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Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 20.

The Two Hemispheres and the Sabbath, No. 3
Earlier text: WHAT SHALL BE DONE FOR OUR TRACT SOCIETIES?

INDIANA TRACT SOCIETY.

By S. H. Lane; J. S. Shrock

The State meeting of this society was held at Ligonier, Noble county, Oct. 30, 1878. Prayer by Bro. Chas. Bartley.
J. S. Shrock was appointed secretary pro tem.
The president spoke on the workings of the society. Since the last general meeting this State has been re-districted, and only four districts have reported this quarter. These report as follows:—
No. of families visited, 82 “ “ letters written, 74 “ “ subscribers obtained, 58 Pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned, 1,856 “ “ “ “ distributed, 25,125 No. of periodicals distributed, 1,409 “ “ Annuals “ 368 Money received from book sales, $ 1.01 From new subscribers, 15.00 Donations, 56.00 Total, $72.01
The districts that reported were Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4. The second meeting was converted into a school in which the T. and M. work was thoroughly considered. The “Annual” question was discussed, and an interest aroused in regard to selling them.
Adjourned sine die.
S. H. Lane, Pres.
J. S. Shrock, Sec. pro tem.

Kansas T. and M. Society.

By A. J. Stover

The following table gives a summary of the work done by this society for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 1878:—
Reported item Total
Number of Members 265
Families Visited 180
Letters Written 80
New Members 11
Reports Sent out 115
Reports Ret’d. 70
Subscribers with premium 2
Subscribers on trial 78
Periodicals Distributed 875
Annuals Distributed 56
Pages of Tracts Distributed
Received on Book Sales $82.48
Received on Donations $84.50
Received on new Subscribers $25.05
Received on Membership $10.00
Total $107.94
Paid into Treasury $104.15
The above report is only partial. For instance, Dist. No. 6 only reports one subscriber with premium; while the facts are, there were nearly forty premiums given in that district on Reformer and Instructor.
Since camp-meeting I have not had time to balance district accounts; but I will forward to each district a statement of indebtedness, if any, about the 20th of December.
Brethren, be prompt and gather all the statistics, and let us have a full report on time.
A. J. Stover, Sec.

NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA TRACT SOCIETY.

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

The report of labor of the New York and Pennsylvania T. and M. Society for the quarter ending Oct. 1, 1878, is as follows:—
Districts No. of Members Reports sent out Reports Returned Families Visited Letters Written Number of pages of tracts, etc. Distributed Subscribers for our Periodicals Periodicals Distributed
No. 1 9 18 5,680 574
2 54 20 10 5 9,165 210
3 89 68 45 167 152 15,678 17 876
4 42 36 82 6,204 8 78
5 11 11 6 3 1,372 183
6 86 4 6 70
7 39 6 101 138 17,695 523
8 120 40 30,718 26 817
9 82 13,041 13 230
10 144 86 211 109 69,181 52 1,435
11 4 15 28,199 6 554
Total 415 74 167 740 518 211,948 171 6,290
The following table shows the amount of money received from each district:
Total
Donations $891.55
Received on Membership $84.50
Received on Book Sales $315.40
Received on Periodicals $206.78
One-Third $280.54
School Fund $80.00
Eng. Mission $13.00
Dime Tabernacle $44.50
Total of each District $1,007.23
B. L. Whitney, Pres. E. H. Whitney, Sec.

VIRGINIA TRACT SOCIETY.

By C. A. Neff; S. A. Keyser

The fourth quarterly meeting of the Virginia T. and M. Society was held at Soliloquy, Oct. 6, 1878. After the opening exercises, the report of the last quarter was read and accepted. The report of the quarter just closed was read, a summary of which is as follows:—
No. of families visited, 70 “ “ letters written, 28 “ “ subscribers for REVIEW, 3 “ “ “ “ HEALTH REFORMER, 2 “ “ “ “ YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR, 1 “ “ periodicals distributed, 880 “ “ pages of tracts distributed, 13,024 Money received from book sales, $.45 “ “ “ new subscribers, 4.50 $4.95
C. A. NEFF, Director. S. A. KEYSER, Sec.

“NOW WHAT SHALL I DO?”

By Stephen N. Haskell

Circumstances render it necessary to make more or less changes in our tract society officers every year, and none affect the working of the society more than a change of State secretaries. Whatever the condition of the society, the question is usually asked, “Now what shall I do?” The following will be found essential steps in securing prosperity to a society, and a proper and systematic manner of performing its work:—
1. The State secretary should obtain (if he does not already possess them) the address of every member of the society; and he should classify those in each district by themselves, with the librarians, secretaries, directors, and canvassing agents.
2. The secretary should become familiar, by correspondence or otherwise, with each officer and canvasser, and should know what he is doing, and see that all are working to carry out the objects and purposes of the society.
3. He should see that each district secretary's account agrees with his, and that each account is balanced every quarter.
4. He should see that every pledge made to the society, or to any other branch of the cause in the Conference, is recorded in his journal, noting also the time at which it is to be paid.
5. He should see that the proper officers in each district have a copy of the pledges in that district, and that the money is collected when due. The district secretary should record in his book the pledges made in the district.
6. When donations are received in the Review or Signs, the volume and number in which the receipt appears should be given in the secretary's journal, opposite the pledge.
7. He should see that there is a supply of premiums (Way of Life, Household Manual, and Child's Poems), in each district for the use of canvassers.
8. He should see that each district secretary has a sufficient number of the members' and the librarians' blank reports for his district, at least four weeks before the church quarterly meeting, so that every member may receive one in time for the meeting.
9. Let not the State secretary consider his work done until each officer in the society is performing his duties properly.
10. He should see that all agents who devote their time to canvassing on a per cent, transact their business directly with himself. Premiums may be obtained from any district by the canvasser. When this is done, he can pay the district secretary; or he may send the money to the State secretary, who should give credit for the same to the district, and notify the district secretary.
11. Special efforts should constantly be made by all the tract society officers, first, to induce every Seventh-day Adventist to become a member of the society; second, to have each family of our brethren take the REVIEW, REFORMER, INSTRUCTOR, and COLLEGE RECORD; and third, when a pledge paper is being circulated they should see that every individual has the privilege of pledging, even if the sum is no more than one penny.
12. They should exercise great promptness and dispatch in all the business of the society.
13. In order to be successful in bringing up a society and keeping it in a prosperous condition, the State secretary must take time to pray; he must anticipate the wants of the society, and never rest until all the above points are perfected in the Conference.
14. It is understood that the president is at the head of the society, and the secretary is to act in reference to his plans; therefore it is important that the president should make it a point to carry out the above suggestions wherever he goes.
15. Above all, never get discouraged. The tract officers should all co-operate. Ministers also, should assist, and never rest until every individual professing present truth is a live member in the cause of Christ.
S. N. Haskell.

PUBLICATIONS

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

It is necessary for the prosperity of our tract societies that a quantity of publications should be kept on hand in each district, also that a smaller quantity should be deposited with each librarian for the use of the members in the churches. There should also be a supply of premiums in each district for canvassers, so that they can apply to the director or the district secretary for the Way of Life, Household Manual, and Child’s Poems, at any time, and receive them.
There should also be a tract depository in the State, so that if districts or churches have an oversupply of any one kind and a deficiency of another, an exchange can be made at the general quarterly meetings for such as are needed. In those Conferences remote from the publishing house, it is far better to have a moderate supply of bound books and pamphlets to furnish to ministers than for them to send direct to the Office for books, as shipping in large quantities is less expensive than in small packages. To accomplish this, with the present magnitude of our tract societies, would require a capital of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars.
One year ago our tract societies were in debt to the Publishing Association about fifteen thousand dollars. Although much of this was on hand in publications in the tract societies, it was wholly unavailable to the Association. In addition to this, it had to keep on hand a large stock of publications to supply the tract societies. It becomes necessary, also, for the Publishing Association to advance money to the different missions, and for such enterprises as the Dime Tabernacle, while the donations that have been pledged are coming in.
These were some of the reasons why we urged our tract societies to raise a fund sufficiently large to pay cash for all their publications. This fund should be kept good by the added one-third and small donations as they come in from time to time. Many of our societies commenced at once to raise a fund according to the suggestions then made. Although the tract societies are largely in debt at the present time, it may be but just to say that in nearly every State they have more than held their own, besides having pledges which become due Jan. 1, 1879. These, when paid, will greatly lessen their indebtedness.
We have therefore prepared the following table, which we publish that the reader may know the standing of each tract society one year ago, the amount of publications taken during the year, the present indebtedness, and pledges, so far as we know them, to cover this indebtedness. We also propose to publish a similar table in the next Supplement, so that each society may know what advancement it has made up to that time.
Conference Tract Societies Indebtedness, Oct. 1877 Value of publications purchased during the year Indebtedness, Oct. 1878 Publications on hand Unpaid pledges
New England $400 00 $1859 40 $2516 98 $2269 47 $850 00
Illinois $289 00 $513 90 $647 52 $730 00
Missouri $180 74 $488 03 $760 49 $605 00 $598 50
Wisconsin $965 00 $1012 17 $1691 53 $838 55 $491 59
Iowa $163 38 $1708 00 $1008 80 $829 80 $1600 00
Indiana $47 60 $527 36 $311 93 $300 00
Nebraska $561 47 $445 12 $500 00 $860 00
New York $1258 52 $1652 21 $1670 02 $686 00 $1850 00
NOTE.—The above table does not give the exact standing of the societies, it being impossible to obtain all the facts required. The indebtedness of New England, Missouri and Wisconsin, October, 1878, embraces what is due at the SIGNS Office. The other statements do not.
It is but just to remark that New England has a general depository of all our publications with which we supply Vermont and Maine. We only give the amount pledged to pay for these in the New England Conference, not knowing what has been done in this direction in Vermont and Maine.
In regard to Missouri, no Conference has done better than that, considering what has been done in the State during the year on the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. They have taken six hundred copies in clubs since October, 1877, and these are all paid for to the present time. Also they have pledges to the tract fund which exceed the value of publications on hand.
S. N. HASKELL.

To the T. and M. Members in New England.

By Eliza Thayer

Feeling deeply interested in the prosperity of the New England Tract Society, I would like to offer a few suggestions for the consideration of its members. For one year many of the duties of the secretary have devolved upon me; and I have anxiously waited for, and examined, the reports of labor from quarter to quarter, and my heart has been encouraged or depressed in proportion as these reports have been prompt and full, or the reverse. It must be apparent to you all that we cannot have a flourishing society without active, faithful members; and if not more than half the members perform their part well, then our society is only half as prosperous as it might be.
Here in New England the tract society had its origin, and we should take the lead and be an example in this and every other good work. But how sadly we fail. The figures of our annual report show that less than half our members have reported during the past year. What is the matter? What can be the cause of such silence on the part of many? Is the work so unimportant as to merit such neglect? I feel assured that not one of you can respond affirmatively. Then why not set about a reform at once? Let me recommend to each one of you who has been negligent in the past to commence now, at the beginning of another year, to do something in the tract society work. Think of the precious perishing souls around you whom you may enlighten and help, and then watch for opportunities to get the truth before them. Think of the joy and gratitude you have felt that you have been led to see the light of present truth; and as you have been partakers of such a blessing, try to impart to others. Every one can do something. Just believe this and go about it; when anything is done make a note of it, it will take but a minute. Then at the close of the quarter, when you receive a blank from your librarian, you will have something to put upon it. It may be but little; but if it is the best you can do, it will be just as acceptable to God as the more extensive efforts of those who are situated so they can do more.
I wish, my dear brethren and sisters, that I could say something to arouse you to action. I sigh for a coming up to the help of the Lord here in New England. It may not be my lot to be thus connected with you another year; but however this may be, let us be in earnest to improve Only a few more years or quarters are left us in which to work, and with some, doubtless, this will be the last. Then what shall its record be? Again, dear friends, I entreat you to no longer neglect your duties as members of the T. and M. society. Eliza Thayer.

BATTLE CREEK V. M. SOCIETY.

By Jennie Thayer

At several of the camp-meetings held during the past year, attempts have been made by the T. and M. societies in the vicinity to obtain subscribers for our periodicals. These efforts have met with good success. For the encouragement of those societies which have not given any attention to this work, we give an account of the manner in which it was conducted at the Battle Creek camp-meeting of Oct. 2-14.
As the V. M. society of this place is large, it has been divided into three departments; namely, a Review Office, Sanitarium, and College department; which hold separate meetings three weeks in the month, and a general meeting the fourth week. A number of members were appointed to act as canvassers, and the ground having been divided into sections, they visited all the tents early Sunday morning in order that the remainder of the day might be devoted to those who should come upon the ground. In this way ten young gentlemen and ladies of the College department obtained 440 subscribers for the various periodicals.
The work performed by the entire society for the quarter ending Oct. 1, as reported by the 225 members, is as follows:—
No. of new members, 21 No. of weekly reports, 304 No. of families visited, 35 No. of letters written, 140 No. of new subscribers for our periodicals, 10 No. of periodicals distributed, 2,783 No. of pages of tracts distributed, 28,952
This report shows that only one forty-fourth as many subscribers have been obtained by the whole society during the quarter from the reading matter which has been sent out, as this division obtained at the camp-meeting with much less expense.
JENNIE THAYER, Sec. V. M. S., B. C. Mich.

CHURCH LIBRARIES.

A SPECIAL OFFER.

At the late General Conference at Battle Creek the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—
“Whereas, The subject of spiritual gifts is one of importance, and such works as The Spirit of Prophecy and the Testimonies should be in the hands of all our brethren, therefore “Resolved, That we recommend the various tract societies to make a special effort to place them in the library of each church, and in the hands of scattered brethren, and that they encourage the reading of them.”
It was further resolved that, where these books are purchased by churches, or by tract societies, to be placed in churches as a church library, to be drawn by the members of the church, they be furnished “at one-half the retail price, and that the difference between this and the regular wholesale price be paid from the fund raised for circulating these works.”
There are at present three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy and five volumes of the Testimonies. In all, eight volumes worth one dollar each. These we have put up in sets in neat paper boxes, suitable to be placed in any church or library, and now offer, according to the above statement, the eight dollars’ worth for four dollars, subject to the following conditions:—
First, That the name of the church where they are to be placed, and the name and address of its Elder, are given us in full. This is necessary that when Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, is printed, we may know whom to notify, and that no advantage may be taken by private individuals of this offer, which is made only to churches and companies of Sabbath-keepers.
Second, That the library be placed in the church or place of meeting, where the books can be drawn by those attending the meetings.
Third, That the church shall appoint some one (the Elder or the T. and M. librarians, are usually the best qualified), to become responsible for the proper care of the books, and to act as librarian.
Send in your orders at once. The long winter evenings are the best time to read. Order through your tract societies, so that we can ship a number to the State Secretaries by freight, and thus you will be saved large express bills.
TRUSTEES S. D. A. P. A.

THE HEALTH ANNUAL FOR 1879.

By William C. White

The Family Health Annual for 1879 has already reached a sale of fifty-nine thousand copies, of which the several States have taken the following:—
State Copies
Wisconsin 6060
Iowa and Nebraska 8450
Massachusetts 9008
Vermont 3000
Maine 3000
Michigan 3480
Indiana 5000
New York 5550
Kentucky and Tennessee 875
Ontario 1050
Kansas 2000
Texas 1000
Nebraska 500
Ohio 2800
Colorado 200
Minnesota 2000
Illinois 2425
Oregon 1050
California 4000
Virginia 150
Miscellaneous 500
Total 59,098
Societies not heard from are Missouri, Maryland, and Georgia. Several of the States that have ordered should have more. Michigan should circulate ten thousand more than it has ordered, and other States will undoubtedly run short on account of having them to use so early.
The Annual for 1879 is much ahead of any previous one, and yet they are sold to T. and M. Societies for $25.00 per thousand. The Review Office has paper on hand and presses ready to run night and day, and this year can ship Annuals on short notice. W. C. WHITE.

The Song Anchor.

In preparing this book no expense has been spared, and the object of the compiler has been two-fold. First, to present a collection of music which by merit has become popular throughout the whole world; second, to add to this a collection of new music which is equal to the best.
Over seventy of the pieces in the Song Anchor are entirely new, and appear in print for the first time.
The Song Anchor contains 160 pages on fine tint paper, handsomely bound.
Price, 50 cents. $40.00 per hundred.
Address, REVIEW & HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.

THE SPIRIT OF A SOUND MIND.

By R. F. Cottrell

In 2 Tim. 1:7 the apostle says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The effect of receiving and obeying the truth of the gospel is to give courage, instead of fear; to impart power, or energy, in the place of weakness and listlessness; love instead of hatred, and soundness of mind in the place of insanity. Each of these points is interesting; but the last is that of which I speak as a remarkable doctrine. God gives to those who believe and obey him the spirit of a sound mind; therefore those who do not obey the gospel are not of a sound mind. They are insane. This accounts for the fact that when a man accepts of the truth of God, the multitude call him crazy. But the truth is he has come to himself—to a right way of thinking; while those who esteem him insane are themselves not of a sound mind.
One who can look upon the wondrous works of God in nature, and say, “There is no God,” is insane. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” “The undevout astronomer is mad.” Every sound mind, contemplating the magnitude, the beauty, and harmony of the universe, must conclude that there is a Creator of infinite wisdom and power.
And it is reasonable to believe that he who created man, giving him intelligence and the power of speech by which to convey his thoughts to others, has himself spoken to man, giving to him a revelation concerning his origin and destiny, and instructing him in the course which he should choose. The Bible contains such a revelation: one which commends itself to every sane mind. To reject it is evidence of insanity. But God gives the believer the spirit of a sound mind.
It is perfectly in accordance with reason to suppose that the Creator of man, as an intelligent and moral agent, should give him a rule of moral action, a moral law. The ten commandments are a rule of moral action which commends itself to every discerning mind. There is scarcely a man who would not be ashamed to object to one of the principles contained in them. Every sound mind will admit that they are “holy, and just, and good.”
And it is also reasonable to suppose that He whose wisdom projected the plan of this vast universe, and established and maintains its perfect order, would give a moral law which would never need to be revised. His law should be perfect; and that which is perfect cannot be improved; it cannot be changed and still be perfect. God gave just such a law to man in ancient time. Said God, by David, “The law of the Lord is perfect.” Ps. 19:7. To say that the great and all-wise God gave to man, with his own voice, a rule of right to guide him in his duties toward God and man, writing it with his own finger in tables of stone; and that he has since abolished or changed that law, is a sure indication of an unsound mind. “Sin is the transgression of the law,” while the gospel offers pardon to guilty man. What can be a greater sin than to teach, as some have taught, that the whole law “is dead, and don’t deserve a gravestone”? This is insanity of the most hopeless kind. It is of this class that Jesus said, “Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:19.
To obey the gospel is to obey the law; for the first requirement of the gospel is to repent of sin, which is the transgression of the law. Jesus said, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments,” referring to the ten commandments, and quoting a part of them. To say that those which he quoted are still binding, is sound; but to say that the others are abolished, is a sure evidence of insanity.
A willingness to obey God in all his commandments and ordinances, is the best evidence of soundness of mind. A disposition to evade one of his requirements betrays insanity. No man can argue for the abolition or change of one principle of the ten commandments, without contradicting himself, thus proving his unsoundness of mind. But to those who obey the gospel, forsaking every sin and turning to obedience of the divine law, God gives the inestimable gift of the spirit of a sound mind. Their thoughts, being in harmony with a whole and perfect revelation, are in harmony with themselves. Let us yield ourselves to obey God in everything, evading no part of his revealed will, and, as a consequence, enjoy the spirit of a sound mind.
R. F. Cottrell.

GENERAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

By S. N. Haskell

As but little has been said in reference to this organization, it may be well here to state something of its nature and object, and the work it is now doing.
This society seeks to enter new fields outside of any State tract society, in all parts of the civilized world where the languages are spoken in which our publications are written, and to thus awaken an interest in present truth. During the past year, publications have been sent into these fields, also thousands of periodicals to different parts of the South. More than one hundred ships sailing to different parts of the world have been visited and supplied with packages of publications, consisting of periodicals and a general assortment of tracts. Bound books have also been used to some extent. This society has sent quantities of reading matter to Europe, Asia, Africa, and to the islands of the sea.
We have been led to rejoice in learning of a goodly number who have embraced the truth as the result of these efforts; and some are preaching it who have never seen a Seventh-day Adventist. One man from Africa writes in substance as follows: “I have embraced your views, and am preaching the same. Individuals embrace the Sabbath and want to be baptized, but I have never been baptized myself. What shall I do?” We have corresponded with steamers running from Boston to Liverpool; Buffalo to Chicago, etc. Some of these lines have agreed to furnish a book-case and take the best care of the publications which we might present to them.
Our means limit us very much in this work. Ten thousand dollars should be received before New Year's, 1879, on life memberships. When a person becomes a life member, he will receive a certificate signifying that he is a tract society member, which certificate will be recognized wherever Seventh-day Adventists are known. Those wishing to become life members can forward their address in full to the office of the REVIEW AND HERALD, accompanied with ten dollars, or they can pay the money to the society to which they belong. Certificates, properly signed, will be forwarded as soon as issued. About fifty have already given their names as life members.
S. N. HASKELL.

CONSTITUTION OF THE GENERAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

By S. N. Haskell; Uriah Smith; W. C. White

At the annual meeting of the General Tract and Missionary Society Sept. 27, 1877, on the Lansing camp-ground, S. N. Haskell, U. Smith, and W. C. White were appointed a committee to revise the Constitution and report at the next annual session. The following was their report, which was adopted at the annual session held in connection with the camp-meeting at Battle Creek, Oct. 8, 1878:—

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE I.—NAME.

Section 1. This Society shall be known as the General Tract and Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists.

ARTICLE II.—OBJECTS.

Section 1. The objects of this Society are, 1. To take an oversight of the various State tract societies, and to suggest such plans as will secure the best methods for bringing about equality in bearing burdens, and will secure uniformity of action; 2. To secure an extensive and systematic distribution of our publications in foreign countries and those portions of our own land not included in State organizations.

ARTICLE III.—OFFICERS.

Section 1. The officers of this Society shall consist of a President, Vice-president, Secretary (who shall also act as Treasurer), an Assistant Secretary, and an Executive Board of three, of whom the President shall be one. These officers shall be elected at the annual meetings of the Society.

ARTICLE IV.—MEMBERSHIP.

Section 1. All persons paying the sum of ten dollars shall become life members, and shall receive a certificate therefor. They shall also be considered members of any regularly organized tract society of Seventh-day Adventists in any part of the world.

ARTICLE V.—REPRESENTATION.

Section 1. This Society shall be represented by delegates and life members.
Sec. 2. Each State society shall be entitled to as many delegates as there are districts in the State.
Sec. 3. The State officers of any tract and missionary society present shall be considered delegates.
Sec. 4. Any company of Seventh-day Adventists organized according to the plan adopted by our State societies, not included in any Conference tract organization, shall be entitled to one or more delegates, according to the number of districts in the organization.

ARTICLE VI.—FUNDS.

Section 1. The funds of this Society shall consist of receipts for life memberships, one tithe of the receipts of the State societies for their support, and donations from societies and individuals.

ARTICLE VII.—SPECIAL MEETINGS.

Section 1. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Board at such times and places as they shall deem necessary for the interests of the organization.

ARTICLE VIII.—AMENDMENTS.

Section 1. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any annual meeting.

CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.

By John G. Matteson

We held a temperance meeting in Alstrup last week. There is a terrible flood of drunkenness in Denmark. We have worked against this evil continually, and we are thankful to the Lord that we can see some fruit of our labor.
Sabbath afternoon our meeting-house in Alstrup was full of people. It was our parting meeting. Deep solemnity was felt. Many tears testified that the Spirit of God moved upon hearts. In the evening we celebrated the ordinances with our brethren and sisters. Two united with the church. Bro. K. Brorsen was chosen and ordained local elder.
Bro. A. Brorsen reports that four more in the vicinity of Ringsted have commenced to keep the Sabbath since I left, and meet with the brethren.
By urgent request, we held a meeting first-day afternoon in the Methodist hall in Frederikshavn. The room was filled with attentive hearers, who were much moved by the word spoken.
We have now safely arrived at this city, where we remain during the winter, the Lord willing. Our address is Osterhausgaden 12, Christiana, Norway. JOHN G. MATTESON.
October 16.

SPREAD OF SPIRITUALISM.

By R. F. Cottrell

“Dr. Rigg, of London, writes to the New York Christian Advocate that the success of Moody and Sankey in Great Britain and the spread and growth of spiritualism are reactions against the scientific materialism which has set in throughout the land. And what is peculiarly noticeable about spiritualism, he says, is that it carries the war into the enemy’s country. Men of science are becoming spiritualists; spiritual power, or psychical force, is coming more and more to be recognized, even among scientific men, as a real, widespread, ubiquitous energy, which can no longer be ignored.”
The doctor does not say that there is any natural affinity between the work of Moody and Sankey and that of spiritualism. Perhaps he does not mean to insinuate it. But to the progress of spiritualism among scientists he bears a decided testimony. It is not a marvel that men who set their fancied scientific knowledge above revelation, and even undertake to disprove the Bible by science, should become the dupes of spiritualism, being left to believe a Satanic lie, because they believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. The strongest mind is weak, when it trusts in its own understanding. “Trust in the Lord, . . . and lean not to thine own understanding.” “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” These things were written for the wisest of men.
R. F. COTTRELL.

DEAD AND ALIVE.

By R. F. C.

The original seventh-day Sabbath survived the cross, to which the ritual law was nailed, being kept by the disciples of Christ according to the commandment. Luke 23:56. It was acknowledged by Paul not only as the Sabbath, but as the only Sabbath, when preaching to Jews and Gentiles at Antioch in Pisidia. Acts. 13:27. He says the prophets were read in the synagogues every Sabbath; consequently he knew of no Sabbath in which the Scriptures were not read in the Jewish synagogues. This was about fourteen years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. And no writer ever called the first day of the week, or Sunday, the Sabbath, before the dark ages of the papal rule. (See all the “apostolic fathers” and all church historians.) The conclusion is that the Sunday Sabbath is the product of the dark ages.
R. F. C.

Interpreting Scripture According to Plain Language

By Editor

The whole question rests on the principle of interpretation of the Bible. If interpreted according to the laws of language, it means one thing; if taken in an esoteric sense, another. If interpreted in the latter sense, then Brigham Young and the pope have just as much ground for their doctrines as Protestants. Said a little girl to her mother, “Mamma, if God didn’t mean what he said, why didn’t he say what he meant?” That is the whole question. The post-millennialist, for instance, says that when in Matthew the coming of the Son of Man is spoken of, it means the coming of Titus and the Roman army. We think it means what it says.—Ed.

NEBRASKA

By Daniel Nettleton, Jr.; Geo. B. Starr

Rae Valley, Boone Co., Oct. 24.
COMMENCING with their quarterly meeting, Oct. 11, we held meetings fifteen days with the church at Rae Valley, delivering nineteen discourses. The Lord was with us. Two good souls were added to the number of Sabbath-keepers here. A tract society of eleven members was formed. The plan of building a sod meeting-house was presented, and $50.99, a sum sufficient to purchase all needed material, was willingly pledged, and the greater part paid. The work of building was immediately commenced, and the house, now half up, will be completed next week.
Five subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR were obtained. All resolved to support their T. and M. society and to labor more earnestly in the cause.
HALIFAX, GREELEY Co., Oct. 31.—Commenced meetings here Sunday evening, Oct. 27. A large room in a private house is kindly opened to us. The truth has never been presented here, and we design giving a full course of lectures.
DANIEL NETTLETON, JR.
GEO. B. STARR.
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