Earlier text: THE CHURCHES FROM THE WORLD'S STAND-POINTTO ASPIRANTS FOR THE STATE SECRETARYSHIP.
By Ex-Secretary
It may be interesting to those who are hoping, at no distant day, to occupy the honorable position of State secretary of the T. and M. Society, to understand some of the necessary qualifications for the office, also the several duties which they will be expected to perform. In the first place, you will no doubt desire to attend some good commercial college, one term at least. Be this as it may, the necessities of the case actually demand several years’ attendance at the guessing school. Then you should be able not only to read the living and dead languages, but also to interpret ancient and modern hieroglyphics. In your correspondence examples will be of frequent occurrence of words commencing le, be, ca, etc., and terminating in a serpentine line resembling the meandering course of the Rio de la Plata. A few years since repairs were going on at the New York Tribune office. It became necessary to close, for a time, the usual entrance door from the street. On this was posted a placard announcing, “Entrance on A street.” This the many passers by rendered, “Editors on a spree.” In defiance of all rules of interpretation, you will be liable to make as great mistakes, unless especially adapted, by nature and practice, to this branch of the work. You will be expected to understand at a glance how to execute orders like the following: “Please send one copy of the SIGNS now taken in the club by our church, to Lucy Larcom,” etc. Writer’s name and place of residence not given. “Inclosed please find $5.00. Fifty cents for Jennie June’s INSTRUCTOR, two dollars for my REVIEW, and two dollars, one-half for George Elliot.” Deciding how the last-mentioned sum is to be applied, with all similar matters, will determine the degree of proficiency attained in the above-mentioned guessing school. “Please send the SIGNS to John Johnson, Mount Vernon”—no State. The postal guide records only twenty places by this name, and you can select whichever you think most probable. “My father’s cousin has seen our paper, and is much interested in some points of doctrine therein advocated. Inclosed you will find $1.25. Please send the paper six months, also such tracts as you think best.” It would be very convenient to know upon which subject the interest was manifested, which paper was wanted, and whether the person alluded to was Rutherford B. Hayes or Bridget Dougherty; but the solving of all such problems comes within the province of the State secretary. You will be expected to be versed not only in whatever the geography and dictionary contain, but in most, if not all, that has transpired since they were compiled. The time was when a race of men inhabited this western world who said what they meant, and meant what they said. We remember our grandparents’ copy books, in which the even and delicately-shaded lines could be as easily read as the printed page. There was method, too, in all their business transactions, though they never studied rhetoric or geometry. But the old-time fogyism has passed away. “Young America” is educated, and every way worthy the cognomen “fast.” “The coming man” stands in his office door in Boston, ready to step into his balloon, intending to dine at San Francisco, Cal. On the way he telephones to his partner that he will be around to attend to business this evening at 7 o’clock. Time is precious. There is none to spend in thought only for those delegated to attend to such minor affairs. Hence, thinking, like Artemas Ward’s reorganizing, is “let out by the piece,” and Darwin, Huxley and Co., have taken the larger portion, excepting such matters as State secretaries are expected to attend to. If these suggestions are not sufficiently explicit, further information will be given after the applicant has perfected his knowledge upon all points herein mentioned. Ex-SECRETARY. WHAT SATISFIED HER?
By A. S. Hutchins
TRAVELING in a stage coach some weeks since, one of the passengers affirmed that the first day of the week was the Sabbath. Said she, “We know that Christ changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week, and if I had my Bible here, I could prove it.” Reaching forward to my trunk to take mine therefrom, she quickly remarked, “You need not take out your Bible.” Said I, please excuse me, lady, if I do so; and I will, with your permission, read every text of the New Testament where the expression first-day occurs, and you shall tell me which one of these texts teaches the change of the Sabbath, as you have stated. This was readily agreed upon. Pausing once or twice, while passing through the list, I asked, Have I read the text you have in your mind yet? She responded, “No.” And when she had the list before her, what did she say? for she did not dare claim one of them as sustaining her assertion. “Well,” said the lady, “I don’t care. The first day of the week is the Sabbath, and I am satisfied.” What satisfies such minds? ALSTRUP, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
Our meetings in the chapel have been well attended during the past two weeks. I am holding the second series of lectures in this vicinity. There is much less prejudice here now than there was last summer. Many minds are awakened, and the truth of God gains ground. There are several families that now have commenced to observe the Sabbath, and many others are very near to us. The enemies that oppose us most, are—old habits, the ways of the world, and the use of strong drink and tobacco. The Spirit of God testifies to the word spoken, and there is often deep feeling in the congregation. We speak without reserve against the prevailing sins, and the people often feel offended; but the majority of them, however, come back to our meetings again. Some find the way before them too hard; others choose rather to suffer with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Pray for us that the Lord may lead in all things to his name’s honor and glory. JOHN G. MATTESON. It is will, or force of purpose, that enables a man to make his mark in the world. A man of ordinary ability, will, with energy, accomplish more in life than a talented man who is indolent. What is needed in the church is the never-give up, go-ahead spirit, the fire, and the will to become of use in the cause of God. The indomitable perseverance of a few holy men has given a wonderful impetus to present truth. If the untiring zeal manifested by the leaders in the cause was infused into the heart of every Seventh-day Adventist, there would be a marked change, well pleasing to the Lord. The things of this life—its cares, its business, its perplexities and its vanities—all tend to engage the attention and exhaust those powers which should be enlisted in higher and holier work. God's work elevates, ennobles, refines, and purifies the life. God's Spirit soothes, softens, and satisfies the heart. The holy enthusiasm of a true life leads its possessor onward and upward, even to the everlasting doors of the mansions of glory which the King will open when he “gathers his jewels.” Oh, the bewildering joy, the unspeakable happiness, and the thrilling gladness of the result of a well-spent life! Who, in view of the transporting, enrapturing glory of the life to come, can fail to put forth all his energies here in preparing for those years of eternal joy? WHAT a terrible meaning is attached to this short word! The idea of losing is disagreeable, even of things of but little value; but when we think of losing life, of losing ourselves, the thought is tremendously terrible. When life is at stake, when the person is liable to be lost, how astonishing that men should pass on careless of the conditions on which eternal life is offered, until they awake to the realization of the sad fact that they are lost, and lost forever. It is written, “Whosoever will save his life [by a denial of Christ] shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:24, 25. It must be fearfully shocking, even to the careless and indifferent, to learn at last that they might have had eternal life, but that it is lost, and they are irretrievably doomed to perdition. But what must it be to those who have professed their faith in Christ, and entertained high hopes of sharing the bliss of the sanctified in the glorious kingdom of God to eternity? What words can express the awful dismay of the backslider and the hypocrite, when, despite their plea of having done many wonderful works in the name of Christ, they shall hear from his lips the astounding, crushing words, “I never knew you; depart from me”? But nearer still. My brother, my sister, myself, think of the superlative consternation and indescribable woe, if, after having had the light of present truth of the soon-coming of Christ, and hearing and embracing the last message of the gospel, the message that is to prepare the last generation of God’s people for translation without death into the everlasting kingdom, we shall awaken, too late, to the overwhelming fact that we are lost! Let us avert this terrible doom by walking in the light while mercy still pleads in our behalf. R. F. COTTRELL. Gossip and the Habit of Talking About People
NARROW-MINDED and ignorant persons talk about people and not things. Hence gossip—the bane of our age. Labor among the Churches.
Having closed our series of meetings at Ravenna, we came, on Jan. 21, to Wright, Ottawa Co., with a view to laboring with this church. Our first meeting was held in this place on the evening of Jan. 23d, and our last on Sunday, Jan. 28. Fortunately, the brethren in Ravenna are situated so near this place that a large portion of them have been able to be present at our services here, and, by this means, have had the benefit of the meetings in both places. The church at Wright is one of the oldest and largest in the State. Its members, at present, number ninety-two, in all. Many of them, however, reside in other counties and are heard from only as they report by letter. The membership is composed largely of substantial farmers, and one of the best features in their past history and present condition, is found in the fact that they have been, and are still, free from everything like church trials and divisions. What they seemed to need above everything else, was an awakening to fresh experience and activity in the things of God. We labored, therefore, to this end, and our efforts were not in vain, since the Lord condescended to pour out his Spirit upon the people in a manner which was calculated to encourage all present. Several who had backslidden were reclaimed, and others started anew in the service of God; nearly the whole church, also, by repeated movements, consecrated themselves fully to the service of God. On Sunday we were called upon to preach the funeral discourse of Justus Ferguson, one of the oldest residents of the town. On that occasion the congregation was so large that the house of worship was incapable of seating all of them. We think it is safe to say that there were between five and six hundred persons in attendance. On Monday we returned to Allegan, where it will be well for those who at any time may wish to communicate with us, to address their letters, since they will be forwarded from this place to any point where we may labor in the future. W. H. LITTLEJOHN. M. S. BURNHAM. I went to Muskegon, Jan. 9, and staid there a few days. Visited among the Scandinavians and sold or gave away tracts to all I visited. One family seemed to be interested in the truth. The families I visited were very friendly, and seemed to be much interested to read our tracts. There was no opening for me to hold meetings in Muskegon, so I came to Twin Lakes. I have now held six meetings here. A Methodist family have taken a decided stand for the truth. An old lady who is a spiritualist has been shaken in her faith, and now wishes to obtain a knowledge of the whole truth. Others are interested. The principal merchant in the place, who is also a physician, admits that we are right, and defends the truth, but has not yet taken a decided stand for it. His wife, who once received the truth, but had given it up, met with us last Sabbath and bore testimony in favor of the truth. Some are opposed. One night they hid the key of the school-house. But the next evening, before meeting time, a man left the key with the lady of the house in which I am staying, asking her not to say anything about it. Since that time no one has hindered our meetings. Last evening I had a large and attentive congregation. I hold my meetings in English, as there are no Scandinavians here. I have hopes that others will take a stand for the truth. I have sold books and tracts for $2.50, and obtained three subscribers for our papers. I have invitations from many places to come and preach the truth. Time is short, and Jesus will soon appear. Let us watch and pray, and be armed with the sword of the Spirit, that we may be able to resist the wiles of the enemy. I ask the prayers of all God’s people. NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
East Otto and Blockville, N. Y., Jan. 28. Our meeting at East Otto, Jan. 19, 20, was well attended considering the state of the roads, though had all the brethren manifested the interest that some did, it would have been considerably larger. Three districts were represented by directors, and reports from other districts came in promptly. This meeting—like all the meetings we have held within the past few weeks—was characterized by a disposition on the part of those present to become more engaged, personally, in the work of God, especially in tract and missionary labor; and the discourses were given with the object to increase this desire. The brethren here, we find, are generally prompt in the payment of S. B., and are helping the cause with their means in other directions. In company with Bro. Hall we visited Blockville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., the following Wednesday. Here we found an interesting company of young Sabbath-keepers who were brought into the truth during the past season by the labors of Eld. C. B. Reynolds. We are much pleased with these young friends of the cause, who seem to love the truth and are rejoicing in the light they have received. They are not yet organized, and will need more labor to bring them in harmony with the work in all points; but they seem earnest in the work, and we are sure there is material here for a good, live church. They are talking of building a meeting-house here, and we think this should be done. A committee was appointed to solicit donations for this purpose, and we trust they will succeed. Held meetings with them Wednesday evening and Thursday during the day and evening. B. L. WHITNEY. THE people still come out to hear, and a very favorable feeling seems to exist in the neighborhood, but circumstances make it advisable to close the meetings for the present. The effort of Mr. Buck, to which I referred in my last report, amounted to nothing. Have now been here nearly seven weeks, and have spoken twenty-eight times. Have sold about five dollars’ worth of books, and obtained ten subscriptions on our different periodicals. Six have commenced to keep the Sabbath, making eight who are now keeping it, and there are others for whom I hope. I feel encouraged to labor more earnestly. The blessing of God has attended in a measure, and I hope that nothing may be allowed to come in to destroy or hinder the work. I return home for a few days. E. W. WHITNEY. At our quarterly meeting we had an interesting time celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house. Two offered to unite with the church, and others have since expressed a desire to do so. They meet with us, and take part in the Bible-class. There are many who will continue to take the HERALD. The way seems to be opening for teaching school in a district where great opposition was manifested at first. In the meantime, it is thought best to labor among the Americans six miles from this place, at the same time continuing Sabbath meetings among the Swedes. Some first-day Adventists gave us an invitation to labor among them. We soon found great prejudice among other denominations. As some were interested, we continued labor, and the prejudice began to diminish. We then moved one and a half miles. Here a few Swedes attended the meetings, and we spoke in Swedish and English alternately. The Lord is blessing in the use of the Swedish language. Some in this place are willing to obey the truth. One man and his wife have been keeping the Sabbath since last March. They began its observance from reading the Scriptures. Some friends expressed the belief that Sunday was the seventh day. The lady replied that she did not believe it, and began to examine the Bible to satisfy herself. The next Sabbath she kept, and the next Sabbath after her husband joined her. Over a month ago he left off using tobacco. He said he thought his tobacco cost him $40 during the last year he used it. I learn that another began to keep the Sabbath about the same time. Last Sabbath another family commenced. Last Sunday spoke twice in a school-house filled with these people, and they were as anxious to hear the truth as a hungry man is for his dinner. This evening expect to resume meetings in the Adventist neighborhood, and continue them till the time of beginning school among the Swedes. Have spoken every evening for more than two weeks. The weather has been very cold, sometimes preventing a full attendance. The mercury congealed on the 8th inst. at 42° below zero. CLOSED the meetings at this place, Jan. 28. Eight have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and several others are deeply interested. Sold six dollars' worth of books, and obtained six subscribers for our periodicals. We have distributed about seventy-five periodicals and two thousand pages47 of tracts. Eld. G. V. Kilgore was with us the last two weeks and rendered valuable assistance. Bro. M. M. Kenny now commences a course of lectures five miles east of Marshalltown, while I remain to follow up the interest here. Until further notice, our address will be Marshalltown, Iowa. O. M. Ours. WE came to this place, Jan. 17. Found our Danish friends that came out under our labors a year ago still living the truth, and growing in the grace of God, although they have had but little preaching since we left them. They have also increased in numbers. Held six meetings with them. A church was organized, S. B. pledged, and other matters necessary to their spiritual welfare were attended to. Two more expressed a desire to serve God and keep his commandments. We feel very grateful to God for the interest manifested in present truth at this place. John F. Hanson. HELD meetings here four weeks this winter, with good effect. We had eight accessions to the church, all but one heads of families, and we expect more will soon join us. By request, I commence a course of lectures next Thursday, in a congregational church, about ten miles from here. E. F. DeBord. Clyde.—The State quarterly meeting of the Ohio T. and M. Society was held with the Clyde church, Jan. 20, 1878. This will be reported by the secretary. The new house of worship just completed here was dedicated on the day above-mentioned. Bro. Waggoner will speak with reference to the house; it only remains for me to report religious services. Bro. Waggoner spoke to a good audience on Friday night, Sabbath A. M. and in the evening, Sunday P. M. and in the evening. Each of these discourses was filled with useful and important instruction, and we hope will prove of lasting benefit to many. The dedication sermon, delivered by Bro. Waggoner on Sunday at 2 P. M., was listened to with marked attention, from beginning to end, by a crowded house. Text: Heb. 3:4. Very many beautiful, solemn, and important thoughts and truths were presented in a clear and forcible manner. The subject was well chosen, being not only very appropriate for the occasion, but also well adapted to the character of the audience. The church deemed it proper to protract the meetings; accordingly Bro. Waggoner has continued them up to the present time, with some interest. Hope for some who are listening attentively. Newark.—For several weeks past I have spent much time in Newark, Ohio. Our meetings have been mainly held in the New Jerusalem church, secured at reasonable rates. Attendance and interest very good. The work moves quite slow here, but one thing is encouraging, it moves all the time. Eight were baptized yesterday. We are quite confident that a good, strong society will be established here. We leave Bro. Guilford to follow up the work by visiting, &c. May the blessing of the Lord still rest upon the work in Newark. Clyde, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1878. I am waiting for the shadows round me lying
To drift away;
I am waiting for the sunlight, always flying,
To come and stay;
I know there's light beyond the cloudy curtain,
A light sublime!
That it will shine on me I know is certain,
Sometime! sometime! I am waiting for the summer's golden luster,
Now far away,
When golden fruits around my life shall cluster
Each sunny day.
We read of fabled flowers in fabled story,
In far-off clime,
And I shall pick them in their pristine glory,
Sometime! sometime! Then I shall hear the voice of loved ones call me,
To their dear side;
And I shall then, whatever may befall me,
Rest satisfied;
For on my ear sweet notes of love shall tremble
In matchless rhyme,
From hearts and lips that never can dissemble,
Sometime! sometime! I am waiting; but at times I grow so weary—
Far seems the day
When all the pain which makes our lives so dreary
Shall pass away.
I know the heart, oft filled with tones of sadness
Like funeral chime,
Shall echo back with songs of love and gladness
Sometime! sometime! Our good meeting here is closed. I hope good was done. All were glad to meet Bro. Haskell once more. From Sabbath evening to Sunday evening, six sermons were preached, and social and business meetings were held early and late. On Sunday Eld. Haskell and the directors of the Illinois T. and M. Society were engaged in religious and business sessions more than twelve hours, still all was not done that appeared to be needful to do. How the work increases on our hands! Surely we must all work,—and now,—or we shall be very likely to be left behind. Nearly all the more prominent points of interest connected with this meeting have been recorded in the report of the tract meeting; however I may add: One was immersed, and the church was encouraged. Five directors were present, besides one alternate; and the other districts had all been heard from by letter. How glad I am to believe Illinois is awaking. REYNOLDS, GA.
By C. O. Taylor
The Lord is still moving upon hearts, and causing his truth to grow in this southern clime. The readers of the REVIEW will remember Bro. Wimbish, an Adventist minister of whom I spoke six or eight weeks ago. It is over four months since I first formed his acquaintance. In a recent letter he said, “I am convinced of the truth on the Sabbath, and have begun the new year keeping all God’s commandments.” This brother has been very decided in defending what truth he had, especially the plain Bible doctrine of immortality only through Jesus. I trust he will be as faithful in defending the down-trodden Sabbath of the Lord. I have all the back numbers of the REVIEW, SIGNS, and REFORMER that I can use. Please send no more at present. C. O. TAYLOR. I commenced a course of lectures here Jan. 20, in the M. E. church, and had the house well filled every evening. Have spoken ten times. The Methodist ministers have crowded me out of their house with a protracted meeting. The people have fitted up an old church for me. Nearly all the Methodist members say they will come to our meetings. The preacher said our meetings would break up their church. I hope we may call the honest ones out of all classes. We have now been here ten days, laboring with those who have begun Sabbath observance. We have organized a church of eighteen members, and there are about fifteen more who will soon join us. I shall give them a short course of lectures. They had their meeting-house burned a few weeks ago. We hope to see another in its place soon. Our brethren in the North know nothing about poverty compared with what is seen in this section. We get our mail only twice each week. We find the law very oppressive on the Sabbath here. We can begin tent labor about the first of March. We very much desire the prayers of God's people. A. O. Burrill. MINNESOTA
By John E. Norstrom
Commenced meetings at Silver Creek, Wright Co., about three weeks ago. The people were willing to hear, and the interest increased. About twelve are convinced of the truth. Four kept last Sabbath, and declared their intention to keep it hereafter. Several others are just ready to take a stand. I have reason to believe there will be a faithful little company here. I intend to visit them again soon, and labor in other places. A Baptist minister showed a spirit of opposition, but did not want to converse with me in the presence of the people. His opposition helped me. Oh, for faithful laborers among our Swedish people! The American brethren and sisters at Monticello showed me much kindness. Bro. and sister Walker have done much to bring the truth to the Swedes where I labored. May these beginners in the truth prove faithful, and be among the overcomers. A Sabbath-school has been organized at this place. The “Bible Lessons” are used. There are eight or nine families of Sabbath-keepers in this neighborhood. Some of these friends are beginning to canvass for the periodicals. J. Lamont. Men and women are wanted who will unselfishly labor for the advancement of the cause of God, who will exemplify the life of our adorable Redeemer, and thus win precious souls to God. Fathers and mothers in Israel are wanted, to care for God's “little ones.” Men and women are wanted who have stamina enough to stand firmly for the principles laid down in the holy book of God; those who can meet temptations, trials, and the rude storms of life, with fortitude and cheerfulness. There is work enough for all; there is no fear of too many laborers. Our Saviour was never idle. He was ever about his Father's business, and should we be above our Master? What a privilege that we, who make such poor work at the best, are permitted to do anything for Jesus! Yes; earnest laborers are wanted, and let none despise his one talent. All the Master asks of us is, that we improve upon what he has given us, but none are excused because they can do but little. There is work enough in the vineyard of the Lord, and the reward is sure to every one. We want more courage, zeal, and earnestness in this work, a closer walk with the God of our salvation, that our life may be a constant rebuke to the ungodly. We need ever to bear in mind that “This life to toil is given,
And he improves it best
Who seeks by patient labor
To enter into rest.” Angels watch to see how faithful we are in the work set for us to do. A record is kept, and eternity will tell how we have wrought. Once done, our work can never be done over. Soon Jesus will come, to reward every man according to his work, and who would not wish to be among the faithful ones? We may all make mistakes, but if they are seen and repented of, we shall receive abundant pardon. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” What more could we ask? Ours is a most merciful Father, one who loves us. Who would not esteem it an exalted privilege to work for him? M. E. BEAN. [From the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.] Since last report my labors have been with the companies of Sabbath-keepers at Middletown, St. Helena, Napa, and Vallejo, constituting district No. 3. These churches have pledged s. b. for 1878 to the amount of $520.08, and $166.72 to the one-third missionary fund. This is doing well considering that two of these companies are small, some are paying large pledges on other matters, and the most of those in the district are in moderate circumstances. At Middletown I found some had moved away, so that less than a dozen now meet for worship. These were much encouraged by the meetings. At St. Helena all were firm in the truth. A marked feature of the work here has been a steady advance from the very first of their accepting the truth. May God bless these substantial souls. At Napa I found the church of special good cheer. Our meetings, business and preaching, were truly blessed seasons. Since completing their church, several years ago, there has been a debt hanging over it. At one time their s. b. almost entirely run down, with the excuse that they owed for their church; and for one year they neither paid their church debt nor much s. b. Some over a year ago they rallied to take hold again on finances with the rest of the State. At this meeting they stated that their church was now free from debt, s. b. and missionary one-third paid up, with a small exception, and they were happy over the new state of affairs in the cause there; not that the gift of God is bought with money, but as Paul said, it is “fruit that abounds to their account.” Another evidence is seen here, as in other cases, that the Lord’s people share his blessings, both spiritual and temporal, in proportion to the sacrifice they make for the advancement of the cause. At Vallejo the few are still firm in the truth. These renewed their s. b. pledges and entered into the missionary one-third pledge. Our opponents have reported that “the cause was dead in Vallejo.” The facts are, not a soul that embraced the truth here has ever given up the faith. One is now in Washington, D. C., one in Michigan, two in Napa, two in San Francisco, and two new ones have accepted the Sabbath and united with those that remain in Vallejo since I last met with them. When active members move from one place to another, to live out and to spread the truth, this is not the death of the cause. The Lord met with and blessed the few in Vallejo. We enjoyed a precious season with them in speaking Bible truth to them and their neighbors. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. The debate here has resulted in more good than we at first supposed. We are frequently hearing of those who attended, and became interested in our views. Our people were greatly strengthened. Friday two went forward in the ordinance of baptism. Five have signed the covenant since the debate. The dragon spirit has been manifested here to a fearful extent. For example, a gentleman died here last week who did not belong to any church, but his wife had been a Methodist till a few weeks ago, when she commenced the observance of all the ten commandments. After her husband’s death she asked me to preach the funeral sermon. The Methodists persisted that she should have their minister, and when they saw she was decided in having an Adventist, they refused to attend the service, even when especially invited. Can it be that these persons think they are showing a Christian spirit? If they do, the words of Paul in 2 Thess. 2:10–12 are fulfilled in them, for they have “strong delusion.” W. M. HEALEY. This company now numbers over fifty, though less than a year ago there were only two Sabbath-keepers in this part of the county. Bro. J. L. Wood reports a profitable season at the time of their regular quarterly meeting. The s. b. pledge was raised $42 over that of the previous year. Monday was a day long to be remembered, on account of the presence of the Lord by his Spirit. Three were baptized. Bro. E. L. McCapes says a number at Eureka are convinced of the truth as the result of reading tracts. He has spoken a few times, to interested audiences. An aged lady, sister Almira White, says:— I am much blessed in reading the REVIEW and other publications from the Office, and wish to interest others. Since March, 1877, in which month was my seventy-first birth-day, I have put into the hands of friends over five thousand five hundred pages of reading matter. I am not a member of the T. and M. Society. I live quite retired. May God speed the work. I very much desire some able minister to come to Alton and Smyrna, Mich., and I am not alone in this wish. Bro. Geo. A. King writes from Ontario:— Our tract society workers have obtained over seventy new subscribers for our periodicals, and hope to get many more before the long evenings are gone. The truth is gaining friends, and some are embracing it as the timely warning of the coming day. Those tracts, books, and papers which have been sent to friends here by those who have heard and accepted the truth in the States, have done, and are still doing, great good; and no one should imagine that his efforts, however feeble, will be lost. As we see good results, we are encouraged to labor on. Beyond the heavy night and the struggling hosts, there glitters a starry crown, and we can afford to toil if we can gain the recompense. Sister Jane Mc Laughlin, of Madison Co., Iowa, says:— The little company at this place was brought into the truth through the labors of our beloved brother, Eld. Canright. We now number about fourteen members, and these are considerably scattered, yet we have kept up our Sabbath meetings ever since Bro. C. left us. Bro. R. M. Kilgore visited us last winter, and we have since been more earnestly striving to grow in grace, and a more perfect knowledge of the truth. I feel to thank God that I have ever been permitted to hear and understand these precious truths. I would say to Bro. and Sr. Canright, and to all others who have gone forth to labor for the Master, Be strong and of good courage. Remember the words of our Saviour: “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” Brethren and sisters, let us be faithful, that we may be included in that number who shall stand upon Mount Zion, having the Father's name written in their foreheads. What a meeting that will be! I want to be there. Editor Review and Herald: Will you be kind enough to insert the following line in the Review:— Those contemplating moving West in the spring to obtain homes, will be able to get information about the soil, climate, and prospects of Eastern Nebraska by addressing me, as I have lived in Eastern Nebraska during the past twelve years, and have traveled a great deal in this section. I believe that Sabbath-keepers can do as well here as in any place in the Western States. SOLOMON MYERS. Blair, Washington Co., Neb. We give the above, not merely for the benefit of those who may be about to move, but to take occasion to say that the roving, restless, moving spirit which some are troubled with is the bane and prospective ruin of some of our churches, and to advise all against moving. If you are in anywise endurably located, where you can do any good, there remain, and fill up your time to the best advantage. But if you must move, or will move, then act on Bro. Myer's suggestion, and avail yourselves of the counsel and experience of judicious brethren before locating. THE CAUSE AMONG THE SWEDES.
By James Sawyer
We lately received a letter from a brother in Old Sweden. He has held on by himself for more than two years. He has learned to read the English language, and takes great interest in reading the REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and HERALD. Here are a few words from his letter:— “I see from the REVIEW and SWENSK ADVENT HERALD that the work goes on among the Swedes. I am sorry that our correspondence has been interrupted so long. Those were pleasant days for me when I had letters from you more frequently. It is a consolation to think that Satan will not long bear sway over this world; for the Lord will make an end of him at his coming.” A company of Swedes in Kansas have been living the truth a long time. They are anxious for some one to come and labor among them. The following is an extract from a letter signed by the heads of three families:— “We meet together in sweet communion, and from the word of God receive doctrine, instruction, admonition, and consolation, which are more important than anything else. Although weak in the sight of God and man, and also in our own estimation, yet we receive encouragement, through the grace of God, to go boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in time of need. The grace of God is healthful, and teaches us to forsake all wickedness and worldly desires, and live pure, righteous, and godly lives in this world, while waiting for the blessed hope of the revelation of our Lord and Saviour.” “There are many Swedes in Kansas. It is a great field for labor, and we will do something for the mission.” For the benefit of our Swedish and American brethren we would say that a Swedish Vigilant T. and M. Society is now formed in New England; and if any in the wide field have information concerning the prosperity of the work among the Swedes, they can, if they please, correspond with the secretary of said society, Miss Ellen Nelson, Allen’s Corners, Maine. We hope Bro. Carlstedt, of Michigan; Brn. Lindblad, Hanson, Kallberg, and John Norstrum, of Minnesota; Swedberg, of Lansing, Iowa; Whisby, of California; Swaden, of Texas; the brethren in Kansas, and others who have items of interest to communicate, will correspond with sister Nelson in reference to lonely Swedish Sabbath-keepers, or any other matters which may pertain to the success of the third angel’s message among the Swedes, and especially in reference to new fields in America and Sweden. Sister Nelson can correspond in either Swedish or English. JAMES SAWYER. Spurgeon on Ministers Feeding the Young
SPEAKING of the style of some ministers in addressing the young, Mr. Spurgeon said: “I have often thought of them that they must have understood the Lord to say, ‘Feed my camelopards,’ instead of ‘Feed my lambs,’ for nothing but giraffes could reach any spiritual food from the lofty rack on which they place it.”