvements in its form, and at the same time have reduced its price, so as to adapt it especially to the missionary work, therefore

Resolved, That we will use our earnest efforts to increase its circulation, thus enlarging its sphere of usefulness.

Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to the officers of the R. W. and O. R. R., for the favor shown our people, in granting a reduction in fare over their road to those attending this meeting, also to the employees of the road for the uniform courtesy manifested toward us by them.

The resolutions were considered separately, and unanimously adopted.

The Committee on Nominations then presented the following report: For President, Eld. B. L. Whitney; Vice-president, M. H. Brown; Secretary and Treasurer, Addie Bowen; Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, E. H. Whitney; Director of Dist. No. 1, Eld. R. F. Cottrell; No. 2, Wm. Treadwell; No. 3, Wm. H. Brown; No. 4, Frank Hall; No. 5, I. N. Russell; No. 6, David Carr; No. 7, N. C. Wheeler; No. 8, P. Z. Kinne; No. 9, E. S. Lane; No. 10, Eld. Jacob Wilbur. The report was accepted, and the officers named were unanimously elected.

A report of the financial standing of the society, including New York and Pennsylvania, was then presented, as follows:—

		Amount
Cash on hand at time of last report,		$1,196.25
Received during year,		3,951.88
“	“ on European Mis.	66.00
“	“ Ed. Relief,	10.00
“	“ Reserve Fund,	47.00
		$5,271.13
Paid out during the year,		5,189.69
Cash on hand,		81.44
Due on General Book Sales,		145.65
“	Periodicals from Districts,	311.18
“	from Individuals,	386.93
“	Conferences,	14.57
“	S. S. Associations,	41.79
Stock on hand,		623.17
Total assets,		1,604.73
Due at REVIEW Office,		$268.71
“	Signs	157.52
Other Liabilities,		200.00
		$626.23
Balance, Dec. 18, 1879,		978.50

A good degree of interest was manifested throughout the meeting, and the brethren separated to go to their work for the coming year with renewed courage.

E. H. WHITNEY, Sec. B. L. WHITNEY, Pres.

A TRACT SOCIETY IN ENGLAND.

By John Nevins Loughborough

ON the evening of Jan. 11, 1880, we organized a National Tract and Missionary Society for Great Britain. We have twenty-six members. Others who could not be at the meeting, will join. It was voted that I should act as President of the society, and that Mrs. A. M. Loughborough serve as Secretary and Treasurer. It was also voted to adopt the Constitution recommended by our General Conference for the government of such societies, making a practical application of its principles and regulations as fast as circumstances and the onward development of the cause here shall demand.

At present only two districts were designated, to be known as the Hampshire and Somerset districts; yet our field of labor comprehends the “United Kingdom of Great Britain,” and any of her dependencies which we may be able to reach with reading matter and by correspondence. For the present, it was decided that J. N. Loughborough should act as director of the Hampshire district, and Bro. Henry Veysey of the Somerset district. Bro. V. is to select a librarian. Sister J. L. Ings of the Southampton church was appointed librarian of the Hampshire district, and Bro. Wm. Ings was designated as superintendent of the work of placing reading matter upon ships.

This movement has given a new impetus to the work here. It was timely. The church was stirred up to act, and all are anxious to work; and if we would obey Paul’s injunction to Titus, “Set in order the things that are wanting,” it was time to form this missionary society; for it is what is wanted to give form and efficiency to this department of our work.

At no point of time since our mission was opened have we received so many favorable responses to Signs sent out, in the same length of time, as in the past few weeks. Many are reading with interest, and then “send the papers to friends in other parts.” Public libraries are calling for our bound volumes for their shelves, and the Signs and Good Health for their reading-room tables.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

OHIO TRACT SOCIETY.

By Dudley Marvin Canright; J. B. Gregory

This society held the second State quarterly meeting of its ninth fiscal year at Corsica, Jan. 20, 1880, at 7 P. M. After the usual opening exercises, the report of the last meeting was called for, read, and approved. Eld. B. L. Whitney, being present, made some very appropriate remarks on reporting. The President thought that not more than one-half of the work done had been reported. All the directors were present, and pledged themselves to put forth an earnest effort to advance the T. and M. work in our society during the coming quarter.

The report of labor is as follows:—

Districts	No. Members	No. Reports Returned	No. Members Added	No. Families Visited	No. Letters Written	No. Signs taken in Clubs	Subscribers obtained for Periodicals	Pages Tracts and Pamphlets distributed	Periodicals Distributed	Annuals sold and given away	Cash rec’d on Tract Fund and Periodicals
1	33	19	14	180	10	25	13	17680	40	55	$64.54
2	51	16	2	75	20	26	8	8151	125	267	$39.48
3	54	28	2	111	61	20	23	21799	395	403	$17.57
4	104	58	3	346	162	40	66	18849	891	368	$79.44
5	196	58	...	46	22	42	61	6271	1144	192	$174.66
6	25	9	13	61	105	10	49	7158	106	33	$58.90
	463	188	34	819	380	163	220	79908	2701	1318	$434.59

NOTE.—The above includes a report from each church society in the State. Of the cash received, $287.46 was donations and membership fees; $61.32, on sales, and $85.81 for periodicals. Value of publications on hand, $1442.00. Amount of indebtedness, $594.39.

Adjourned sine die. D. M. CANRIGHT, Pres, J. B. GREGORY, Sec.

VIRGINIA T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By R. T. Fultz; A. C. Neff

THE quarterly meeting of this society was held Jan. 4, 1880, at which the following labor was reported:—

No. of reports returned, 5 No. of pages of tracts distributed, 2663 No. of periodicals distributed, 888 Cash received, $23.45 Value of publications on hand, 21.77

R. T. FULTZ, Sec. A. C. NEFF, Director.

A SILVER BOWL, BUT NO SUCCOTASH.

This was the substance of the reply said to have been made by an unlearned but pious old Indian to a minister, who was wondering why a certain off-hand talk, given by the Indian, had moved and melted this minister’s hearers more than his own elaborate sermons had ever done. “I’ explain this to you,” said the Indian. “You come here (meaning to his pulpit) ev’ry Sabbath’day; you bring big silver bowl and silver spoons, and dey very handsome, but you no have any succotash in your bowl. De people, dey hungry, and de silver bowl no feed ’em; dey want de succotash!” Are there not some authors and preachers that set silver bowls before us with no succotash?

KANSAS

Labor among the Churches.—On account of poor health, I have been obliged to remain at home most of the time since our camp-meetings closed.

Jan. 2 to 19, we visited the brethren at South Mound, Cherokee, and Amity. Some real progress was made at each place. We now intend to pass through the southern tier of counties as rapidly as the nature of our work will admit, going at least as far Colwell, Sumner Co. Further notices will appear in due time. Will the brethren make arrangements to devote much of their time to the special work of seeking the Lord at these meetings? It appears to me that a death-like stupor is settling over our churches in this State. Shall we not arouse in the name of our Lord, and gird ourselves anew for the battle?

J. H. COOK.

Canning Creek, Morris Co., Jan. 25.—The meetings at Canning Creek are increasing in interest. Five have signed the covenant. Four of these are heads of families; among them are Mr. and Mrs. M. V. Taylor. Bro. and Sr. Taylor accepted the truth many years ago under the labors of Bro. Van Horn. Bro. T. was separated from commandment-keepers, and for eight years has wandered a prodigal from his Father's house. He desires Bro. Van Horn to know that he has renewed his covenant with God.

Have taken four subscriptions for the REVIEW, one for the Instructor, and one for Good Health, and have sold $14.00 worth of books and tracts. Some Swedish and German publications would do much good here. This is the Lord's work. Oh, how good is our God.

Have given to date twenty-three discourses upon the advent and Sabbath. G. H. ROGERS.

Porter's Ranch, Smith Co., Jan. 19.—Jan. 2 to 5, I was with the little company at Rock's Center. They were in some difficulty, which was partially removed.

The 9th to the 11th, attended the T. and M. quarterly meeting at Bull City; this was an excellent meeting.

The 13th, commenced meetings at Porter's Ranch. At our first three meetings, our congregations averaged over one hundred. Yesterday, two sermons were preached, one on the nature of man, the other on the Sabbath,

evidently with the design of forestalling me. I reviewed them both in the evening. The house was crowded; about two hundred were present. After I had spoken an hour on the first subject, the people voted to wait and hear the remainder of the review, which took forty-five minutes more. More than two-thirds of the people decided in our favor. Some have determined to keep the Sabbath. At the fourth meeting I never had a better prospect nor better freedom. Praise the Lord for this. Eight denominations are represented in the congregations.

Brethren, pray for the work here.

GEO. H. SMITH.

MICHIGAN

Carlton Center.— We have now given five discourses on the Sabbath question. The interest is good, and the community is much stirred. The light is finding its way to the hearts and minds of the thinking. Some feeling of opposition is manifested; but we hope and trust that we shall see good results from our labor here. We acknowledge the help of the Lord in the past and in what he is doing for us. To him be all the praise. E. VAN DRUSEN.

Monterey and Hillsdale.— Between Jan. 17 and 26, I visited the foregoing churches. At the first-named place the regular quarterly meeting of section No. 1 was held. Bro. and Sr. White were present, and conducted the services on the Sabbath. Throughout the whole meeting, the attendance was large and the spirit animated.

At Hillsdale, also, our services were encouraging. The church there is making special effort to put their house of worship in commendable order, by repairs, painting, etc.

While among them, we organized a health and temperance club, of which H. A. Fuller was elected leader, and C. S. Veeder secretary. W. H. LITTLEJOHN.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND.

By John Norton Loughborough

Our hearts are still cheered by the progress of the work here in Great Britain. Since my last report the steward of the steamer (of whom I have spoken) has spent a second evening with us. He and his companion are keeping the Sabbath, and have fully embraced our views. They desire to identify themselves with us in the truth.

A sister residing near Birmingham, a governess in a first-class family there, has taken her stand to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Her name is one of a number I sent to the V. M. society of Sheridan, Ill. The Signs mailed to her by that society convicted her on the Sabbath question. She saw our depository at Ravenswood advertised in the Signs, and immediately wrote here for books, which letter led to a correspondence. She is now obeying the truth, with the full permission of the family by whom she is employed. Praise the Lord. He is working on the hearts of the people.

Bro. Veysey of Somersetshire, is with us now, and will remain a few days. God blesses as we pray together, and talk of the truth and the Lord’s leading of this people in the rise and progress of this cause.

There is considerable prejudice against Americans, and there are reasons for this later than the wars of 1776 or 1812. Mormonism has made its raids and ravages among the people. I am told by the people here that a portion of a fresh band of fifty Mormons, that had arrived in Salt Lake from Southampton, were forced to take part in the “Mountain Meadow Massacre.” Some of them escaped from that den of iniquity (Mormonism) as soon as possible after it, and found their way back. Such came with curious impressions of America, and of some of its “clever Yankees.”

Shakerism has one of its camps near Southampton, and some think America is a “queer country” to turn out such sects. Those who read, and are informed, know that such things are not tolerated by the better class in America.

But there are things that hurt us worse than these. Dr. Talmage professed to visit England for his health. He stated in his last sermon before leaving New York (a sermon to which Eld. J. N. Andrews listened) that he was going to take a vacation for his health. It seems that over here he charged £100 ($500) for each of his regular advertised lectures. Before me is a statement in the Hampshire Telegraph relative to a lecture in Brighton, Sussexshire. The sum of £60 had been paid to his agent toward the £100 he demanded. The agent said that Mr. Talmage would not lecture until the whole was paid; so the money was paid over to the agent. This report says: “As the total fees did not exceed £60, while other expenses connected with the lecture amounted to about £20, the committee lost, altogether, £60 by their too enterprising spirit. After the lecture the facts were stated to Dr. Talmage himself, who promised to communicate with the committee, but up to the present time he has not done so.”

Such grasping of means may be refreshing to a man on a health tour, but what kind of an influence is he casting? What impression is he giving of American ministers? It surely makes it harder here for an American who is determined to stand for the right.

About three years ago one Eld. H. S. Earle, well known in some parts of America as a Baptist evangelist, or “revival preacher,” came to Southampton. When we arrived here he was having large assemblies in the philharmonic rooms of the town. He took in as an associate in his work one Eld. Meadows, a man of English birth, but who was educated in America. This man was ordained by Eld. Earle. He was told, in the charge, after ordination, that he was not to concern himself about the Old Testament, or about the law, or about Christ’s second coming, but to preach simply the gospel. Eld. Earle spent last summer in Palestine, for his health. After his return, some unpleasantness came up which has resulted in much bad feeling between the parties, and in establishing two separate meetings. Eld. Meadows wrote a book setting forth his grievances. Soon after, he was brought before the magistrate on the charge of publishing a libel, and after examination, was bound over in the sum of £200, to the next “assizes at Winchester,” there to be tried for libel. This gives some further idea of the situation, in some respects, in general, and at Southampton in particular. But what of all this? We expect to pursue the even tenor of our way, and, by God’s grace, live above such things, and prove to the people that the truth of God and the grace of God can do as much for Americans as it can for Englishmen. God will bless us in standing at our post. Notwithstanding all opposing influences, the truth is gaining ground. In this we will rejoice.

Under the circumstances I have mentioned, it is good to be connected with those who know our course, and to have credentials from them. I was pleased that our late General Conference decided to give all our missionaries special credentials. These credentials would be acceptable and timely here, if they could be sent, and would be an additional testimony to that given by the Conference of which the missionary is a member. I am of the opinion of the blacksmith who said he could hammer out a reputation on his anvil. So, in the name of the Lord, trusting in his mercy and grace, we will stick to the work, sowing the seed, expecting God to water it and cause it to bear fruit.

Pray for us. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT.

By H. P. Ribton

I mentioned in a previous report that I had availed myself of my profession as a means of carrying the message among persons whom it would otherwise be difficult to reach. This has enabled me to make a wide circle of new acquaintances, to all of whom I have been able to announce the true Sabbath and the nearness of our Lord’s coming kingdom.

Medical men here are, as a rule, almost all materialists, and the fact that a doctor announced Christ’s coming and professed to work in his name, caused no small sensation in Alexandria. I was accordingly invited to meet a number of persons, of various persuasions and tenets, who were desirous to hear from me directly the “new things” I had commenced to announce. Our conference was held last Sunday, in the office of a mutual friend. It was a little room, in dimensions about ten feet by six; and in it we were assembled, twelve in number, including Bro. Rupp and another brother of our church. Together we represented five churches,—Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Anglican, and American, the latter the Seventh-day Adventists. All of them, with the exception of the Adventists, lighted their cigars at the commencement of the conference, and the effect, in the little room in which we were packed, may be better imagined than described.

What a conference! I prayed God to help me with his Spirit, and only with his powerful aid could I have answered the weighty questions which were propounded by Jews, deists, materialists, and spiritualists, every one of which would have required a lengthy discussion in itself. Tobacco opened the discourse, and its influence in shortening life was spoken of; this enabled me, by comparison, to introduce the subject of the new kingdom, where life instead of being short will be eternal. Among the questions propounded were these: Why should God allow man to suffer, instead of at once establishing his kingdom? Why did he allow man to fall? What need had he to put man to the proof, if he knew all things that would be? Why did he permit the continuance of the rebellion of Satan? Why should he in the Judgment condemn pagan nations that had never heard of his law or of Christ?

Then we were led to the question of the divine origin of Jesus, by an Israelite friend. I took him to the 18th chapter of Deuteronomy, and showed him that Jesus had given the proofs laid down by Moses of his being the true prophet from among their brethren, whom they should hear. He admitted that whoever acknowledges Moses must acknowledge Christ, but confessed that hitherto monetary pursuits had prevented him from investigating whether Moses himself was worthy of credence. Such is, indeed, now the condition to which the greater part of the children of Abraham are reduced. Rabbinical tradition, like papal tradition, leads to utter incredulity. Spiritualism formed the closing topic of discourse, and I was invited to a spiritual séance; however, for manifest reasons, I declined to go. My Hebrew friend rather surprised me by saying that he invoked the aid of God, whom he acknowledges, in his magnetizing operations.

I am glad to say that all were so much pleased with the answers I gave them, that they expressed a desire for another conference, which I hope we will soon hold. How glad I would be if Bro. Andrews, with his long and deep Biblical experience, could aid us with his presence.

Our meetings are now held every week, at our house, and new hearers are coming in who take an interest in the word spoken. Our brethren in Naples still work actively, and report new friends gained to the Sabbath of the Lord. Bro. Bertola has gone to Odessa, in Russia, where we hope he may be able to sow some good seed.

We were invited last evening to a wedding in the church of our Arab brethren, whom I mentioned in a former letter. The ceremony was interesting; the bride was only fourteen years old. Bro. Rupp spoke in Italian, and his words were translated into Arabic. These worthy brethren take a great interest in prophecy, and would willingly listen to us and read our tracts; but their language places an almost insurmountable barrier between us. May God give us much fruit, and enable us to raise “an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof,” to “be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt.” Isa. 19:19, 20. H. P. RIBTON. Dec. 4, 1879.

The Discipline of Life.

I own it; He bruises; He pierces me sore; But the hammer and chisel affect me no more. Shall I tell you the reason? It is that I see The Sculptor will carve out an angel from me.

I shrink from no suffering, how painful so e’er, When once I can feel that my God’s hand is there; For soft on the anvil the iron shall glow, When the smith, with his hammer, deals blow upon blow.

God presses me hard, but he gives patience too, And I say to myself, “’Tis no more than my due; And no tone from the organ can swell in the breeze Till the organist’s fingers press down on the keys.”

So come, then, and welcome, the blow and the pain, Without them no mortal can Heaven attain; For what can the sheaves on the barn-floor avail Till the thresher shall beat out the chaff with his flail?

’Tis only a moment God chastens with pain, Joy follows on sorrow like sunshine on rain; Then bear thou what God on thy spirit shall lay, Be dumb, but when tempted to murmur, then pray. —Selected.

MINNESOTA

By N. Battin

Hiler School-house, Winona Co., Jan. 26.—The attendance and the interest to hear have been good. The Lord has helped in the presentation of the word. Some good souls have gladly received the word, and I have great hopes of seeing a good company of Sabbath-keepers here. N. BATTIN.

NEBRASKA

By A. J. Cudney

Admah, Washington Co., Jan. 21.—Since my return from Battle Creek, I have labored some with the Decatur and York Creek churches. Some of the brethren are doing all they can to help along the good work; but there is quite a chance for others to improve.

Commenced meetings in a school-house near Admah the 15th inst. The attendance was good the first evening, and has increased each evening since. May God direct in presenting his truth.

Book sales the past three weeks, $25.73.

A. J. CUDNEY.

DEDICATION AT WEST PIERREPONT, N. Y.

By C. O. Lewis

In connection with the dedication at West Pierrepont, N. Y., a two-days' meeting was held, commencing Friday evening, Jan. 16, and closing Sunday evening. Eld. A. H. Hall had charge of the meetings, and was assisted by H. H. Wilcox, M. C. Wilcox, and the writer.

The churches of Gouverneur, Silver Hill, Buck's Bridge, and South Pierrepont were well represented. The people brought their lunch baskets both days, and, with short intermissions, the meetings continued all day.

Seven sermons were preached, besides giving attention to the Sabbath-school, health and temperance, and T. and M. work, and holding social meetings. The Sabbath-school, which had been reduced to ten members, was resuscitated, and fifteen members were added. The subject of Bible temperance was faithfully presented, and a temperance club of twenty-two members organized.

The district quarterly meeting of the tract society was held the evening after the Sabbath; and Sunday a church tract society of fourteen members was formed. The T. and M. work in our district is receiving a fresh impetus. Already two new societies have been formed; and all the librarians are being thoroughly instructed in their duties. Since the beginning of the quarter, the director has obtained 11 subscribers for the REVIEW, 8 for Good Health, 3 for the Instructor, and several for the Signs.

Sabbath afternoon, in social meeting, between thirty and forty spoke in as many minutes.

Eld. Hall preached the dedicatory sermon Sunday. The services were of deep interest, and all felt that God's Spirit was present. Six years ago, Bro. Hall first entered this town as a colporter, distributing tracts from house to house. At this time there probably was not a Seventh-day Adventist in the town. People were suspicious; friends were few. Upon one occasion, Bro. Hall traveled all day without being able to obtain even a piece of bread to eat. To-day there are two flourishing churches in the town, and the people are ready to listen to the preaching of the truth. A request has just been received for a course of lectures to be given in a new union church two miles away.

Eld. C. O. Taylor bestowed much labor in connection with the raising up of this church.

The house of worship in Pierrepont is a plain building 24x30 feet. Though plain, it is neat; and the sisters have so ornamented the interior that it certainly presents a very tasty appearance. The house was all paid for but $12.00, and this was raised before the dedication. The Pierrepont church have made considerable sacrifice, and they are now rewarded by having a comfortable house in which to worship God. May God bless them, and add to their numbers. Some one made the remark that if the entire church would consistently live out the truth, their numbers would soon be increased to one hundred members. C. O. LEWIS.

Continue reading: IOWA