Since I returned to Hamilton County I have labored incessantly. No great results have crowned my efforts. At the close of the meetings at Bach Grove, three more commenced to keep the Sabbath. I shall try to visit them again, and strengthen the things that remain.
On New Year's evening, I began meetings in Bro. Riley's neighborhood. Closed them on last Sunday evening. This meeting has convinced me that labor bestowed in fields so near to the tent operations, where men and women have heard just enough to confuse their minds, accompanied with reports from those who were prejudiced, and have given their decision as to what they will believe and what they will not believe, will not result in as great good as in those fields more remote.
Another family of three have embraced and commenced keeping the Sabbath since this meeting.
I am now visiting from house to house, and shall hold meetings with the church here until the Lord opens the way for me to go elsewhere. I am ready to go, and my prayer is, “Lord send me.” I shall be glad to hear of fields where good may be accomplished. I have no opening before me here at present. I do not want to be idle while there is so much to do. May God direct.
R. M. KILGORE
Webster City, Hamilton Co., Iowa.
Ft. Scott, Kan.
By J. H. Cook
I HAVE been lecturing in the vicinity of Uniontown, Bourbon Co., Kan., since the 17th of December. Two were keeping the Sabbath when I commenced. Eight others have joined them, and the work is not yet finished. I would say to parties who have been corresponding with me in relation to labor in their respective localities, that the present appearances are that I shall not get away from Bourbon and Allen Counties this winter. Pressing calls come in from the immediate neighborhoods where I am laboring, and duty seems to point in these directions. I feel sad that I cannot respond favorably to all. The fields are white for the harvest. The Macedonian cry is urgent.
Times are the closest that I have ever seen in the State. The people where I lecture are eager to read; but to buy reading matter, is almost out of the question with them. The wheat crop last year was a failure. Corn is the only surplus of farm production, and that is from twelve to fifteen cents per bushel, so that the necessaries of life have by many to be sacrificed. It is more particularly so where I have been laboring than in many other parts. I will hope for better times, and labor on what time I can spare aside from administering to the wants of my family at home. J. H. Cook.
THE SEED AND THE SOWERS.
Ever so little the seed may be.
Ever so little the hand;
But when it is sown, it must grow, you see,
And develop its nature, weed, flower, or tree;
The sunshine, the air, and the dew are free
At its command.
If the seed be good, we rejoice in hope
Of the harvest it will yield.
We wait and watch for its springing up,
Admire its growth and count on the crop
That will come from the little seeds we drop,
In the great wide field.
But if we heedlessly scatter wide
Seeds we may happen to find;
We care not, for culture or what may betide,
We sow here and there on the highway side;
Whether they've lived or whether they've died,
We never mind.
Yet every sower must one day reap
Fruit from the seed he has sown;
How carefully then it becomes us to keep
A watchful eye on the seed, and seek
To sow what is good, that we may not weep
To receive our own.
—Hearth and Home.
Santa Rosa, Jan. 14, 1873
By John Norton Loughborough
California.
My last report was made shortly after the close of the tent-meeting in San Francisco. Since that time, in connection with Bro. and sister White, have attended the quarterly meetings at Santa Rosa, Bloomfield, and Petaluma, and spent three Sabbaths in San Francisco. The meetings, in each place, have been interesting, encouraging, and profitable to the church.
At the Santa Rosa quarterly meeting, one more was baptized, and on Christmas day still another, who had embraced the truth by reading, was baptized, and united to the Santa Rosa church.
There is now a good state of things in San Francisco. Although it became necessary to withdraw from two or three disorderly ones there, double this number immediately united with the church. Still others are embracing the truth who will unite with them soon.
At the meeting last Sunday evening, the hall was completely filled with attentive listeners. The labors of Bro. and sister White have been a source of great profit to the San Francisco church.
For myself, I would say, I am happy to have the privilege, after several years’ separation, of associating again with Bro. and sister White. Although the state of things here has made some hard labor for them, God has blessed them. They are free. May the Lord raise them above trials and infirmities, that they may gain rapidly in health in this beautiful climate, and with renewed vigor be prepared to counsel, instruct, and feed, the church of God with the pure truth God has given them.
J. N. Loughborough.
Santa Rosa, Jan. 14, 1873
Traverse Co., Mich.
By R. C. Downs
THERE are a few names of us here keeping the Sabbath. We have a small church, organized by Brn. Strong and Milk. We keep up our prayer-meetings and Sabbath-school, which are very interesting and edifying. We are truly thankful that we have been permitted to hear these blessed and sacred truths; also that we have been enabled to receive them into our hearts, where we trust they will spring up and bear fruit to the honor and glory of God.
These brethren commenced a series of lectures here last August. For some time, the people apparently listened with deep interest, and some gave expressions of approbation. Even the pastor of the M. E. church highly approved of two of Bro. Strong’s lectures. All moved on fairly until the Sabbath was taken up, when the pastor withdrew. He said he was sorry he had listened to any of their lectures, and he did hope the church-members would stay away. But some of us concluded that we were not under a pope, and that if the truth would not bear investigation we would see it go down. But, praise to Him who ruleth high over all, a few of us had the scales picked loose; and the fogs of theological mystery began to clear away, and we set to work in earnest, praying for light and help to search out the truth. As the result, we found that we were breaking the commandments of God, especially the fourth commandment.
I am astonished that this commandment has been so long neglected, or overlooked; and that so few, comparatively, are willing to listen to any testimony brought to substantiate the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Why is it that those who have listened, and have become convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath, will not come up honestly and walk out in the truth? They dare not violate the customs of their fathers and the laws of the State. But what do we see them doing? Transgressing the holy law of God, trampling his holy Sabbaths under their feet, fearing a little disarrangement in their business transactions, or the disapprobation of brother or sister so-and-so. But it is said, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
R. C. Downs.
Jan. 12, 1873.
Hixton, Wis.
By O. A. Olson
OUR meetings at Hixton, Jackson Co., have continued to the present. There has been much opposition, both public and private; but the Lord has owned and blessed his truth. Of those who first started to keep the Sabbath, a few are trembling under the cross and opposition, while a goodly number are growing strong in the Lord and rejoicing in the truth.
There was only one man in the neighborhood that had experimental knowledge of religion. Now there are several who are earnestly seeking God. The enemies of the truth have had to confess that it is the work of the Lord. To his name be the glory. They now have regular Sabbath and weekly evening prayer-meetings established. Eight have subscribed for Advent Tidende. May the Lord be with them.
O. A. Olson.
Massachusetts Meetings at Rowe and South Amherst
By J. Crandall
Massachusetts.
My last report was written from Rowe. I continued my labors there as long as I thought any were undecided. The weather being unfavorable, as it snowed nearly every day, the attendance was not large, and grew smaller as I approached the Sabbath question. Only two decided fully, and commenced, to keep the Sabbath. There were three Sabbath keepers there before my visit. They were in a lukewarm, discouraged condition, having never heard any lectures, and but little preaching, and none for upwards of three years. They expressed themselves as much encouraged and strengthened to press on in the work of overcoming. I have learned since leaving there that the new converts are holding on and trying to work for the Lord. Others are investigating.
I am now holding meetings at South Amherst, Mass. Have spoken twelve times. The interest has increased from the beginning. The people welcome me to their homes, which gives me opportunity for fireside labor. The people are disposed to read, and are willing to pay for their books. The place here is called “Heathen Corner.” Most of the young men are sadly addicted to the use of tobacco and intoxicating drinks. We have drawn up a temperance pledge, and secured nearly thirty signers. This move seems to give us favor with the more respectable portion of the community. The devil is at work trying to injure our reputation and influence by lying reports, so we are expecting some good may be accomplished. I feel much encouraged to hear that dear brethren and sisters are praying for me. I hope to profit by past experience and mistakes, and walk humbly before God that he may bless my labors with success. Brethren and sisters, will you continue to pray for me and the cause of truth here? J. Crandall.
Shiawassee Co., Mich.
By J. O. Corliss
SINCE our last report, we have tried to follow up the work in Clare Co.; but the season for lumbering coming on, we deemed it best to go to a more open country; and accordingly started for Bay Co. Here, Bro. Haskins was called home on business, and I was left alone. I labored in the town of Williams, two weeks, which I think was not wholly lost. On account of the cold and stormy weather, the outside attendance was not large; but a good impression seems to be left on the minds of the people, and a great amount of prejudice is removed. Four expressed a desire to go with us, and three of them took a firm stand upon the truth. Others seem to be interested, and were the right kind of influence exerted over them, might possibly be drawn into the truth.
From Williams, I went to Thomastown, in Saginaw Co., where I gave ten discourses, after which Bro. H. rejoined me, and we decided that the interest in that place would not warrant our stay; so we started for Shiawassee Co., and have commenced a course of lectures in a small settlement, familiarly known as Shi-town, two miles south-west from Vernon. The people appear to be intelligent, and listen with marked attention to the word spoken.
Bro. H. will probably commence meetings this week in an adjoining district, and try his hand alone. May the Lord prosper his work, and may his servants be fitted to stand in the place where he would have them.
J. O. CORLISS.
Salisbury, Mo.
By T. J. Butler
By request of Bro. Lawrence, I went, on the 27th of November, to respond to the call of Bro. Gallemore for labor at Salisbury, Chariton Co., Mo. Obtained the Baptist house of worship, and held three meetings; but the weather being intensely cold, and the house a cold one, adjourned to the Presbyterian house where I gave some seven discourses to but few hearers.
Failing to secure a hearing there, I next went two miles south, to the Christian house. Here I gave some ten discourses, all on scriptures relating to the second advent, except two on the agency of the Spirit in regeneration and Christian life. The epizootic among the horses prevented a large attendance, but the interest was good. Our position on the above doctrines was heartily indorsed by nearly all who heard; some, anticipating us, even admitted the Sabbath in advance.
At this juncture, a deep snow fell, and the weather turned exceedingly cold. This compelled us to discontinue our meetings. I studied and visited a week, till the weather had moderated some, and then tried to renew the meetings. As the snow was still deep, the roads poorly broken, and the horses sick, I found it unadvisable to continue longer, hence returned home on Jan. 1. The drawbacks seemed many, but some are so deeply interested that I think and hope they will “rise and trim their lamps.”
I found an agreeable and pleasant home with the family of Bro. Gallemore. Found them consistent, exemplary representatives of the truth, and trust they may yet have a few in and about Salisbury to accompany them to Mt. Zion. I am now at home, weather-bound; meanwhile watching the providence of God for an opening to some other field of labor.
Respectfully yours,
T. J. BUTLER.
A Letter from Denmark.
By Godske Petersen
THE Advent Tidende is very dear to me, especially because it is a means of enlightening many precious souls of the truths that pertain to the last message of mercy. I am much interested to see the fulfillment of prophecy, especially those relating to the papacy, and to read the many short exhortations from my brethren, as I am deprived of the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith. I am glad to hear that you have sold out the first edition of the Sabbath book, and have on hand so large editions of new tracts; for I believe they will be for the instruction and salvation of many. I received the twenty thalers (one thaler is about fifty-five cents) from Bro. Matteson, and had 1000 Sabbath books printed. This was in June, 1872. I intended them to go out with books, but was taken sick and laid up about eight weeks. While sick, I folded, stitched, and cut open, 400 Sabbath tracts. At a large fair, I sold and distributed some.
Many are convinced that we have the truth on the Sabbath, but as yet none have taken hold of it. I have received the Advent Tidende, but do not get enough yet to supply the demand. Many like to take it when they get acquainted with it. I am thankful for the new tracts you have sent me, and shall try to use them to the best advantage. The last five weeks, I have again been peddling, and can now walk without a cane. I do not use liquor or tobacco in any form, and I can also leave off the use of tea, coffee, and pork, if you explain to me the reasons why they are hurtful.
I was rejoiced to hear of the good camp-meeting in Michigan. My prayer is that God may continue to further on his work. My greatest desire is that some here also may be gained for the truth. Mr. M. A. Sommer, who is a preacher, and also publishes a little monthly for emigrants, says he will send one dollar for the Advent Tidende, for he likes that paper well.
If I could only get a little help to supply our scanty living, I would gladly go out with books and papers, and try to present the truth. I have been thinking if our brethren in America would help us to get more books, then I could sell them, and perhaps get what help I needed from the sale of the books. They will print 1000 sheets for ten thalers, and 1000 more of the same kind for seven thalers. I have thought of getting 1000 books and tracts printed of each kind you sent me, which would be about 29,000 sheets, and cost 300 thalers. I appeal to our brethren in America to do for us what they can in this direction, that the precious truth may also here shine forth with clearness to the salvation of many precious souls, before the great and terrible day.
GODSKE PETERSEN.
Denmark, Europe, Dec., 1872.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, at his residence in the town of Walnut Lake, Faribault Co., Minn., on the morning of Jan. 3, 1873, our beloved Bro. Ezra Odell, in the fiftieth year of his age, after an illness of four days, the most of which time his mind was deranged. His illness was thought to be the result of a recent injury of the spine, and a former severe injury of the head.
Bro. Odell embraced the truth some twelve years since, to which he has faithfully adhered in prosperity and adversity. In his death, we feel that a pillar in the church has fallen, a sincere friend, and loving husband and father. He leaves a companion and three children to mourn their loss. Words of comfort from Job 14:14, by the writer.
CALVIN KELSEY.
DIED, in Vienna, Wis., of consumption, Jan. 17, 1873, Bro. James Paul, in the seventy-first year of his age.
Remarks were made at the funeral from 1 Cor. 15:21.
N. M. JORDAN.
A Tract.
By Albert Weeks
About fifteen years ago a tract on the Sabbath question left the REVIEW Office at Rochester, N. Y., passing into the hands of one who was already a Sabbath-keeping Christian. He, desiring that others should see the light, gave it to a friend, hoping thereby to influence him to an observance of the true Sabbath. Although it did not have its designed effect upon the person to whom it was given, still the seed sown was destined to spring up and bear fruit, after many days.
In the transfer of some books from the receiver of the above tract to another person, through mistake the tract was included. By this mistake—shall I not say Providence?—the tract came into the family of which I was a member. I gave it a reading. An interest in the Sabbath question was aroused, which resulted, after due investigation, in myself and wife becoming Sabbath-keepers. But this is not all. Three others in the same place embraced the Sabbath from the interest that that tract started.
At this time none of us knew anything of Seventh-day Adventists or their doctrines. We subscribed for the REVIEW and Reformer, sent for works on different points of our faith, and gradually embraced in full the doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists. After this, several years, we heard the voice of a Seventh-day Adventist minister for the first time.
This, dear friends, is the way the sound of present truth reached us; and it is reaching many at the present time through the same source. Let those that are especially laboring in the interest of the tract and missionary work be encouraged. It is evident that a great work is to be accomplished by the circulation of works in which the truth is taught.
May the Lord bless every effort of his servants to advance his cause.
ALBERT WEEKS.
Trusting God's Promises and Keeping His Commandments
SISTER SARAH A. DUNBAR writes: If the Lord is with us, who can be against us? He has fought many battles for his people, and always gets the victory. Jesus has promised never to leave or forsake those that put their trust in him. He will do as he says, for he cannot lie. “But unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.”
May we investigate the word of God carefully, and make sure that we are on the safe side. If we sin in the law, we shall be judged by the law. May we make haste and delay not to keep the commandments, including the fourth, that we may “have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city.”
The Discussion at Hutchinson.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I have been having very warm times here for the past few days, and many things of much interest have occurred; but as they are local in interest, I will give but a brief notice of some of the leading points.
I had been absent five weeks, lecturing at Silver Lake, twelve miles east, at the close of which I went to Glencoe and stopped a few days. Immediately, report was circulated that I had run away—left for parts unknown—and this, too, under very suspicious circumstances. This was told so confidently that many believed it; and even some of my friends thought that probably I had gone on some urgent business. In the midst of this general talk, I returned to Hutchinson, very much to the grief of some. Found three ministers actively at work giving lectures against the Sabbath. They had already given two or three, of which my friends had taken notes. Eld. Sweet had given the first of a series of four lectures. At the second, I was present, and before meeting requested the privilege of giving out a review of his lectures, as soon as he was through. The ministers thought it would be very bad to have the thing run on so far, and proposed that at the end of each lecture I review Eld. Sweet, and thus get through sooner. Of course I accepted this, and the first evening took about three quarters of an hour to reply to his lecture of about an hour and a quarter. Then another minister got up and took nearly as long time as I had; and then a second one was called on, and then a third man spoke. Of course, I had no time or privilege to review them.
Next evening, at the close of the lecture, it was demanded that I should confine my remarks to about thirty-five minutes. This was not in accordance with the arrangement we had first made. It simply showed a disposition to crowd me down. I spoke nearly an hour; then three others followed, reviewing me. Each one took nearly or quite as much time as myself. The third evening, I resolved to take as much time as I chose; and so spoke an hour and a half. The others followed again, and so kept us there till nearly eleven o’clock. I felt first rate over it, and think I had reason to. The next Sabbath, several came out decided on the Sabbath, who before had been doubting; and some who had not been keeping the Sabbath, took their stand with us for the first time.
The following Sunday evening, the Methodist minister gave another discourse on the Sabbath. Before meeting, I went to him quietly and requested the privilege of giving out an appointment. He said, emphatically, “No, sir; you can’t give out any appointment.” I suggested that I did not wish to appoint to review him; but simply a series of meetings that we proposed having. Again, he said, “No, sir; you can give out no appointment here.” At the close of the meeting, by the kindness of one of the leading members, I had the attention of the audience long enough to announce a meeting for the next Sunday, to be held in the church if we could have it. This quickly brought the minister to his feet, with the very emphatic statement that the church could not be had.
This church had been built with a special provision, both in the subscription paper and in the deed, that it should be open for all other Christians, when not occupied by the Methodists. It was in one sense a Union house. All the citizens supposed that it would have to be open to everybody, for even the spiritualists have had it. Political meetings have been held in it, and it has never been shut against anything before. In taking this action, the minister and church immediately brought upon them the indignation of the whole community, who are not bigoted church-members.
Honorable mention should be made of one prominent member in particular, who strongly opposed this action, but was overruled. Hence great excitement prevailed in the village the next few days after this decision—the preacher, in particular, being denounced in the strongest terms.
As for us, we care but little about it, for there is a good, large school-house here that we can have at any time, and is really a more comfortable place for meetings than the church. The following article from the county paper gives a good idea of how outsiders regard the matter:—
HUTCHINSON CORRESPONDENCE.
“EDITOR GLENCOE Register: The most excitement we have ever had here, not excepting the Good Templar fracas, the Donnelly sensation, the Indian disturbance, and the small-pox scare, has been stirred up within a few months over the Sabbath question.”
“Since Eld. Canright came here in August, this matter has been pretty well ventilated. The ministers at first adopted a policy of masterly inactivity, and determined to give the elder or apostle a severe letting alone. But in the short space of three months, they found that he had built up a larger church than all other denominations combined during the past fifteen years. Evidently the time had come for something to be done; but who should take the field against this modern Luther? Subscription papers were circulated to raise money enough to induce Miles Grant, or some other great light from the East, to come and set things right again. This scheme failing, and no one here feeling quite equal to the emergency, Father Sweet, of Glencoe, was finally persuaded to present the claims of the first-day Christians. This he did in four lectures, commencing last Monday evening.”
“In the first lecture, he laid out his ground systematically, with square and compass; gave a general idea of what he had to do, and how he intended to do it; laid the foundation for his argument in a thorough and workman-like manner, and so candidly and fairly withal, that even Adventists could take no exception to anything that had been said. The next night, Eld. Canright came, and asking for the use of the house for a course of lectures on the same subject, the next week, he was told that the controversy must be finished up, that week; but in order to give him a fair chance he should speak after Mr. Sweet closed. So when Mr. Sweet got through, he left them to fight it out among themselves, Canright on the Sabbatarian side against Mr. Butler (Congregationalist), Mr. Griffith (Age-to-come—no day), and Mr. Windsor (Methodist). Canright spoke first, and the others followed; and for two hours it was give and take, and he who struck the hardest was the best fellow, while outsiders enjoyed the sport. It must be confessed, however, that some of the speakers were perfectly calm and gentlemanly throughout.”
“The next night, it was the same, only more so, and the last night (Thursday), eleven o’clock sounded before meeting closed. Since then, people have been looking around among the rubbish and debris of the battle to find the Sabbath, and lo! it is not to be found. Still the fight, transferred from church to P. O., store, and bar-rooms, goes bravely on. We have here a notable example of the church militant, but it is doubtful whether we shall ever see the church ‘triumphant.’”
“The Methodists have decided that Bro. Canright is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and have closed their doors against him in future, which grieves father Putnam’s pious soul exceedingly, and brother Asa, feeling that ‘free speech’ has received a stunning blow in the house of his, and its pretended friends, is far from happy.”
“Thus the fight goes on, and the ‘end is not yet.’” “SPECTATOR.”
“Hutchinson, Dec. 16, 1872.”
P. S. By mistake, the above was not sent for several weeks after being written out. D. M. CANRIGHT.
The Macedonian Cry.
CAN you not send some one to preach the truth to us? is the appeal that comes up from all parts of the country. A brother writes from Cottage Grove, Oregon: When my time expires for the REVIEW AND HERALD, please notify me, as I do not want to be without your valuable paper. The pamphlets you sent me have been read by a large portion of the people in this part of the country, and have created a deep feeling of inquiry after the truth. Our minister, the strongest man we had in the Christian church in this country, who has been absent for about a year, when he heard how things were going on in regard to the Sabbath and law, concluded to come back, and give us a protracted meeting to keep us from Judaizing (as he called it); for he argued with all his strength (which in this direction was not great), that the forms, commandment law, and the law of Moses, were given at the same time and constituted the law of Moses, and was abolished at the death of Christ; and that there was no law until it was given on Mt. Sinai.
It is strange to think how long this law and Sabbath question has been overlooked, and misunderstood. I used to think our preacher was an able man on the Bible, but on this question his position seems very weak. He has been challenged by my cousin, E. W. Shortridge, to discuss the question of the Sabbath and law, but declined. He thinks any one who advocates the ten commandments, is virtually lost and beyond redemption. We, as a denomination (Christians), according to our preacher, challenge investigation on any subject pertaining to the great plan of salvation; but oh! how prejudiced and sectarian we are in our views when anything does not agree with our traditional teaching!
I hope the time is not far distant when you can send some one to Oregon to present the truth to the people in regard to the law of God; for I fully believe that we are far down in the chain of prophecy, and that the final consummation of all things spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, is close at hand. Wishing you God-speed in the great work that is before you, I remain your brother in hope of immortality.
A Grateful Acknowledgment.
By A Reader
THE “REVIEW AND HERALD,” through the kindness of some friend, has found its way into my household; and permit me to make this grateful acknowledgment. It comes a welcome visitor. The world is full of new-fangled doctrines, and the religious, as well as the secular, press, is teeming with strong appeals to the passions or prejudices of men, to build up this or that sect upon the ruin and downfall of all others. And this unholy strife has embittered the feelings of one religious society toward another, and often severed the ties of personal friendship.
But I can say of the REVIEW AND HERALD, that it faithfully advocates its own doctrines, and leaves others to enjoy theirs. This distinguishing feature of your religion commends itself to all, and the candid, intelligent mind is at once invited to examine the scriptural evidence upon which your faith is founded.
From my earliest recollections, I have been taught to revere the Bible; but how little I knew of its teachings, until I read and thought for myself. Your paper has awakened a new and lively interest in my mind, and led me into a deeper research after truth. My early education and religious instruction have fixed certain doctrines so indelibly upon the mind that it is difficult to displace them. However, there is one thing upon which I am clear, viz., The observance of the seventh day as the Sabbath of our Lord is keeping the command of God; yet the custom of the society in which we live exercises a strong influence to lead us from our convictions of duty in this respect.
A READER.
Newfane, N. Y., Jan., 1873.
Quarterly Meeting of the T. & M. Society, District No. 3, Wisconsin
By Alma Drouillard; Mary E. Phinney
Quarterly Meeting of the T. & M. Society of Dist. No. 3, Wis.
THE T. & M. Society of Dist. No. 3, held its first quarterly meeting at the S. D. Adventist meeting-house in Waterloo, Grant Co., Wis., Jan. 5, 1873.
Meeting called to order by request of the Director, by Eld. I. Sanborn.
Introductory remarks by Eld. I. Sanborn and H. W. Decker, showing the importance of this branch of the work.
Secretary’s report was then called for, which read as follows:
No. families visited, 81.
No. subscribers for REVIEW, 12; REVIEW on trial, 5; Instructor, 9; Reformer, 6.
No. of pages of tracts given away, 4191; loaned, 7797.
No. reports, 15; No. members, 38; No. not reported, 23.
Money received for delinquent subscribers, $4.50.
By donations, .50.
Amount pledged on Poor Fund, $8.00.
Total, $13.00.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ALMA DROUILLARD, Pres.
MARY E. PHINNEY, Sec.
Quarterly Meeting of the T. & M. Society, District No. 5, Michigan
By I. D. Van Horn
Quarterly Meeting of the T. & M. Society of Dist. No. 5, Mich.
THIS meeting was held as appointed in the REVIEW, and we were favored with the presence and labors of Eld. S. N. Haskell. He gave two discourses on the Sabbath, which were calculated to stir up the heart of every believer in the present truth to earnest action in the cause of God.
Sunday morning, at 10 A. M., the brethren and sisters came together to hold a business session relative to the Tract and Missionary work. Prayer by Bro. Haskell. The Secretary being absent, I. D. Van Horn was chosen to act for the time being.
Bro. N. N. Lunt, the Director, read reports from the churches of Battle Creek and Newton; others did not report. Eld. Haskell made some excellent remarks on the nature and design of this work, and related some very interesting incidents as the result already of the circulation of tracts. All felt satisfied that when this system was carried out as it should be, it would be a mighty power to help on the cause of truth in the earth. Adjourned.
I. D. Van Horn, Sec. pro tem.
Sister M. F. Smith Writes From Linn County, Oregon
By Sister M. F. Smith
SISTER M. F. SMITH writes from Linn Co., Oregon: There are some good Christians here who would obey the truth if they understood it all. I have conversed with several of my neighbors on the subject. They seem to think well of it. After reading my paper, I give it to them to read. Have also given them some tracts that my brother left with me. They are anxious to learn more.
I am alone here. I embraced the truth under the labors of Brn. Kilgore and Bartlett, at the time of their meeting in Harrison Co., in Western Iowa. I wish they were here to preach to the people. There are several ministers in California. May we not expect one here in the spring? He would be thankfully received. Please come and give us a start.
This is a very mild, healthy climate. Farmers can plough nearly all winter. They are doing so to-day (Jan. 1) where I am stopping. From what I learn of Adventists, I think this would be a good country for them, as we have an abundance of all kinds of fruit.
Conversions, Police Powerlessness, and Crime in New York
WE very seldom hear of any great number of conversions under very eloquent preaching—very seldom indeed.—Spurgeon.
THE REIGN OF BLOOD.—The reign of pistols, burglars, and brigands, is upon us. The police, powerless to protect, do the next best thing they can.—Burleigh, from N. Y. to Boston Journal.
JOSEPH HEIDENBORG, a glazier, living in Henry St. (New York), was snow-balled to death on New Year's day!—Boston Herald.
Appointments: Quarterly Meetings and Tent Gatherings
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand
QUARTERLY meeting of the Seventh day Adventists at Appleton, Licking Co., Ohio, commencing Friday evening, March 21, 1873, and continuing over Sabbath. We invite all to come that feel an interest in the cause of present truth. J. B. T. Nichols, Clerk.
QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 7 of the Mich. T. and M. Society at Wright, Sabbath and first-day, March 1 and 2. The churches of this district, Cedar Springs, Casnovia, Oceana, and Blendon, are invited to attend this meeting. Eld. Byington and E. H. Root will attend, and Eld. S. N. Haskell is expected. C. Buck, Director.
QUARTERLY meeting of the Rockton, Ill., church, Feb. 15 and 16. We invite all who can come to do so. Eld. R. F. Andrews is requested to meet with us. In behalf of the church, T. M. Steward.
QUARTERLY meeting of N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society for district No. 2, at Roosevelt, Feb. 8 and 9, 1873. The librarians of the respective churches are requested to make a report in time for the meeting. All are requested to attend. D. Bowe, Director.
THE first general quarterly meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. & M. Society at the close of this quarter will be held at Lancaster, Erie Co., Feb. 15, 16. The quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 1 will be held in connection with it.
“ “ 7, Brookfield, Feb. 15, 16.
“ Nos. 5 and 6, as Brn. Russel and Tyrel may arrange.
Dist. No. 8, Genoa, Feb. 18.
“ “ 3, Adams Center, “ 20.
“ “ 4, Buck’s Bridge, “ 22, 23.
In connection with the latter, the second general quarterly meeting will be held. A general attendance is desired. Teams will meet the friends coming from the south on arrival of trains at Canton. P. Z. Kinne.
MONTHLY meeting of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., at East Otto, the second Sabbath and first-day in February, instead of the third Sabbath; and the quarterly meeting of the Missionary Society will be held at the same time. B. B. Warren.
MEETING of the Tract Society of Dist. No. 13, Mich., with the church at Genoa, Feb. 9, in connection with Bro. Stoddard’s meeting. All are cordially invited to attend. If any are detained, please forward report of labor. Are any delinquent on our periodicals, please try to make a clean list before or at that time. Let us all seek the Lord that he may bless us. Alex Carpenter, Director.
QUARTERLY meeting of the church in Vernon, Isabella Co., Mich., the second Sabbath and Sunday in February. All are invited. Cannot Bro. Corliss or Haskins meet with us? Theodore W. Phinney, Clerk.
T. & M. Society quarterly meeting at Dell Prairie, Wis., Feb. 15 and 16, 1873. We hope for a general attendance of the brethren and sisters of this district (No. 9). The brethren and sisters of Mauston are invited.
Meeting at Poy Sippi, first Sabbath and first-day in March. We hope the brethren and sisters will come to these meetings prepared to labor in this good cause. These meetings to commence Sabbath evening with a prayer meeting. P. S. Thurston, Pres. Wis. T. & M. Society.
News and Miscellany.
“Can ye not discern the signs of the times?”
PARIS, Dec. 21. A demonstration was made yesterday, in Paris, by 3,000 students, in favor of Professor Robin, a member of the Institute, who was struck from the jury list in consequence of his disbelief of God. — Boston Journal.
“The blood-hounds purchased by order of the Captain-General of Cuba have arrived at Espiritu Santo, for the purpose of capturing runaway negroes in the mountains.” Blood-hounds, in this western hemisphere, and this the nineteenth century, for such a purpose!—Congregationalist.
REFERRING to Foster, the New York murderer, the Boston Globe says: “Had he been a well-dressed villain, who could dazzle juries with his diamonds, or bribe them with his money, had he shot his man with an expensive revolver, or stabbed him with an elegant bowie-knife, he would not have been obliged, after two verdicts against him, to hunt up a judge to stay proceedings on merely technical grounds. That justice is represented with a pair of scales would seem to have encouraged the opinion among New York juries that they are to be used, not in weighing the merits of the case, but the wealth of the criminals. This accounts for the fact that while Tweed has been able to turn the balance so as to avoid a trial, the poor wretch who steals a loaf of bread kicks the beam with wonderful celerity.”