p. 134 | Review and Herald, Vol. 51, No. 17. (4/25/1878)

THE BIBLE EXPLAINED BY THE CREED.

By R. F. Cottrell

Each Christian denomination professes to take the Bible as the true guide; but take it as explained by the creed. The creed, it is said, is founded on the Bible and is in perfect harmony with it; but it explains its doctrines so that we can understand them clearly. It seems, then, that the creed is the more important book of the two, since we could not understand our duty without it. Would it not be wisdom, then, to drop the Bible entirely and have no more contention about it? That book is the great bone of contention. Suppose we let it alone, and so have peace.

It is a serious fact that all creeds and disciplines are virtually placed higher in authority than the Bible, since disputes concerning the understanding of the Bible must be settled by the creed. It was so with the Jews. What they were pleased to call the oral law, or the traditions of elders, was preferred by them to the written law; because it explained the latter and supplied its deficiencies. But our Saviour told them that they made the word of God of none effect by their traditions. Is it not just so with creeds?

Of the Jews Prideaux says:—

“For they own a twofold law, the first the written law, which is recorded in the Holy Scriptures, and the second the oral law, which they have only by the tradition of the elders. And both these they say were given them by Moses from Mount Sinai, of which the former only was committed to writing, and the other delivered down to them from generation to generation by the tradition of the elders. And therefore holding them to be both of the same authority, as having both of them the same divine original, they think themselves to be bound as much by the latter as the former, or rather much more. For the written law is, they say, in many places obscure, scanty, and defective, and could be no perfect rule to them without the oral law, which, containing, according to them, a full, complete, and perfect interpretation of all that is written in the other, supplies all the defects, and solves all the difficulties of it. And therefore they observe the written law no otherwise than according as it is expounded and interpreted by the oral law.”

This is a good illustration of the various creeds of Christendom. All are guided by the Bible, as they understand it; and they understand it just as the creed or discipline explains it, though it be in direct contradiction of the word of God.

The Jews transgressed the commandment of God and made it of none effect by their tradition. See Matt. 15:1-9. They contradicted and set aside the fifth commandment by their tradition. Almost every creed in existence contradicts the fourth commandment of the same law. The commandment says the seventh day is the Sabbath; the creed says the first day is the Sabbath. The creed is followed, and the word of God is made void. Tradition says that the Sabbath was changed at the resurrection of Christ, from the seventh to the first day of the week. The Bible says nothing of this; but the commandment remains as first given, and consequently requires just what it always did.

From the multitudinous, contradictory creeds, all claiming to teach the doctrines of the Bible, has arisen the common saying that the Bible is like an old fiddle; you can play on it what tune you please. This is a slanderous imputation, though somewhat apt. It is by fingering the fiddle that it plays different tunes; and if men will keep their fingers off the Bible, it will tell a straight story. R. F. COTTRELL.

LETTER TO THE BRETHREN AT DANVERS, MASS.

By Albert Stone

[DEAR REVIEW: The following letter was written by my father, with the request that I read it to the brethren at Danvers, which I did at our excellent meeting with them last Sabbath, April 6. It was written after his seventy-sixth birthday. He has been a preacher fifty-two years, and forty years an Adventist. C. W. S.]

To the Seventh-day Adventist church of Danvers, Mass., Christian Salutation.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Having no personal acquaintance with you, you may think it strange that I write you this epistle. But though a stranger, I feel interested in those important subjects of divine truth to which I learn your attention has lately been called, and in which you have taken a commendable interest. Having had some knowledge of those truths, and they having greatly enriched my experience in the past, I thought it would not be amiss to congratulate you on the happy decision you have made in accepting those Heaven-born truths that relate to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and which are so needful to be known in order to a preparation to meet him in peace. These things have been a subject of study and source of joy to my poor heart for more than forty years, and I greatly rejoice when I hear of any stepping into this light from Heaven. Especially is my heart made glad to hear of the good work in Danvers and vicinity, because so goodly a number have taken hold of the truth.

To thoughtful, candid minds, this subject needs only to be presented from a Bible standpoint, to insure their lasting and favorable regard. What a privilege to see the light, and step out on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus! How blessed is the conscious approval of the Holy Spirit as we move in the path of obedience! Oh, the third angel's message of Revelation 14 is the most wonderful thing in the world! It has reposed quietly in the bosom of Holy Writ for 1800 years. Now it is called forth from its long repose, because it is due, by command and promise, to the last generation of men. Joel 2:1; Matt. 24:14.

Dear brethren, I trust you have no fear to venture all upon the Bible message of the coming of the Lord. This, with the predicted reform to precede it, is the great subject demanding thought and action at this time. The Bible, and the whole Bible, lends its support to the truth, that the Lord is soon coming. The trumpet is sounding; the alarm has gone forth; the Spirit of God is preparing hearts everywhere to receive the message; the servants of God are feeling more and more the importance and dignity of the message; the battle of truth against error is fully inaugurated, and victory will soon be won, and the people of God will be redeemed. Glorious victory! Eternity will be short enough to utter all God's praise.

This is the final gathering of the flock of God, this is the voice of the true Shepherd, and all his true-hearted people will know his voice and obey his call.

In conclusion I would say, though I reside at a distance from you, among the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont, yet in spirit have I been with you in your good meetings, and you have been remembered in my prayers, with earnest pleadings and many tears.

And still my prayer is, that by faith you may follow Jesus into the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, and that he may shed on you a large share of the light that emanates, in these last days, from that sacred apartment. It is our privilege to have light, more than those who have gone before us, on the law of God, the sanctuary, the kingdom of God, the inheritance of the saints, the nature of man, the destiny of the wicked, and the faith of Jesus. The circumstances of the remnant are and will be peculiar; therefore much light is and will be given to those who feel their need, and seek for it.

Finally, brethren, farewell. May God bless and keep you unto his heavenly kingdom.

ALBERT STONE.

SCOLDING IN SOCIAL MEETINGS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Generally, people are not fond of being scolded anywhere, not even at home. It is not pleasant to have one's faults dwelt upon, even privately; how much less publicly, particularly by those whom you consider no better than yourself.

My attention has been called to this fact several times, by learning that some of our brethren in different churches have fallen into a very bad habit of taking the social meeting on the Sabbath as a time to correct the faults of all the rest of the church.

These good brethren and sisters are very zealous for God, and for the church, and for the truth; and as the minister does not come around very often, and does not seem to attend to the matter when he does come, they imagine that the salvation of the cause depends upon their efforts in guarding it sacredly. It would be considered backbiting and slandering to talk about their brethren and sisters privately; so the social meeting on the Sabbath seems to be a good opportunity, because the erring brother or sister will be there, and all the church will be there, and it will be a good time to impress everybody with the wrong of such a course.

For instance, if they have heard that a certain brother has been slack about keeping the Sabbath, they are very sure to have all their testimony bear upon the point of the proper observance of the Sabbath. If they have heard that another brother is very cross in his family, they talk at some length, telling how good husbands should be to their wives, and fathers to their children. If they have heard that a certain brother has not dealt honestly, they have a very stirring exhortation on the danger of dishonesty, and the importance of Seventh-day Adventists walking carefully. And so they keep their eyes open, and every Sabbath go to meeting loaded up, ready to fire at somebody. They do not call any names. Oh, no! They do not mean any one in particular, of course not. So Bro. Brown, or Bro. Jones, or sister Smith are always very innocent. If anybody happens to take it, it is all right; or perhaps they will say, “If the coat fits, put it on.”

Now these dear souls imagine they are doing God service, and they are showing great zeal for the right. The fact is, they are simply doing the devil's work. They are driving these brethren farther and farther from them, and hardening them against the truth. They are feeding their own souls on husks, and falling into the snare of the devil themselves, while they are watching the feet of somebody else. We advise these friends to let that work alone. They ought to learn that brethren and sisters of the same standing in the church as themselves are not very apt to take reproof when offered in this manner. It only irritates them, and sours them, and, if persisted in, it becomes a real source of annoyance to the whole church; and what is the use of doing it, if it accomplishes no good? Leave this for your minister to see to when he comes. If your soul is particularly burdened, go to him about it, and let him do his duty. It will have a very much better effect. The Sabbath and social meetings should be occasions for our brethren to give their personal experience, their hopes and joys, and, if need be, their failings and sorrows; but it is not the place to lecture somebody else. Just let other people's failings alone, and attend to your own.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

WAR IN ITALY.

By S. N. Haskell

We have just learned that war has broken out in Italy in good earnest. It has burst, with all its thunderbolts, on the head of our Bro. Ribton. But as it is of a theological character, and our brother has the word of God for his defense, the weapons of his assailants fall harmlessly at his feet. From a private letter, not intended for publication, we take the liberty of extracting the following, hoping he will excuse us for so doing:—

“As long as I limited myself to speaking on the Sabbath and the Second Advent, my Protestant brethren remained comparatively quiet, but when I ventured to trespass upon their pet doctrines, the immortality of the soul and eternal torment in hell, the storm broke. Three weeks ago I announced that the subject of my lecture would be hell. A Baptist minister exclaimed that I was going beyond the limits of tolerance, and that he would come and put me down. He came with a roll of pencil notes. I knew what his weapons would be,—“eternal punishment,” “for ever and ever,” and “unquenchable fire;” and so I dismounted these three Krupp guns. As I did so the notes were put down one after another, and when I invited him to speak at the close of my lecture, he excused himself on account of the lateness of the hour. This made some noise, and a Methodist minister came to the rescue, announcing a discourse the next Sunday to prove the immortality of the soul. Such arguments! Four-fifths based on reason, philosophy, and the poets! The soul is immortal because all mankind believe so, with the exception of some flighty preachers of new doctrines, of which the devil is the author; and because nothing that exists can cease to exist; because it is a portion of God himself. (Then God condemns a portion of himself to suffer to all eternity, and Nero and Herod were a portion of God!) Death is not death but life; as examples he mentioned the chrysalis and butterfly. He used many other hackneyed arguments, which he had read up for the occasion. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, and the second death is a figurative expression. (Origen’s style.)”

“The next Tuesday I took all his arguments to pieces with the Bible, and several of those who were most prejudiced against me seemed to be quite convinced. This made him quite forget himself as a Christian. The next Sunday he descended to personalities and low insult. Texts, he said, must not always be taken in their literal sense. For example, Jacob said, ‘My soul will descend into the grave to my son,’ but he did not mean this, for he thought his son was eaten by a wild beast, and not in the grave. People should limit themselves each to his own art or profession. The printer cannot be a musician, nor the musician a printer. Theology cannot be included in any encyclopedia. Even in medicine there must be a division into special branches. These subjects required an accurate knowledge of history and of the original languages, and were not to be treated by one who, perhaps because he could get no patients, and perhaps because he had no money, set himself up for a teacher of new doctrines!”

“He was not aware that he had to deal with an old University professor, who was a teacher of Hebrew, when he himself was an ignorant monk; and had he not had a Christian to deal with he might have found he had caught a Tartar. So on the next Tuesday I brought the Hebrew Bible to bear upon him, together with the whole history of Platonism, tracing the false doctrine down from the devil in the garden through the Egyptians, Socrates, Plato, Ammonious, Augustine, Origen, down to Calvin. The victory was complete, and was enhanced by the ungentlemanly course he adopted, which roused my friends to observe that cooks ought to remain cooks, and monks, monks, instead of making themselves preachers as they do here; and that, according to my opponent’s arguments, we should take St. Luke’s Gospel and the Acts, out of the Bible.”

Those interested in the Italian mission will be pleased at this triumph of the truth near the seat of the beast. We are not engaged in an uncertain warfare; but there is a power in the truth, however unpopular it may be. The Lord will magnify his word above all his name, and give success to his truth. The devil is angry at the progress of God’s work; and when his anger is stirred, it is an indication that his kingdom is in danger. May prayers from ten thousand hearts ascend for God’s blessing to rest on the work in Europe. S. N. Haskell.

WESTERN NEW YORK CAMP-MEETING.

It is now expected that this meeting will be held on the same ground occupied last year,—Fillmore Park, East Aurora, N. Y. This is on the Buffalo, New York, and Philadelphia R. R., eighteen miles from Buffalo, and all trains land passengers on the ground. Half fare will be given from all stations to the ground.

As to the ground itself, it is all that could be desired, while the advantages it offers in the way of permanent buildings, booths, etc., are such as can rarely be found. Having the use of these will very materially lessen the expenses of the meeting.

This ought to be the largest camp-meeting ever held in the State. It is convenient of access to the larger share of the brethren in the Conference, and especially well located to accommodate the friends of the cause in Pennsylvania. We shall look for a general rally of the brethren from that State.

Our meeting last spring was a sort of experiment, and the abundant success and good results of that meeting should stimulate us to greater efforts this year to have all attend who ought to share the benefits of the meeting. We would call especial attention to the fact that arrangements for tents, etc., should be made in season, so as to avoid risk of being late and suffering great inconvenience therefrom. Tents can be rented as heretofore, or what is much better, can be purchased on favorable terms, thereby saving expense in the end. Those wishing to purchase tents can secure them at the lowest figures by corresponding with B. L. Whitney, Rome, N. Y. Persons not expecting to attend this meeting can, by ordering tents in season, have them rented here, and then have them shipped to them for their own use in the fall.

The time of the meeting has not been fully decided upon, but will be definitely announced soon. The General Conference Committee have suggested that it be held one week earlier than the time already named, June 5-11. If the weather and other circumstances will admit, this would be well, as it would give more time for tent labor between the camp-meetings. More on this point soon.

Brethren, shall we not resolve, that, with the blessing of God, this meeting shall be a great success! Its importance cannot be overestimated. We want to see a successful campaign in the tent work this season. Several young men are entering the field for the first time. We want the special help and blessing of the Lord, that we may be able to accomplish the work before us. Shall we not make this spring meeting the special time when we shall unitedly seek the Lord for his blessing to be upon the work in our Conference, and when we shall seek an individual preparation for the part we have to act in the work?

We hope to see a general representation of the brethren from all parts of the Conference.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

Christ's Rest in the Grave and the Sabbath

It has often been asserted that Jesus rested on the last “Jewish Sabbath” in the grave. His disciples rested that day “according to the commandment.” On the next day, the first day of the week, the disciples were all astir, and the risen Saviour resumed active labor, joining two of them in a long walk out into the country. Luke 23:56; 24:1, 13-15.

IPSWICH, MASS.

By C. W. Stone; G. F. Haines

Our meetings have now (April 17) continued two weeks. The attendance has not been large, but the audiences have been composed of the intelligent class of people. Many are convinced and some have determined to obey.

APRIL 19.—We have now presented the Sabbath question quite fully, and are happy to state that eight persons have resolved to keep next Sabbath. New ones attend almost every meeting, and those who have been coming continue to do so. One Christian lady was present last Tuesday evening for the first time, and after listening to a discourse on the third angel’s message, Rev. 14:9-12, told us with tears that with God’s help, she would never transgress his holy Sabbath law again. The church are much encouraged. We hold meetings another week, to labor for several others who are fully convinced, yet tremble before the cross.

C. W. STONE. G. F. HAINES.

KANSAS

By W. E. Dawson

Barton County.

The quarterly meeting of the Sterling church was held with the friends in Barton county, in the neighborhood where I held meetings last winter. Of those who commenced at that time to observe the Sabbath, four were baptized and five admitted to the church at this meeting. There are probably others here who will unite with the church soon.

There were three from Reno county who united with the Sterling church,—two by letter and one by baptism.

The Sabbath-keepers in Barton desire a separate church organization as soon as they can be visited by an ordained minister.

W. E. DAWSON.

Rush Center, April 11, 1878.

Labors at Ottawa Lake, Deerfield, and Dundee

By J. S. Preston; C. A. Preston

Dundee, April 19.

We have closed our labors at Ottawa Lake. The interest was good from the first, our congregations averaging about seventy-five notwithstanding it was almost impossible to get around. Several have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and more than three quarters of the community acknowledge that we have the truth. Many who are not keeping the Sabbath are very firm in defending it. One German family who can read and converse but little in English, have commenced keeping the Sabbath as the result of reading German tracts. Our works have been pretty generally read in this community. Here and at Deerfield we have distributed 28,000 pages of reading matter, have sold books to the amount of $6.60, have obtained 31 subscribers for our different periodicals, and are sending the SIGNS to six, on trial.

Since the first of February, Sabbath meetings have been kept up at both Deerfield and Ottawa Lake, and one of us meets with the friends at each place each alternate Sabbath and Sunday. At Deerfield they have organized a Sabbath-school, and the interest is steadily increasing.

We commenced labor at Dundee last evening. There are a few warm-hearted friends of the truth here as the result of the missionary labors of sister Delia Fitch; and they have secured for our meetings, free of charge, the Temperance Hall, which is a very convenient place. They have also had printed two hundred bills advertising our lectures, besides having the meetings noticed in the village paper. We have a few earnest workers here, and we expect, by the blessing of God, to see a good work done.

J. S. PRESTON. C. A. PRESTON.

INDIANA

Bourbon, Wolf Lake, Salem Center. Apr. 8.

At Bourbon I held a five days' discussion with the leading debater of the Disciples in Central Indiana. Although considered a representative man and a first-class debater, he produced only the old threadbare arguments which have been repeated time and again. By his own course and his bitterness against our positions, he turned many from him who otherwise would have been friendly. The truth gained a complete victory, and never had a better influence here than since the debate.

Held meetings one week at Wolf Lake. When I first preached here, two years ago, I encountered the bitterest opposition that I have ever met at any one point in this State. The few who embraced the truth, and did not move away, have tried to live it out and have distributed reading matter. We have occasionally visited them, and, as the result, through the blessing of the Lord, one by one people have embraced the truth, and prejudice has nearly died out. During my last visit we organized a church of sixteen members.

When I first labored here, I introduced the SIGNS, and two families subscribed. One of these families came from England a few years ago. At the close of the year, both families renewed their subscription. The papers have done their work nobly. Both families are rejoicing in the truth, and have come into the organization. The English family are thoroughly converted and have sent the SIGNS to England and thus raised some interest there. They have subscribed for the REVIEW for a natural brother there.

Last week, while on my way to Salem, I preached four times in a neighborhood near La Grange. The turnout was large. I stopped while there with a young man and his wife who have lately commenced to keep the Sabbath. Three years ago I visited his father's family, and sold them a set of books. The young man read them and is now rejoicing in the truth. They led him to subscribe for the REVIEW, which he has since taken.

Our meetings at Salem Center were excellent; the little church was much encouraged. Celebrated the ordinances. The church has lost membership by removals; the elder has lately moved West. Appointed a new leader and elected a deacon. The Methodists kindly granted us the use of their large meeting-house. There was a full attendance. The last evening all could not find seats. They kindly offered us the use of the house at any future time, when not occupied.

We feel thankful for the interest we see at each point in which the truth is introduced. S. H. LANE.

Yorktown and Vicinity.

Last week was a profitable one for the truth here. Held a discussion with Eld. Puckett, a Christian Union minister, on the Sabbath question. As the result, the truth gained friends, four kept last Sabbath for the first, and several more will make a start soon.

A man from North Carolina attended several meetings and the discussion, bought books, and says he is going to agitate the truth at home. Another from McLean Co., Ill., will bear the truth there; and several others from different counties in this State became interested, and have taken books.

There are over twenty keeping the Sabbath in this vicinity, and others have promised to keep it as soon as they can arrange affairs so that they can. Last Sabbath was a good day for us. Several took part in meeting for the first time, and bore evidence that they had the truth at heart. I think we have the foundation of a good work here.

I go home for a while, but shall soon return. W. W. SHARP.

TENNESSEE

Nashville, April 13.

Since my last report, I have preached near Eaton’s Creek P. O. most of the time. There are two meeting-houses here free for all denominations, and though it has been the busiest time of the year, there has been a good attendance. All but three families have acknowledged the truth, and eight have begun the observance of the Sabbath. One preacher will not speak to me; and two others have announced reviews; but they have put the time so far off that I would be likely to be gone. Two men offered to board us until their appointments if we would stay. Many are anxiously waiting for the time to roll round. I am now preaching two miles away, except on the Sabbath, when I return here and meet with those who rest upon it.

Men who have not attended church for years, have been regular attendants at these meetings, and one of the hard men of the place has become a Christian. I feel greatly the need of help from above. Pray for the cause here.

ORLANDO SOULE.

Mt. Gilead, April 8.

Our quarterly meeting at this place was held at the regular time, April 6 and 7. During the meeting I spoke three times, besides holding social meetings. The church received one member. We celebrated the ordinances. The Sabbath-school was re-organized. All present renewed their vows and confessed their wrongs, and left the meeting with brighter prospects for the future.

I think the outside interest is better than it has been, but we have some sore trials yet. P. D. MOYERS.

MICHIGAN

Leetsville, Kalkaska Co., April 16.

In connection with my brother Richard, I have commenced meetings at Leetsville. There is considerable excitement among the people. Some come ten miles to attend the meetings. Four ministers were present last evening. JOHN SISLEY.

Quincy.

SABBATH, April 6, was a good day for the Quincy church. The Spirit of God was with us. It was cheering to hear the reports of the absent, and also to hear our brethren and sisters testify to the goodness of God during the past quarter, and tell their determinations to keep pace with the message. Two families came into the truth, and others are deeply interested. This rejoices our hearts.

After the close of the Sabbath, we had our business meeting, which passed off pleasantly. M. ERNST.

“WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT?”

By P. Alderman

It was through doubt that Peter sank While walking on the sea; So unbelief and doubt will sink, If faithless, you and me.

The sea was rough when Peter sank, So is the sea of life; But shall we sink beneath the waves Of doubt, and fear, and strife?

The same sweet invitation, “Come!” Shines on the sacred page; “Come unto me, ye trusting ones, Come children, youth, and age.”

Then let us trust His mighty power, His hand to us stretched out, And listen to His kind rebuke, “O wherefore didst thou doubt?”

So glad am I He bids us come, So glad He walked the sea, And that dear hand which Peter caught, He still extends to me.

P. ALDERMAN.

Ashtabula Co., Ohio.

CANADA

By A. S. Hutchins

Last week I returned from Barford, P. Q., where I spent five days. The good work still progresses in this place under the labors of Bro. Bourdeau. He has been here several weeks and has worked hard in preaching the word, visiting, defending the truth as opposition sermons have been given against it, and candidly and successfully discussing the Sabbath question. About forty are said to be keeping the Sabbath.

Another brother resolved to keep the Sabbath while I was there, and some important advance steps were taken toward completing the organization of a society to hold church property. This place is about forty miles from where Bro. B. has organized another church, and he intends soon to commence labors between these two points, if the way shall open.

The important truths which have been preached to this people by Bro. Bourdeau and Owen, not only call attention to the fact that the coming of the Son of man is near, but they also present the claims of the law of God upon us, and teach the necessity of a preparation of heart to stand in the Judgment of the great day. The third angel’s message gives no uncertain sound. From its rise it has called for workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

The amazing goodness and love of God in giving us light on the present duty of the remnant church, demand on our part the liveliest expressions of gratitude. Says Jesus: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Quite a good work has started in Barford in the line of tract and missionary labor. If this shall increase proportionally with the increase of Sabbath-keepers, much may be done. As our brethren shall read more and more the books, tracts, REVIEW, SIGNS, and REFORMER, and become more thoroughly established in the views of Seventh-day Adventists; and as they see how the work is spreading, and see the calls for help in every quarter, we trust their helping hand, with their prayers and means, will be joined with the efforts of the old pilgrims to help send this work on to new fields.

It will not do to wait for hard times to pass by, so we can work without sacrifice. Souls are perishing, and thousands will receive the truth when they can hear it, and will rejoice in it as much as we have rejoiced and do rejoice. Bro. Bourdeau must be supported in his faithful labors. It is hoped two tents may run in Vermont this year, and if they do, it will be a heavy drain upon our Conference funds. Bro. Sanborn is now in our State, and two young men are soon to start out to labor as the way may open before them. Brethren, let us remember the laborers in our prayers.

April 15. A. S. HUTCHINS.

TEXAS TENT.

By R. M. Kilgore; L. Caldwell

Terrell, Kaufman Co., April 11.

I arrived here to-day, and shall have the tent ready for meetings to-morrow night. Terrell is a town of about two thousand inhabitants. Six denominations are already established, each having its own place of worship. This is an entirely new field for the truth. Have obtained a lot newly fenced in which to put the tent. The people seem friendly, and say that there is great need of help from a moral stand-point. May the Lord help us to do our duty.

Our address is Terrell, Kaufman Co.

TERRELL, APRIL 16.—We are able to report progress. Each evening the tent is well filled with attentive hearers, and the interest is of a settled character. The first families of the place attend, and we are assisted by them in singing. Our music is good. We use the “Sacred Hymns” of Sankey and Bliss, exclusively. We wait patiently for our new selection, for new fields.

Our tent is well seated, with backs to the seats, and is lighted with seventeen lamps and lanterns. We are invited out daily. The people receive us kindly. With the prospect before us, we hope for much good. We shall labor for it and pray for God to move upon the hearts of this dear people. Pray for us. R. M. Kilgore. L. Caldwell.

ALABAMA

By A. O. Burrill

Owl Valley, April 9.

DURING the week which has just closed, Bro. Ellett has been canvassing the Sabbath question at Coats's Bend, four miles from Owl Valley, and I have been bringing it before the people here. It is stirring the people mightily in both places. Quite a number have decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are deciding. We, of course, have to meet the prejudices common to a new field. Our courage is good. We are getting quite a number of subscribers for our periodicals.

I have just received intelligence from my wife, who is teaching in Choctaw county, that a prominent Baptist minister attacked the Sabbath there, and she reviewed him; that her school is prospering beyond her expectations, both in numbers and improvement; that the Sabbath-school is getting into real working order; that several attend whose parents do not keep the Sabbath; and that the prayer-meetings are well attended and interesting.

I have just received a letter from Bro. Z. Rogers, leader of the second church of Bladen Springs; he reports good meetings. Thus the work moves on.

My address is Gadsden, Ala.

A. O. BURRILL.

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord; C. H. Bliss

Woodburn.

OUR recent visit to Woodburn was very encouraging. The friends of the cause here, though few, appear to be determined to endure to the end.

Our first duty was to attend a temperance lecture at our house of worship. A goodly number attended, and it was evident that good was accomplished. There is quite an interest among those without to understand our faith more fully. Sunday eve we had a good audience. One was reclaimed to the church; three were immersed, in the presence of a large crowd; two joined the church, and all were encouraged.

We had a good tract meeting; and the brethren and sisters took hold of the work better than ever before. A club of ten for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES was formed; S. B. was considered; and to close with, a solemn pledge to work as we never have in the past, was made by all present.

G. W. COLCORD. C. H. BLISS.

Litchfield, Ill., April 16, 1878.

MISSOURI

By J. G. Wood

Union Point.

I attended the quarterly meeting of the Union Point church, April 6 and 7. Most of the members of the Clintonville church met with us. All seemed in good spirits, and striving to draw near to God. The ordinances were celebrated. A tract and missionary meeting was held.

The outside interest here is good. Several farmers left their work, although it was the busy season of preparing for corn planting, and came in on the Sabbath, and spent most of the day with us. There were more at each meeting than could get into the house. All seemed interested.

One took a stand with us. Others promised to obey. We think the meeting a profitable one. J. G. Wood.

WISCONSIN

Sand Prairie, Richland Co., April 9.

I HAVE been sick much of the time since last November; but the Lord has mercifully restored me to health, so that I can again labor in the great harvest field.

About the last of January, when I was only able to walk on crutches, one of our sisters died, who had requested me to preach her funeral sermon. I did so, trusting in God for strength, and he was with me in power. The meeting-house was crowded, and there were many outside. Some were deeply convicted.

The Baptist minister began a protracted meeting here. He fought the truth. Their church is about forty rods from ours. I held meetings in our house, and the Lord gave me the congregation, so that their house was nearly forsaken. I continued our meetings till last Sabbath. I have baptized nineteen, and twenty-five have united with the church. Six of these had been baptized before; three of them left the Baptist church. The opposition helped us. To God be all the glory for such a shower of his grace.

There is some interest at a place eighteen miles from here, in Crawford county. I shall commence meetings the 11th. Some are now decided.

JOHN ATKINSON.

Adams Center.

March 30, came to Adams Center, and remained over two Sabbaths. Held nineteen meetings. The Lord blessed much in our effort to draw near to him. The brethren and sisters resolved anew to serve the Lord more faithfully, and four made a start for the first time to be true followers of Jesus.

I also held four meetings with the little company at Harrisville. Found them all firm, and pressing forward for the prize.

A. D. OLSEN.

PACIFIC COAST.

[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]

Oakland and San Francisco, Cal.

In the SIGNS of April 11, Bro J. N. Loughborough says that “the meetings of the past two Sabbaths and first-days have been seasons of interest and profit.” Sister White spoke four times and Bro. L. twice. The church were glad to have the presence and counsel of Bro. and Sr. White at the yearly meeting of the Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association.

In the quarterly meeting of the Oakland church, most of the members were either present to respond to their names or sent written testimonies. Two were received into the church, and three as candidates for baptism and admission into the church. Two signed the covenant at San Francisco.

Beaverton, Oregon.

March 24, Bro. A. T. Jones organized a church at Beaverton, consisting of eighteen members, fourteen of whom were baptized. The S. B. pledge amounts to $58.13, which sum will probably be increased by some who have not pledged.

Pleasant Valley, Cal.

As the result of meetings just held here by Bro. J. L. Wood, six have signed the covenant, others are keeping the Sabbath, and others are investigating.

Meeting of the P. S. D. A. Publishing Association.

The third annual meeting of the P. S. D. A. Publishing Association was held in Oakland, Cal., April 3, 1878.

The financial report showed the assets of the Association after debts are paid to be $35,768.51, which is a gain of $4,471.19 over the assets of the last year.

James White, J. N. Loughborough, John Morrison, W. N. Glenn, and J. E. White were chosen as directors for the coming year.

At a meeting of the directors, J. N. Loughborough was chosen president; J. E. White, secretary; and Geo. Manuel, treasurer.

The same editors of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES were continued as during the present year. Mrs. I. M. Hall and Miss Della Frisbie are continued as local editors.

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