p. 9 | The Review and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 25 (December 18, 1879)

A GRAND OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD.

By W. C. W.

A GRAND opportunity is now offered to the friends of temperance and health reform to do good by sending the best health journal ever published, to their friends, on trial, at a merely nominal price.

Several years ago, a somewhat similar offer was made, and the Health Reformer was sent to more than ten thousand new readers; and although the effort was not a source of profit to the publishers, yet there were hundreds of friends added to the cause of health and temperance reform, as the result of this wide circulation of our health journal.

OUR PLAN FOR 1880,

To secure the extensive circulation of Good Health, is more liberal than any previous offer, because it gives opportunity to send the journal to a great number of friends at a very small expense.

Beginning with the January number, the publishers will send Good Health

FOUR MONTHS ON TRIAL FOR 20 CENTS.

The friends of health and temperance can send it to their friends, and canvassers who fail to get a full year's subscription can offer it at 20 cents, on trial, for four months.

Here is good work for the members of our tract societies. Very many can be induced to pay 20 cents for a dollar journal four months, on trial. Who cannot afford to pay a dollar to have Good Health sent to five of their friends for four months? We expect at least twenty thousand names. Let them come in at once. If every one will help a little, the enterprise will be a grand success. W. C. W.

SOME GOOD FOR ONE THING, AND SOME FOR ANOTHER.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

When we mention the success some have in obtaining interested readers for our periodicals, or in canvassing, selling Annuals, etc., we are often met with, “Well, some are good for one thing, and some for another.” No doubt there is much truth in this statement; but there are so many phases to the missionary work that each individual can find a position where he can do something. Indeed, we have about come to the conclusion that those who cannot possibly find a place of usefulness in the missionary cause, are pretty nearly good for nothing. The Saviour teaches us that all have at least one talent. God designs that each individual shall occupy some position in the cause of Christ, where he can use the talent intrusted to him. Men usually make a success of that which their heart is in. There are many who can make a success of almost anything. Some possess ability to trade, and can find buyers for almost anything, from a patent right to a penny toy, whether it has any practical value or not. Give them books and periodicals, and they will find subscribers anywhere. This talent, if devoted to the service of God in canvassing for periodicals or selling our publications, would be acceptable to him, and would yield fruit in the kingdom of God. In this way the promise of the life that now is, with that which is to come, may be secured. God has given us talents, not to be buried in the earth, but to be devoted to his service.

GOOD HEALTH.

This journal should not only be in the family of every S. D. Adventist, but thousands of new subscribers should be obtained yearly. Not less than one hundred canvassers should be canvassing for it to-day. The Household Manual, which is prepared to go with it as a premium to new subscribers, is truly a valuable book. This and Good Health will be furnished to canvassers at a price which will not only enable the canvasser to offer it to others at prices which will induce them to subscribe, but which will afford him a liberal support. Still, there will be obstacles to be met, and difficulties to be overcome, which will require faith, courage, and zeal. This branch of the missionary work should not be neglected. Each Conference should have a goodly number of brethren and sisters who will enter upon this work the present winter. This can be brought about, if our tract officers take it in hand and encourage the work. Arrangements can be made with each tract society so that it can furnish outfits and premiums. Shall there not be one grand rally the remainder of this winter in this branch of the missionary work? Special arrangements can be made with the Signs office by those who wish to canvass for the Signs of the Times.

PLAIN FACTS.

This book is worthy of an extensive circulation. The publishers have adopted the plan of assigning districts to canvassers. This will secure to each a field which will not be intruded upon by others. Authorized agents will canvass the territory they have selected or that has been assigned to them, including in their labors our brethren and sisters who may live within its limits. The book has been read by many of our people, and its merits are well known, therefore nothing need be said upon this point, in this connection. Like Good Health, it is not denominational, and yet it is just what our people need to read. Canvassing for this book is like canvassing for others; unless the heart and soul are thrown into the work, the canvasser will soon retire from the field. Those who have taken hold of this work with zeal, sell from five to ten copies per day. Included in the outfit is a valuable book of instructions to canvassers, which, if followed, will insure success to nearly all who enter the field as canvassers. For particulars as to price and territory, address the publishers of Good Health, Battle Creek, Mich., or Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.

ANNUALS FOR 1880.

When the question respecting Annuals was presented on the Healdsburg camp-ground, one man thought they could only be disposed of by giving them away, and proposed that each church should send in an order. He thought the matter had been overdone in previous years. This was (although not so designed) the only Annual-cooler we had at this meeting, and it called forth remarks from individuals, representing nearly every portion of the State, showing their appreciation of the Annuals, and to some extent the good that has been accomplished through this agency. They also stated how many they wanted, and for the distribution of which they would be individually responsible. In less than half an hour over twelve thousand were spoken for, largely by individuals, and our good brother who first spoke took two hundred himself.

The New England Tract Society has proved the efficiency of this kind of reading matter. It has a membership of about three hundred, the Conference of about four hundred; yet every year since the Annual was first issued, it has ordered ten thousand, or more. These Annuals, with other missionary efforts, have been the means of calling the attention of thousands to the health and temperance question, and to other points of present truth. The masses attending the New England camp-meeting, the urgent solicitation for lectures on the subject of temperance by our people, attest this fact. The people are heartily sick of the dry statistics usually presented to them by temperance lecturers, and want to go further than common temperance societies carry this question. The practical turn given to this subject by S. D. Adventists takes with them. This desirable change in society has, to a great degree, been brought about by the distribution of our Health Annual, and by obtaining subscribers to Good Health.

This year the New England Tract Society has taken fifteen thousand Annuals. The children sell them, and the brethren take some for their own use, and pay ten cents each for them. This helps very much to pay the first cost. Vermont has also done nobly, having taken five thousand this year. New York has stood among the foremost. Other Conferences have done well. All of these publications contain rays of light, and direct the attention of thousands to the people that God has made the depositaries of his holy law. Blessed are those Conferences, and the individuals connected with them, who do not slacken their hands as the perils thicken, but who raise the standard a little higher each year, push a little harder at the wheel, cry courage a little stronger, and accomplish a little more than the previous year. The battle is almost over. Then those who have been true every time, who have rallied at every call, will share in the victory.

S. N. HASKELL.

THE COLLEGE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright; A. O. Burrill; E. R. Jones

At the late General Conference, the undersigned were appointed a committee to examine the list of unpaid pledges to our Battle Creek College, and to devise means to collect them. Upon examination, we find that there are several thousand dollars of unpaid pledges made some six or seven years ago. We looked over these names with the presidents of the various Conferences, and found that nearly all the persons against whom these pledges stand are still alive and connected with our churches. With few exceptions, they are able to pay the pledges, and ought in conscience to do so.

The College has but a small capital for the work it is called to do, and there is a debt of $6,000 upon this. On this debt it must pay interest annually, whereas it should be just the other way; it ought to have a fund at interest to produce an annual income for the support of the institution. This is a matter of vital importance to the success of any college, and one which must be secured to ours as soon as possible. But we must first pay our debt. For this purpose we appeal to our people to make good these pledges on which we have relied. Certainly no longer time can reasonably be asked on them. If you are ever to pay them, you could do it in six or seven years. The great majority of them are for sums of $10 or $20, many for only $5, and a few for $30 to $50. We appreciate the fact that times have been very hard, but they are better now. Suppose you have to hire the money, and pay interest on it. This is what the College has to do for the whole amount. How much easier to have this burden distributed among many, than to have it borne by the institution alone. So small a sacrifice would scarcely be felt by the individuals, while it would relieve the College of a heavy load.

Solemn pledges made for such purposes cannot be easily set aside. The Lord takes notice of them, and we should not rest till they are discharged. Hear the word of the Lord on this subject: “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.” Deut. 23:21. So these pledges, though made years ago, should not be forgotten.

The pledge list has been carefully revised. Persons who have died or apostatized, or are wholly unable to pay, have been stricken from the list. All payments have been credited. Of course, there may be some slight mistakes yet, but these will be corrected when found. The list in each State, as thus revised, will be sent through the tract society to the President of the Conference for collection. He is requested to see these brethren personally if he can, and if not, to write to them and secure the payment of these pledges. The names will also be sent through the T. and M. society to these persons. The money can be paid to the librarians. We want to clear up the old list as soon as possible.

But why should not every Seventh-day Adventist take stock in our College? Why should it be left to a few to build up and sustain this important institution? Of those who have come into the truth during the last five years, very few have any stock in our College. No special effort having been made on this point, they have not realized the importance of investing means in it. All who have not already done so, and who are able, are invited to assist in sustaining this institution. One share is $10. And are there not many who have given more or less in the past who can now give still more? Do not drop the matter and consider your duty done, because you have given something in the past.

We trust that the work of the College is only just begun. Each year additions to its apparatus, to its library, and to its other facilities, must be made. But the only way this can be done is by constant donations, as it is never expected that the earnings of such an institution will any more than meet its running expenses, if, indeed, they do even that. May we all remember to help, and may God bless our College.

D. M. CANRIGHT, A. O. BURRILL, E. R. JONES, } Committee.

MISSIONARY WORK ON SHIPBOARD.

By M. L. H.

Thinking that the readers of the Review will be much interested to learn what has been accomplished in this department of the work, we give a few extracts from reports received within a few weeks. The following is from the Secretary of the California Tract Society:—

“We now have two missionaries, one of whom gives his entire time to this work; the other, who has just commenced, will give a considerable portion of his to the same. They have both been sea-faring men, and on this account understand how to approach sailors and manage the business better than any one not acquainted with their customs and manners of living. The following is a summary of the labor performed since April, 1878, by the brother first mentioned:—

“No. of vessels visited, 224; No. of visits made, 371; Signs distributed, 6,214; other periodicals, 742; pages of publications distributed, 83,353.”

“Others have engaged in the same work, but have made no separate report of it.”

“On four occasions we have had preaching on board ships. Through the kindness of the superintendents of the Pacific Mail, also the Occidental and Oriental Steamship Companies, we have permission to put our publications on board their steamers, which sail to Australia, Japan, China, Central America, Vancouver Island, etc. Vessels supplied with reading matter sail from here to the United Kingdom, the Continent, the Eastern States, etc. We have also supplied twenty-four light-houses on the Pacific coast, and obtained over one thousand addresses to be used in the missionary work.”

The following is from a report of this kind of labor performed in England:—

“Our ship-work commenced on the last of January; but we did not do much before the first of March, owing to not having papers, etc. Up to the present time (Nov. 10) the work we have done is as follows: No. of ships visited, 158; periodicals distributed, 2,469; pages of tracts, 6,618.”

“Of these vessels sixty-five went to the different ports on the coast of England, thirteen to the West Indies, ten to Central and South America, leaving publications at Lisbon in Portugal, and other important points on the way; ten went to North America, ten through the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal, and Red Sea, to Bombay, Calcutta and the East Indies, etc. Seven have taken packages to Scotland, and six to different points in Denmark, upon which we placed Danish reading matter; six took packages for the Madeira Islands and the Cape of Good Hope; four sailed to different points in Russia; five to Italy with Italian tracts; three to France; five to Norway; three to Rotterdam and different ports in Holland; three to different points on the Baltic Sea; one to Finland; one to Ireland; one to Sweden; two to Eastern Africa; and two were making a tour around the world. One of these belonging to Nova Scotia, had been in the port of San Francisco, California, where the crew had conversed with the ship-missionaries, and received copies of The Signs of the Times. Upon seeing this paper here, they hailed it as an old friend, and gladly took a fresh supply.”

“A gentleman in Gibraltar has become deeply interested in the Signs, and carefully distributes them to English readers at that point. A marine in the British Navy on the Red Sea has read the Signs and indorses the doctrines it advocates. He takes delight in reading the paper to groups of sailors on shipboard. He writes that many prefer to remain on the ships and hear him read rather than go on shore for dissipation. This man is deeply interested in our mission here, and proposes to contribute something for its support. On one of the vessels to Scotland the steward became so interested in reading the Signs that, on his return, he hailed Bro. Ings on the docks, and requested another supply of papers. He said his friends in Scotland made him promise to bring them ‘some of those wonderful papers,’ and he has made arrangements to take a supply each trip (once in two weeks), and place them in the hands of those desirous of reading them. On one of the vessels to Africa, we placed nearly a cubic-foot of papers and tracts, in the hands of a gentleman, a native African, who came to America to fight in the late war on the side of the North, and who was on his way home. He will distribute them in the city of Zanzibar.”

“In some cases we have placed publications on the same ships several times. Those who take charge of their distribution, usually the stewards of the vessel, say they are received with thankfulness, and read with eager interest. When the Peninsular and Oriental (East India and African boats) and the West India boats come into this port, they pass into the hands of ship-keepers until they sail again. Three of these ship-keepers have already become deeply interested, and render us great assistance in securing a proper distribution of packages prepared for the ships.”

To a more limited extent, the same work is carried on in Portland, Me., and New Bedford and Boston, Mass. Every vessel of any note visiting New Bedford is supplied with reading matter. All engaged in this work bear the same testimony respecting the eagerness with which publications are sought by the sailors. From these partial reports it will be seen that reading matter is finding its way to all parts of the world by this means. For the sake of brevity, we have omitted most of the ports visited by these vessels, and named in reports received; also reports from Maine and Massachusetts.

M. L. H.

A WORD TO OUR V. M. WORKERS.

By S. N. Haskell

There are some encouraging features in the work of our vigilant societies.

1. It is developing a class of workers in the cause who have hitherto done nothing, because they have felt that there was nothing they could do.

2. I find that in many of our societies, East and West, an earnestness is manifested to learn to write acceptably. In some societies the plan is adopted of writing missionary letters and subjecting them to criticism. They are read by the secretary (the names of the authors being usually omitted), and suggestions for improvement are made by different members of the society. I think the plan a good one, although it should never be made compulsory.

3. Successful societies are increasing. Some have yielded to discouragement at times, because they did not receive responses to their letters; but as they have besought the Lord to direct them in their efforts, their interest has increased. Although many letters are written which are never responded to, this should not be taken as conclusive evidence that the papers are doing no good. The increase of permanent subscribers for the Signs at the rate of 1000 per year, is principally the result of the work of the V. M. societies. Many who receive specimen copies of the paper at once subscribe for it, forwarding $2.00 to the office; they embrace the Sabbath, and become active workers themselves, without having any acquaintance with others of like faith. Others direct letters to the Signs office, which were intended for the individual who sent the paper; while others who become interested are poor writers, or for some other reason they put off writing until they lose the letter containing the address of the writer. We say, therefore,

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED.

The work is of God. Seek to have the heart imbued with his Holy Spirit, so that what you write will be permeated with it. Love for souls and the work of God should prompt every action, whether speaking, writing letters, or sending papers.

“Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. . . . The excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else but good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God measures more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which only lives and flourishes where Christ reigns. Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will prevail and gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit or reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation; yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful.”—Testimony No. 16.

We would say to all who are engaged in the V. M. work, If you fail in aptness or in method, make up your deficiencies with love. In the closet seek to get your hearts filled with this principle of heavenly origin. The poorest and most illiterate may possess it. The Saviour has a full supply for every seeker; he turns none empty away. It would do no harm if the paper upon which you write should be wet with tears from a broken heart and a full soul. It will take some of your time and means to send the papers and write the letters; but how much better to live plain, denying yourselves of the luxuries of life, than to enjoy the good things of this world and fail of securing the next.

“God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Heb. 6: 10. “As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 2 Cor. 1: 14. In Heaven you will recognize the souls saved through your efforts prompted by love, and rejoice with them in the enjoyment of the great reward.

Laborers in the missionary field, go forward, doubling your efforts; increase your stock of love; make greater sacrifices; and although you may fail to get returns here for the papers weekly mailed and the letters written, angels chronicle every act of love, and faithful returns will be made in the kingdom of glory. S. N. HASKELL.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NEW ENGLAND T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By Stephen N. Haskell; Eliza Thayer

The T. and M. Society of New England held its annual meeting at South Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 5-9. The business session occupied three meetings, the first of which was held Sunday, Dec. 7, at 9 A. M. President in the chair. Prayer was offered by Eld. A. S. Hutchins, President of the Vermont Conference.

Reports of the preceding quarterly and annual meetings were read and approved, reports of the labor of the two past years were read and compared, and the report of labor performed by the V. M. society during the year was given. These opening exercises were interspersed with remarks by the President, who spoke of the rapid advancement of this work since this T. and M. society was organized nine years ago. Since that time similar societies have been formed in every Conference in this country, and several now exist in foreign lands as the result of reading matter sent out from New England. He stated that five thousand copies of the Signs are now taken this side of the Rocky Mountains and weekly remailed to different parts of the world, and also gave some interesting facts relative to the work of the General T. and M. Society in placing reading matter in different seaports and on board ships. Our work is aggressive, and in reviewing the past we find that we as a people have never moved out too soon in any of the advance steps taken. The necessity of a correct and thorough system of doing business was mentioned, in order to avoid the confusion and perplexity which will otherwise follow. The President dwelt briefly upon the subject of sacrifice, styling it the backbone of our strength, that which must be shared by every true follower of Jesus. The work of the V. M. society, as shown by report, comprises no small part of the work performed, and the importance of these societies is thus clearly seen.

The financial report showed the total receipts of the society during the year, aside from the reserve fund, to be $2,195.67; expenses, $2,183.09. Of the $2,000 voted last year to be raised as a reserve fund by the three N. E. Conferences, N. E. has raised $1,405.20, and Maine and Vermont respectively, as per report of their secretaries, $50 and $109. The present indebtedness of the society is $69.21. Several hundred dollars is still due the Publishing Association, but this indebtedness is covered by indebtedness to the society.

On motion, the Chair appointed the following committees: On Nominations, L. W. Hastings, H. A. Weston, and G. H. Murphy; on Resolutions, D. A. Robinson, J. Rice, and M. Wood.

At the second meeting of the session, held at 1:30 P. M., the Nominating Committee submitted the following report: For President, S. N. Haskell; Vice-President, D. A. Robinson; Secretary, Eliza Thayer; Assistant Secretary, C. W. Priest; all of So. Lancaster, Mass. For Directors, Dist. No. 1, J. C. Tucker, Kingston, R. I.; No. 2, M. Wood, Worcester, Mass.; No. 3, F. W. Mace, Amherst, N. H.; No. 4, C. W. Comings, Cornish Center, N. H.; No. 5, H. L. Warner, Canaan Valley, Conn.; No. 6, E. G. Bolter, So. Amherst, Mass.; No. 7, Frank Fiske, Danvers, Mass.; No. 8, N. Orcutt, So. Vineland, N. J.

The motion was made and seconded that this report be accepted. It was spoken to by Eld. Haskell, who expressed his willingness to act as President of this society upon condition that should circumstances call him away from the Conference, the duties and responsibilities of the President might be taken by the Vice-President. With this proviso, the motion was carried. After the election of officers, the President gave some account of the T. and M. work on the Pacific coast, the missionary meetings held there in the seaports, and of the readiness with which the people accept and read the papers and tracts furnished them. A sister who is engaged in a similar work upon the Atlantic coast related some of her experience in distributing reading matter upon the ships here, which showed the interest in our publications to be the same from sea to sea.

At the third meeting, held on the evening of Dec. 8, the chairman of the Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which, after some remarks by the President and Vice-President of the society, were adopted:—

Whereas, The T. and M. society is, in the providence of God, an efficient means of spreading the light of present truth, therefore

Resolved, That we will pledge it our hearty support and co-operation.

Whereas, A more general circulation of the writings of Sr. White has been recommended by the General Conference, and whereas we deem the carrying out of such recommendation of great importance, therefore

Resolved, That we will immediately take steps to place these works in all the families of our brethren and sisters as far as practicable, and that we urge all to furnish themselves with these works.

At this meeting the President urged the importance of taking advance steps in this work. Colporters should be found among us who will visit from house to house, and with hearts filled with love for the truth and for perishing souls, will converse and pray with the people. This has been tried in some places with good success.

Canvassers for the Youth's Instructor are needed, and should be in the field; and the youth among us are best adapted to this work. The present effort to obtain trial subscribers for Good Health was mentioned, and all were invited to take some stock in the interesting and promising work. There are certainly very few who cannot do something by way of sending this journal to their friends, for four months, at 20 cts., and all should feel it a privilege to do what they can.

On motion, the meeting adjourned sine die.

S. N. Haskell, Pres.

Eliza Thayer, Sec.

ANNUAL SESSION OF MAINE T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By J. B. Goodrich; R. J. Goodrich

The annual session of the Maine T. and M. Society was called immediately after the quarterly session closed. Meeting opened with prayer by the President. Minutes of last annual meeting read and accepted. Doings of the year ending Sept. 30 read, as follows:—

No. families visited, 1,109 “ letters written, 1,660 “ new subscribers, 240 “ pages of tracts given away, 137,603 “ pages loaned, 13,959 “ periodicals distributed, 9,685 “ Annuals sold, 898 Money received, $382.71

The Chair, having been empowered to do so, appointed the following committees: On Resolutions; R. S. Webber, Wm. Blaisdell, and S. J. Hersum; on Nominations, G. W. Barker, Timothy Bryant, and T. S. Emery. Remarks, which were of much interest to the meeting, were then made by the President.

The Nominating Committee reported as follows: For President, J. B. Goodrich, Hartland, Somerset Co., Me.; Vice-President, S. J. Hersum, Stevens Plains, Cumberland Co., Me.; Secretary, R. J. Goodrich, Hartland, Somerset Co., Me. Directors, Dist. No. 1, J. E. Allen, So. Norridgewock, Somerset Co.; No. 2, T. S. Emery, Cornville, Somerset Co.; No. 3, M. B. Patterson, Dresden, Lincoln Co.; No. 4, Geo. W. Washburn, No. Paris, Oxford Co.; No. 5, John Bell, Oakfield, Aroostook Co.; No. 6, E. Sheborn, New Sweden, Aroostook Co. The report was adopted.

The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:—

Whereas, Our T. and M. society is somewhat embarrassed for want of funds to carry forward the necessary work connected with the cause of present truth in this State, therefore

Resolved, That we recommend that all our people take some part in raising a reserve fund to aid in the work of the T. and M. society.

This resolution was adopted, and drew forth many interesting remarks.

When we view the shortness of time, and the many souls that are rushing on to destruction, it should stimulate us to make the best use of the advantages which the T. and M. societies place within our reach in winning souls to Christ. Dear brethren and sisters in Maine, let us take hold of this work unitedly. J. B. GOODRICH, Pres.

R. J. GOODRICH, Sec.

GOOD HEALTH.

By S. N. Haskell

The work of present truth embraces every moral reform connected with the cause of God. It does not make a specialty of any one specific point to the exclusion of others of equal importance, but it embraces all practical duties which tend to elevate the mind, purify the soul, and cleanse the person from all uncleanness. Hence the apostle prays that the church may be sanctified, spirit, soul, and body, and be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again the same apostle exhorts us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 7:1. We are also taught that our body is the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in us; and as there is an intimate relation between the body and mind, he declares, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” Christian temperance from the Bible standpoint has ever been regarded as worthy of attention by S. D. Adventists; and as this work has progressed, the providence of God has most clearly manifested that the subject was one of great importance. So thoroughly have these principles become diffused among us, that the smell of tobacco is not found in all our camp. Intoxication from alcoholic drinks is not known, unless there is a departure from the principles taught.

SANITARIUM.

In God’s providence there has been established in our midst a Sanitarium, where the principles of health and temperance are demonstrated in the treatment of the sick. Good Health is published, making a specialty of these principles. It calls the attention of the people to that branch of our work which sustains the same relation to the cause of God that the right arm does to the body.

Good Health is gaining favor, as is shown by an increased circulation among those not of our faith, while among our people its circulation has not increased in proportion to the increase of numbers. The principles advocated by Good Health are those which relate to the sanctifying of the body. At the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, these principles are not only theoretically taught, but practically applied to those who are afflicted with every disease that the flesh is heir to. Hence the mission of Good Health is twofold. First, it teaches the people the Scriptural doctrine of how to live; and, secondly, it calls the attention of the people to a place where they can receive such treatment as will show the utility of these principles, and it thus becomes a stepping-stone to present truth.

Our people should be aroused on this subject. Two important steps should be immediately taken. They should be urged by every minister, tract officer, and tract member in the country.

1. Our people should become subscribers to Good Health, paying for it the full price, $1.00 per year.

2. They should send it to their friends, so that the January number should commence with at least 10,000 subscribers of those outside of our people.

HOW CAN THIS BE DONE?

Let every person interested in the cause of health and temperance send Good Health to his friends, for four months, on trial; for

the sum of twenty cents; $1.00 will thus send Good Health to five of your friends for four months.

This work should be carried forward during the coming year, until not less than one hundred thousand names are thus sent in. A large number of these will become permanent subscribers. Shall we not take hold of this work at once?

We appeal to our brethren and sisters who may read these lines: Are there any who cannot send Good Health to some of their friends? There are many who are now rejoicing in present truth, to whom the first knowledge of our people and work was made known through the medium of this journal. We have twenty Conferences, and over fourteen thousand members; and if these Conferences should each furnish five hundred names, we should then have ten thousand trial subscribers for this journal, to say nothing of our different missions. California and New England are far from being the largest Conferences in the country, so far as numbers are concerned; and yet we believe that they will furnish not less than one thousand names each for the January number of Good Health.

Let there be a general move among S. D. Adventists from Maine to California, and from Washington Territory on the north to the Gulf of Mexico on the south. Let each individual, upon reading these lines, feel a responsibility in this matter; take Good Health and visit your neighbors; ask them if they would like to read it for four months on trial, promising to send it if they would. This will secure a large number of names. In many instances names may occur to your mind of persons whom you will have reason to believe would be interested to read it; send the names of such without waiting to visit or correspond with them. We can only speak for New England and California; but we believe that every Conference in the country will take hold of this work, and act well its part.

Those living where there are tract societies organized should do their business through their society. Those living alone can send directly to the REVIEW Office. May God bless this branch of his work.

S. N. HASKELL.

TEXAS T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By R. M. Kilgore; A. S. Chrisman

The second annual session of the Texas T. and M. Society of S. D. Adventists was held on the Dallas camp-ground, the first meeting being held Nov. 7, 1879. Meeting called to order by the President, R. M. Kilgore. Opening prayer by A. W. Jensen.

The Secretary being absent, it was voted that A. S. Chrisman act as Secretary pro tem. The minutes of last meeting were read and approved.

Voted, that the President appoint the following committees: On Districting, A. W. Jensen, A. H. King, M. G. Dillon; on Nominations, R. A. Miller, W. J. Simonton, S. M. Bayliss.

Adjourned to call of Chair.

SECOND MEETING, Nov. 9, 1879.—Prayer by Eld. Geo. J. Butler.

The Committee on Districting suggested the following: For Dist. No. 1, Dallas, Rockwall, Collin, and Kaufman counties; Dist. No. 2, Johnson, Hill, and Bosque counties; Dist. No. 3, Grayson, Fannin, and Cook counties.

The Committee on Nominations submitted the following report: For President, R. M. Kilgore; Vice-President, A. S. Chrisman; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss K. McKissic. Directors: Dist. No. 1, J. M. Huguley; No. 2, H. C. Chrisman; No. 3, C. H. Tinkell.

After appropriate remarks and good advice by Bro. Butler, the meeting adjourned sine die. R. M. KILGORE, Pres. A. S. CHRISMAN, Sec. pro tem.

MAINE T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By J. B. Goodrich; R. J. Goodrich

The state quarterly meeting of this society was held at So. Norridgewock, Oct. 18, 19. At the business meeting held Sunday at 9 A. M., the accompanying report for the quarter just closed was presented. The meeting was quite well attended. Eld. R. S. Webber opened the meeting with prayer. Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted. Doings of the quarter just ended were then read, which were as follows:—

No. members, 215 “ reports returned, 38 “ families visited, 197 “ letters written, 297 “ new subscribers, 54 “ pages tracts and pamphlets loaned, 512 “ pages given away, 12,838 “ periodicals distributed, 1,222 Money received for membership, $2.00 “ “ “ book sales, 24.36 “ “ “ donations, 2.20 “ added one-third, 21.56

Meeting adjourned to call of Chair.

J. B. GOODRICH, Pres. R. J. GOODRICH, Sec.

SERENA, ILL., V. M. SOCIETY.

By Mrs. Fanny M. Morel

The sisters of the V. M. society at Serena, Ill., are still trying to work faithfully in spreading the light of present truth. The following is the report of labor performed during the third quarter of the present year: No. of papers sent out, 266; pages of tracts distributed, 632; letters written, 73; letters received, 18.

Mrs. Fanny M. Morel, Sec.

Virginia T. and M. Society.

By R. T. Fultz

The Virginia T. and M. Society held its regular quarterly meeting Oct. 5, 1879, at Soliloquy, Shenandoah Co., Va. The meeting was called to order by the director, A. C. Neff. Prayer by I. Sanborn. The report of the previous meeting was read and accepted. The report of labor is as follows:—


No. of members,	15
“ “ reports sent out,	8
“ “ returned,	8
“ “ donors,	7
“ “ families visited,	31
“ “ pages of tracts distributed,	2,843
“ “ periodicals given away,	49
“ “ letters written,	89
“ “ subscribers for periodicals,	2
Total amount of donations,	$3.55

R. T. Fultz, Sec.

V. M. SOCIETY REPORT.

By Mrs. M. L. Priest

Annual report of the South Lancaster Mass., V. M. Society, for the year ending Oct. 5, 1879:—

No. members, 27 “ letters written, 2,004 “ “ received, 698 “ “ families visited, 896 “ “ periodicals distributed, 9,462 “ “ pages tracts and pamphlets loaned, 3,963 “ “ “ given away, 24,214 “ “ Annuals distributed, 234 “ “ subscribers obtained for periodicals, 170

Mrs. M. L. Priest, Sec.

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