AN APPEAL TO THE CHURCHES IN THE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE.
By D. A. Robinson
Will New England be behind in the Sabbath-school work? Every believer in present truth is aware of the fact that this work is aggressive. Advance steps are being taken, broader plans are being laid, and the necessity of a more perfect organization, that there may be unity of action in every branch of the work, can be readily seen.
At the last session of the General Conference, steps were taken to bring about a Sabbath-school organization that should be nearer perfect. It was recommended that each Conference organize a Sabbath-school association. Accordingly, at the last session of the general quarterly meeting held at South Lancaster, Mass., May 5, an association was organized, adopting the Constitution of the Michigan S. S. Association, as will be seen in this week’s REVIEW. We ask for the co-operation of all our churches and companies that meet on the Sabbath in every part of this Conference. Wherever the Sabbath-schools are not fully organized according to suggestions herein stated, steps should immediately be taken to complete an organization.
At our next general quarterly meeting, which will be held in July, we shall expect a report from every company in this Conference. That our brethren may act understandingly and unitedly in this matter, we recommend that they carefully read the articles upon this subject in REVIEW No. 13, March 28, by W. C. W., G. H. Bell, and M. K. White.
In order to give this quarterly report, it will be necessary that the secretary make a
WEEKLY REPORT.
This report should be read every Sabbath morning at the opening of the school, and it should contain an account of the proceedings of the week previous and the number of classes, and each absence should be noted. The report should be something like the following :—
No. 1, Class of adults numbering seven, Bro. A. teacher; absences, two.
No. 2, Class of youth numbering ten, Sr. B. teacher; scholars all present, teacher absent.
No. 3, Infant class numbering six, Sr. C. teacher; no absences.
The report should also contain the amount of weekly contributions.
THE QUARTERLY REPORT.
This must be a summary of the weekly reports. We offer the following, not as a precise form, but to give an idea of what is wanted :—
South Lancaster Sabbath-school; D. W. Johnson, superintendent; M. A. Buzzell, secretary.
School numbering 60
No. of classes, 7
No. of officers, 4
Average attendance, 50
Bro. Bell’s Question Books are used in all our classes. The interest in the school has increased during the past quarter. Nine scholars have been added, and one new class has been organized.
Any other items of interest may be added.
In every school two officers are indispensable, superintendent and secretary, the latter of whom may act as treasurer. In small schools either or both of these officers may act as teachers or pupils. It is found necessary that each school have a fund, in order to defray any expenses of the school or association. The plan usually adopted is a penny contribution weekly from each one connected with the school. Each report should be made out and sent to the secretary of the S. S. Association, Mrs. F. A. Buzzell, South Lancaster, Mass., immediately after the reorganization of the school, which should take place the first Sabbath in each quarter.
Do not neglect this work a single week. If you have no Sabbath-school, and there are no more than two families that meet, organize and see what can be done. Invite in your neighbors to take part with you. We also suggest that in no case the recitations exceed one hour and a half. One hour is better. If further information is wanted in this matter, correspond with the secretary at South Lancaster, Mass., and she will always give what information is needed.
D. A. ROBINSON, Pres. N. E. S. S. A.
DEDICATION AT LAKEVIEW, MICH.
By W. H. Littlejohn
WE left Allegan for Lakeview on the morning of the seventeenth of May, and reached the latter place at about eleven o’clock P. M. The object of our visit was the dedication of the meeting house which has just been completed and was ready to be devoted by formal action to the especial service of God. The day following our arrival, which was the Sabbath, was devoted to preaching and devotional exercises. The weather was unfavorable; but the representation of brethren present from a distance was very encouraging. Quite a number were in attendance who live thirty or forty miles from Lakeview, many of whom seldom enjoy the advantages of public worship.
On Sunday, May 19, the house of worship was formally dedicated.
On this second occasion on which service was held in the new house of worship, it was filled with a congregation as orderly and attentive as we have often addressed. The exercises passed off pleasantly in every respect, and the occasion was one of general congratulation and thanksgiving.
The brethren who had been instrumental in rearing the meeting-house, as they witnessed the results of their labors and the new order of things upon which they had entered, seemed at times to be overcome by their emotions and incapable of expressing the depth of their gratitude. The church itself was acknowledged by all to be neat and tasty. We think it is constructed upon the model of the one in Carson City. Two hundred and fifty persons can be seated in it without difficulty, and it seems to be furnished with all the needed appliances for worship, among which is a fine Mason and Hamlin organ. At the time of the dedication, the bell had not yet arrived; but funds had been provided for its purchase, and it is expected that it will be placed in the tower without delay.
What is remarkable in the case is the fact that it is less than one year since Eld. A. O. Burrill completed his course of lectures in the place, leaving a church of between thirty and forty members where previously there had been no organization whatever, and only two or three families of Sabbath-keepers. What is also remarkable and gratifying is the fact that they entered upon the occupation of their meeting-house free from debt, and, therefore, without the necessity of appealing to those present for help in any direction.
After the dedication we remained here and preached on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, the attendance and interest being very good. Eld. J. Fargo and G. H. Gilbert were present and rendered valuable aid. The latter remained to continue evening services for a time.
During this trip Bro. C. C. Lewis, of New York, has accompanied me taking the place of Bro. M. S. Burnham, with whom I have labored very pleasantly and satisfactorily since the last camp-meeting, and who is to be connected with one of the tents during the present summer.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
HONORING GOD.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
CHILDREN honor their parents by obedience; and the Lord asks, “If then I be a father, where is mine honor?” Mal. 1:6. We honor God when we keep his commandments. But there is one commandment of the ten which requires a special act of honor to God as our Creator. Remembering the day of his rest to keep it holy is an act having direct reference to the honor of God. This may account for the special hatred of Satan against the Sabbath of the Bible.
According to Eze. 46:1, there are “six working days” in the Bible week. On each of those six days God worked. We honor God by working on each of those days. On the seventh he rested. This made it his rest, or Sabbath, day. He blessed and sanctified this day, “because that in it he had rested.” The sanctification of the day was the consecration of it as a memorial of his finished work, the reserving of this day to his own especial honor and service. “The Sabbath was made for man.” God requires all men to rest upon it; because he rested upon it, and then separated it from the other six days as his own memorial.
Hence we read, “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.”
To truly keep the Sabbath is to honor God; to stigmatize it as “old” or “Jewish” is to dishonor him. It is a monument erected to his memory. Who will be so bold as to attempt to pull it down with sacrilegious hand, or to alter the inscription from “seventh” to “first”? To accept of a substituted day, is to honor the changer of “times and laws,” and not the Creator. R. F. COTTRELL.
STRENGTH OF WILL.
By R. F. Cottrell
It is good to have decision of character and strength of will sufficient to embrace truth, however unpopular it may be, and to endure opposition and persecution without yielding the right. For want of this firmness, courage, and endurance, many will be found at last in that company called “the fearful,” who, with all the unbelieving, abominable, &c., have their portion in the lake of fire. Rev. 21:8. Oh for the moral courage, decision, and endurance that God can approve!
But it is possible to have too much strength of will and independence of mind. Some embrace the truth earnestly, and advocate it with ardent zeal for a time, who have too much independence to exercise that submission to the judgment of others which the gospel teaches, and which is necessary in order to the unity of faith and spirit to which believers should attain. After running well for a season, something in their brethren dissatisfies them, and in a little while they are as set against the church and the truth as they ever were in favor. They rush on in their independence, regardless of truth or reason. They are not like the other class, tame and passive yielders to the popular will; but are bold and defiant opposers, doing all they are able to pull down and destroy.
Now, while I would hold the truth with decision and endurance, at the same time I would have that spirit of submission which is necessary to a unity of spirit. “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” To be yielding to experienced brethren is not to yield the truth. R. F. COTTRELL.
Resting in God
As the tremulous needle, however easily affected by foreign influences, never ceases to vibrate till it finds its rest in the center of attraction; so, the sensitive soul of the Christian, too easily disturbed by external forces, finds no rest but in God. If, for a moment, the enemy is permitted to harass with accusations of guilt, in him it finds pardon and peace. In weakness it turns to him for strength; in darkness, for light; in trials, for direction. Under all circumstances, it never fails to find in God an all-sufficient and sustaining portion.
Forget Self in the Service of Christ
Be not ambitious for the first place. Take that which is vacant, wherever it may happen to be. Do that which needs to be done, and which you can do, and when that is finished something greater will be waiting for you. Never mind yourself. The first grand thing in the service of Christ is to forget self. If you want to show how well you can speak, or how admirably you can organize, or how magnificently you can administer, there is no room for you yet among Christ’s followers. But if you wish above all other things to honor him, and are content to do anything for him, then you are already in the ranks, nay, you are already among the great ones there.
CALIFORNIA
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
San Francisco.
The meetings in the tent at San Francisco have now reached the most interesting point, where souls are deciding to obey the truth. There are about one hundred interested hearers, and some have already decided in favor of the truths presented by Brn. Loughborough and Healey.
Sunday evening, May 12, Sr. White gave an earnest discourse from John 15:1-10, which was well received by the people, and moved hearts.
Red Bluff, Tent No. 3.
May 12, Brn. Israel and Stephens report from Red Bluff that ten have signed the covenant. One of them was buried in baptism that day.
Pacheco.
Sabbath and Sunday, May 11 and 12, Sr. White, Bro. and Sr. Baker, and Bro. E. R. Gillett attended meeting in Pacheco. Friday evening at 7:30 quite a company were assembled to hear Sr. White. She spoke over one hour in her usual earnest and instructive manner. Her testimony was timely and well received. On Sabbath at 11 A. M. she spoke again, having good freedom. This was followed by an interesting social meeting, in which all but two took part. Nearly all expressed themselves as having been greatly strengthened and encouraged by the sermon, and as being more determined than ever to press forward.
Ohio Church Visits: Mendon, Gilboa, and Parkman
Ohio.
Mendon.—I was with this church from Thursday night till Sunday night, May 9–12. The outside attendance was good, and much interest was manifested, especially in the last two meetings. The church seemed edified, but all were not present. For a long time they have had no Sabbath-school, and meeting but once in two weeks. Henceforth we expect they will meet every Sabbath, and no longer neglect the study of the Holy Scriptures in the capacity of a Sabbath-school.
Gilboa.—Spent two days, the 14th and 15th, with this church. Spoke each evening to the public. There is an ear to hear in this section, and the brethren are anxious for a course of lectures. Meetings for the church were held each day, to great profit. A Sabbath-school was organized, and S. S. arranged for 1878, amounting to something over $100. Others will increase the pledge. As there is a willingness to pledge, may there be a promptness to pay.
H. A. St. John.
Parkman, May 21.
May 4, I visited the company of believers at Locust Point. Held meetings over two Sabbaths and first-days. Baptized two, and appointed a clerk and S. S. treasurer. Many were convinced that we have the truth, and some more decided to obey. May God help others to decide for the truth.
May 15, came to Parkman to meet Bro. Gates. Found that he had everything ready for pitching the tent; but on account of the cold weather we accepted the use of the Methodist meeting-house, which was freely offered us, and commenced our meetings on Friday evening, the 17 inst.
O. F. Guilford.
Organizing a Tract Society at Bro. Gillett's Visit
The object of Bro. Gillett’s visit was the organization of a tract society. After the social meeting, Sr. White made some remarks on the importance of this branch of the work. This prepared the minds of those present to engage in it heartily.
MICHIGAN
Norwalk and Twin Lakes.
I arrived at Manistee, Mich., the 9th. Here I met Bro. Hoen and Carlstedt. We called on a few friends at Manistee, then went to Norwalk and commenced meetings the same evening. There is quite a Scandinavian settlement here. Bro. Hoen has spent some time at this place, and a number have commenced to obey the truth. We held twelve meetings. Five followed the Lord in baptism, one of these was a sister from Manistee. Six signed the covenant. A leader was appointed, and Sabbath meetings arranged. A series of meetings here would no doubt bring a number more into the truth.
On our way back, we stopped a few hours at Manistee. A few friends came together, and we talked to them a short time on the way of life. The Spirit of the Lord attended the word, and they were all deeply moved. A few here said they would obey the Lord.
From Manistee we went to Twin Lakes, where Bro. Carlstedt has labored some the past winter. Here we found quite a number gathered, as they came from Whitehall and Holden. We held meetings with them Sabbath and Sunday. Eight were baptized; four of these were Swedes. We had the blessing of the Lord with us in our meetings. Bro. Carlstedt and Hoen have been with me in these meetings, and added to the interest. Bro. Carlstedt now intends to labor mostly among the Swedes, and we think this is well. May the Lord bless him much in that direction.
O. A. Olsen.
Steamer Muskegon, May 20.
Tuscola Co., May 20.
Being fully acquainted with the condition of the Elmwood church, I appealed to Bro. Fargo in their behalf at our last State quarterly meeting, and he desired Bro. J. O. Corliss to visit that body, which he did May 7. From the very first meeting the good work commenced. The straight testimonies given by Bro. Corliss sunk deep into the hearts of all, and the Spirit of the Lord that accompanied the word spoken carried away all the animosities of the church. Three were added to the church, two others have taken a decided stand, and nearly a score are in the valley of decision. The S. S. was re-arranged, the pledges for this year amounting to about one-third more than the previous ones. The one-third was unanimously indorsed. All we have to regret is, that Bro. Corliss could not have remained longer, as the interest demanded it.
The 17th I accompanied him to Thetford. Bro. Corliss spoke twice to this people, and then left the meeting with me to carry forward as best I could. This church needs help. Quite a number wish to be baptized. I hope some minister will soon visit them. They call for Bro. Lamson.
We organized a Sabbath-school and held a T. and M. meeting, the results of which were not in the least discouraging.
Wm. Ostrander, Director.
ANTIDOTE TO DESPONDENCY.
By Carlos Wilcox
Would'st thou from sorrow find a sweet relief?
Or is thy heart oppressed with woes untold?
Balm wouldst thou gather for corroding grief?
Poor blessings round thee like a shower of gold.
'Tis when the rose is wrapt in many a fold,
Close to its heart, the worm is wasting there
Its life and beauty: not when, all unrolled,
Leaf after leaf, its bosom rich and fair
Breathes freely its perfumes throughout the ambient air.
Wake, thou that sleepest in enchanted bowers,
Lest these lost years should haunt thee on the night
When death is waiting for thy numbered hours
To take their swift and everlasting flight:
Wake, ere the earth-born charm unnerve thee quite,
And be thy thoughts to work divine addressed:
Do something—do it soon—with all thy might;
An angel's wing would droop it long at rest,
And God himself, inactive, were no longer blest.
—Carlos Wilcox.
ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW ENGLAND S. S. ASSOCIATION.
By S. N. Haskell; C. W. Stone
In connection with the quarterly meeting of the New England T. and M. Society at South Lancaster, Mass., at the close of the dedicatory services, a special meeting was called to consider the organization of a Sabbath-school Association in New England. Opening remarks by Eld. D. M. Canright, stating the object of the meeting, &c.
The meeting was organized by appointing S. N. Haskell chairman and C. W. Stone secretary. The Constitution adopted by the Michigan S. S. Association (see REVIEW of April 11, No. 15, present volume) was taken up and voted upon article by article, and adopted with such changes as would adapt it to the New England Conference. The following names were suggested for officers for the ensuing year: For President, D. A. Robinson, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. F. A. Buzzell; Executive Committee, Eld. D. A. Robinson, Eld. G. F. Haines, and Bro. M. Wood. These individuals were unanimously elected.
After a few remarks by Eld. S. N. Haskell the meeting adjourned to call of chair.
S. N. HASKELL, Chairman.
C. W. STONE, Sec.
NEW YORK.
Parma, May 22.
HAVE spent about a week at this place. My visit was timely, as the enemy was trying hard to get in a foothold and cause a division; but all were more than willing to receive instruction. Hearty confessions of wrongs were made, a complete reconciliation was effected, and I left them united and of good courage, with apparently more consecration in the work than they have ever enjoyed before. S. B. WHITNEY.
Pierrepont Center, May 20.
SABBATH, May 10, we spent with the Pierrepont church, holding two meetings and organizing a Sabbath-school. Sunday A. M. we met with the new friends of the cause in Bro. Smith’s neighborhood at the Cook school-house, and in the P. M. commenced meetings here in the town-house, which is free for religious meetings. The attendance does not indicate a healthy interest; we shall hold on, however, as long as there seems to be any prospect of accomplishing good. The Lord helps in our labors. M. H. BROWN. H. H. WILCOX.
Locke, May 17.
WE are still holding meetings at Forks of Creek. Have given twenty discourses. Two are now keeping the Sabbath, and more are almost persuaded to obey. Have given several lectures in the M. E. church at Lansingville, a village three miles distant, but the interest was not sufficient to warrant us in staying. We distributed some tracts. M. C. WILCOX. T. M. LANE.
ILLINOIS
Rockford.
MAY 4, met a goodly company from the city and surrounding country; our meeting was encouraging. By what I then heard, and by letter received since, I am made to rejoice. Our friends at Rockford, the most of them at least, appear firm; and others, I am confident, will soon identify themselves with us. Present truth has power.
G. W. COLCORD.
Carbondale, May 22.
Our first meeting here was held April 8, in Campbell’s hall. This was in response to a call from Bro. and Sr. O. Train, lately from Michigan. The prospects were so favorable that we returned and began ten meetings here on the 10th inst.; and to date have held fifteen meetings for the public, besides three small gatherings for the friends. Last Sunday night we had an audience of about four hundred and fifty.
G. W. COLCORD.
C. H. BLISS.
IOWA
Bentonsport, May 23.
We have now given thirty discourses at this place, and still have an excellent interest. Fifteen have covenanted to keep the Sabbath, and we hope for some other good souls who admit we have the truth. I gladly accepted an invitation to lecture before the temperance society of this place, and spoke freely on the subject of Christian temperance. The lecture was well received, the entire congregation extending thanks. A gentleman from Vernon, just across the Des Moines river, arose and expressed himself well pleased, and invited me to repeat the lecture before their society, promising a good hearing. I lecture there to-night.
We have many invitations to present these last-day truths in villages around us, but cannot fill a tithe of the calls coming in. We shall remain here one week longer. The people are kind and anxious to hear. How much of the grace of God the minister who proclaims this solemn message needs. Last evening the Lord helped much in speaking on the subject of the “Mark of the Beast.” The Lord is good. L. McCoy.
Belvidere, May 17.
I came back to Belvidere, Monona Co., April 26. We had a good meeting, and the Lord was with us. Those that were convinced of the truth when I was there last winter are now keeping the Sabbath. Six were baptized on the 12th of May, three brothers in Christ and their wives. It was a beautiful day, and there was a large concourse of people assembled on the bank of the lake to witness the baptism. Some of the most reliable men and women in the county have commenced to keep the Sabbath. J. Bartlett.
KANSAS
By J. H. Cook
MAY 1 to 8, I was with the church at Limestone, Crawford county. Our meetings here were very encouraging. First, all that reasonably could, attended our meetings. Second, they came with a mind to work, and to learn. Sixteen were fully organized into a church, to be known in the future as the Cherokee church of S. D. Adventists. Thomas Graham was elected leader, and George Slough deacon. Both were set apart by the laying on of hands. The ordinances were celebrated. Seven were baptized. Seven subscribers for REVIEW and SIGNS were obtained.
I was at Morton, May 9 to 14. Here we desired to complete a church organization, but thought it not best for the present. We are glad to report evident progress since our last visit. All that signed the covenant have put away their tobacco. Such signs of progress we are ever glad to witness. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3. “Faith without works is dead.” J. H. Cook.
QUARTERLY MEETING IN NEW ENGLAND.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell; Eliza Thayer
THE New England T. and M. Society met according to appointment at South Lancaster, Mass., May 5, at 9:30 A. M. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. After opening remarks by the president, the report of the last quarterly meeting was read and approved. Report of labor for the quarter ending April 1, was also read, as reported in Supplement to Review No. 19. The financial standing of the society is as follows:—
Indebtedness at commencement of quarter, $724.59
Expenses during quarter, $432.18
Receipts, 339.06
Excess of expenses over receipts, 93.12
Present debt, $817.71
Value of publications on hand, 900.00
Further remarks were made by Eld. Haskell upon the importance of individual reporting, urging all to faithfulness in this part of the work. He also spoke of the humble beginning of the work in this place about fourteen years ago, when three or four sisters established a weekly prayer-meeting, which resulted in the T. and M. organization and V. M. societies now found among our people everywhere. The secretary of that society then read the following report of labor for the past quarter:—
No. of letters written, 468; No. of letters received, 180; No. of visits made, 110. No. of periodicals distributed, 1,343; Annuals distributed, 318; tracts and pamphlets distributed, 2,401 pages. Subscribers for REFORMER, 92; SIGNS, 10; REVIEW, 1; INSTRUCTOR, 2.
The plan of having a general depository of publications for the tract societies in the six New England States was next suggested, and after some consideration was referred to the N. E. Conference Committee for decision.
Eld. Canright then spoke briefly in behalf of the Danvers church, when it was moved and carried to give them $500.00 from the reserve fund, to aid in paying for their meeting-house. Also moved and carried to do the same for the church of South Lancaster.
Eld. Canright spoke further upon the interests of the Sabbath-schools, and the method of organizing Sabbath-school associations as adopted by the State of Michigan. A committee was appointed to suggest officers, when such an association should be organized.
It was decided to use the chapel formerly occupied by the South Lancaster church for a general depository of tracts in New England.
Voted, To pay the expenses of the secretary during the past winter, also to donate her $25.00 in appreciation of her services.
Meeting adjourned.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
ELIZA THAYER, Ass't Sec.
A LETTER.
Mrs. I. F. Howell, writing from Ringgold county, Iowa, says:—
EDITOR REVIEW AND HERALD, Dear sir: It has been with much pleasure and profit that I have perused the pages of your excellent paper, sent me by a friend at Sigourney, Ia. I am a member of the M. E. Church, yet I think you are right on the Sabbath question. Some of your doctrinal tracts sent me by friends abroad have afforded me great comfort. Your positions, so far as I have examined them, seem to be well supported by proof from the inspired record. There seems to be something so real and so well adapted to our understanding, and so well calculated to strengthen our faith in the word of God, in the teachings of the Adventists that I have found my prejudice against this people giving way; and I believe that their literature, which is being scattered throughout the land, will be instrumental in accomplishing much good. You that are sending these pages freighted with words of consolation and hope,—perhaps to friends, perhaps to those you have never seen and never will see till this mortal shall have put on immortality,—remember that you are bestowing much more than “a cup of cold water,” and your reward will be sure. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Who is there that has an interest in the up-building of the cause of God but deplores the wide departure from “the old paths” there is in so many of the churches of the present day; the striving to conform to the customs and fashions of the world; the utter ignoring of the plain declaration of our Saviour, who said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”? Ah! I fear the day of Judgment will be a day of unlooked-for terror to the tens of thousands of fashionable professors, who, counting on long years of pleasure here, are seeking little or no preparation of heart for that day when our gracious Saviour, shall lay aside his mediatorial robes, and come, attended by the hosts of Heaven, to take vengeance on those who know not God. May he “guide us with his eye, and afterward receive us to glory.”
THOSE REPORTS.
[THE secretary of the Minnesota tract society thus complains of the careless manner in which reports are made out, and the lawless way of doing business. As we presume the secretaries of other States are similarly troubled, we give his remarks.]
Let me show up some of the mistakes occurring in some of the reports. We will bring Dist. No. 3 on the stand. Receipts, as per face of report, $61.95; paid into treasury, $99.00, as per secretary's abstract on back of report. In Dist. No. 1, the receipts as per report are $328.80; as per abstract, $74.40; amount paid to treasury, $72.40. In Dist. No. 8, the receipts as per face of report are $16.00; as per abstract, $14.00; paid into the treasury $14.00. In Dist. No. 10, the receipts as given on the face of the report are $52.40; on abstract, $16.75; paid into the treasury, $6.40.
I would not find too much fault; but if each director or secretary will just take a few moments' time and examine the above, he will see some difficulty in making out a report that will balance. Brethren, shall we continue to do business in this manner? or shall we in the future try to be more correct? As secretary it becomes my duty to keep a book account of all financial transactions of the Minnesota T. and M. Society. I can only do this in a correct manner when the business is reported to me aright.
I wish to make the following requests of the members of this society: 1. Let all members send names for periodicals to their librarians; 2. Let all librarians send the same to their secretary or director, as the case may be; 3. Let all directors send the same to the State secretary; 4. Be sure to state what premium attends each, as in my periodical account book I have to make notes of them; 5. Let all reports go through the same channel; 6. See that the financial part of your report balances; 7. Report in time, so that the directors may have time to send their reports to me by the 12th of June, and I can have my report ready at the camp-meeting.
A. H. Van Kirk, Sec.
ARE WE WALKING WITH GOD?
By S. M. Spicer
“WHEN a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
We inquire what means God uses to accomplish this. Certainly he does not directly act upon the heart of an enemy to remove malice, without converting the will. Is it not rather by simply actuating the the person who pleases him to manifest outwardly what dwells within,—that kind disposition of heart, that pure charity and forbearance which disarms his adversary of every evil feeling, so that he is compelled to respect and even love him instead of trying to do him injury? It is thus he is made at peace. “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Or, should the ill-disposed resist the melting power of kindness, still that person who has the sweet peace of God within cannot outwardly manifest any appearance of ill-nature, unkindness, or impatience; hence he will never give occasion for an enemy to take offense, never do anything to feed envy or malice.
On the contrary, the man whose ways are unrighteous, hence displeasing to God, will ever show a want of harmony with the good, and ever find opposition and discord when in contact with the bad. There is this seeming paradox in the kingdom of Satan, that his true subjects may be all divided one against another, and his kingdom stand all the firmer and more prosperously for it: yea, he glories in ill-humor and contention, and feels sure of his victims so long as he can maintain this state of heart; for the naturally irritating, constantly reacting power of wrong-doing, has a fearful power to multiply the evils and sorrows of the world. Thus hastens the human family down the broad road to everlasting ruin.
Not long ago when reading of the troublous times of the last days, so vividly pictured by our Saviour, we thought it would require a long time for existing causes to bring on such a state of things as portrayed; but now, even a casual glance at the present ominous condition of society is enough to awaken a thrill of terror which may soon be intensified with the thundering shock of earth’s final doom. The prince of the powers of darkness, seeing the hosts gather around his rebellious standard, seems exultant in the prospect of soon enjoying absolute sway.
Satan finds greatly increasing advantage in the naturally irritating ailments of body so rapidly increasing in the human family. He would ever lead the sufferer to justify his own impatience and ill-humor, pleading that they are unavoidable, keeping him blind to the truth that here is the real besetting sin he is required to overcome, if he would gain the reward. Should impatience become the prevailing sin of the last days, how striking the text pointing out the saving virtue of the overcomer,— “Here is the patience of the saints.” Does it not especially become the professed Christian under all circumstances to suppress impatience, and cultivate a forbearing, gentle disposition? Should he not ever strive for that loving spirit of the Saviour, which beams out upon the world continually in loving words and deeds? Thus his ways, pleasing the Lord, will breathe peace to all around. This spirit must belong to all God’s accepted children; this spirit will make the sweet, holy atmosphere of Heaven.
S. M. SPICER.
THE NEW ENGLAND SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
By D. A. Robinson
Considerable has been said of late in the REVIEW upon the subject of the Sabbath-school; but I do not design to give instruction on the subject, but simply to state a few facts for the benefit of our brethren in New England.
At our last quarterly meeting at South Lancaster, Mass., this question came up, and it was finally decided to form a Sabbath-school Association, adopting the Constitution of the Association of the State of Michigan and electing for its officers the following named persons: President, D. A. Robinson; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. F. A. Buzzell; Executive Board, D. A. Robinson, G. F. Haines, and M. Wood.
The objects of this Association have been clearly set forth in the REVIEW, and I hope all, especially our Sabbath-school officers, will carefully re-examine what has been written and govern themselves accordingly.
Let every church in this Conference thoroughly organize a live school. Get up enthusiasm over the matter, and when parents and children all become interested as they should in this subject they will find such a broad field for labor and so much on their hands to do, that there will be no time for petty trials to come up, and if they do exist they will die of neglect. Brethren and sisters, the Lord is coming, and that which is to prepare our youth and children, as well as ourselves, for the great day of wrath is a conformity of life and character to the present truth; but of course an understanding of the truth is prerequisite to this, and where can we find a better place to acquire this knowledge than in the Sabbath-school?
Some of us will have to study hard. I do not mean simply to be able to answer the questions, but give the lesson careful thought. Learn all about it that can be learned. Think it over when in the field, in the kitchen, in the shop, or wherever you are. I am surprised to find some of our oldest Sabbath-keepers so poorly informed on the main points of our faith. This fact of itself proves to me more and more the necessity of the present move in this matter. The saying of a certain writer that he “would rather know everything about something than something about everything” has a great deal of force to it. A vague, guess-so knowledge does not amount to much. If the seventh day is the Sabbath, we want to know it, and why it is so. If the prophecies are fulfilled, we want to know that. Now we say again, Let every church organize a school; also let every company where there is not a church go just as far in an organization as is practicable. If there are a half dozen they can do something. Let the secretary keep a report. We want this by all means. Blanks will soon be furnished, so this can be done properly. We ask the co-operation of every genuine S. D. Adventist in this Conference. Brethren and sisters, shall we have it?
D. A. Robinson, Pres. N. E. S. S. A.
“LO HERE.”
By Chas. L. Boyd
Not long ago I called on a man who had been pointed out to me as an Adventist. I found him just ready to start in pursuit of a paper of which he had heard, containing the tidings that the Saviour had made his second advent and was now on the earth. He said he expected the Saviour to come and set up his kingdom, which, in its commencement, will be like a grain of mustard seed planted in the earth, and like it will grow till it fills the whole earth. He thinks the fire which consumes sin and purifies the earth will commence in some locality, and after this spot is purified it will gradually extend to other places, till the whole earth is cleansed.
I tried to reason with him, and show him that Jesus himself has declared that his second coming will be like the lightning, and with a great sound of a trumpet; that every eye shall see him; and that all the sleeping saints shall hear his voice and come forth to meet him, as he comes attended by all the retinue of Heaven. But this was all to be fulfilled by a gradual conversion of the world, or the destruction of the wicked as they rejected their King. I was astonished that a man of judgment should be so fixed in such an unreasonable and unscriptural position; but when he told me that for ten years he had been fighting the law of God, advocating the doctrine that the promised Comforter is only the written word, and denying the work of the Spirit of God on the hearts of his people, the mystery was solved.
I left him, grieved that souls will be deceived by such doctrines of darkness, but with a heart filled with gratitude to God for the glorious light of the third angel’s message, which, like the rising sun, is shining brighter and brighter upon our pathway, and is penetrating the mists of papal error which have settled over the Protestant world.
Dear reader, this is a testing truth, one by which we show our loyalty to God and his government. It is an antidote against the various delusions which are flooding our land. It carries us into the sanctuary of Heaven, where we behold the commandments of God, and our great High Priest making an atonement for our sins. By this truth we are shielded from the errors of those who cry, “Lo here,” and of those who say, “All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation of the world.” He who closes his eyes to this light, and his “ear from hearing the law,” is like the mariner who sails on the wild Atlantic with neither chart nor compass; and he who leaves this faith is like the man who steps from the well-tried ship propelled by the breezes of heaven, to a wooden “float.”