It is painfully amusing to see what work some who stand as teachers in Israel make to evade plain Bible duties. Inconsistencies appear in nearly every sentence, and confusion seizes upon their theories like a horrid nightmare. We are slow to speak the exact words of the conclusion to which their efforts drive us, but by deep feelings of pity and a charitable change of terms we express it thus: They must be lunatics.
In a published sermon by a minister in Illinois, the author puts forth an effort to prove that the first day of the week, now called Sunday, is the original seventh day of the fourth commandment and the identical day of God’s rest at creation. But Luke 23:56 and 24:1 seems to trouble him, and to make it sure he endeavors to cite apostolic example to prove a change in the Sabbath; and then to make surety doubly sure he calls attention to 2 Cor. 3 to prove that the law has been abolished. Sunday is the seventh day of the commandment, the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh day to the first day of the week, the law has been done away: three different positions in one sermon, and each one is destructive of the others.
As I read I could but exclaim in my own mind, What work! Shame should cover the faces of such men as to their ability to reason on the word of God. Right-thinking people who are not blinded by prejudice or moved by undue sympathy, will sooner or later characterize all such efforts by a harsher but more strictly truthful term than lunacy. Paul once used it with reference to those who reasoned in like manner, only a little better, concerning the resurrection of the dead. 1 Cor. 15:36.
After all, when we take this matter into careful consideration, we are not so sure but these men, in their blind zeal to tear down the ancient and venerable Sabbath of our God, are doing much to advance it among those who are seeking for truth; for, aside from the Bible statements, so plain, simple, and forcible, the strongest evidences that the seventh day is the Sabbath are found in the inconsistencies, contradictions, and utter absurdities of the reasons adduced for the observance of Sunday, its only rival.
E. R. JONES.
THE CAMP-MEETING AT FILLMORE PARK, N. Y.
By B. L. Whitney
As the time for this meeting is now near at hand, we would again call the attention of the friends of the cause in Western New York and Pennsylvania to the importance of making special efforts to make it a success. We fear that in some localities the brethren do not properly appreciate their responsibility in the matter, or the importance of improving the privileges which this meeting will afford. Our brethren, all of them, need the blessing which we trust those will receive who attend the meeting. On their own account all should make an earnest effort to attend. Do not let trifles keep you away. If you make up your minds that you ought to go, and lay your plans accordingly, the way will open and you can come.
We visited one church where they had ordered but one small tent. Most of the brethren thought they could not go. We laid before them their responsibility and the influence they would exert in staying away, and urged them to attend. Before we left, three more tents were ordered, and many who had decided to stay at home changed their minds and began to make their plans to come.
As we cannot visit all our churches and labor personally with them, we appeal to them in this way, and urge them to consider well their duty and then do it. This will be one of the most important meetings ever held in the State. There is every prospect that the outside attendance will be very large, and we want our brethren there, not only to enjoy the meeting themselves, but to give character to it. It will depend largely upon the brethren whether the meeting is what it ought to be or not.
We also urge those who come to bring their interested friends and neighbors with them. If there was a proper interest in this direction there might be as many of this class on the ground as of our own brethren, and doubtless scores of them might be brought into the truth by this means.
Shall we neglect our duty and allow this opportunity to pass unimproved? Brethren, the Lord is coming, and is it not high time that we begin to act as those who really believe what they profess?
The meeting is being extensively advertised. We send some of our large bills to the scattered brethren in different localities, and request them to post them in conspicuous places where they will advertise as widely as possible. Let none stay away because they have not already ordered tents. A limited number of tents will be furnished, so that those ordering by May 24 can be supplied. Address orders for tents to me at Buffalo, N. Y., and we will see that you are supplied.
On the Buffalo, N. Y., and Philadelphia R. R., call for tickets for Fillmore Park. These will be sold for full fare, and on being indorsed by the secretary on the ground will be good for return passage. All mail for the ground should be directed East Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., and marked Fillmore Park, which will ensure its being delivered on the ground.
We request brethren who can do so to come on the ground as early as Monday of the week of the meeting to assist in making the necessary preparations. We want everything in readiness, all preparations made, before the meeting commences. Proper persons have been appointed to have charge of different departments of the work, who will each be responsible for its proper completion; but they will need those who can assist them, and we invite those who can to come.
Again we say to all our brethren, Come to the meeting, praying that God will meet with us.
B. L. WHITNEY.
R. F. C
By R. F. C.
If the Greek calls the day of Christ’s resurrection the Sabbath, what makes it certain that it was the first day of the week? Up to that time and ever after, it calls the day the Jews observe the Sabbath. See the gospels and Acts. If we follow this new mode of translating Greek, the first day of the week is not mentioned in Acts 20:7, and 1 Cor. 16:2. It is the Sabbath, not the first day of the week. Thus these theological woodmen, in chopping Greek, have unwittingly cut off the limb that they stood on.
R. F. C
NEW YORK
Willink (Aurora), Erie Co., May 12.
This afternoon I commenced meetings in the tent. The cold, so sudden and severe, is against us; yet at our afternoon meeting over one hundred were present, and in the evening about the same number. We propose to hold meetings every afternoon and evening until the day before camp-meeting. Expect Bro. B. L. Whitney to join me in this effort.
While on a short visit home to North Parma, Monroe Co., I baptized three young persons who are zealous for the truth.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Later, Bro. Reynolds says:—
The cold wind and severe frost are much against us, but we hold on. The interest and attendance, thus far, are quite encouraging. The afternoon meetings are not very well attended as yet, but are of deep interest.
May 15, I have just received a letter from my wife. We are houseless and homeless. Our house caught fire on Sabbath afternoon about four o'clock. There was a high wind, and everything was consumed. Nothing was saved but three chairs. Books of great value, that we had denied ourselves necessaries to purchase, notes, writings, the result of years of study, are all gone. Yet we praise God in the167midst of our misfortune. Wife and little ones are safe, uninjured.
We thank God for kind friends, who, in our absence, have opened their doors to our loved ones. Duty holds us here. God reigns. Jehovah-jireh. Pray for us.
Glensdale, Lewis Co., May 12.
Since my last week's report, five more Sabbath-keepers have joined our class at Otter Creek, near Glensdale, and three of the class have been received into our new church organization. The cause of present truth is onward in this county, although we are having, at times, our share of trials and persecutions. A protracted effort has been made by a certain preacher to destroy the work here by his talk in and out of the pulpit; but so far he has failed to accomplish anything in that direction. And now he is trying (in vain, I believe) to get some of our number arrested for working on Sundays. We expect your prayers.
JACOB WILBUR.
Miller's Mills, Herkimer Co., May 16.
From the Rome Biblical Institute we came to this place, and began a course of lectures on the leading points of our faith, April 16. We have spoken in the Baptist church nearly every evening since that time, to attentive congregations of from fifty to one hundred and twenty-five persons. There has seemed to be an increasing interest on the part of the people; seven have decided to keep the Sabbath, and we have hopes of several others. Nearly all admit that we are right, but they are waiting to see what will be done by others.
We feel to thank the Lord for helping us in this work, and ask that the prayers of all may still ascend with ours for his blessing to attend our labors.
H. E. ROBINSON.
J. E. ROBINSON.
AROOSTOOK CO., MAINE.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
In company with Bro. Goodrich I arrived at Linneus, Thursday, May 9. Notwithstanding it rained all day Friday, the brethren came from a radius of sixty miles. A mother and her daughter hired a team, and drove thirty miles in the rain. We enjoyed a degree of God’s blessing in our meetings. The freely flowing tears in the social meetings showed that hearts were affected.
Eld. Goodrich came to this place less than four years ago, and as the result of his labors more than one hundred have embraced the truth. The entire number now keeping the Sabbath in this section, including the Swedes in New Sweden, is over one hundred and seventy-five. They had but little labor after Eld. Goodrich’s first visit until last summer, when Eld. Hersum came here. He has labored in this county since that time, with some success.
There are many unconverted children of Sabbath-keepers here, and others who observe the Sabbath, but do not belong to any church. I know of no field where more fruit might be expected from a few weeks of judicious labor than here. The brethren and sisters have a mind to work and bear their own burdens, and also help to carry the truth into new fields. The plan of giving a tithe of their increase was cheerfully accepted. When the S. B. is fully organized throughout this county, we think it will exceed five hundred dollars. The brethren seemed pleased with the idea of taking part in every enterprise connected with the cause. Seventy-two dollars were pledged, most of it at this meeting, for a new tent to be run in Maine this season. This sum will be much increased by those not present at this meeting.
Bro. Sawyer was present and reported the work progressing among the Swedes. An effort will be made to more fully unite the efforts of our Swedish and American brethren in carrying forward present truth. This will be a help to the former. They have purchased a lot and are making arrangements to erect a house of worship. We are more and more convinced that there should be a blending of the different nationalities. The truth is one, and our sympathies and interests are one. If such were the case, the same interest would be taken in the different enterprises. In the tract and missionary work especially, there should be a mutual interest, which would prove a source of encouragement to all.
In the northern portion of this State there are some fourteen thousand French, some of whom can read English and are much interested to read on present truth. A club of LES SIGNES DES TEMPS was formed to help forward the missionary work among this people. The closing meeting was appointed at eight o’clock Monday morning. We were half an hour early, yet nearly all the brethren were present, waiting for the meeting to commence. This meeting closed about noon, and the brethren separated rejoicing in God. To many of these brethren we became warmly attached. We believe the time is not far in the future when the State of Maine will become a strong Conference in comparison with what it is at the present time, both in numbers and financial strength.
S. N. HASKELL.
PENNSYLVANIA
By S. B. Whitney
Covington, May 14.
Since my last report from this place, I have attended the quarterly meeting of the church in Pulaski, N. Y., which was a very good one. Preached a number of times in the vicinity of home in places where I had been urged to come, and also attended the general quarterly meeting in Pulaski, which others have reported. I returned to this place the 3d inst., visiting Groton, N. Y., on my way.
Spent last week in holding meetings in different localities where calls have been made, and visiting among the friends. Last Sunday we had baptism, which was attended by a large but very orderly concourse of people. Others wish to go forward soon. Opposition has been very bitter and strong in private, and now an opposition discourse is announced by the Disciple minister. This we hail as another omen of good.
S. B. WHITNEY.
MICHIGAN
Labor among the Churches.
On the morning of May 2, we left home to visit the church of Ransom Center, Hillsdale Co., Mich. This church is located within a few miles of the church of Jefferson, where we labored for a time a few weeks ago. The brethren are few in number, and for a long while have struggled on under circumstances very discouraging in their nature. While among them we tried to preach the word in all plainness and sincerity. Our labors, though arduous, were not lost; and we left them feeling, not only that there were among them good souls whom the Lord loved, but also that he still had a care for them, and that, if they would cultivate brotherly love and the spirit of meekness, he will make their future more encouraging than their past history has been.
Leaving Ransom Center on the morning of the 9th, Providence seemed to direct our steps to the church in Hillsdale. There we remained for three days, giving ourselves to the preaching of the word and to visiting and counseling the brethren who stood in great need of help. Our efforts seemed to be appreciated, and we trust may result in the permanent good of those for whom they were put forth. On the last evening that we were with them, their house of worship was filled with a congregation of attentive listeners, and we feel assured that if the church in that place shall do their duty in the future by exemplifying the tender spirit of Christ in their dealings with one another, and by patiently and faithfully scattering the light, they will find that the field of their labor will not be altogether unfruitful. While among them, one person commenced to keep the Sabbath whose mind had been prepared for this step by the reading of the publications.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN. M. S. BURNHAM.
Maple Grove, May 14.
For the past six weeks I have been laboring at Maple Grove, preaching on Sabbaths and first-days, and visiting through the week as I had strength. Sabbath, May 4, I baptized eight, who were anxious to renounce sin and live a life of righteousness. The interest is still good. I hope others will soon put on Christ by baptism. There are eighteen or twenty who will unite to keep up meetings and Sabbath-school. May the Lord bless them all, and prepare them for the kingdom of God.
T. M. STEWARD.
Olivet, Alaiedon, and Spring Arbor.
April 27 and 28, met with the church in Olivet. The Lord gave liberty in preaching his word. The outside interest was good, and the attendance increased to the close. We believe that here judicious labor would bring others into the truth.
May 4 and 5 found us in Alaiedon. Here the Methodists held a revival meeting during the past winter. Some of their converts, with some others, numbering at least five adults, immediately commenced to observe the Sabbath of the Lord. Most of these joined the church at this time, and we believe the remainder will soon do so. After the forenoon services Sunday, three of them were buried with their Lord in baptism.
May 11 and 12 we had the privilege of meeting with the Spring Arbor church. Found them alive, both in faith and works. They are building a house of worship 28x40 feet. The foundation is laid and all the material on the ground for the house.
Our meetings here were well attended by the brethren and their neighbors. The meeting on Sabbath forenoon was especially excellent. We spoke of the operations of the Holy Ghost upon the heart of the Christian, and truly the Spirit of God was in our midst as we spoke. One aged person testified that it was the best meeting he had ever attended, and the tears of many others told their feelings better than pen can describe them.
On Sunday it was again our privilege, in the presence of a large concourse of people, to baptize thirteen adults, all heads of families, and two children. One of this number made a start at this time. All but two of the remainder embraced the truth during the past winter, as the result of labors performed by Bro. Daniels and myself.
Sunday evening was spent in the interest of the Sabbath-school. It was a profitable season for all. Besides the INSTRUCTORS already taken, we obtained a club of six, and four subscribers for the REVIEW.
We love to labor in the Master's vineyard.
M. B. MILLER.
Leetsville, Kalkaska Co., May 8.
About a month ago we returned to Leetsville; and we were glad to find that those who embraced the faith last fall had been enabled by the power of God to endure opposition, and maintain unpopular truth. These, with six others that have espoused the cause of Christ since we returned, were formed into a class which numbers sixteen. Others are deeply interested, and we hope will soon unite with them. The brethren cheerfully promised to give a tenth of their increase to help sustain the cause. A Sabbath-school was also organized.
We have visited all the scattered brethren in order to more fully understand the wants of the cause, and unite them in all branches of the work. The Lord has blessed our efforts to establish the cause in this new, remote, and sparsely settled part of the Conference, and we hope he will continue to bless them.
We now separate, one going to Elmira and the other to Clam Lake to labor as the way may open. We beg an interest in the prayers of God's people that we may give proper tone to the cause in these parts.
JOHN SISLEY. R. T. SISLEY.
Dundee.
After we closed our meetings at Ottawa Lake, a minister preached a sermon in which he took the position that the Old Testament is entirely done away, and with it the law of God. We have announced a review at our next appointment at that place.
The interest at Deerfield is steadily increasing. We are requested to perfect a church organization at that place, and expect soon to do so.
At Dundee our congregations average from thirty to forty, but are steadily increasing.
J. S. PRESTON. C. A. PRESTON.
UNSAVED
By S. M. Spicer
ALMOST persuaded—the Holy Spirit wooing,
Still waiting at the heart's closed door:
How often has it there before been pleading!
As oftentimes repulsed before;
While still the heart was heard to say,
A more convenient season, pray;
Then surely I will hear—obey.
Still loving pleads the Saviour, with bleeding hands and side,
Poor, helpless, ruined sinner, it was for thee I died;
The gospel feast of mercy I freely spread for you.
The angels pause in wonder, such passing love to view.
Oh! might they now the message bear:
The heart, repentant, breathes in prayer,—
Lord, let me now thy blessing share.
Not quite persuaded to leave the ways of sin;
So sweet the draughts of pleasure, its bitter all forgot;
Earth's fond delusive treasures we ever hope to win,
Though death the promised portion, its terrors heeded not.
Still blind, secure, the soul doth say,
Only a few more days' delay;
I'll surely seek the better way.
O poor mistaken sinner, knew'st thou the tempter's wiles,
How with delusive promise his victim he beguiles,—
Persuading to delay, he binds his growing chain.
Around his helpless victim, ne'er to release again.
Dear sinner, then reflect, beware,
Escape at once the tempter's snare;
Turn, turn to-day,—our earnest prayer.
Almost persuaded,—sweet views of heavenly bliss,—
A crown of joy for mourning will our Redeemer give,
Such glorious, holy mansions exchange for earth like this:—
O sinner, seek that kingdom! O turn to-day and live.
Almost—no more;—the Spirit passed—
The soul in death's embrace is fast;
Almost persuaded—lost at last.
S. M. Spicer.
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore; L. Caldwell
Terrell, Kaufman Co.
Our work at Terrell is cheering. We have presented the three messages, United States in prophecy, etc. We had an excellent Sabbath meeting, some fifty being present. Several kept the Sabbath. Many more will take a stand. We are constantly receiving requests to visit. We never had a greater interest. The Baptist pastor published a bitter article against us, and announces a series of sermons against our position on the Sabbath and the nature of man. He helps us greatly.
Times are hard and close, and books sell slowly. Calls for papers, tracts, and preaching are abundant. We can use tracts and copies of the SIGNS, etc., or furnish addresses of Texan readers.
Great is the work, but the Lord strengthens. Pray for the cause here.
R. M. KILGORE. L. CALDWELL.
TENNESSEE
By J. Q. Finch
BRO. J. Q. FINCH, writing from Henry Co., Tenn., says:—
I embraced present truth about six months ago under the preaching of Eld. R. M. Kilgore, in western Texas. I came back to Henry county about six weeks ago. I was alone in the truth when I came here, but one has now commenced keeping the Sabbath; others are reading and appear favorable to the truth. I find a great opening for work in this cause, and am trying to do all I can to bring this matter before the people. I think this is a good field for labor, and hope the Lord will direct the work and send some one here that is able to present the truth aright.
NEBRASKA
By Edwin W. Farnsworth
Humboldt and Blue Valley.
I commenced meetings in Humboldt, May 3. This little company is much scattered yet nearly all were present. Our meetings were good. I had liberty in presenting the truth. Four were received into the church, and all were encouraged to press on.
May 10, I commenced meetings at Blue Valley. I was glad to meet our brethren from Seward, Stromsburg, Waco, and Farmers Valley. These, including the church at this place, made quite a large company. The preaching was largely practical, and was well received. Our brethren in this vicinity are mostly poor, yet we found they had hearts that love the truth. We re-organized S. S., and then presented the subject of our tents, and they pledged $170 in a few minutes. Considering their circumstances, this was quite liberal, and God will bless the liberal soul. Our meetings were almost continuous from Sabbath eve till Sunday night, and the words spoken found a response. The outside interest was good.
As we look over our labor for the past two months, we feel that we have reasons of unfeigned gratitude to God, and greater confidence in the cause, and our brethren than ever before. During this time our brethren have pledged about $5000 on the European Mission and about $700 for the purchase of new tents, besides raising their S. S. considerably, making nearly $7000 in all. We have not made strong appeals, but have simply stated the facts, and left our brethren to act as they saw fit. To our mind, this evidence of their love for the cause speaks volumes for them. It is something more than words or profession. It is an evidence of a deepening and an abiding faith in the third angel's message. May God bless all our brethren.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
Bentons Port, May 15.
By L. McCoy; H. D. Hollenbeck
THE interest and attendance here are still good. We are in the midst of the Sabbath question, and very many admit we have the truth. We hope for many precious souls. Had a good meeting last Sabbath. Pray for us and the work here.
L. McCoy.
H. D. Hollenbeck.
INDIANA
By W. W. Sharp
I visited the church at Peoria, April 26-28. Found them firm in the truth. Celebrated the ordinances for the first time in this church. The Lord blessed in our meetings.
At Bunker Hill, April 29, 30. Left the church encouraged and in much better condition. I hope for better days in this church.
May 2, I baptized four near Marion. This church is of good courage.
May 3, I came to Yorktown, and found the friends growing firm in the truth. They report excellent meetings while I was gone. The opposition here is the most determined I ever met. Five ministers have openly opposed the truth. I had freedom in reviewing them. I was much surprised to hear Methodists and Presbyterians proclaiming the abolition of the law of God.
Organized a church of ten, and there are about as many more keeping the Sabbath, some of whom will soon come into the church. Three were baptized. The elder and deacon formerly held the same offices in the Disciple church. W. W. SHARP.
Junction, Lane Co., Oregon.
MEETINGS have been held here since March 30, by Bro. A. T. Jones. The interest and attendance have been quite good. At the first Sabbath meeting, April 27, twenty-three were present. The people of the place generally admit that “these things are so;” it now remains to get them to show by their actions that they believe them.
Lemoore, Cal.
At this place, where Bro. Wood and Rice have commenced to labor, the interest is good. The average attendance is one hundred and fifty.
CLOSING LABORS IN VIRGINIA.
By E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane
In harmony with the advice of the General Conference, we have returned to Michigan, and this State will, for the present, be our field of labor.
Since our last report we have had some excellent meetings in Virginia, both in Page and Shenandoah counties. Our quarterly meeting was the best we ever held. There was quite a delegation from Page county, and the Spirit of God was present in every meeting. As the names were called, all the members present promptly responded with feeling testimonies, many of them wet down with tears. New resolutions were formed, and a general advance move was made. The communion season was one long to be remembered by all. Several of the young took a firm stand and bore good testimonies, which deeply affected our hearts.
Our T. and M. society showed advancement, both in the number of members and the quality of the work done. During our labors in Page county we organized a T. and M. society of twelve members.
The Methodist minister, lately come to the Sabbath truth, referred to in our last report, remains firm, and has visited friends over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison Co., Va., and excited a great interest and an earnest desire for labor there. Two of our brethren have gone into a small valley called Powell's Fort, and given several discourses on Sundays, and report a growing interest at that place. As many as a score of places are calling for a course of lectures. When we first went to Virginia we met strong opposition from every point, which spread all through the Shenandoah Valley; but by patient labor, visiting and speaking in over sixty different places, we now regard it one of the most promising fields in the Union. Our prayer is that God will send them help and an abundance of his blessing, that this may yet be a large, strong Conference.
Old fields where prejudice ran highest at first are changed, as shown by meetings lately held in those places. We administered baptism near New Market, and were astonished to see the multitude present. For a long distance, the banks of the river were lined with people, many of whom would not formerly come to our meetings. It was a solemn baptism, and a lovely sight that our eyes beheld.
The last night spent in Virginia, by special request we spoke before a large audience in Polytechnic Hall, New Market. We began our labors here, and by a kind Providence closed in the same place, speaking by invitation on the subject of temperance.
One item of interest to us we must mention. On visiting a young brother in Timberville, who, with his family and a sister of his, is living out the truth alone, we were much gratified to find him preaching to the people among whom he was raised. There is a growing interest, and strong indications that a company will join them in keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. While he works at his trade (tomb-stone cutting) he studies, and preaches evenings and on first-days. By his request we spoke on short notice to a full house. This brother was one of the first in Virginia to embrace the truth, having had his attention previously called to it by reading matter sent him by Bro. Zirkle, of Indiana. As he becomes more free to give his time to the ministry, we trust he will become a valuable laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. Thus the seed may be first sown by papers or tracts, and in eternity great may the harvest be. As we think of these things, our hearts gratefully acknowledge the interest that many of our brethren and sisters have taken in sending papers, especially the SIGNS, to persons in Virginia.
In our closing labors in Page county we had crowded houses, and learned of three or four more who had decided to keep the Sabbath. Three followed their Lord in baptism. It was sad to part with our brethren in Virginia, yet we hope to meet them again, with many others from the Old Dominion, in the kingdom of God.
On our return home we spent a few days with our dear brethren in Wood county, Ohio. It seemed good to meet with them, and find nearly all still holding on. We held some excellent meetings, and all seemed much encouraged. We spoke before a large and attentive audience in Bowling Green. We believe this city to be an excellent field of labor for a second course of lectures. We have never felt satisfied with the one we held there a few years ago, as the excitement of the woman's crusade movement stopped us. The interest there seems as good as when we left them three years ago.
E. B. & E. S. LANE.
ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrill; J. W. Heath
Our last report from Owl Valley was sent when we were in the midst of the discussion. At the close of the first proposition, Eld. Hood refused to take up the second, as he had agreed to do. He found it very hard to show that God’s law had been abolished; in fact, he did not make one point stand, and he knew the second question would be worse than the first, and therefore backed out, although he had challenged us. Bro. Ellitt is following up the work there.
We have had the tent up at Gadsden for six days; the interest has been poor from the first, yet it is on the increase, and we hope for some fruit.
A. O. Burrill.
J. W. Heath.
KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.
By S. Osborn
According to appointment, I met with the brethren in Bullitt Co., Ky., May 4 and 5, to organize a church there. Found them all firm on the Sabbath, but not ready for organization.
I made preparations to go to Tennessee to start the tent. I have a very severe cough, which has hindered me some. We have selected a place at Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Pray for us. S. Osborn.
Edgefield Junction, Tenn., May 15.
VERMONT T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By Thos. H. Purdon
The following is a report of labor for the quarter ending April 1, 1878:— No. of districts, 6; No. members, 261; No. reports received, 83; No. families visited, 50; No. Letters written, 178. Premium subscribers for REVIEW, 6; REFORMER, 18; INSTRUCTOR, 33. Tracts and pamphlets distributed, pages, 21,608; periodicals distributed, 1,850; Annuals distributed, 599; books loaned, 8; No. furnished libraries, 3; SIGNS taken in clubs, 55. Money received, $185.41.
We have had no State meeting, and some of our districts have been slow to report. Have waited some time to hear from all, but have decided to wait no longer. I hope we shall be on time with a better report at the end of this quarter.
Thos. H. Purdon, Sec.
MINNESOTA T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By A. H. Van Kirk
The report of labor for this society for the quarter ending March 31, 1878, is as follows:—
No. of families visited, 212; letters written, 164. No. of periodicals sent on trial, 114; subscribers obtained with premium, 130. No. of periodicals distributed, 1,967; Annuals distributed, 334; tracts and pamphlets distributed, pages, 70,672.
Money received for memberships, $10.50
On donations, $107.93
From book sales, $17.72
From new subscribers, $108.65
Total, $244.80
Paid into treasury, 274.10
As districts 2, 5, 6, and 9 have sent in no report of labor, although solicited per letter to do so, the report for this quarter is necessarily smaller than it would be if all had reported. The reports that I have received are not perfect, especially in regard to money. For instance: The summary of reports shows receipts to be $244.80, disbursements to be $274.10, showing a discrepancy of $29.30.
A. H. Van Kirk, Sec.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Bro. Asa Loveland, of Irasburgh, Vt., fell asleep in Jesus, April 25, 1878, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. For twenty-five years he was a companion of those trying to keep all the commandments of God, and looking for the near coming of the Saviour.
Bro. L. was pronounced a man of strict integrity in business matters. His faith in the final triumph of truth was ever firm. The church will miss his encouraging words. A companion and ten children survive him. The seal of death was set upon his lips while quoting the eleventh verse of the eighty-fourth Psalm.
Funeral services at the home where he had spent about fifty years. A. S. Hutchins.
Died of measles and brain fever, near New Market, Va., April 9, 1878, Mary Agnes, youngest child of Bro. Simeon and Sr. Ada Woods, aged 1 year, 7 months, and 12 days. Little Mary was snatched away in the bloom of health and sweet innocence. It seemed as though an angel hand shaped a beautiful smile on her lips, to be renewed on the bright morning of the resurrection. May all the family meet her in the fair home of Heaven.
Funeral address by the writer, assisted by Bro. Daddisman, before a large and sympathetic audience. E. B. Lane.
Died of inflammation of the stomach, at her home in Vienna, Dane Co., Wis., May 1, 1878, Sr. Sarah Eggleston, wife of Bro. Richmond Eggleston, aged 65 years, 10 months, and 7 days. Sr. Eggleston embraced present truth about fifteen years ago. Although a sufferer for many years, she seemed resigned to the will of the Lord. She leaves a husband, one daughter, and many friends to mourn their loss. Funeral discourse by Eld. Burnet (Methodist), from 1 Tim. 4:8. Lucy M. Lindsay.
MINNESOTA
By D. P. Curtis; G. M. Dimmick
Brownsdale, May 15.
We came here last week, and set our tent in the village. The weather was cold, and we did not open until Sunday forenoon. About one hundred and fifty were present at the first meeting. In the evening we engaged the Christian chapel, a few rods from the tent, and it was full. The attention paid has been good. When we returned to the tent last night, from the chapel, we found one of the large guy ropes and twelve of the small ones cut off. We wait further developments, praying the Lord to guide us aright, and help us to bear a clear testimony for his truth. There are a few good brethren within supporting distance. We desire the prayers of the brethren.