Earlier text: TO THE FRENCH IN ILLINOISTurner's Point.—The arbor meeting held at this place July 30 to Aug. 5, commenced favorably, and closed with good results. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to rest upon us with great power. Sinners were converted, the lukewarm aroused, and the honest-hearted enlightened. The man who tendered us the ground would not consent to let us have it unless we would agree to pull up stakes and leave whenever he could endure us no longer. But before the meeting closed, he and his wife and daughter, with five or six others, were found keeping the Sabbath with the rest of us. At the close of the meeting the interest was so great that it was thought best to have some one remain and follow it up. This I did as best I could until Aug. 12, when I had to leave for another appointment. During this time, I sold $33.45 worth of books, and found sixteen families anxious to pay for and take the REVIEW. At the close of the meeting twenty more persons, making in all twenty-eight adults, had decided to keep the Sabbath, obey the other truths to which they had listened, and open their hearts to receive more. This includes several children and youth. We find the people here, as elsewhere, kind, hospitable, and conscientious. The result of this meeting is good. To the Lord be all the praise, without whom nothing could have been accomplished. J. S. KILGORE. Denison, Turner's Point, and Peoria.—From Savoy I went to Denison. Spoke once to the friends who had assembled for prayer-meeting. Here I met Bro. Johnson from Cook Co., who was formerly a Baptist minister, but now is fully with us, rejoicing in the truth. The little company here is growing in the truth, standing firm in the faith, and now waiting baptism and organization. Although the meeting at Turner's Point was but an experiment, it was a success. This opened to us a new avenue whereby to meet the wants of the churches in different localities. It is impossible for us to accomplish much in new fields with the tent, and bestow as much labor with the churches as they should have, where we have to go from church to church and remain long enough to do any permanent good. But by this method of having arbor or grove meetings in the different districts, where adjoining churches can assemble together to seek God and learn the way of life more perfectly, and at the same time call out the crowd in these localities, there is much to be gained every way. All who attended this meeting from a distance, went home rejoicing in the love of God. From the commencement the power of the Spirit of God was manifested. All the children of our brethren, and sisters who were present sought and found the Lord. Thirty in all went forward for prayers, five of whom were strangers to our views previous to the meeting. There were others also who were deeply convicted, and who will doubtless obey the truth. One case deserves mention: the daughter of Father Huguley, a mute from birth, who cannot read, and could not hear a word I said while preaching; yet as she sat before me, looking me in the face with the most intense interest, tears streamed from her eyes, and evident signs of deep conviction were manifest. On returning to her tent she immediately began to carry out the subject, “Self-denial,” in a practical manner, by laying aside her jewelry, and participating in the exercises of the meeting so far as she was able. Will those who deny the abstract operation of the Spirit explain this? Friday, Aug. 8, I arrived at my home in Peoria, after an absence of nearly six months. On the Sabbath I found the church assembled in a rented dwelling. About one hundred were packed in a room 16x24. Notwithstanding the loss of their nice meeting-house, and the inconvenience of the present place of meeting, I can see a great advance in the Sabbath-school interest, and good Sabbath meetings are also reported. Several new ones have united with them in the work in my absence. On Sunday I spoke again, and a business meeting respecting the new meeting-house was held. A strong volunteer force are now at work making the brick. Although the crops are almost a failure, and money is very scarce, yet the brethren and sisters “have a mind to work.” While the brethren are making the brick, the sisters are cooking for and feeding them. Their motto is found in Neh. 2:17-20. May God prosper the work. I meet with the church at Cleburne next Sabbath. The brethren in this district anxiously await the arbor meeting, which commences the 27th inst., nine miles south of Cleburne; and those throughout the State are looking forward to the camp-meeting in November, near Dallas. R. M. KILGORE. MISSOURI
By George J. Butler
Salisbury and Sedalia.—I have recently visited these places to finish up the work in a more permanent form than heretofore, so that the believers might be ready to become connected with the Conference at its session this coming fall. At Salisbury we organized a church of fourteen members. An elder was elected and ordained, and a clerk chosen. We had a good meeting with these dear souls. Perfect union and Christian love prevails. One was baptized. They have an interesting Sabbath-school, and keep up regular prayer and Sabbath meetings. Some others keep the Sabbath, who we hope will soon join us. Still others come out to hear the truth, that are fully satisfied we are right; and for these we have hopes. There is a good spirit in this little church. They mean to work for God, and we believe they will grow spiritually. We pitched the tent again in Sedalia, June 21, in a different locality from that occupied last year. I had no one with me for a week, then Elder Wood joined me. I remained just two weeks, leaving him to continue longer. We had a fair interest, and quite a number attend regularly. The effect of our meetings upon the believers has been excellent. Last year it was all new to them; and hearing so many new things, it was impossible to retain it all or have clear and connected views of all points. This time it seems much plainer to those who were somewhat weak. I lectured every evening on theoretical subjects; and Sabbaths and Sundays spoke three times each on practical themes, to prepare for organization. August 12, I organized a church of sixteen members. An elder was elected and ordained. Several more will join in a few days, and Eld. Wood will baptize some. With the few at Green Ridge who will probably join here, I think there will soon be thirty members, and we hope for more. They are talking strongly about building a meeting-house. One man has signed $100. We hope they will succeed in this. They have a good Sabbath-school, and are becoming intelligent in the faith. GEO. J. BUTLER. Ottumwa, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1879. Six Lakes, Aug. 8.—I met the brethren at Sheridan, Aug. 2. The next day I was called to Sidney to answer one Eld. Mills, of Stanton, who took the field in defense of Sunday. Some of his arguments being new to me, I will give them. It was urged that upon the last hours of the sixth day God made man, just in time to commence the sacred rest of the Sabbath with his Maker, and that time was reckoned from man's first day; so that the first day of the week was the Creator's rest day. This he said was observed by the Sabians, Persians, northern Europeans, etc., and was the only Sabbath known until the exodus, when God, in separating his people from the heathen, among other things changed the Sabbath to the seventh day. Said change was claimed to be shown by comparing Ex. 20 with Deut. 5:15, and was to last while the Jews continued to be a nation. Ex. 31:16. In reply to his statements, I showed from Gen. 2:19–24, that after man's creation he named all the beasts, was caused to sleep, and a rib was taken from his side, out of which God formed a woman, and then a marriage took place. This must have taken a good portion of the day; and if time was reckoned from man's first day, God's rest day was the second day of the week, or Monday, and according to his reasoning should be kept. I then showed that the cycle of a week is not a natural division of time, but depends entirely upon the action of God in creating the world and resting from his labor (see Gen. 1), making God's rest day the seventh day of the week. The fact that the Sabians and other heathens kept Sunday in honor of the sun, as he took pains to prove, only shows the heathen origin of the day. God's Sabbath began in Eden (Gen. 2:2, 3), and runs parallel with eternity. Isa. 66:22, 23. The idea that, in separating his people from the heathen, God should cause them to forsake his sacred rest day for a day upon which he did not rest, is too absurd to need reply; and worse still, that such a change is shown by comparing Ex. 20 and Deut. 5:15. Read them. As for the Sabbath being only for Israel (Ex. 31:16), reference to Gal. 3:7, 29, will show that all Christians are Israelites; so this perpetual rest is still in force. But the climax was reached at last by asserting that God's law does not define a definite day of rest. Now read: “But the seventh day is the Sabbath.” What could be plainer? He defines it as the day, his rest day, the sanctified day, and the blessed day; yet it is no special day, and depends upon a positive command to fix the day! But where is the positive command for Sunday? Strange to say, the Elder entirely forgot to read it. I have just commenced meetings in Belvidere township, and my address is Six Lakes, Montcalm Co., Mich. Edmore, Aug. 14.—There being little interest near Six Lakes, I closed meetings there Aug. 10. I gave four discourses; and one who had read some upon the truth promised to keep the Sabbath. Last evening, Aug. 13, I began meetings at Edmore, with an attendance of fifty. This is a town of about 600 inhabitants, that has grown up in about two years. Brethren, pray for the cause at this place. “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matt. 10:7. This meeting will be held at Essex Junction, Vt., in the same beautiful grove we occupied four years since. Brethren living in the western, central, and southern part of the State are favored in point of distance by having the meeting here, while those residing in other parts of the State cannot reasonably object to its location. Eld. G. I. Butler is expected to attend, also Bro. C. W. Stone. And we cordially invite Bro. and Sr. White to be with us if consistent with duty. Come, brethren and sisters, come with your children and friends to this annual gathering to seek God’s blessing. Remember the time, Sept. 11-16. Conf. Com. The seventeenth annual session of the Vermont State Conference of S. D. Adventists will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, at Essex Junction, Vt., Sept. 11-16, 1879. Let every church be represented by delegate or letter. A. S. Hutchins, Vt.; Lewis Bean, Conf.; H. Peebles, Com. The next annual session of the Vermont Tract and Missionary Society will be held at the time of the camp-meeting, at Essex Junction, Vt., Sept. 11-16. Let the officers of this society be on the ground in time. A. S. Hutchins, Pres. T. H. Purdon, Sec. To meet the wishes and necessities of the friends in the southwest part of the State, a camp-meeting will be held near Beaver City, Furnas Co., Neb., Sept. 18-22, 1879. The friends in northwestern Kansas are invited to attend. Bro. Smith Sharp is requested to be with us and assist in carrying on the meetings. Chas. L. Boyd. Nebraska Conference and camp-meeting will be held at Seward, Neb., Oct. 2-7. Chas. L. Boyd. Wilford school-house, Franklin Co., Kan., Sept. 6, 7. I hope the Sabbath-keepers in the western part of Franklin Co., and all who can from Osage Co., will attend this meeting. Smith Sharp. Johnstown Center, Wis., Aug. 30, 31. H. W. Decker. El Dorado, Nebraska. We hope to organize a church. Opportunity will be offered for baptism. Chas. L. Boyd. THIRD MICHIGAN CAMP-MEETING.
It is decided that the third Michigan camp-meeting will be held at Lyons, in a grove near the depot, on the D. L. & N. R. R. This is about one and one-half miles from the depot at Muir, on the D. & M. R. R. Arrangements have been made with the bus men at Muir to carry passengers from the Muir depot to the camp-ground for 10 cents each, and with draymen to carry trunks for 5 cents each. All coming on the D. & M. R. R. will get off at Muir. Barn room and feed for teams will be furnished a short distance from the camp-ground at reasonable rates. It is expected our brethren and sisters will come prepared to bear their share of necessary expenses. Efforts will be made to get reduction in fare on the D. L. & N. R. R. and D. & M. R. R. Wm. Potter, F. Howe, and W. R. Slade will act as camp-meeting committee at the Lyons meeting. The date of the meeting is changed to Sept. 18-22. J. Fargo, Pres. Mich. Conf. NEW ENGLAND CAMP-MEETING.
This meeting will be held on the same ground we had last year, at Ballard Vale, Mass. The time is Aug. 27 to Sept. 2. It is hoped there will be a general rally of all S. D. Adventists in this Conference at this meeting. Eld. Geo. I. Butler is expected to attend, also other efficient help. Provision for man and beast on the ground as usual. Any who desire to rent tents should immediately correspond with Eld. D. A. Robinson, South Lancaster, Mass. Camp-Meeting Committee. The New England Conference of S. D. Adventists will hold its ninth annual session at Ballard Vale, in connection with the camp-meeting. Every church should see that it is represented by delegate, also every unorganized company of Sabbath-keepers. Scattered individuals who wish labor in their part of the State, should send letters direct to Eld. D. A. Robinson, South Lancaster, Mass. S. N. Haskell, C. Cummings, and J. C. Tucker, N. E. Conf. Com. The first annual meeting of the New England Sabbath-school Association will be held at Ballard Vale, Mass., in connection with the camp-meeting, Aug. 27 to Sept. 2. Each school should see that delegates are properly chosen. Delegates’ credential blanks have been sent you, also a programme of exercises for Sabbath, Aug. 30. Let all be prepared to act in harmony. D. A. Robinson, Pres. The Seventh-day Adventists of Ohio are to hold their annual State camp-meeting and Conference at Spring Mills, just west of Mansfield, Aug. 21-25. This is expected to be by far the largest meeting of the kind ever held in Ohio. A large tabernacle will be erected, 60 by 125 feet. About 60 family tents will be pitched on the ground. The railroads give reduction in fare, and run excursion trains to the ground. Eld. D. M. Canright, president of the Conference, Eld. R. F. Andrews of Illinois, Eld. A. O. Burrill and W. C. White of Michigan, and a score of other able speakers, will be on the ground. Ohio Conf. Com. The next annual session of the Ohio Seventh-day Adventist Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Spring Mills, Ohio, Aug. 21-25. The first meeting will be held at 9 A. M., Thursday, Aug. 21. Every church, as far as possible, should send at least one delegate, with any particulars concerning the church. Each new church should send a request to be taken into the Conference. D. M. Canright, O. Mears, and H. H. Van Camp, Ohio Conf. Com. The next annual session of the Ohio Tract and Missionary Society will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Spring Mills, Aug. 21-25. The first meeting will be held on Friday, Aug. 22, at 9 A. M. The usual business of the annual meeting will be taken up. D. M. Canright, Pres. J. B. Gregory, Sec. The first annual session of the Ohio S. S. Association will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Spring Mills, Ohio, Aug. 21-25. The first meeting will be held at 9 A. M., Aug. 24. The usual business of the annual meeting will be transacted. D. M. Canright, Pres. E. H. Gates, Sec. The Illinois State camp-meeting will be held at Bloomington, McLean Co., Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, 1879, on a large inclosed lot near the center of the city. Let there be a grand turnout at this annual convocation of the Seventh-day Adventists of Illinois. It is expected that Eld. Canright will attend this meeting. Excursion trains will probably run from Freeport, Gilman, and Effingham. G. W. Colcord, R. F. Andrews, and Geo. Foreman, Illinois Conference Committee. There will be a general meeting at Mapleton, beginning the first Friday in September. The large tent will be pitched Thursday, Sept. 4, and meetings will begin at 9 A. M. on Friday. Every Sabbath-school in the district is invited to come, and come prepared to stay over Friday, Sabbath, and Sunday. Bring your Song Anchors, August Lesson Sheets, the last number of Instructor for the month of August, and Bible Lessons for Little Ones. We expect to make a grand rally in Sabbath-school, T. and M., and Temperance work. Elds. Grant, Ells, J. Fulton and C. Birch are expected to attend and help in the meetings. We want all the scattered brethren to attend and to be sure and bring their families. We expect to lay plans for the winter campaign at this meeting. All that wish labor in their vicinity will come prepared to let us know what the opening is. W. B. Hill. SECOND MICHIGAN CAMP-MEETING.
A camp-meeting will be held in the vicinity of Vassar, Tuscola Co., Mich., Sept. 4-8. This meeting is designed especially for the benefit of the churches in Ingham, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, Midland, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Genesee, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties. All that can conveniently attend this meeting are invited. Elders Canright and Littlejohn, and others, will be in attendance. The above counties embrace sections 6 and 7. The ministers in charge of these sections, and other leading brethren, will do all in their power to secure a general attendance, and try in every way to make the meeting a success. The interests of the T. and M. society and Sabbath-school will be considered at this meeting. Every lover of the truth in these sections should attend. Mich. Conference Committee. Near Bro. Chrisman’s, six miles west of Covington, Hill Co., Texas, Aug. 27 to Sept. 2. We shall expect a full turnout from the Cleburne and Peoria churches. The scattered brethren are urged to come. Come, brethren, be there at the commencement, and stay till the close of the meeting. Come to seek the Lord with all your hearts. Come one, come all. R. M. Kilgore. If the experience of those who have adopted the tithing system for the support of the gospel should have weight in the matter, it favors this plan as the most desirable for the individual as well as for the cause. Here is a chance continually for brethren and sisters to test their conscientiousness, and their honesty to God as well as their love for his cause. In laying aside of our income that which belongs to the Lord, we are ever reminded of his goodness to fallen man and of our obligation to him. The tithe once laid aside, it should be regarded not as ours but as belonging to the Giver of all our bounties. Then let it be paid into the treasury. This done quarterly, and there are no arrears to follow. Under the former plan of pledging some have been very negligent, and S. B. treasurers have not always done their duty in the matter. And the result is, some are more or less behind on pledges, some of these one or two years; perhaps ten, twenty, or thirty dollars are due to make good moderate pledges. Now what shall be done? Shall these dues run along, or shall they be regarded in the same light as you would an honest debt? We hope as far as possible these dues may be paid before, or at the time of, our next camp-meeting. Let the old books be squared up, and all start anew. If the committee can favor you with any suggestions to help you, they will cheerfully do so. REMAINING CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1879.
OHIO, Spring Mills, Aug. 21-25. CANADA, Magog, P. Q., Aug. 21-26. MASSACHUSETTS, Ballard Vale, Aug. 27-Sept. 2. MAINE, Waterville, Sept. 4-9. VERMONT, Essex Junction, “ 11-16. ILLINOIS, Bloomington, Aug. 27-Sept. 2. MICHIGAN, No. 2, Vassar, Sept. 4-8. NEBRASKA, No. 1, Beaver City, Sept. 18-22. “ No. 2, Seward, Oct. 2-7. PENNSYLVANIA, Friendship, N. Y., “ 10-16. NEW YORK, Carthage, “ 18-23. CALIFORNIA, No. 1, Fresno City, Aug. 28-Sept. 2. “ “ 2, Healdsburg, Sept. 18-23. New camp-meeting appointments which appear this week, are Nebraska, Iowa, New York, and Pennsylvania. Spurgeon's Sermon on the Great Burning Day
By Editor
The sermon from C. H. Spurgeon, on the first and second pages is somewhat lengthy; but we do not think the reader would wish it divided. While there are a few expressions indicating the view that the great burning day may come any moment, that there will be nothing to arouse the world to its approach, and that the saints who have worked out their salvation in this world, are not to be the ones to inhabit it forever, which we cannot indorse, the general view of the prophecy is so scriptural, and the points made are so many and so good, we believe it will be of interest to all lovers of the Advent doctrine. SPECIAL NOTICE.
By J. B. Goodrich
We have secured half-fare rates on the Maine Central R. R. and its branches, to our camp-meeting. Call for tickets to the Seventh-day Adventist camp-meeting at Waterville. ILLINOIS EXCURSIONS.
By G. W. Colcord
The Freeport and Gilman cars are engaged. Let northern and central Illinois passengers govern themselves accordingly. But concerning the Effingham cars we would say, We will charter the car immediately. Let those who have sent in their names be on time. Others wishing to go on this car, will please send their names immediately to Bro. D. Morrison, Parkersburg, Richland Co., Ill. Remember this car will start from Effingham, Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 5:22 A. M. All who can, come to the camp-meeting. This is the last call. G. W. Colcord. IOWA CAMP-MEETING.
By E. W. Farnsworth
The Iowa camp-meeting will be held Sept. 25-30, but owing to the circumstances we cannot tell certainly at what place. In all probability, however, it will be either at Des Moines or Cedar Rapids. Further notice will be given in season so that all our brethren will have time to make arrangements to come. And we hope the brethren will not delay to make preparation to attend this meeting. Such business as usually comes before the Conference will be attended to. Let every church be represented. THE FIRST DAY.
By A. S. Hutchins
The first day of our camp-meeting, the auditors wish all books that are to be audited to be on the ground. Please give this committee a chance this year to audit all S. B. and T. and M. books. Negligence, fraud and embezzlement, are charges which fall heavily upon many a man at the present time holding positions of trust and responsibility. If any man should be able to show and prove a clean record it is he who handles funds belonging to the Lord’s treasury. When asked to harmonize his books, it is not enough to say, “I don’t know how it is.” The object of auditing books is to know the amount each treasurer has handled, where and for what it was paid out, and to give instruction how to keep books easily and properly. So please be on time with your books, and ready to receive instruction. CAMP-MEETING IN MISSOURI.
By George I. Butler
The annual camp-meeting for Missouri at which the State Conference will hold its session this fall, will be held in a location as central as possible, probably near Sedalia, or at least within a radius of fifteen or twenty miles. After consultation with leading brethren it is thought best to hold this meeting about the first of October. The wheat sowing season will then be past, the corn crop harvested, and altogether it will probably accommodate our people better than any other time. Since the camp-meetings held in June were of so much benefit, we hope our people will make especial efforts to be ready for this one. Besides, we shall be more likely to get suitable help then, when the camp-meeting season is generally over. Let all prepare their tents in season for a general rally. Geo. I. Butler. Publishers' Department.
By Editor
T. AND M. CONSTITUTION—REVISED EDITION.
We have just issued a new edition of the T. and M. Constitution, with directions to officers and members, containing, in addition to the matter previously presented, instruction “How to Canvass” by Eld. Haskell, also an address on the importance of missionary work, by Mrs. E. G. White. The value of this little book cannot be overestimated. There is nothing so important to the earnest worker in the tract society as to know what his duties are, and how to perform them. This book may be called the workman's guide; and every one who wishes to become a successful worker should get it and read it, re-read it, and study it till its sentiments and plans are understood and appreciated. No one can read it without becoming impressed with the importance of the missionary work, and we know of no better way to begin preparation for our fall work than to secure the reading of this book by each one of our T. and M. officers and members. Price, in flexible cloth, 10 cts. In paper covers, 5 cts. A Notice of expiration of subscription will be given by special stamp on the margin of the paper. We should be pleased to receive your renewal at once. NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not in due time appear, and if books ordered by mail are not received, notice should be given. All other business is acknowledged below. Wm. Morrill, Tonganoxie, Kansas, wishes to rent or trade for a small farm in the vicinity of some church of Sabbath-keepers in Kansas. Geo. McDowell, Bloomington, Wis., would like to find some Sabbath-keeper within a few days’ drive of his place to take his farm on shares. L. H. Eaton, Bennington, Kansas, wishes to find a Sabbath-keeper to buy or rent a farm. Bro. and Sister Martin Rood, Ridgeroad, Newfane, Niag. Co., N. Y., own a little place of 15 acres, but are not able, on account of poor health, to carry it on. If they could find a man and wife, good Sabbath-keepers, with no children, who would like such a situation, they would share their home with them. D. W. Rice. G. E. Henton, Valley Springs, D. T., is still in want of a man to take charge of a blacksmith shop,—a good Sabbath-keeper and first class mechanic. None others need apply. Address as above. Found on the camp-ground at Dunlap, Iowa, July 1, 10 Household Manuals in a paper sack. The owner can have the same by writing to Lizzie Hornby, 204 West 16th St., Davenport, Iowa. The P. O. address of Eld. T. M. Steward, is Mason, Ingham Co., Mich. J G Holroyd $28.55, Geo M Terrell 10.00. James Sawyer $1.00, Ill T & M Society per L S Campbell 6.00, Robert Crawford 4.00, Gen S & S Association, Otsego, per A Carpenter 14.71, Ind T & M Society 169.41, Ind Tent Fund 29.50, A H & T Association per Sada Andrews 10.75, Ind Reserve Fund per S H L 75c, Signs of the Times per Ind T & M Society 50.00, C W Stone 50c, Ill T & M Society per L S O 4.27, M B Miller per H W Carey 1.40, Wis T & M Society per M A K 80.91. Partello per Robert Crawford $8.25. Parkville per Mrs M Langdon 45.00, Otsego per A Carpenter 50.30, Deerfield per H W Carey 62.50, Geneva per C N Stuttle 30.50, Locke per C N Stuttle 4.75, Woodland per T W Phinney 11.60. Dist 4 per A Carpenter $74.48, Dist 15 per L G Moore 1.50, Dist 10 per S E Tallifero 10.00. Oscar Tait $7.00, Eva Burbridge 3.00, Mrs Sarah Butler 1.75. H G Buck $3.00 each for the missions under the control of Eld J N Andrews, Eld S Osborn, Eld S B Whitney, and Eld. C O Taylor. OUR WORK.
By S. N. Haskell
It is evident that many have not viewed this work in its true light, nor appreciated its real magnitude. We have not been able to comprehend the full scope of the third angel’s message. Many have theoretically believed that God had committed to this people a message to warn the world; but to realize what must be done to accomplish this work is quite another thing. If the world is to be warned, and the truth is to find its way to every State and Territory in this Union, and into every part of such State or Territory, if it is to go to every civilized nation on the globe, wherever there are honest hearts, a question of the utmost importance arises: How is this to be accomplished? Will God send an angel from Heaven to preach the truth, and to carry this work forward without the co-operation of man? Can we fold our hands, or quietly work on our farms and attend to our worldly interests, so that we may meet with no pecuniary loss, and then rejoice in the prosperity of the work without lifting a finger for its advancement? Has God changed in his plan of accomplishing his work here upon the earth? Is it not true that God has chosen men as his agents to carry out his design in the promulgation of his truth among mankind? Has he not committed to men and women talents of usefulness? and do not these talents embrace temporal means, position in society, ability to present the truth in an acceptable manner, or whatever gives influence in society? These talents God will require with usury. The usury is our influence upon others in gathering with Christ. All our works in the day of Judgment will be tried with fire; for the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is; and if any man’s work abide, he shall receive a reward; and every man shall receive a reward according to the fruits of his labor. God has made his people depositaries of his law, and has given them light and truth which is to reach many nations, kindred, tongues, and people. It is this people that are to be instrumental in imparting that light and truth to others. Man is only a steward of his talents. These are lent him of God, to be used for his glory. And God will hold him to a strict account for the use of those talents which he has committed to him. If he neglects to use the talents in his possession, when the cause of Christ is languishing, and appropriates to himself that which is needed to further the truth of God, he becomes an unfaithful steward by withholding from God that which belongs to him, and when he fails in this life he will sink into eternal ruin. The records kept in Heaven of every one that is saved, will show that the talents are not only returned, but that the usury accompanies them. Here are the talents Thou gavest me, and I have gained others besides them, says the faithful servant. This usury is the fruit of the life of the child of God that is manifested in the salvation of others. A fearful responsibility rests upon those who have received the light of present truth. In the providence of God there have been committed to them talents of usefulness. Organization has been effected for the purpose of more successfully carrying forward the work of God. Individuals hold positions of responsibility in these organizations, and if they fulfill their responsibilities it will require time and effort that will affect their worldly interests. It will require sacrifice and burden-bearing on their part. And if they refuse to bear these burdens and make these sacrifices, the record of their lives made by the angels of God will show that they have thought God a hard master, reaping where he had not sown, and gathering where he had not strawed. And to all such it will be said, “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents; for unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The work in which we are engaged is one of great importance. It cannot be trifled with without terrible consequences ensuing. God is speaking to this people as he has spoken to no other people since the days of the apostles. The evidence of the truthfulness of the spirit of prophecy which has been in our midst for the past quarter of a century, cannot be questioned by those who are acquainted with its fruits. None can say, “There is no place for me in this work.” The influence of V. M. societies and individuals who are engaged in the weekly distribution of reading matter, is being felt in every civilized nation of the globe. More than one thousand copies of our periodicals in the American, French, Swedish, Danish, German and Italian languages, filled with precious truth, are being mailed each week. Hundreds of our sisters are engaged in this work, many of whom are feeble, and pressed with family cares. They may have felt that their lives were of no use outside of their families; but they will see much fruit, in the Judgment, as the result of their efforts. The few copies of Signs they have mailed each week, the letters they have written, prompted by hearts full of warmth and tenderness, and received while prayers were being offered to God to prepare the heart for the reception of truth, will bear an abundance of fruit. Glorious times are these in which we live, permitted as we are to have a part in a work like this, in which God’s providence is so vividly seen going before, and stimulating the people of God to move forward. On land and sea, carried by the power of steam as well as by the living messenger, by means of periodicals and tracts, the rays of light are finding their way to the utmost bounds of civilization. Some have embraced the truth from having had their attention first called to the Sabbath question by the click of the telegraph as it bore a Sabbath message through an office to its destination. Like the leaves of autumn, Sabbath literature is spreading over the earth’s surface. Those who are canvassing for Good Health, and circulating health and temperance tracts issued from our publishing houses, are preparing the way of the Lord, as did John the Baptist. The health reform sustains the same relation to present truth that the right arm does to the human system. It presents those principles which prepare hearts for the reception of the doctrines of the soon-coming King. By this means attention is also directed to our publishing houses, the College, and the Sanitarium. Those individuals who have sufficient interest to carry with them the Sanitarium circulars and place them in the hands of invalids, in reading-rooms and public places where they will be read, are co-workers with angels in the work of God. We learn from one canvasser in Canada that he has received the sum of two hundred dollars within three months, on subscriptions for Good Health, Signs of the Times, and the sale of our books and tracts, in one town. God is giving us the field. Shall we not be stirred to enter the harvest and gather a few sheaves for the heavenly garner? May God bless the tract workers everywhere. INTEREST IN MISSIONARY WORK.
From a private letter from Bro. Haskell, dated, Napa, Cal., July 30, 1879, we take the liberty to make the following extract:— We have just held, I think, the best meeting in all respects that I have attended since coming to the Pacific coast. The interest manifested to attend was truly remarkable, which was doubtless owing, to quite an extent, to the missionary efforts that have been put forth in this locality. At St. Helena they have a V. M. society in prosperous condition, holding an extensive correspondence with a portion of the world where other societies do but little. At a temperance meeting held here, nearly all present signed the teetotal pledge. The V. M. societies at St. Helena and Napa are taking 103 copies of the new German paper, and a larger proportion of the brethren in this vicinity take the REVIEW than in any other portion of the State I have as yet visited. I believe that the REVIEW and Good Health are as necessary to a healthy spiritual state as a hygienic diet is to a healthy physical condition. Where these papers are not taken we find no interesting missionary societies; and the truth is apt to lose its force upon hearts, the believers becoming satisfied with a form without the power. A church will live longer without a preacher than without these periodicals. The experience of the last ten years in traveling among the churches has taught me that where these papers are taken and read, more can be accomplished in a two days’ meeting than it would take a week to accomplish elsewhere. I shall henceforth urge more than ever the reading of our publications. It is the best means to lead men and women to appreciate spiritual things, and the importance of the third angel’s message. The Signs is admirably calculated for the work it is intended to do; that is, to go into new fields. After introducing the truth by preaching, there is no better way to confirm new converts in the faith than by interesting them in reading our publications. I wish I could make every young minister and every tract officer feel the truthfulness of these statements, and there would not be a family of Seventh-day Adventists within the range of their influence but would be induced to take these periodicals. IDLERS IN THE VINEYARD.
By A. S.
Ho, idlers in the vineyard,
Why wasting all the day?
The Master soon is coming
To bear the fruit away;
Then closed will be thy mission,
The harvest will be passed,
The summer quickly ended,
And lost thy soul at last. Then rouse thee, idle gleaner;
Perform the work at hand;
Be earnest in thy duty,
And ready at command.
Fill well the place assigned thee,
Though hard may seem thy lot;
With Heaven’s approbation,
Be every ill forgot. Soon, on a cloud of glory,
Thy Saviour will appear;
All faces gather paleness,
And nations quake with fear.
Oh, then thy name he’ll honor,
And for thy service now,
A crown of fadeless glory
He’ll place upon thy brow. A mansion in the city
Whose glories far outshine
The sun in noon-day splendor,
Shall evermore be thine.
The jasper walls of Heaven
Shall echo thy refrain,
The anthem of redemption,
To Jesus who was slain.