Earlier text: LETTER FROM IRELANDOUR TRACT DISTRIBUTOR.
By B. L. Whitney
Those who attended the Rome camp-meeting last season will remember the ornamental frame for holding tracts and papers, which hung near the entrance of the grounds. Jan. 1, 1877, it was placed in the Union Depot in this city, the railroad officials removing the customary railway advertisements to make room for it in a prominent position near the Y. M. C. Association’s reading table. A brother volunteered to keep it supplied with tracts and papers, and we have watched with considerable interest the result of the experiment. I thought perhaps a brief description and a report of its workings thus far might interest our missionary workers generally. The Distributor itself is an attractive piece of workmanship. A frame of black walnut, about four feet square, supporting at the sides receptacles for papers, and at the bottom for tracts, and surmounted by a scroll work which forms an enclosure, or frame, for the Bird’s Eye View at the left and the reverse side, a catalogue of our publications at the right, neatly framed. The scroll bears the motto in ornamental letters of carved ash, “Whoso readeth, let him understand.” In front of this and resting on the frame is a rack for the Bible. The base bears the inscription in black walnut letters set on ash, N. Y. and Pa. Tract and Missionary Society. Its general appearance attracts attention, and were there not a tract or paper placed in it, it would be the means of calling the attention of hundreds to the fact that there are a people who are publishing works on the prophecies and other subjects connected with the present truth, and would show where they could supply themselves with these publications were they interested to read. But now as to what it has accomplished as a distributor. I have to-day examined its record, and find that there have been taken from the Society supply here 5,468 pp. of tracts and 101 periodicals, besides some tracts and papers that have been contributed by individuals. The tracts were nearly all penny tracts, but few of the larger kinds being furnished. The periodicals were mostly SIGNS OF THE TIMES, but all of our periodicals, both in English and in foreign languages, have been represented, and all kinds taken. The inquiry will naturally arise whether the publications offered in this way are not wasted. We feared this might be the case, and so have taken special pains to watch for anything of the kind, and I have yet to find the first paper or tract that has been wasted or even left lying about the depot. The brother who has charge of it reports the same. On the other hand, we have repeatedly observed individuals after having read a paper intently for some time, carefully folding it and replacing it in the Distributor or as carefully placing it in the traveling bag for future use. The depot often presents the appearance of a reading room, as the passengers supply themselves with reading matter and thus pass away the time while awaiting the arrival of the train. In fact, one can hardly go into the depot without finding some one either studying the Distributor, or reading something taken from it. Several copies of the REFORMER AND BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE have been placed in it, which have been readily taken. We see no reason why this might not be used as a successful medium for advertising our school and Health Institute. We are pleased with the experiment thus far, and see no reason why it is not a successful means of reaching a class that would not be likely to be reached in any other way,—the traveling public. It certainly is quite different from an indiscriminate distribution of publications in a depot or on the cars, but a small portion of which would be likely to be read. A person who has no disposition to read takes no tracts to throw aside when out of sight of the one offering them; and, at the same time, those who are interested have the opportunity of supplying themselves, and that, too, under circumstances when they would most naturally employ themselves in reading. We expect to place a number of these in the large depots of the State this season. Rome, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1877. A SABBATH-KEEPER wants us to explain 2 Cor. 5 : 8. Send for SIGNS OF THE TIMES, No. 48, Vol. 2, which contains an article upon that scripture. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. It would be a good idea to subscribe for the SIGNS for a year at the same time. The same writer asks if a Sabbath-keeper can become a member of the T. & M. Society if he has not joined the church. Yes, by paying a membership fee of $1.00. Does probation close at the beginning of the time of trouble or at its close? HENRY BEDDOR. ANS. At the beginning. Dan. 12 : 1. The standing up of Michael [Christ] is the closing of his work in the most holy place of the sanctuary. Then there shall be a time of trouble—the seven last plagues are poured out. We do not suppose that the young man’s father was dead; but that is a form of expression equivalent to saying, Let me remain at home while my father lives, while I have this care upon me, then I will follow thee. Jesus replied, Let those who have no interest in me attend to these cares, let the spiritually dead bury the dead. The phrase bury the dead corresponds with the phrase bury my father, and covers as much,—the care for the father the rest of his life and the final act of burying him. In Review No. 2, Matt. 5 : 32 is used as proof that a man divorced from his wife according to the Bible, can marry again. How do you harmonize this with Luke 16 : 18? A. READER. ANS. Matthew records an exception that Luke and Mark did not record. The general rule is the same. It is that he who puts away his wife, or she who puts away her husband, and marries another, commits adultery. Mark 10 : 11, 12. Matthew in recording the same rule has in two places recorded the exception,—“saving for the cause of fornication,” Matt. 5 : 32 ; 19 : 9. Now if a man put away his wife, or a woman her husband, without this cause, and then if either marries, that one commits adultery. But in the case of adultery, the marriage covenant being broken, the marriage is fundamentally dissolved, and it lies in the power of the party wronged to prosecute it to a formal dissolution by divorce; and then the wronged party is at liberty to marry again. C. W. S. What is meant by the words, Lead us not into temptation? Some think the Lord leads into temptation. Dr. Clarke says the passage may be rendered, “Bring us not into sore trial.” The word temptation is often used generally for any kind of trial. In that sense, “God did tempt Abraham,” when he commanded him to offer up Isaac. Gen. 22 : 1. He tried him. God does not tempt any man in the sense of trying to cause him to do evil. James 1 : 12. Yet, as he did Abraham, and as he did Job, when he permitted Satan to try him with losses and disease, so he may try us. In those cases the Providence of God permitted the evil, or trial, to come, and the Spirit of God supported the faithful sufferers. But as these were extraordinary cases, and we are of ourselves unable to sustain the trial, we are taught to pray that God will be pleased to preserve us from such temptations, or in any wise from falling under them. See Cottage Bible. Neglect of the Doctrine of the Resurrection
By Adam Clarke
ONE remark I cannot help making: The doctrine of the resurrection appears to have been thought of more consequence among the primitive Christians than it is now. How is that? The apostles were continually insisting on it and exciting the followers of God to diligence, obedience, and cheerfulness through it. And their successors in the present day seldom mention it. There is not a doctrine in the gospel on which more stress is laid, and there is not a doctrine in the present system of preaching which is treated with more neglect.—Adam Clarke. REPORT FROM VERMONT.
By S. N. Haskell
I ARRIVED at Berkshire, Vt., Sabbath morning, Jan. 20, in season for the Sabbath meeting, after a tedious ride from Battle Creek of about sixty hours. Since this meeting, we have visited Bordoville, Richford, Brownington, Wolcott, Johnson, Jericho, Bristol, Andover, and Jamaica. Our meetings at each appointment, excepting where we remained over Sabbath and first-day, have necessarily been very short; but the sweet, melting spirit manifested in nearly every company visited, evinced the fact that the Lord drew near, and was willing to help his people. The weather since coming to this State has been very favorable. No drifting storms have prevented our filling any of our appointments. The storms seemed to go westward the week we came east. In this we have been highly favored, and have felt to thank the Lord, as it gave our brethren the privilege of attending generally. Eld. Hutchins accompanied me with his team as far as Bristol, where we took the cars for Andover. The brethren in Vermont are making some efforts to rise with the message. The cause of present truth is very precious to many hearts in this Conference. In each company we have visited they have cheerfully increased the figures on their s. B. to nearly double that of previous years. The aggregate advance has been over five hundred dollars on less than one thousand dollars that was represented by those who were at the meeting. I have no doubt but every cent of this will be paid. In many cases it has been from brethren of means, who have put down their figures on their property according to the Bible plan. In some instances, the brethren placed their property on the s. B. book two thousand dollars more than they had previously done; yet in many cases, especially of young men whose capital is in their physical strength and ability to acquire means, there should be a still farther advance in their figures from where they now stand. If those who were not present at the meetings increase their figures in the same ratio as those who were present, the s. B. in Vermont will be at least two-thirds more than it has been formerly. With a few individual exceptions, the vote has been unanimous to raise a sum equal to one-third their s. B. for the support of the Tract Society. There has been a failure in this State, as in others, in the manner of paying their s. B. Many wait until the end of the year, then find their circumstances such that it is almost impossible to raise the money, and they feel it a burden to pay the required sum, and in some instances wish to be released. If a person has been unfortunate and sick, it is very proper that the brethren should consider such, and assist where it is necessary. But where this is not the case, and the pledges on s. B. have not been more than the Bible plan, it is a question that lies between them and God alone. The apostle Paul has spoken very definitely upon this point. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God has prospered him.” In the Jewish economy, it was as important to take of the “first fruits” as it was to give at all. As soon as Abram obtained the spoils, he gave “tithes of all.” Jacob entered into a solemn covenant with the Lord that if the Lord would give him “bread to eat, and raiment to put on,” of all that God should give him he would surely give the tenth unto the Lord. Gen. 28:20–22. If all would pay their pledges to the Lord out of what they receive, as they receive it, there would be no trouble in paying their s. B. pledges. This is testified to by scores that have tried it. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3:9, 10. There is also an increasing interest in the T. and M. work in this State. A commendable effort has been put forth in this Conference to sell the Family Health Almanac. It has resulted in returning to their treasury as much as the cost of them, and the general testimony of those who have taken hold to sell them is that many more could have been sold had they have had them sooner. Seven thousand almanacs for 1878 will be as readily disposed of as were the five thousand this year, if they can have them by the first of October. A good degree of interest has been taken in clubbing for the SIGNS, to be used in loaning to their neighbors, and sending to friends and others far and near, to find interested readers and to obtain subscribers. Some living alone in villages have taken eight copies. In some instances, two, living near together, would take eight copies or more. At some of our meetings, there have been thirty-seven copies taken, while those present expected this number would be much increased when others were seen and the object set before them. A special interest was taken in this branch of missionary labor at Bristol and Berkshire. To dispose of these every week during the year 1877, which we believe will be done, will not only send rays of light to thousands of families, but lead those taking the responsibility of this to much prayer, close practical thinking and planning, that will impart an experience in the cause of God, which cannot be estimated by dollars and cents. This plan is much better than to gather up names as formerly. (1) By loaning and calling the attention of the individuals to some particular article, an interest can be awakened, which otherwise would not be. (2) When a person thus becomes interested, not unusually he will pay for the paper, and become a permanent subscriber. (3) When an individual thus becomes interested, and either from financial embarrassment or otherwise he is unable to pay for the SIGNS, the Tract Society can send the paper to him with much hope of success. (4) Ten times as much ground will be canvassed during the year, and with ten times the effect as by the old method, for it lays a weekly burden upon those who take the responsibility of it, so that it is not a work of a month or two, but the year through. And such continued, sacrificing labor for the work of Christ will connect the soul with Heaven so that “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword,” cannot separate the soul from the love of Christ. About four hundred premiums have already been taken in this state, and if the same interest be followed up for a few months to come as is now manifested in canvassing for the SIGNS and REFORMER, this Conference will not come behind in filling its apportionment of names with paying subscribers, and ere long there will be a harvest of souls in the old Green Mountain State. S. N. HASKELL. GOUVERNEUR, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Bro. Hall and I came to Gouverneur, Wednesday, Feb. 7, and spent two days. There are about a dozen believers here, some in the village and the others about six miles out. Our meetings were held in the country. Had a good audience the first night, and more the next. They paid good attention. Several are just on the fence here,—almost decided to obey. Two decided to keep the Sabbath at this meeting. Others came out but a few weeks ago. It seemed hard to leave such an interest. Ten days' labor would evidently double their numbers. They pleaded hard for us to remain or come back soon. A very wealthy man here, after fighting the truth with all his might, at last came out and embraced it. His good wife is now almost decided to keep the Sabbath too. He has two stores in Canton, where he will immediately fit up a hall for lectures and meetings. Here is another opening. Who will enter it? That's the trouble. Rich openings everywhere in New York, but where are the energetic, successful preachers to enter them? We organized a church here, and also S. B. amounting to $65. Friday, Feb. 9, we came about a dozen miles to Rossie. This interest was raised about one year ago, mostly by Bro. Wilcox. We found about fifteen keeping the Sabbath. The house was full the first evening, crowded the next night, and literally packed the last night. The very best of attention was given to the word spoken. Sabbath day we had a very good meeting. Several came forward for prayers. I also spoke on many practical duties. Sunday morning all were out early, and I spoke to the church an hour. Then the house was full, and I spoke an hour on the signs of the times. Went to Sr. Wilcox' for a business meeting; but such a crowd came that I spoke to them. Six offered themselves for baptism, one was a young man of twenty, son of our leader at Gouverneur. Here he decided to be a Christian, and began in good earnest, speaking, praying, &c. Another was a good little girl of nine years. She had been a faithful Christian for some time. Another was a school-teacher who has recently embraced the Sabbath and given his heart to the Lord. He now desires to enter our College. The others were young married people. Three persons fully decided to keep the Sabbath, and several whole families are deeply interested and almost persuaded to take hold. I feel certain that a week's earnest effort would nearly double this church. Why should I leave such an interest? Yet I must, to fill my appointments. The same thing has occurred so many times this winter that I decide hereafter to remain in a place till my work is done if I don't get half over the State this year. I am much surprised and greatly encouraged to find such rich and promising fields of labor in this State. I have never found better anywhere. I feel sad and burdened that we have not a dozen or twenty live, energetic workers to fill a tithe of the urgent calls for help. Something must be done for this State, and if God helps us, it shall be done soon. We had a pleasant baptism. WASHINGTON ISLAND, WISCONSIN.
By John G. Matteson
We have met some opposition from an infidel, who talks much of liberty, but is unwilling that others should enjoy the same. At a special school-meeting, eighteen voted against five, three of whom were the school Board, that we should use the school-house for meetings. But nevertheless, said infidel, being the clerk of the school Board, locked the house against us. The district then sent a petition to the county judge for the removal of the school Board, signed by twenty-nine voters. This trouble with the school-house has not hindered our meetings at all, for we have obtained another house, which is very convenient, and better located than the school-house. Some have commenced to obey the truth, and we still hope for others who manifest an interest to hear. We have had very mild weather the last three weeks. There is but little snow left. The cattle have commenced grazing in the fields. But to-day the winter has returned. SOLOMON RAPIDS, KAN.
By J. N. Ayers
I was with the Sterling church from Feb. 1 to 4. On the 5th, Bro. Seward started to take me to Mitchell Co. We went by the way of Great Bend, where we found Bro. and Sr. Edwards and Sr. Coons. They are all holding out faithful. The people here are very anxious to hear. We attended a protracted meeting that was in progress; and when they learned there was an Adventist minister there, nothing would do but I must preach for them. To this the preacher in charge objected, until he found that nothing else would satisfy them. He then consented to let me speak a part of the time. After meeting, several urged me to go home with them, but I had to bid them goodby, as we had only just time enough to reach my next appointment. I think the Lord has some honest souls in this place. We started the next morning in the rain, and traveled three days, during which it rained and snowed about one-half of the time. We arrived at Bro. Rosses Sabbath eve at 8 P. M., cold and tired. Commenced meeting Sabbath at 11 A. M., and continued over Sunday. One united with the church. I was glad to meet Bro. Worick of Jewell Co. Himself and family came twenty miles across the prairie to attend this meeting. This church is scattered over a large tract of country, which makes it hard for them to get together, especially in bad weather; and they had discontinued their Sabbath meetings. I hope they will commence them again, and not let them die out any more. Bro. John Andrews is elder of this church. He ought to be in the field proclaiming the third angel’s message, instead of trying to farm or teach school. He is well qualified for the work, but has a family to support. Oh! that our brethren in Kansas could see the need of paying their S. B. The harvest is ripe, and we have laborers ready to enter the field; but their families must be supported; and if the brethren will not do it, then they must work away until the Lord opens a way for them to go where they can be supported. The Lord’s cause needs some of the talent that is shut up in the school-room; and some one will have to give an account for keeping it there. I know our brethren in this part of the Conference are poor, and have a hard time to make a living; but will that justify us in taking what is not our own, when souls are perishing all around us, really starving to death because they cannot hear the truth. The Lord says the tithe is holy unto him. Lev. 27:30-33. The Lord says the Sabbath63is holy. Isa. 58:13. Would we think of appropriating the Lord’s holy time to our own use, when he has given us six days? We would not think of such a thing. Have we any more right to take his means, that which is holy, and use it for ourselves than we have his holy time? Certainly not. Both are holy unto the Lord. He gives us six-sevenths of the time, and reserves one-seventh. He gives us nine-tenths of the increase, and reserves one-tenth. His time and his means are to be used in advancing his cause. Will we use them in that way? Dear brethren of the Kansas Conference, read carefully Mal. 3:8-11, Matt. 23:23, Prov. 3:9, 10, 2 Cor. 9:6-9. Do we believe the Lord? If we do, let us from this time forward render unto the Lord that which belongs to him. Let us have more confidence in the Lord, and take him at his word. Believe him. Trust him. Walk out upon his promises. He will take care of us. Matt. 6:33. If you belong to a church, always pay your S. B. to the church treasurer. If you are not a member of any church, send it to the State treasurer, A. J. Stover, Oswego, Labette Co., Kan., and report the same to the secretary, Smith Sharp, Ottawa, Kansas. You who want preaching in your communities, are you trying to help support those that are preaching? If you are, your calls will be answered as fast as we can get around to them; but it takes money to travel. From an old English personage
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend
Deeply engraven,
Hath as it seems to me
Teaching for Heaven;
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration,
“Doe the nexte thynge.” Many a questioning,
Many a fear,
Many a doubt,
Hath its guiding here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance are given,
Fear not to-morrow,
Child of the king;
Trust them with Jesus,
“Doe the nexte thynge.” Do it immediately,
Do it with prayer,
Do it reliantly,
Casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His hand,
Who hath placed it before thee
With earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe ’neath his wing,
Leave all resultings,
“Doe the nexte thynge.” Looking to Jesus,
Ever serener,
Working or suffering,
Be thy demeanor.
In the shade of his presence,
The rest of his calm,
The light of his countenance,
Live out thy psalm;
Strong in his faithfulness,
Praise him and sing,
Then as he beckons thee,
“Doe the nexte thynge.” MARYLAND
By R. F. Cottrell
The little church here at Baltimore are holding on, and by activity showing signs of life. We had a good meeting on the first Sabbath in February; and on first-day we came together to break bread, and to attend to their financial business. Their S. B. was put together, and a sum equal to one-third of it was added for the T. and M. cause, to be sent to the General Conference treasury. Bro. Jones had engaged a place for a course of lectures, and taken pains to notify the meetings. Have had three meetings; but the interest to come out is small. I earnestly pray that my coming here may not be in vain. Brethren, pray for us. HALL’S CORNERS, MICH.
By E. R. Jones
HAVE now given ten discourses in the school-house at this place. The house, which is a large one, I occupy five nights each week, it being used the other two for different purposes. Had a good hearing for the first two evenings, after which the interest became intense; and, although the nights were dark and roads very muddy, the house has been filled to overflowing at nearly every meeting. Some evenings loads have gone away unable to get standing room. Some elderly people walk about three miles through the mud and dark to “hear it all.” Never before have I had so good a hearing in a school-house. The excitement has reached for miles around. I have just reached the messages, and many appear thoughtful and solemn. A few are very much stirred up, and already I have been challenged for a discussion. I utterly refused to enter into controversy till after I had finished my series of meetings. It seems to me to be a bad plan to stop a course of lectures when the people have an ear to hear, to enter into a debate; for it is almost sure to dry up the interest afterward. The signs indicate lively times before I get through. I hope for much good to be accomplished. My trust is in the Lord, who has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things to confound the things that are mighty. E. R. JONES. CANASARAGA AND CHITTENANGO, NEW YORK.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
Our Sabbath meeting, held in the church at Canasaraga, Feb. 10, was a most blessed season. Among others, the husband of Sr. Delia Fitch, who has so liberally aided to sustain the meetings, made glad all our hearts by embracing the truth. By heartfelt confession and earnest prayer, he gives sure evidence of genuine conversion. Thus have a faithful wife's long-continued, important prayers been answered, just when hope was waning. The promises of the Lord are sure, but the prayer of faith, to prevail, must be accompanied with a consistent Christian life, a persistent endeavor to overcome, and the zealous performance of every known duty. “And whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3: 22. The hall at Chittenango has been paid for for another week by voluntary contributions by outside friends. The attendance continues good, and the interest is deepening. Church members seek in vain for help from their ministers to sustain Sunday observance. They only piteously implore their members to adopt the stay-away argument. Their opposition is mainly covert, but the more intelligent, alike professors and world's people, seem determined to hear. May the Lord continue his blessing, and add to the number of honest hearts who are already obeying the truth. In view of the interest here, we suggest Canasaraga, where we can have the use of the church building, as a most desirable place for Bro. Canright to hold meetings for this district. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS. I came to Fremont, Jan. 3, where I met Eld. Decker, who came to make the church a visit, and aid in the dedication of the new meeting-house. They have succeeded in erecting and completing a neat and respectable house, although financially they are quite weak. After the dedication, Bro. D. went to other appointments, and it was thought best for me to remain longer and give a course of lectures. The good Lord gave us liberty in preaching the word, and some that had strayed from the fold came back with confession and tears. We staid with them two weeks. On the last Sabbath their quarterly meeting was held. That was a good day. One was received into the church, and others I think soon will be. On first-day, we held a business meeting, and re-arranged s. b. All took hold of the work nobly, raising their former s. b. $40. January the 23d, I went to and commenced meetings in a school-house. The attendance has been good from the first, although the going has been bad most of the time. We have now had twenty meetings. I have canvassed the Sabbath question, and they are now quite anxious to hear on the immortality question, which we will begin this week. Six have commenced to keep God’s holy law, and we trust others will soon begin. We remain here as long as the interest may demand. Our courage is good in the Lord. C. W. Olds. Several weeks since, Bro. Bartlett commenced a course of lectures in Deedsville, Miami Co. Through the blessing of the Lord, quite a company embraced the truth. Feb. 2, I visited this company, and in connection with Bro. B., labored one week, speaking evenings in a large school-house, which was well filled upon each occasion. In day sessions I spoke in regard to organization, systematic benevolence, health reform, etc. They fully endorsed the ideas presented, and some have already discontinued the use of tobacco, and other habits injurious to health. I spent Sabbath, Feb. 10, with the little band of Sabbath-keepers at Perth. Spoke Sabbath evening and three times on the Sabbath, on practical subjects. The friends seem firm in the truth and much encouraged by the word spoken. Evening after the Sabbath, I returned to Deedsville, and first-day forenoon, I spoke to a house full of interested listeners. After the discourse, the large congregation repaired to the banks of a creek about one mile distant, and we buried four willing souls in baptism. In the afternoon we met, and organized a church of fifteen members, thirteen of whom have of late embraced the truth. Bro. and Sr. Wood, of Perrysburg, united with them. They embraced the truth one year since, while on a visit to Virginia, under the labors of my brother, E. B. Lane, and Eld. Corliss. Bro. Wood was chosen and ordained elder. The Spirit of the Lord blessed, and all seemed determined to be faithful to the cause they have so lately espoused. I am now holding meetings at Hamlet, Stark Co. The turnout thus far has been good. I expect to continue as long as the interest demands. S. H. LANE. HYMER, CHASE CO., KANSAS.
By J. Lamont
Thirteen have signed the covenant. Six or seven others are keeping the Sabbath, and will soon unite fully. We have baptism this evening. J. Lamont. NORTH-EASTERN, MO.
By H. Wren
Since the tent season closed, in September, I have given three courses of sermons, the shortest lasting three and a half weeks, and the longest nearly five weeks. Have enjoyed the blessing of God, and have had a good deal of opposition to meet. Had a discussion with a Disciple preacher. At the same place a stone, the size of a teacup, was dashed through the window, at the right hand of the pulpit, which struck a young man on the head, and left him senseless in his seat for a time. At this place I left several families keeping the Sabbath, and expect to organize a church there the second Sunday in March. At Greentop, Schuyler Co., also, several of the very best families are keeping the Sabbath, and I hope to organize a church there before long. In all, there are fifteen more Sabbath-keepers in these parts than when tent season closed. I hope to see still better things, for it is “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” NEW AUBURN AND HUTCHINSON, MINNESOTA.
By D. P. Curtis
After resting a few days at home, and giving three discourses at Mapleton on my way back, I reached New Auburn on the 2d inst., and resumed work. Found the interest still good. I held some social meetings, and preached six times. Last Sabbath was a good day for that people. Thirteen more signed the covenant, making in all forty. Some ten or twelve of them were and had been Sabbath-keepers before. I think that with proper encouragement, and the help of the Lord, the greater part of them will become established in the truth. We still hope for several others, who are as yet undecided. May the Lord lead them into the clear light of the truth as it is in Jesus. We shall probably visit them before many weeks, if the Lord will. Yesterday, I came to Hutchinson to join Bro. Ells, who has been laboring here for three weeks, with some help from Brn. Hill and Babcock. A protracted union meeting had been running here for four weeks when he commenced, in the only church in town. This church had been promised to us whenever we were ready to come here to work; but, as their meetings were still in progress, a hall was engaged and prepared by the brethren, and meetings commenced in it. Immediately a more vigorous effort was put forth in their meetings, to hold the people from coming to ours. Fresh ministers were brought on from Minneapolis, and also a popular singer and organist. They commenced visiting those who it was feared would come to hear us. But, despite these efforts, some came, and gladly heard the word of truth. It is thought that some eight or ten have accepted “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” There are several openings a few miles from here, where labor is wanted, and after a few days we may leave here for a time, and then return. May the Lord direct us to his own glory and the success of the message. D. P. CURTIS. Hutchinson, Minn., Feb. 13, 1877. I BEGAN lectures at this place, Jan. 29. Have now given twelve discourses, with increasing interest. The Disciples have given us the free use of their meeting-house with oil to light it. This is as good a neighborhood as I have visited in the State. People are not rich, but well to do and very friendly. I commenced on the subject of the Sabbath last night. The people seem to be anxious to hear on it. We have introduced the “health reform” right in the start. We find it meets with favor; and some are already throwing away their pork and tobacco. By introducing this subject early, we have time to meet the objections and queries that arise, before we leave. There is an academy close to the meeting-house. The professor is with us so far. He has come fully out on the health reform, and is helping us very much in circulating our health tracts in his school. He is an educated man of fine talent. Bro. G. K. Owen, of Mich., is with me, and is a great help. He takes the lead in singing, and gets the people together and drills them in vocal music for an hour before the time for lecture. As the people of Tennessee take a special interest in this art, this helps to remove prejudice, and draws the people to us. I have long felt the need in this direction. Books sell well. I count on a number of Sabbath-keepers here. Their preacher in charge attends every night. Pray for us. Our address, until further notice, will be Cooperstown, Robertson Co., Tenn. OSAGE CITY, KANSAS.
By George Kennedy
I am still here at Osage City. Bro. Vincent is now with me. We have been shut out of the school-house, and are now in the City Hall, with a full house. Have to pay $15 per week for the use of the hall. The interest is deepening and widening. The Catholics are very wroth. A few evenings since, after reading publicly from one of their Catechisms, one of their members came forward and wished to see the Catechism. I handed it to him, not knowing he was a Catholic, and he deliberately put it in his pocket, and walked off. Pray for us, that we may have the help of God. I commenced lectures in the Fair View school-house, five miles north of Seward, Friday evening, Jan. 21. Gave twenty-one lectures, closing up Feb. 11. There was a strong opposition. The elder of the Christian church, J. W. Hickman, preached two discourses on the law and Sabbath, to which I replied. The truth bore off the victory, and the people saw the weakness of his arguments. There is also much prejudice existing here, caused by the inconsistent course and extreme views of one Mr. Wright. But notwithstanding all this, some have decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are convinced; but having been imposed upon and deceived by unprincipled men, they are very cautious about going into anything that appears to be new. However, as soon as they become satisfied that Seventh-day Adventism is not a humbug, and can be relied upon as being substantial, they are ready to take hold of the truth. Pray for me, that I may be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to bring some into the truth. DOUGLASS CO., MINNESOTA.
By John I. Collins
I HAVE labored for the few past weeks in two adjoining neighborhoods. The work has been slow, but we hope some permanent good has been done. There were a number who believed some parts of present truth, who now have taken hold, and are trying to live it out. May the Lord bless them and help them to be faithful. There are from fifteen to twenty keeping the Sabbath altogether. These will keep up Sabbath meetings in two different places, but can meet together upon extra occasions. Many others are convinced of the truth, and, we hope, will soon obey. We have now begun meeting in Wright, Ottertail Co. We feel greatly in need of the prayers of God's people, that we may work to the acceptance of our good Master, and may cast an influence against popular error.