No doubt the results of the missionary work performed by our sister V. M. societies are sufficient to incite them to labor with unremitting zeal; but our interest is one, and we each like to know what others are doing.
A clergyman says: “I write to inform you that I am in receipt of your very interesting paper, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, for which please accept my thanks.”
A lady writes: “Your note and papers were received with pleasure. Please accept my thanks for all your kindness to a stranger. I have read with pleasure the articles written by Mrs White, also many others.
“Your grateful friend,” etc.
A gentleman connected with a college at the South says: “Your kind note and the papers came promptly. I am grateful for all such consideration. I have long been an anxious inquirer upon the subject of the second advent. I am watching with deep interest passing events in Europe. Our own land also has its signs.”
A student of a Western college writes: “I would thank you for the paper, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which I have received. It is worthy the attention of all thoughtful persons. The doctrines advocated are new to me, and I would like to become thoroughly acquainted with them. I admire that quiet, loving spirit of our Saviour so thoroughly diffused throughout the whole.”
An editor who is the author of several important works, having received a few copies of the SIGNS says: “I am desirous of subscribing for THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I am anxious to obtain the numbers which will contain Eld. Smith’s ‘Thoughts on Daniel.’ If I send to California I may be too late for the next number.”
A lady writes from Pennsylvania: “I was much pleased to learn who was the donor of those papers, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. I am heartily in sympathy with the doctrine of the second advent, and think your paper very interesting and instructive.”
The following is from a young lady student of a Southern college. “None can know how much pleasure can be given by a letter, unless they have received one such as yours to me. I have been much interested in reading the papers you sent me. I have received much spiritual strength from their perusal, and have resolved to be prepared to meet my Lord.”
A minister writes: “I wish to subscribe for THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES for myself. Below are the names of six of my friends who wish to do the same. Inclosed please find the amount requisite.”
MARY MARTIN.
THE SCHOOL OF LIFE.
By Eliza H. Morton
There is much connected with school-life which well illustrates the Christian life. The mind of the child must be educated. Certain tasks must be learned daily, or mental growth is hindered. The law of the teacher must be obeyed, or punishment follows. Examination must precede promotion.
It is thus in life. The heart touched by the finger of love, and cleansed by blood divine, must be disciplined. The great Teacher assigns certain lessons which must be learned. If these duties are neglected, growth in grace is impeded and interest in the work soon lost. The law of the Most High must be obeyed, and although “sentence against an evil work” is not always “speedily executed,” yet “the wages of sin is death,” and pay-day will surely come. The lives of those whose names are recorded in the Register above, are now being examined, and when the Master appears seated on the white cloud rewards will be given.
Life’s lessons are often accompanied with sorrow, heart-aches, and weariness of the flesh; but they are given in pitying love and lead to a nobler sphere of action. All through the weary days, the Hand that lays heavy burdens upon us is ever ready to give us strength. The streaming eyes that look upward will soon see the “King in his beauty,” and the tired feet that march heavenward will soon tread golden pavements.
May our hearts ever respond to the sentiment expressed by Whittier in the following beautiful lines:—
“O Lord and Master of us all,
Whate’er our name or sign,
We own thy sway, we hear thy call,
We test our lives by thine.”
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen’s Corner, Maine.
Transfigured Sorrow.
You may not know how it is supposed the pearl is formed. A grain of sand or some foreign substance, getting entrance within the shell of the oyster, hurts its sensitive body, which, having no power to expel the cause of pain, covers it with a secretion, and by degrees rounds off all sharp angles, molds it to a sphere, and finishes it with a polished surface. Thus it accepts the inevitable presence as part of its life, and when it dies yields up, shaped and perfected, a perfect gem lovely with the tints of the skies, a jewel whose worth is far beyond the pain that gave it existence.
God often introduces into human lives some element of discomfort, unrest, or suffering, a thorn in the flesh that cannot be plucked out, a burden that must be borne, a daily cross not to be laid down. Some souls thus dealt with chafe against the trial; they contend with it till their sensibilities are lacerated by its cruel edges, and their hearts become morbid and bitter. They make its presence one long, perpetual pain and poison. Others, recognizing the trial as Heaven-sent, and therefore not to be escaped, accept it, not with joy, indeed, but with meekness; and though it press hard and sharply, they wear it with a sweet patience that day by day enables them to carry it more easily. It even becomes the source of an inward development the growth of a grace which at the last proves to be the crowning adorning attribute of their character—the especial quality which, rounded out to perfect symmetry, reflects the beauty of Heaven.—Christian Weekly.
Vermont Camp-meeting.
By A. S. Hutchins
RESPECTING the time of our camp-meeting, the General Conference Committee advise us to hold it at a time when the greatest number would be accommodated throughout the State, and not with reference to the time of camp-meetings in other States. So far as I have heard, the majority of our churches much prefer that it should not be held earlier than the last of August or the first of September. Therefore it will not be held in June, but due notice of the time will be given.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
MINNESOTA
By D. P. Curtis
Hutchinson, April 21.
I spent the last Sabbath and first-day in March with the Grand Meadow church. The brethren are of good courage. There was some outside interest, but I could not stay to follow it up. April 6 and 7, attended the quarterly meeting of the Stewartsville church, at Pleasant Grove. Had a good attendance and interest. On Sabbath afternoon we celebrated the ordinances. The new members expressed great satisfaction on this first occasion of celebrating the ordinance of humility. On first-day, baptized one, and attended to the business of the church, and the organization of a legal society for holding church property. The brethren are building a neat, plain church, 24x40. The work is progressing finely, and the house will soon be in condition for use.
On my way home, I stopped over night with the brethren at Dodge Center. They had enjoyed an excellent quarterly meeting. Bro. Pierce was with them, and spoke once. Four strong members were added, two of them from the Wesleyan Methodist church. They have secured a neat and commodious hall for their meetings, entirely at their control.
Bro. Pierce is very feeble, and has been for several months. He expresses a desire and willingness to live, and do more work in the cause, if it is the will of God, and says that if the brethren wish him to live, they must pray for him. I trust that all the brethren, especially those who are personally acquainted with him, and know his worth, will remember his request, and submit his case to the Lord in earnest prayer.
Leaving that company, I came on to where Bro. Burch and my son were laboring, at Union Lakes, Rice Co. Found an interesting company of nine intelligent adults keeping the commandments, and rejoicing in the light which God had sent to them. Spoke to them that evening, and again next forenoon. The Lord was helping them, as they gave themselves up to him, and put away those things that are offensive in his sight.
I find the Hutchinson church increasing in numbers, and I trust growing in grace. Forty-nine members have been added since the last camp-meeting, and “still there are more to follow.”
D. P. CURTIS.
Nebraska: Friends at Waco Keep the Commandments
By Henry Shultz
Nebraska.
Waco, April 22.
I found the friends at Waco all holding on to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Some of them are laying aside pork, tea, coffee, and tobacco, as articles injurious to health. Five more have143decided to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus since my last report. May the Lord bless this little company, and may they walk humbly before him, that they may be the means of winning others to Jesus. Henry Shultz.
KANSAS
By Chas. F. Stevens
The quarterly meeting at Salem was not so largely attended as we had hoped it would be, several being kept away on account of sickness. Those who did attend, with a few exceptions, seem to be growing in their love for the truth.
Monday evening I spoke on spiritualism, which is becoming defiant here. The house was crowded to its utmost capacity, and there were many out doors at the windows. The hearty shake of the hand given by many citizens of the place at the close of the meeting, showed that they appreciated the effort to expose the deceptions of Satan, who is trying to entrap the people.
I also held three meetings about four miles north-west of this place, where quite an interest appears to be awakened.
I returned to Marsh Creek, April 13. Found this company growing. Two preachers had thrown in appointments for Sunday and Sunday night, although my appointment had been publicly announced four weeks before. One labored hard for three hours to prove that the law is abolished, and the other for an hour and a half in reviewing Eld. Canright's work on the two laws. I occupied about half an hour at the close of each sermon. The result was that seven more signed the covenant, making twenty-one in all. We organized a church of nine members, all heads of families. There is a good prospect here for further additions.
On the 17th inst., Bro. Hammond took me to the southern part of Republic county, where three brothers who had attended a few of our meetings at Marsh Creek had requested me to speak. On account of previous appointments I could only speak once. These three brothers, and five of their friends, are now keeping the Sabbath, making eight in all. They request a protracted meeting soon.
CHAS. F. STEVENS.
Concordia, Cloud Co., April 18.
MICHIGAN
Tuscola Co.
WE are glad to be able to report a growing interest on the part of the several churches in Dist. No. 9. Three months ago we held our first quarterly meeting, and we are informed that it is the only meeting of this character that has been held in this district for the past three years. Only three churches in the district were represented at this meeting.
The meeting for April 13, 14 was held at Vassar, according to appointment, with a good representation from each church in the district. Bro. R. J. Lawrence was present. He spoke three times, and was a source of strength in all our deliberations. His remarks were timely and much appreciated by the brethren and sisters. Especially was this true Sunday evening. The Spirit of the Lord rested down upon Bro. Lawrence, and accompanied the word spoken. One dear brother went forward in baptism, and upon the whole, it was a meeting long to be remembered.
We hope the dear brethren and sisters will put forth every effort in their power this present quarter to bring all the tithes into the store-house and prove the Lord. May God give us faith to take him at his word.
Wm. OSTRANDER, Director.
Lincoln, Isabella Co., April 24.
WE have had two opposition discourses, one on the immortality question and one on the Sabbath question. These have only opened the eyes of those that were investigating. We have a class of twenty-five members. Organized S. S. last Sunday, to the amount of $100. The little company here seem to be workers. They realize the importance of laying aside their idols. There is a good work begun in this county.
L. A. KELLOGG.
LONGINGS
By Eliza H. Morton
Psalm XLII.
As e'er the hart upon the mount
Is thirsting for the sparkling fount,
So, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
By day and night my tears do flow,
When shall I see? when shall I know?
Yet, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
The shadows gather thick and fast,
The pain seems destined all to last;
Still, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
When trouble comes, with darkness dire,
When of the world I seem to tire,
Then, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
My spirit longs for home and rest,
I fain would live among the blest;
And, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
The Word doth fill my heart with love,
And joy and peace come from above,
When, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
O comfort sweet! O joy divine!
Blessed Redeemer! thou art mine;
For, O God, on bended knee,
“My soul thirsteth after thee.”
ELIZA H. MORTON.
ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrill
Oak Hill, Etowah Co., April 15.
The work here is onward. On Sabbath, at 10:30 A. M., I met with Bro. Ellett and twenty or more where he is laboring who have decided to keep all the commandments of God; and at 2 P. M. I was back with this company. Our meetings are becoming very interesting. Fully forty in these two places, which are four miles apart, have decided to keep the Sabbath. Three weeks ago, there was but one S. D. Adventist in this portion of Alabama.
Urgent requests are received to go to other points. We are delighted with the climate here. Find warm friends, who supply all our wants. We wish to say to our T. and M. workers, You can accomplish very much good by sending the SIGNS, REFORMER, and tracts to this State; and if you do not receive answers to all your letters, do not be discouraged. Every letter is helping us. A. O. BURRILL.
WISCONSIN
By H. W. Decker
Hillsborough.
I met with the little church at Hillsborough April 20 and 21. We had a very encouraging meeting. Some were there who had kept the Sabbath for a number of years and had never heard a sermon from one of our ministers. Two or three started to serve the Lord for the first time. Five joined the church. The S. B. was increased. A number signed for our periodicals. A Sabbath-school and T. and M. society were organized. I left them much encouraged.
H. W. DECKER.
Leon, April 23.
NEW YORK.
Adams Center.
I attended the district quarterly meeting here April 20, 21. We are encouraged in witnessing the degree of interest manifested by some in the tract and missionary work. There were good reports from every church in the district, and a good representation of the brethren from Mannsville. Several here have lately started in the service of the Lord as the result of the weekly prayer-meetings which the brethren have faithfully maintained. Eight were baptized, seven of whom have just begun to serve God. B. L. WHITNEY.
Locke, April 25.
Commenced meetings at a place called Forks of Creek, town of Genoa, April 20. Have spoken five times to congregations ranging from thirty to sixty. The interest is increasing. The Lord has thus far given us freedom in presenting his truth. Pray for us.
Our P. O. address is Locke, Cayuga Co., N. Y. M. C. WILCOX. T. M. LANE.
IOWA
Platt, Union Co.
Since my last report, I have held meetings in Platt township. Two families in this neighborhood were keeping the Sabbath. As the result of the meetings held here, sixteen have signed the covenant, and some eight or ten more will probably join us if they can have more preaching when planting is over. There is a good interest here. They plead for a tent to be pitched in Platt this season. I think it a good location. Bro. Syp rendered efficient help in visiting and tract labor. Bro. Samuel Zollinger, formerly of Monroe, Wis., was elected leader in both meetings and Sabbath-school; and sister Martha Philpott, clerk. ELI F. DEBORD.
Sac City, April 22.
I came to this place over two weeks ago, and found the little band of Sabbath-keepers here still faithful. They fitted up a hall for meetings, and I spoke to them and others fourteen times. They were much encouraged, and feel more sure than ever that this is God's people. We now expect to organize soon.
I met with the Fonda church last Sabbath and Sunday, and baptized three. The church here need help. I am to meet with them next Sabbath and Sunday. May the Lord meet with us.
Something to remind us of the coming of the day of the Lord, passed here yesterday. It was a tornado. People are crying because of the destruction of their property. How quick their homes were torn to atoms, and scattered over the prairie! There was hail with the storm. Some stones were twelve and some fifteen inches in circumference. G. V. KILGORE.
OHIO
By H. C. Booker
Lockwood's Corners, April 21.
SUNDAY evening, April 7, I commenced meetings at this place. Many are already convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath. As yet, there has been but little open opposition. Calls for meetings are coming in from different places. The people are slow to embrace the truth, fearing reproach. H. C. BOOKER.
VERMONT
By I. Sanborn
I COMMENCED a series of meetings in Bondville, Bennington Co., April 9. Have to date (April 15) held six meetings in the Methodist church. The congregations and the interest have steadily increased. The ministers attend, and assist in the opening and closing exercises. I am speaking on the immortality question. One of the ministers said to the congregation last evening that he did not like my doctrine, and that on the first Sunday in May he would prove that the soul is immortal, or he would quit preaching. I then told the people that I expected to be present to hear. He came to me after meeting, and said he did not know but he had taken too much upon him, “but I have promised,” said he, “and must try.”
Several of the first families are much interested, and anxious for me to commence on the Sabbath question, which I expect to do Wednesday evening. Have sold a few tracts. On account of the scarcity of money in these mountains, away from railroad communication, books and periodicals will sell slowly.
I am in the midst of the Green Mountains, which are full of villages and people that have never heard the third angel’s message. I think I shall like this as a field of labor. Bro. C. P. Whitford will join me in this work. I shall prize his assistance.
I. SANBORN.
PACIFIC COAST.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
At the quarterly meeting of the church at Lone Oak, Cal., a few took their stand to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Bro. Wood and Rice attended this meeting. Bro. Wood reports that fourteen have signed the covenant at Pleasant Valley.
At Sacramento, Cal., where Bro. B. A. Stephens has been laboring, two more have signed the covenant.
Elders Loughborough and Healey commenced meetings in the tent at the corner of 23d and Clapp streets, San Francisco, April 12. So far the attendance is encouraging, and there is every prospect of a successful campaign.
CANADA
By A. C. Bourdeau
Sabbath March 30, the preaching and social meetings in our chapel at Dixville were encouraging, and we were pleased with the success which attended our first effort in having a Bible-class and Sabbath-school.
Brn. Hutchins and Owen came here just after the discussion, which was held April 3, and were with us last Sabbath and Sunday. All appreciated their words of good cheer. I feel to say, “Courage in the Lord.”
April 12. A. C. BOURDEAU.
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore
TERRELL, KAUFMAN CO.—Another very encouraging week has passed. The good work moves on, and the interest is deepening and widening. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. The advent, and prophecies relating to it, were heartily indorsed by many. The Lord has given freedom in speaking his truth. We have already obtained eleven subscribers for our periodicals. We have sold a few books. Times are hard. The people are friendly and hospitable. Invitations are extended to us every day to visit at their homes.
We are of good courage in the Lord.
DALLAS.—Friday, April 20, I went to Dallas to attend the State quarterly meeting. Brethren were present from Cleburne and Grand Prairie. Four separate meetings were held on the Sabbath. While we spoke of “present truth” and present duties, and the adaptation of this glorious message to the present time, we were blessed and the brethren encouraged.
Four took their stand with us, and will identify themselves fully with this message. They are heads of families. The ranks of the Dallas company have been decimated by removals; but if the brethren who remain will patiently labor on and pray on, the seed will soon spring up, fruit will be reaped, and their ranks will be filled up. Some of wealth and influence are deeply interested through reading the SIGNS. If the church at Dallas will press together in love, and strive to get a burden for souls, and labor for the salvation of others, the differences and hindrances with which it has been beset will sink into insignificance. We hope for better days for the church there. R. M. KILGORE.
April 22.
THE WORK AMONG THE EUROPEAN FRENCH.
By D. T. Bourdeau
NOTWITHSTANDING the difficulties we have met and the affliction through which we have passed, to the praise of God we are able to report precious lessons learned, victories gained, and good prospects for the cause among the French in Europe.
In the past two years, God has given us witnesses in Locle, Switzerland, and in four entirely new fields situated at a considerable distance from each other; viz., Alsace (now a part of Germany), Southern France, St. Didier, near Lyons, France, and Morges, Switzerland. We wish there were more believers in these fields; yet we would not undervalue what God has done. In countries where stubborn difficulties are met at every step, and where the work must move slowly in the start, even a few witnesses are of incalculable value to the cause in removing prejudice and spreading the light in the midst of the dense moral darkness that envelops the people.
A French officer and his wife who took their stand for the truth at St. Didier, at the time of our recent trip in France, report encouragingly. They say God has given them great confidence in defending the truth against the attacks of different ministers. The brother will be obliged to join the army for a few weeks by the time this report appears in print. He wishes to be remembered in our prayers.
In Morges we have also met great opposition. We have had to meet in our kitchen, and some have even wanted to prevent us from doing this, and to devise some plan to have us leave Morges. But the authorities have checked them by saying, “As long as he behaves himself peaceably, and does not infringe on the rights of others, you cannot compel him to leave.” A daughter of a wealthy citizen has been oppressed for the sake of the truth in a manner reminding us of the treatment some Christians received in the Dark Ages, and has been compelled to leave home. Still, there are seven at Morges who rejoice in the truth and are making daily progress. Others occupying public positions want to obey, but have not as yet had resolution to take up the cross. One difficulty in Switzerland and in Alsace lies in the fact that the laws require parents to have their children attend school on the Sabbath.
Although I have been detained at home much of the time, I have tried to labor to advantage. Besides five meetings a week, an extensive correspondence, and visiting, I have searched for a new field of labor, have written a brief reply to a tract in favor of Sunday that is being circulated, and have translated or written eight-page tracts to hand out at different stages of courses of lectures, to gain the good will of the authorities.
One favorable feature is that we find the people of Switzerland disposed to buy tracts. I have sold and given away not far from 100 francs’ worth of tracts since coming to Morges, and I might have disposed of three times that amount had not sickness in my family hindered, and could I have obtained the right to sell tracts at the time the interest was the highest at Morges. I have also ordered not far from thirty dollars’ worth of our new publications sent to my brother in Canada.
I learn that there is at least a limited influence in favor of the Sabbath in Geneva; and in Lausanne, a city of 30,000 inhabitants (and the birthplace of the missionary who founded the Grande Ligne Mission Institute, Canada East, in which I studied two and a half years), situated about six miles from this place, is a small independent hall with an adjoining room for preachers to rest in, which I can have for $10 a month. And there are several openings in a canton north of this, that should not be neglected, and places in Alsace and in France must be visited. But this point should be braced up by additions in this section.
It is therefore evident that whether we have a tent or not, at least a helper is needed in the French mission, besides the labors of Bro. Andrews when he is not engaged directly in the publishing work. When such cities as Lausanne and Geneva are entered, we shall have to speak to English and Americans as well as to those of other nationalities. There are two churches in each of those cities to accommodate English and American citizens.
Mrs. B. is gradually improving in health, and is adapting herself to the climate here, which, according to the unanimous testimony of physicians and numerous cases of nervous fever, is hard on the nerves, especially in winter. The time has come for me to move out, and the language of my heart is: Let me see this cause, the best of causes, prosper; let the loud notes of victory echo from the New World to the Old, and from the Old back to the New; and let the message swell louder and louder and spread more and more, till earth’s remotest bounds are illuminated by its glory, and all the honest are gathered; and let me have a humble part in this glorious work. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Morges, Switzerland, April 12, 1878.
ORGANIZATION OF THE MICHIGAN SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
By G. H. Bell; Lettie Loughborough
At the quarterly meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Michigan, held at Battle Creek, April 21 and 22, 1878, the subject of a State Sabbath-school Organization was considered.
According to previous notice, the session for considering this subject opened at 7 P. M., April 21. Eld. D. M. Canright was called to the chair, and Eva Perkins was appointed secretary pro tem.
W. C. White stated the object of the meeting, and that the committee appointed at the time of organizing the General Sabbath-school Association, to draft a Constitution for State Sabbath-school Associations had already reported through the REVIEW.
The Constitution was then read and adopted, and the following officers were elected: President, G. H. Bell; Secretary, Lettie Loughborough; Executive Committee, G. H. Bell, J. Fargo, and W. C. White.
It was suggested that a weekly Sabbath-school paper was very much needed. Eld. Canright remarked that the INSTRUCTOR, coming as it does only once a month, could help our Sabbath-schools but little, and inquired if it would be consistent to publish it oftener. W. C. White said that the Publishing Association would be glad to issue the paper oftener if the people could afford to pay for it, as it would undoubtedly effect more good; and that when there was a sufficient demand for a weekly Sabbath-school paper, there would be no difficulty in securing its publication.
W. C. White suggested that agents would be needed in different parts of the State to assist in organizing Sabbath-schools; and that it would be very desirable to consult with the brethren now present from different parts of the State. To this end, the meeting was adjourned until 3:30 P. M., April 22.
SECOND SESSION.
After some remarks by the president, the report of the previous meeting was read and accepted.
Bro. W. C. White then remarked that there is a great interest at stake. He read a short extract from an article in the REVIEW of April 18, concerning the importance of Sabbath-school work, and the little interest that has been taken for the children in some of our churches. He then raised the question, How can we accomplish most in the shortest time and with the least labor?
Elds. Canright, Lamson, Jones, and others expressed their interest in the work, pledging themselves to do all in their power for its advancement.
After some further remarks, the following resolution was adopted:—
Resolved, That we request the ministers of this State to take a greater interest in the Sabbath-school work, and to labor for the establishment and support of the Sabbath-school wherever they go.
The following brethren were then nominated and elected as special agents to assist in organizing Sabbath-schools and in promoting the interests of the Sabbath-school work: D. H. Lamson, E. R. Jones, H. M. Kenyon, Wm. Ostrander, Franklin Howe, Alex Carpenter, Elam Van Deusen.
The following resolutions were then presented and unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, That the custom of omitting the Sabbath-school at the time of quarterly or other important meetings is a bad one, and that we urge our ministers to attend the Sabbath-schools and labor for their interest.
Resolved, That the morning is by far the most favorable time for the Sabbath-school; and that whenever the Sabbath-school and meeting are both held at one session, it is advisable to hold the Sabbath-school first.
At this point in the meeting want of time and pressure of other business made it necessary to adjourn; but several of the ministers, together with the officers and special agents of the association, repaired to another room, where they freely discussed important matters pertaining to the interests of the Sabbath-school work.
The most entire unity of opinion and harmony of feeling seemed to prevail. All agreed that every member of the church should be a member of the Sabbath-school; and that all, especially parents, should join classes, learn the lessons, and recite as do the youth and children, invalids and infirm people alone excepted.
That a school should be organized in every church where no school is now in progress, and that schools already organized should take such steps as may be necessary in order to make their organization complete.
That a uniform course of lessons should be adopted and used in all our schools.
That Sabbath-school libraries, such as we can obtain, oftener prove a hindrance than a help.
That, in general, the practice of trying to get up an interest by offering rewards in the form of merits, cards, etc., is open to serious objections, and has a tendency to divert the mind from the only source of healthy interest.
That the excellences and beauties of truth, as revealed in the Bible, have a power to charm youth and children, as well as older people; and our endeavor should be to make those truths so plain that their beauties and excellences will be apparent. An interest thus awakened will be enduring, and will bring forth fruit to the glory of God and the good of mankind.
That although it may sometimes be advisable to offer cards, etc., as a temporary inducement, for the purpose of getting some into the school who could not be reached from higher motives, yet an effort should be made to divert the mind from the rewards, and fix it upon the truths taught; and that as soon as this can be accomplished, the rewards may be safely dropped.
That the ordinary custom of concert exercises, in which verses containing some word or set of words are repeated or read, is little better than a waste of time, as there is seldom enough connection of thought to forcibly impress any lesson upon the mind. Different plans were discussed and that of making the general recitation a review of the day's lesson or of the two or three previous lessons, was highly recommended. This plan gives the superintendent an opportunity to bring out any important point in the lesson that may have been overlooked by the teacher.
The plans for securing a complete course of Sabbath-school lesson books was then discussed, after which the meeting adjourned. G. H. Bell, Pres.
Lettie Loughborough, Sec.
BRETHREN OF KANSAS, ATTENTION.
By A. J. Stover
ABOUT eight of our ministers that we sent out at our last annual gathering will come in shortly, with their reports of labor. We already know very nearly what report they will bring,—that our membership has been nearly doubled, and six or eight ministers have been added to their number. About $1400 have been paid in, but this is not sufficient to pay these ministers, who have labored so faithfully. They could not have done so well as they have had not their wives stood nobly by them, and made sacrifices that few would care to make. May God bless them.
Now, brethren, come to the front, and lend a helping hand. Do not let these ministers and their faithful wives make such heavy sacrifices, and you stand idly by. Help lift the burden from off their shoulders, and bear your share of it. The Lord will bless your labors as he has those of these ministers and their wives, if help is extended.
We ought to have at least $1000 more to meet expenses and start the work for the coming Conference year. If more means does not come, we will have to send some of our ministers home. We have a prospect of an abundant harvest of fruits and grains. Many of our brethren are poor, and can do but little till after harvest; then we expect they will come up nobly to the work. Let each individual who professes to be looking for the Lord bring this subject faithfully home to himself, and say whether he or she can afford to have this work stopped. It is estimated that over one thousand emigrants are coming into Kansas each day, and we want to have the living truth to present to as many of these new-comers as possible. But the great consideration is, the Lord is coming, and are we ready? Have we done what we could to bring this message to the people?
The Lord will bless in proportion to the sacrifice we make. Will you bring or send means to our camp-meeting at Neosho Falls? Or, if you have not the means and cannot get it, will you give us your pledge, and tell what you will do and when you can do it? If you cannot do either, come to the meeting and see what others are doing. A. J. STOVER.