SUNDAY, July 14, we arrived in London where we were glad to meet friends from America. Arrangements had previously been made and a passage secured for Brother Druillard, his wife and myself on the Norham Castle, of the Castle Line, which sailed on the Wednesday following. We remained, however, in London until Friday, when we were conveyed to Dartmouth by a special train run by the company, there joining the steamer which left London the previous Wednesday.
The first week of the passage the weather was everything we could have desired, and we had a smooth sea. On Sunday night at 1 P. M. the boat anchored at the mouth of the Tagus, waiting for the morning light, to go up the river to Lisbon.
This city is said to contain four hundred thousand inhabitants. It lies on the north side of the river, about nine miles from the sea. Opposite the city the river widens and forms a lake about nine miles wide. Here our boat lay until nearly night. The city lies along the shore of the river for a number of miles, extending back among the hills. We had an opportunity of visiting the place and seeing the ruins of the earthquake which occurred November, 1775, and on account of which sixty thousand people lost their lives. Certain portions of the old cathedral and other buildings still remain, in which hundreds perished. There are, however, certain portions which were not destroyed. Among these is the aqueduct, which is nine miles long, built in 1738. It still supplies the city with water, flowing in thirty-one fountains throughout the city, from which it is taken in barrels to the people.
The lofty granite range of Cintra, from which the water comes, lies back of the city. This aqueduct crosses the Alcantara Valley on thirty-five arches, one being 236 feet above its base, with a span of one hundred and ten feet. The carriers of barrels are not Portuguese. They are natives of Galicia, Spain, and are called Galigos. These also constitute the fire brigade, and do the general drudgery of the city. The native Portuguese have a strong prejudice against being porters. They have a saying that "God made first the Portuguese, then Galigos to wait on him." These Galigos go in pairs, and will carry very heavy weights between them by a rope suspended from a piece of wood resting on a horseshoe collar placed on their shoulders. They trudge along always out of step, to neutralize the oscillation of their bodies. It is said that two men will carry half a ton.
Here we saw oxen drawing vehicles of antediluvian appearance. The wheels had no spokes, but were made of plain disks of wood fixed on axles which revolved with them. They also have other styles of vehicles drawn by mules and horses. Vegetables are brought in on donkeys in baskets larger than the animals themselves. The load is balanced by hanging a basket on each side of the donkey. All kinds of eatables, except butchers' meat, are carried about on the heads of bare-footed women, who vie with each other in the loudness of their unintelligible and discordant cries.
The fish women are most picturesque, wearing a broad felt hat and a short, closely-plaited, indigo blue skirt, and loose jacket. Many of them are adorned with a profusion of gold and silver ornaments. In this lies their wealth, which they ever carry with them.
The religion is Roman Catholic; but the mildness of the climate and the beautiful situation of the city (said to be the third in all Europe, Constantinople and Naples only being superior), has attracted to its shores large numbers of Europeans, and especially many English Protestants, who make this city their residence. It is the capital of Portugal, the home of the king. There are Protestant places of worship included in the two hundred houses for this purpose.
The Portuguese are noted for their politeness. It is said that great liberty is granted to all to express their sentiments in political and religious matters in public, both by speech and in the press.
We spent most of the day in the city. By procuring a guide, we were able to visit many places of interest.
The following Wednesday morning we reached the island of Madeira. This is the principal island of the group by that name. It has a population of one hundred and thirty-two thousand. The capital of this island is Funchal, which has a population of twenty-one thousand. This island has been a place which physicians have recommended as a great health resort for consumptives, but a visit to the cemetery would lead one to think that this is not true, or many of the cases were hopeless when they came here.
The island is of volcanic origin, sixteen miles wide and thirty-eight long. As we rounded the point and came near Funchal, the white-fronted houses set in the hollow of the mountains presented a pretty panorama.
The natives flocked around the ship like so many sea birds, waiting for the passengers to throw over some money, when from one to half a dozen would dive for it, the most expert bringing it up. While the boat lay at anchor, its deck was turned into a bazaar, where chairs, baskets, embroidery, jewels and other articles of native manufacture could be purchased. The fruits of the island are oranges, apples, lemons, figs, pears, grapes, mangoes, pomegranates, mulberries, Cape gooseberries, loquats, guavas, custard-apples, alligator-pears, and pine-apples.
There are steamship services between Madeira, the Azores, the Canaries, Lisbon, and the West African ports. Nearly all of these are ports which are settled by more or less English people, who are hospitable and kind to the stranger who perchance may come among them. It would seem that avenues might be opened here through which the honest native might be reached.
On board of our ship were men of almost all classes, having in view almost every object. There were the priests and the sisters of mercy from the High Church of England. One party of nine men were Swedish missionaries, en route for the Zulu tribes in Africa. They expect to learn the native language after having arrived at their field of labor. These were all young people, one young man being only fourteen years old. We formed a pleasant acquaintance with them. There were also those who appeared to be wealthy farmers, mining speculators, professional fortune seekers, newspaper correspondents, health hunters, and many other sorts and conditions of men, bound for different points in South Africa. Many were going up to Johannesburg. This is about one thousand miles north of Cape Town and the gold there at present presents great attractions to the fortune seekers. Johannesburg contains forty thousand inhabitants, and every ship brings fresh recruits from England.
The last two weeks of the voyage we had heavy winds directly against us. The sea was quite rough, and many seats were vacant at the table. We were one day late at Cape Town. We have never been on a ship which rode the sea better in a storm than the Norham Castle.
It is one of a fleet of over twenty owned by the Castle Line Company, three of which are over four thousand two hundred and forty tons burden. These are described as being three hundred and eighty feet in length and forty-eight feet in width. In the saloon there is a library, and on the shelves are many useful books, some of which are of a strictly religious character, such as "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," and "Spirit of Prophecy," etc., etc. These books are eagerly sought for and read by both first and second-class passengers.
The second-class accommodations are good to what they are on the steamers crossing between New York and Liverpool. They have a large, spacious saloon with sleeping cabins at the side, differing from those of the first-class only in the plainness of furniture and the variety of food on the tables. Yet the tables were amply supplied for all common mortals. All the cabins of the first, second and third class are situated on the same deck, and are well lighted with electricity and large port-holes. A special stewardess waits on the ladies in the second cabin. A piano is also in the dining-room for the use of the passengers. But the most marked feature of it all, and the one the "poor sailor" passengers appreciated as much as any one thing, is the attention paid to those who are so unfortunate as to be sea-sick. It is but justice to state that the chief officers, especially, sought every possible way to make it pleasant and comfortable for those thus afflicted. Nothing that could be done for their comfort was lacking. Special favors were not left altogether in the hands of a few table stewards, whose attention sometimes on some vessels depends upon the amount of feeing; but the chief steward, with the heads of the different departments, took a special interest in looking after those who were ill. The captain frequently visited each of the different class passengers himself, and suggested things that would be for the comfort of the passengers. Having traveled not less than forty thousand miles by sea, we have never seen more pains taken in this direction than on board of the Norham Castle. This we understand is not an exception on this steamer, but is characteristic of all the passenger boats which constitute their fleet. As far as our experience goes, and judging from what we saw in attention paid to others, there was no partiality shown, and we can recommend this line to our friends. This feature we also heard commented upon by those who had sailed on other lines, and in this respect we heard none spoken of more highly than this. And good care is what the passengers need more than almost anything else in case of rough sea and sea-sickness.
We arrived at Cape Town on Friday after a voyage of three full weeks, and were made happy at the sight of old friends and co-laborers waiting our arrival. On Sabbath and Sunday we had the privilege of meeting with about forty in this place, most of whom are observing the Sabbath or are especially interested in the truths we hold as sacred. S. N. H.
STATE SCHOOLS.
By Editor
A. M. CHADWICK, in the California Prohibitionist of August 15, thinks that "our educational system is in danger from the special training mania which has taken possession of it." And in this we fully agree with Mr. C. His thoughtful article is commendatory. It does not advise, as do so many, religious instruction in public schools in order to make good citizens, and thus develop "a law-respecting and law-obeying spirit." His claim is that civil government should be taught, which should include "the fundamental principles of government—rights and duties, wrongs and remedies, personal and social, with their mutual relations601and reactions, and the relation of government to their exercise and adjustment." And this education he holds should be compulsory and preparatory to the exercise of the franchise.
There is more genuine national reform in Mr. C.'s article than in all that National Reformers have ever advocated. And a government founded on the basis of citizenship advocated by Mr. C. would be a thousand times safer and more Christian than the religio-political government advocated by National Reformers. In the absence of all mention, we conclude that Mr. Chadwick clearly comprehends what is so difficult for many to comprehend, that religious instruction belongs alone to the home and the church.
The Sabbath-School.
By J. W. Scoles
Notes on the International Lesson.
THE TRIBES UNITED UNDER DAVID.
(October 6; 2 Sam. 5:1-12.)
IN our past lessons we have had an illustration of the government administered by Saul. Beginning with the present quarter, we take up the administration of David, the poet-king of Israel. After Saul's death, David proceeded to Hebron, where he was anointed king over Judah. He reigned in this capacity for seven and a half years, during which time there was more or less animosity against him on the part of the rest of the tribes of Israel, who were still loyal to the government of Saul, administered by Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, during the two closing years of the period in which David reigned over Hebron. At the end of this time, Ish-bosheth was treacherously assassinated, after which all the tribes of Israel came to Hebron to unite in making David king.
THE important service which David had already rendered the nation, as military leader under Saul, had proved his ability in this direction; hence, this was a weighty reason in the minds of the children of Israel. Not only so, but he was a Hebrew, as themselves, their own flesh and blood, and would naturally have an interest in advancing their welfare. All these things increased their interest in him, and their appeal was based on this confidence, which they felt was not misplaced.
UP to this time the Jebusites had dwelt in the land, their capital city Jebus, or Jerusalem, being so situated and guarded as to be considered impregnable. It has been thought from this that the "blind and lame" here referred to, consisted of those who were not able to go out into active battle, but who were, nevertheless, considered amply sufficient to protect the city in its fortified position. Others have thought that David had spoken of the gods of the Jebusites as being lame and blind gods, which had eyes but saw not, and had feet yet could not walk. They either trusted in these gods which David had despised with all his soul, or else were so confident of the strength of their position that they ridiculed him by bringing out against him the cripples and blind of the town. In either case, their boasting was foolishness. Through the help of Joab, David succeeded in overcoming his enemies, and made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, calling it the city of David.
IT is frequently the case that at the time we think ourselves strong, we have nothing but the veriest weakness about us; and the very points in our character which we regard as invulnerable, sometimes prove to be the very points at which Satan assails us and gains the victory. Unless our strength is the strength of God, it will avail us nothing. David's victory was obtained not because of the superior strength of his forces, but because of the justice of his cause, and because he had the Lord God on his side.
IF we would obtain the full benefits of salvation, we must fully trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are loyal to him, he will be faithful to us. If we obey him and honor him, he will give us grace and strength for each day's duties. If we place implicit faith in him, he will preserve us from falling, shelter us from the evils of the world, and keep us until the day of his glorious appearing. The Lord is as ready to make a covenant with us to-day, as was David of old to make a league with those who placed themselves under his protection; but if we would know the fullness of the power of Christ to save, we must fully decide to accept him as our Saviour.
THE real permanence of David's kingdom and the establishment of his greatness, dates from his capture of Jerusalem. From this time on he "grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him;" not however, because of his greatness, by any means, but rather, vice versa. He grew great simply because the Lord was with him. And this is the standard of all true greatness.
BECAUSE a man has a great name among the honored ones of the earth, it is no evidence of favor with God. Neither does the fact that an individual occupies a lowly place in the sight of men prove that he is not regarded by the Lord. "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isa. 66:2. Christ recognized John the Baptist as performing the greatest work ever done by one who was born of woman, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he.
"AND David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake." David recognized the providence of God in his own greatness. How different from some men, who look upon whatever success they have attained as being the result of their own wisdom, without giving God any of the glory. The greatness of this world is not worth striving for, but it is a really great thing to be recognized of God, and to humbly give the honor and praise to the Lord, from whom all the ability proceeds and to whom all the glory is due, is the best of all. J. W. SCOLES.
(Lesson 2, October 12, 1889.)
1. OF whom does the first chapter of Hebrews speak?
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." Verse 2.
2. Who speaks to the Son of God in verse 8?
3. What does he call him?—Ib.
4. How came the Son to have this name?
"Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." Heb. 1:4.
5. Is it anything unusual for the Son to have the name of his Father?
6. What is said of his throne?
"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom." Verse 8.
7. Is the Son of God now on a throne?
"Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." Heb. 8:1.
8. Is that throne the throne of the Son?
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev. 3:21.
9. Will he always continue to sit upon that throne?
"Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power." 1 Cor. 15:24.
10. How long will he possess his own throne? Luke 1:32, 33; Ps. 89:29, 35-37.
11. What is meant by a scepter of righteousness?602
"Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment." Isa. 32:1.
12. What is the meaning of the word "iniquity?" See note.
13. Who hath anointed the Son of God?
"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Heb. 1:9.
14. What class of people were anointed by order of the Lord? Ans.—Priests, prophets, and kings. See Ex. 29:5–7; Lev. 16:32; 1 Sam. 9:16; 10:1; 16:1, 12, 13; 1 Kings 19:16. Christ in the Greek, and Messiah in the Hebrew, mean the Anointed.
15. What is meant by anointing him with the oil of gladness above his fellows? (Fellows means companions or associates; it does not imply equality. Isa. 61:1–3.)
"The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall they rejoice?" "For thou hast made him most blessed forever; thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance." Ps. 21:1, 6.
16. Who laid the foundations of the earth?
"And, thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands." Heb. 1:10.
17. In what manner shall the heavens and earth perish?
"They shall perish, but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail." Verses 11, 12. They shall be changed. Compare 2 Peter 3:5, 6; Rev. 21:1, 5.
18. What is said of the unchangeable nature of Christ? Heb. 1:12.
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever." Heb. 13:8.
19. To whom did the Lord say, Sit thou on my right hand?
"But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" Heb 1:13.
"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Ps. 110:1.
20. By the words, "To which of the angels," etc., does the writer mean that the Lord ever said this to an angel? Ans.—No; it is a question implying a negation; as if he had said, Was there ever such an instance?
21. Until what time does he sit at the right hand of his Father? Heb. 1:13.
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool." Heb. 10:12, 13.
22. Who shall put the enemies of the Son under his feet?
"And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." 1 Cor. 15:28.
23. Does this imply that those enemies shall be converted?
24. What will the Son of God do with his enemies when they are given to him, or put under his feet?
"I will declare the decree; the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Ps. 2:7–9.
"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Luke 19:27.
25. What office do the angels fill?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:14.
26. To whom do they minister?—Ib.
NOTES.
THE scepter is an emblem of kingly power. A scepter of righteousness implies just what Isa. 32:1 says, "A king shall reign in righteousness." In Gal. 2:17 the apostle declares that Christ is not the minister of sin; that is, he does not serve the cause of sin; he does not advance sin. But he is the minister of righteousness, or right-doing. Compare 1 John 3:7. As the commandments of God are righteousness (Ps. 119:172), he who does righteousness keeps the law of God. See Deut. 6:25; Isa. 51:7.
INIQUITY means, literally, lawlessness; workers of iniquity (see Matt. 7:23) means breakers of the law. However much we may call on the name of Christ, and profess faith in him, he will not accept us unless we also do the will of his Father; he will not accept law-breakers. While we cannot be justified, or please God, without faith (Rom. 5:1; Heb. 11:6), so faith without works is dead, being alone. James 2:17, 20. Compare Rev. 14:12.
VERSES 10–12 are quoted from Psalms 102:25–27. By the reading of the psalm we could not determine that this was spoken to the Son rather than addressed to the Father. And this is the case with a number of quotations in the New Testament from the Old. We should never think of applying them to the Son of God, if Inspiration did not so apply them. And is this not an assurance to us that the Son of God occupies a much larger place in the Scriptures of the Old Testament than is generally supposed? Is it not reasonable to believe that many other texts in that book refer to him, in which he is not generally recognized? The great efforts that are being made, in these days, to do away with the Old Testament, or to weaken its authority, is a direct blow against the divinity and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are not read with that carefulness and feeling of dependence on the Spirit of God that is necessary to appreciate it as a revelation of God through his Son.
"THE Lord said unto my Lord." Psalm 110:1. In this text two different Hebrew words are rendered Lord. Thus the original reads: Jehovah said unto Adonai. And so in other places, as Isa. 6:3, 4, 12, Jehovah is used; in verses 1, 8, 11, it is Adonai. But this distinction is not recognized in the Greek language. As Jehovah is a proper name, and not a title, it should never be translated or rendered Lord. If it were transferred as a proper name, the distinction would be recognized in every language.
THE apostle Paul tells us, in Rom. 8:14, that if we are led by the Spirit of God we are the sons of God; and John (1 John 3:2) says that we are even now sons of God. The angels also are called sons of God (Job 38:7), and Luke (3:38) says that Adam was the son of God. But all these are sons in a far different sense than what Christ is. The angels are sons by creation, just as Adam was, who was created a little lower than they. But Christ is the "only begotten Son of God," having "by inheritance a more excellent name than they." We are "by nature the children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3), since we partake of the fallen nature of Adam; but we become sons by adoption, and the Spirit of God is the seal of that adoption. As adopted sons of God, we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Rom. 8:14–17. We shall be allowed to share the glory and dominion of God's own Son. Well may the beloved disciple exclaim: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."
HUMANITARIAN METHODS.
By Editor
THE Congregationalist of August 22 says:—
"Some Hebrew tailors of this city have just been tried, and several of them fined, for working at their trade on Sunday. Several others offered the defense that they had abstained from work on Saturday, their Sabbath. As the government could not disprove this, and as their Sunday labor could not be shown to have annoyed anyone, they were discharged. The prosecution was at the instance of the Boston Clothing Operatives' Protective Association, which . . . is attempting to put a stop to Sunday labor, although from only humanitarian motives. The case has revived the interesting question how far the prevalent custom of a community—in this case that of resting on Sunday instead of Saturday—may legally and fairly be allowed to affect those who conscientiously prefer to do differently. In this particular instance the law seems plain and accordant with justice, viz., that whosoever conscientiously observes Saturday as his Sabbath, and annoys no one else by his labor or pleasure on Sunday, may keep the latter day as he pleases."
The "humanitarian motives" are probably purely selfish motives. The members of the Protective Association do not wish to work on Sunday and they are determined that nobody else shall. It is the same dog-in-the-manger spirit that crops out very frequently in efforts to enforce Sunday laws.
READY TO COMPROMISE WITH EVIL.
By Editor
THE California Voice, a Prohibition paper published in San Francisco, is not far from the truth in regard to Sunday closing of saloons. In its issue of August 22, it says:—
"Of course prohibitionists are glad to see the dramshops closed on Sunday or on any day. But there is a weak point in the Sunday-closing movement. There are many professing Christians who will be perfectly satisfied to let the dramshops alone six days every week, if they are closed on Sunday.
"In the convention at the commencement of our campaign of 1884, there was quite an objection urged against 'lugging in the temperance question, as all we want is a good Sunday law.'
"Many would be quite satisfied if we had a law that closed up the clothing stores, news stands, and dramshops on Sunday.
"Again, if a political party in any State shall now succeed in forcing the dramshops to make a show of closing their front doors on Sunday, the Sunday adherents of that party will declare it is the party of Christianity and prohibition; and will make that an excuse for voting still with that party for licensing all the crimes of the criminal vocabulary."
Of course very many prohibitionists are sincere, and will rest satisfied with nothing short of absolute prohibition of the traffic in intoxicating beverages; but as the Voice says, "There are many professing Christians [and professed prohibitionists] who will be perfectly satisfied to let dramshops alone six days every week if they are closed on Sunday;" and it is also true that such "Christians" will not cease to class us with infidels and saloon keepers because we refuse to be parties to any such compromise. The Voice, we are glad to know, insists on every-day prohibition.
The Missionary.
THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK.
God did not design that only a few of his people should labor to win souls to Christ. He did not design that this work should be confined to preachers or evangelists, apostles or prophets. It was not his design that those who believed in Christ should shut themselves up in a church, listen to sermons, essays, dissertations, or exhortations, from week to week from a pleasant pastor; going home from each service, thinking that their work was done because they had attended the means of grace, helped pay the preacher, and had given a little toward foreign missions. Such a church may grow in numbers, but it will die spiritually. Like the Israel of old, the nation may be multiplied, but the joy not increased. God has called his people for a different purpose:—
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises [margin, virtues] of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9.
Those who are truly converted to God, who have the love of Christ in their heart, will recognize this truth by the new life that is in them. They will be burdened for others as was Christ. And thus it was in the early history of this people of which we are speaking. The plainly-taught message that Christ’s coming is near, the light on the holy but down-trodden law of God, the sanctuary question revealing God’s mercy, and the proximity of the judgment, brought light and hope and strength to their hearts; and like Philip of old, they would say to friends as well as all others, "Come and see." John 1:43–46.
But how should they do this? Preachers were sent out, missionary visits were made, a few tracts and pamphlets and papers were printed and distributed. But it was indiscriminate and individual work. Thoroughness of work demands order and system. Where many engage in it, this is demanded much more; and in order to have order and system, union is also necessary. Union comes by truth; order and system by education. Seventh-day Adventists saw the need of this. In fact, the work of God forced them to more thorough organization. To do effectual work, they must organize. The organization must be for that purpose. And it must be in harmony with God’s design, which is that all who had tasted of the goodness of God, all who were Christ’s servants, might have a part in carrying forward his work. See Matt. 25:14, 15; 1 Cor. 12:7–11.
From the necessity of the case (for souls who are burdened for souls must labor), the tract society organization sprang up among them. The first State tract society was that of New England, organized in 1871. The next year organizations were perfected in New York, Michigan, and Vermont. In 1873, State societies were organized in Illinois, Minnesota, and Maine. In most of these States, partially organized local societies had existed before.
This step of organization and method in work, gave a new impetus to the cause. Wherever possible, local societies were organized in603the various churches and companies of believers throughout the various States where the truth had gone.
The organization is simple. Each State is divided into districts, over which is a director and secretary. Each district includes one or more local societies, the head of which is a librarian. The officers of the State society are president, vice-president, secretary, and board of directors. The directors and other lower officers nearly always serve without compensation.
The payment of one dollar constitutes one a life member, unless forfeited by change of belief, apostasy, or otherwise. The funds of the society are made up of membership fees, sales of publications, and donations from the members, and all others who are interested in the work. These funds are used for the purchase of tracts and papers, for missionary use among neighbors, in adjacent towns and cities, and, in fact, in all parts of the world. Reports of labor are made each quarter to the librarians, forwarded by them to the district secretaries, and by them to the State secretary.
Of course all fields within organized State conferences and tract societies, come within the jurisdiction of these societies. The rest of the world is the field of the International Tract Society, which was organized in 1876. The life-membership fee of this society is ten dollars. It is supported in the same manner as the local societies. Annual meetings of the International Society are held in connection with the General Conference, and before this body are presented the annual reports of the State societies. These reports also appear in the various journals of the denomination.
As soon as these organizations sprang into existence, publications were demanded and began to multiply. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES began to be published in 1874, and has since been, and still is, a messenger of precious truth to all parts of the world. Papers are also published in the Scandinavian, German, French, Roumanian, and Holland languages, besides the English in the Old World, the Colonies, and this country. These will be noticed more fully in the publishing work. Many tracts and books were also printed.
These societies have proved great blessings to many as well as mighty levers in carrying forward the truth of God. Many precious souls have been reached by them that have never heard the living preacher, and greater blessings still have come back upon those who have engaged in this missionary work. It has ever kept before this people the importance of the work of God, by making them feel and know that it is their work; all talent has thus been utilized, and the work of God has been greatly advanced. Those who could not spend time in purely missionary work, have been able to do more in donations. God will reward both.
The influence of this work has gone to all parts of the world. There are twenty-eight State societies in America, and eight similar organizations in Australia, New Zealand, Central Europe, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and South Africa; while the International Society has penetrated to many countries and islands of the sea. The total receipts of the societies last year aggregated $131,598.68. There were distributed 33,589,137 pages of reading matter, besides 1,469,836 periodicals, fifty per cent. more than the preceding year. The membership is about 15,000. To God be all the praise that he has enabled them to do so much.
Christ Came to Save Sinners
“THIS is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
CONDENSED REPORTS FROM THE FIELD.
By Editor
FROM Germany, Brother L. R. Conradi writes that the blessing of God is over the work, which is steadily moving forward. The canvassing school which has been held in the mission rooms at Hamburg, has closed, in order that some might attend the annual conference and camp-meeting in Switzerland. In Hamburg and Altoona over 600 orders for books were taken by those who composed the class, and not one-fourth of the territory was canvassed.
Many interesting cases have been found by Bible workers, and many invitations are received by them. Nine have thus far accepted the truth, and have signed the covenant. A great interest has been aroused among the Irvingites. Among those who have accepted the truth is an Armenian from Constantinople, and a Lutheran, who had prepared himself for mission work. Twenty-five dollars have been received from Sabbath-keepers not as yet connected with our work there. The work is spreading among the ships. Thus the work is extending in the great German empire. That section which received the light of the Reformation is receiving the additional light of the third angel's message.
From Nebraska, Brethren T. H. Gibbs and J. E. Jayne write that seven have signed the covenant at Oxford, that the interest is still good, and that they have much hope for others.
Brother John Gibbs writes that five were recently baptized at Preston, Kansas, and some new ones have united with the church. At Eulison, three were baptized and four united with the church.
Brother Oscar Hill and wife have been holding meetings on the old Iuka battle ground of the late civil war, in Mississippi. There was much opposition, but nine had the courage and love to believe God and obey his truth.
Good interests in tent-meetings are reported from Mongo, Indiana; Wilmot, Dakota, and Pilot Mound, Iowa, the meetings not having progressed far enough to report probable permanent results.
At Atlanta, Illinois, Brethren Merrell and Rothwell have held a tent-meeting. Much opposition has been manifested, the Presbyterian, Baptist, and Christian Connection ministers all preaching against them. These brethren dismissed their meetings on these occasions, that the people might hear the other side. These opposition sermons were reviewed, and the truth triumphed. Ten have accepted the truth, and many more are laboring under conviction.
Brother Purdham has been holding meetings at Hope Villa and Gelsey in Louisiana. A church of fifteen members has been raised up at the former place, and ten or twelve others are observing the Sabbath of the Lord. Six souls were recently buried in baptism. Galvez church, organized a few weeks ago with twelve members, now numbers sixteen. Sabbath-schools have been organized, and are doing well.
Elders Peabody and Mulhollen write from Huntington, Pennsylvania, that ten have signed the covenant, and more are hoped for.
From East Saginaw, Mich., comes an encouraging report, where Elders Lamson and Burrill are holding tent-meetings. There are now some fifty or more new Sabbath-keepers. For three Sundays preceding the report, they had had baptism. At Belleville, Brethren Leland and Hughes have had excellent meetings, although much opposition has been met from the ministers. The matter of religious legislation was discussed, and many petitions were obtained against anything of this kind. Those not of our people were quite active in securing names for this purpose. Thirteen signed the covenant to keep the law of God and the faith of Jesus.
Elder S. H. Lane, president of New York Conference, writes that the work throughout this State is more encouraging. This conference has been drained of laborers for years for foreign and other fields, and some have been somewhat discouraged, but new ones are coming in and the work is onward. The camp-meeting at Rome was a great blessing to the cause. More than twenty have accepted the message during the past season. The canvassing work is increasing, and the laborers are of good courage.
Good camp-meetings are reported from Ohio, North Carolina, Maine, and Tennessee. Considerable attention was given to the National Religious Liberty Association, and many members were enrolled. The Missouri annual Conference, held at Kingsville, August 13-20 was a prosperous one. Elder R. S. Donnell was elected president.
The Weekly Summary, of California, reports the book sales through canvassers for the two weeks ending September 15, to be $681.35, an exceedingly good showing for the time employed. In fact, the canvassing work is becoming more and more an efficient agent for the spread of the truth. Our hearts took on new strength at the encouraging omens from all parts of the field.