“Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Isa. 3:10, 11.
We inquire, 1st, Does the final result depend upon our life—our “doings”?
“For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.” Job 34:11. “Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jer. 32:19. “Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Cor. 3:8. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: 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, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile; for there is no respect of persons with God.” Rom. 2:6-11. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6:7, 8.
2d. When fulfilled?
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt. 16:27. “For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we that are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints.” 2 Thess. 1:6-10. “Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12.
3d. Where fulfilled?
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matt. 5:5. “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Ps. 37:11. (See also Ps. 37:9, 22, 29, 34.) “And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” Rev. 20:9. “Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.” Prov. 11:31.
4th. How shall we estimate the opinions of men?
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20.
N. ORCUTT.
THE CROSS.
By Jos. Clarke
The great central idea of Christianity is the offering made for sin upon the cross, where our adorable and gracious Lord gave up his life for man. Such has ever been the idea of salvation. The Old Testament church looked forward to this; and the New Testament church points to the cross as the only hope for man.
Some twenty-eight years since, on a Sunday afternoon, as I was returning from church, where I had heard an excellent (ly written) sermon, as I thought, I fell in with an Englishman, who, I found, was wholly dissatisfied with the essay, as he termed it. I had been charmed with its pith and good sense and learning. He was displeased, because, as he said, it left out Christ and him crucified. Said this strong, positive, but apparently good, man, “No sermon is complete which does not point out Christ crucified to all. No sermon is complete that does not warn the hypocrite, invite the sinner, and comfort the saint; and each sermon, be it upon any subject whatever, may be ingeniously turned at its close so as to include the practical part of Christianity, so that all classes may be reached; for it may be the last sermon that some poor soul may hear. Some humble inquirer may be listening eagerly for some word of instruction that will tell him how he may find the way to God; and it is only by the cross that man may find salvation.” I do not recollect the man's name. I do not know that I quote his words exactly; but, as nearly as I can remember, these were his ideas; and his earnest manner and strong anglo-saxon good sense, left a deep impress upon my mind. Not only this, but to-day I can say that his ideas are indelibly impressed upon my memory; while the very subject of the pleasing essay is forgotten, and only the memory of the beauty of its style, its polished sentences, and its methodical and finished arrangement, remains.
The cross of Christ, yes, the cross upon which Jesus died, has a charm for poor sinners who feel that they are lost while out of Christ. It has a charm for those whose hearts are hardened by contact with formalism; for it makes the heart tender to think of those agonies endured for our sakes.
All the considerations connected with this fearful scene are affecting, and would do well to adorn the most abstruse essays upon the most knotty questions in theology; or the deepest inquiries into prophecy may leave a little margin for this interesting and all-absorbing subject. We would respectfully entreat every good man to give this subject the place it demands in every plea for the truth. Jos. Clarke.
“BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD.”
“ELSE what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?” 1 Cor. 15 : 29.
Thus baptism is emblematical of the resurrection, since it is meaningless “if the dead rise not,” and a deceptive practice. It sets forth a vivid “likeness” of Christ’s death as a state, and also a “likeness of his resurrection” therefrom. It has been well remarked by Dr. Clarke in reference to primitive baptism: “As they received baptism as an emblem of death, in voluntarily going under the water; so they received it as an emblem of the resurrection unto eternal life, in coming up out of the water: thus they are baptized for the dead, in perfect faith of the resurrection.”
If this is the real meaning of the apostle, how can sprinkling, or pouring, or trine dipping, emblemize the resurrection? Christ was really plunged into death once, and only once; and raised therefrom once, and only once; but neither sprinkling nor pouring emblemizes either act, while trine dipping sets forth three deaths and resurrections. Why, then, be baptized after a wrong “likeness”?—Sel.
Good Morning
Don't forget to say “Good morning!” say it to your parents, your brothers and sisters, your school mates, your teachers—and say it cheerfully and with a smile; it will do your friends good. There's a kind of inspiration in every “good morning,” heartily and smilingly spoken, that helps to make hope fresher and work lighter. It really seems to make the morning good and to be a prophecy of a good day to come after it. And if this be true of the “good morning,” it is also true of all kind heartsome greetings. They cheer the discouraged, rest the tired one, and somehow make the wheels of life run smoothly.—Christian Index.
Virtue Strengthened Through Resistance and Affliction
In Christian life virtue grows strong by resistance; experiences are sweetened by affliction; love of duty is increased by sacrifice; integrity is established by temptation; and joy becomes more precious through sorrow.
SILVER HILL, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Bro. Hall and I spent Feb. 3 to 6 at Silver Hill. It is one of our new churches raised up lately by Bro. Taylor and Hall. There are about fifteen or twenty Sabbath-keepers here, all in the prime of life. They have an excellent school-house for their meetings. The friends came in from Pierrepont, Hermon, and Frie, so that we had the house full. There was also a good representation of the neighbors. Weather fine.
Sabbath morning, ten came forward for prayers. Nine of them arose and fully decided to become Christians. This rejoiced us all. After a searching, practical discourse in the afternoon, we had a most melting social meeting. Many hearty confessions were made, wet down with tears. Nearly every one took part. We felt very happy. A Bro. and Sr. Russ, an excellent couple, for whom we have been hoping a year, here took a decided stand for the Sabbath. God blessed them in the act, and the little church praised the Lord.
Sunday the house was crowded all day. In this county there are several new churches and a lot of children and young people. I have seen about thirty of these make a profession of religion in the last ten days. This looks encouraging. Quite a number of these young persons are preparing to go to our College at Battle Creek. This county ought to send a dozen there immediately.
Also there are some brethren in these churches, who could be useful in the message if they would devote themselves to the work. New York is in distressing need of a new generation of preachers,—men of life, stir, and pushing energy. I don't know of so rich and so easy a field in all the cause.
I am sorry to report that many of our new friends in this county are very much in fault in the matter of dress and lack of sacrifice for the cause. Jewelry, feathers, and fashion, are painfully common. And worse still, I have found a dozen tobacco-users here, most of them in the church. Somebody hasn't done his duty in these matters. The standard has been let down altogether too low. We bore a plain testimony on these points. Good confessions were made. If these things cannot be put away, they must not be taken into the church; and if in, how can they expect to remain there? We must do this, or yield the ground entirely.
Tuesday the church came together for a business meeting. All took hold well. Systematic Benevolence was raised from $30 to $104 per year, all being voted to the Conference. Then they voted a third as much for the T. and M. work. Harvey Dana was ordained elder, and Stephen Cobb, deacon. Other matters of importance were attended to. Bro. Hall is with me. We are of good health and good hope.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
VIRGINIA
By E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane; John O. Corliss
Although we have been silent for some time, we have not been snowed in. This has however been the severest winter here with deepest snow known for twenty years, but now we are having delightful spring weather.
After tent season, we spent our time till the middle of November in places where we labored with the tent during the summer, principally in Page Co. This county is situated between the Massanutten and Blue Ridge ranges. Introducing the Sabbath truth there was mostly like entering a new field. It took some time to get an influence and overcome prejudice. This we have succeeded in doing to a great extent. About twenty-five commenced keeping the Sabbath while there with the tent, but nearly half did not stand the opposition, and so turned back. There is a great dread of being “turned out” of church, and many will shrink from the test; but a few are still firm in Page Co.
Toward the last of tent season, three ministers of the Disciple church attended one of our meetings, and in a public, defiant, impudent manner challenged us to meet them again in debate with the same man, C. S. Lucas, whom we met last spring at Edinburg, Shew Co., Va. We paid but little attention to them, but were afterward informed that the time, place, and questions, were arranged and published for a discussion at Luray, Page Co., and one of their ministers after all this, came and informed us, and asked if we dare say we would be on hand. We met them, Eld. Corliss engaging him. The debate lasted four days, three sessions per day. We affirmed the Seventh-day Sabbath and they the first-day. We learn that in the minds of the large majority they lost the question, eight of their own members conceding it and that we have gained a decided victory. This discussion was attended by over twenty ministers of different denominations; and I think we will not soon be troubled with another discussion about these parts.
In Page Co. we are having many urgent calls for labor, and large congregations wherever we go. The middle of December we commenced canvassing for our almanac from house to house, but found this rather slow work; so we concluded to call congregations, and sell in them. About this time Mrs. Lane returned from Mich., spent a few days in this work with us, and then we engaged in a protracted meeting among our brethren in Shenandoah Co. During these meetings we enjoyed much of the converting power of the Spirit of God; and every brother and sister, including the young, except one, has taken up the cross of bearing testimony in meeting. Family prayer is established, and all have freed themselves of tobacco, and are working into the reforms as fast as could be expected. Even old father Woods, about seventy-five years of age, has put tobacco away.
The first Sabbath of the new year was a good day to us; God blessed above measure. When an opportunity to come forward for prayers was offered, about twenty responded, all broken down. We have seldom seen such deep feeling and weeping as all manifested during the season of prayer. We were reminded of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Potterville, Mich. The meetings were continued through the week with the same interest; and on the second Sabbath, we organized a church with about twenty handing in their names for membership, while as many more will probably soon join. Bro. Simeon Woods was chosen elder, and Bro. Charles Neff deacon. Sunday following was spent in a T. and M. Society meeting, when we ordained these brethren and arranged S. B. amounting to $100. This soon will doubtless be raised $50 more by those not present. I think there are now sixty Sabbath-keepers in these parts.
We have been in Va. one year; and looking at what God has done, our hearts are touched with a sense of his goodness. We knew not a person in Va. All looked on us with more or less suspicion, and prejudice against us was very strong; now the field is ours. We have a tent, and about a ton of publications and periodicals for the people. And right here let us express our gratitude and thanks to the S. D. A. Publishing Association and the dear brethren for their kindness in supplying us with these things so liberally. We have a live tract society, Sabbath-school, organized church with a house of worship. God has sent to our help our dear Bro. Sawyer and family, and also brought a Bro. George Woods, a Christian preacher, to see the light of present truth, and is giving him a fitting up for the work. All are united and in harmony with the gifts, and with the body generally.
We are in good health and courage. We are still engaged in selling almanacs at full price and applying the proceeds to the T. and M. Society funds. We have already disposed of some sixty dollars’ worth, and expect to close out the thousand this week and next. We have many interesting items on almanac selling, which we will give soon. The past week, we have sold some sixteen dollars’ worth, and have one more appointment at which to sell. After this work is done we expect to commence new courses of lectures, hoping God will prosper us even more for the year to come; and to him shall be all the glory.
There are free churches scattered all through this country, which afford excellent opportunities to get the truth before the people. Desiring an interest in the prayers of all God’s people, we remain as ever, looking for the blessed hope of the soon coming of our dear Redeemer.
E. B. LANE.
E. S. LANE.
J. O. CORLISS.
GEORGIA
By C. O. Taylor
ALTHOUGH circumstances have prevented my laboring publicly as I yet hope to do, I find that what little has been done has awakened an interest to hear more. Some are reading the Bible to see if these things are so. Others are saying, “Speak to us again.” “Come to our neighborhood, and speak these things to our people.”
The people are friendly, as much so as I have found them at the North. A tent could be used here well in the winter, as it seldom freezes but little. The way is opening to reach the people, and speak the truth to them. Reading matter is received readily by many.
C. O. TAYLOR.
Quitman, Ga.
ONONDAGA, MICH.
By J. B. Frisbie
I am now holding a series of meetings near Onondaga, Ingham County, in the same school-house in which our dear Bro. Bates held meetings some nineteen years ago, when Bro. I. D. VanHorn embraced the faith while teaching the school there. Bro. Bates was persecuted at this place by church members, and the school-house was closed by a vote of the school district. There have been no meetings of any account since, until I came here by invitation about two weeks ago. It has been a very pleasant time to hold meetings, attendance has been good, and a goodly number appear interested.
I expect to stay here as long as the interest may demand. I found one sister that has kept the Sabbath ever since Bro. Bates was here. He predicted the coming to naught of them that fought the truth, and so it has come to pass, as I am told. Their course has been downward; and the men are mostly all dead.55
Spiritualism was triumphing here at that time, but it is mostly gone. When I gave out to speak on that subject, a few of them appeared to oppose, and tried their power to stop me by mesmerism, but through the help of the Lord I was not overpowered, and the mass of those present were in my favor. J. B. Frisbie.
THE REPORT OF THE SPIES.
By Sel.
“Let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are well able to
overcome it.” Num. 13:30.
Back came the spies with weary feet
And fearful hearts, their tidings telling:
A land of precious things and sweet,
A goodly land to make our dwelling;
But strongly walled its cities rise,
Fierce giants there, we did discover;
We seemed as nothing in their eyes,
Oh! no; we dare not venture over.
Then boldly spoke the faithful two,
Who held God's truth with hearts undaunted.
The land, they said, is fair to view,
Our heritage by God appointed.
He led us through the wilderness.
His strength our feebleness shall cover.
Let us at once the land possess;
We are well able to go over.
But all the timid, trembling host,
Listened, dismayed and unbelieving.
Backward along the dreary coast
They turned, their faithful leader grieving;
And in the wilderness they fell.
Their graves the desert caverns cover.
The mournful fate its shadows tell
Of those who dared not venture over.
We linger in earth’s wilderness,
Dismayed and faint, a feeble nation;
We fail the promise to possess,
The peace of God, a full salvation.
With trembling hearts, with tearful eyes,
Upon its verge we mournful hover,
And say, “What glory lights those skies!
But ah! we fear to venture over.”
“It is a goodly land,” we say,
A land all precious gifts bestowing;
But oh! the giants in our way,
And Jordan’s waters wide o’erflowing!”
Yet when our heavenly Joshua leads,
The raging floods a path uncover;
The gracious Hand that guards and feeds,
Shall safely guide his people over.
Look back along the desert way,
Then lift to God our joyful chorus.
The hand that keeps from day to day
Bids the walled cities fall before us.
He saves us to the uttermost,
His righteousness our guilt shall cover;
Press onward then, ye ransomed hosts,
Till all his people shall pass over.
—Sel.
JOHNSON, VERMONT.
By C. W. S.
THE following very interesting incident should be of much encouragement to those who are distributing tracts, selling the Health Almanacs, and spreading abroad the printed pages of truth for these last days. Sr. Gomoe embraced the truth four or five years ago. Prayerfully and faithfully she labored on alone until last June, when her husband was brought to see the light and to take his stand firmly on the truth. Now he is anxious that others share the same blessing.
I copy this from a private letter from my father. C. W. S.
“Bro. Gomoe and wife started out about two weeks ago to sell almanacs and distribute tracts which he bought with his own money. They went as far as Fairfax and were absent five days, calling at every house leaving tracts and selling an almanac if he could. In Cambridge they called on a family of the name of Townsend. Five days later, on their return, they chanced to call at the same place to warn. The family did not know them. As Sr. Gomoe went into the house she found the woman, tract in hand, and tears running down her cheeks. She immediately began to say, ‘A stranger left us these tracts, and we have learned that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.’ She and her husband were both convinced. Bro. Gomoe is much encouraged. He is going to try it again.”
ROME, N. Y.
By B. L. Whitney
I am very glad to be able to report so favorable a condition of things as I find here. So far as I can learn, there is not one of those who have fully taken their stand for the truth but that is still holding on and is more firm than ever before.
Two regular prayer-meetings per week are well sustained, the attendance sometimes numbering over forty; and their Sabbath-school and Sabbath meetings are increasing in interest. Some are manifesting the real missionary spirit, and the result is seen in the fact that the prayer and Sabbath meetings are attended by some who have not taken their stand on the truth, but are favorably inclined toward it, Some of these I believe will yet embrace the truth.
After the discourse on Sabbath, thirty earnest testimonies were given in twenty-five minutes. The public services first-day afternoon and evening were well attended.
B. L. WHITNEY,
Feb. 6, 1877.
Princeville, Ill.
By G. W. Colcord
According to appointment, my brother Ivory and I met Bro. B. F. Merritt at this place, Jan. 19, and held services in the Adventist house of worship the same evening. During the past three years the church has been greatly discouraged on account of the shameful conduct of some of the members. God’s precious cause has been “wounded in the house of its friends.” Zech. 13:6. Finally, public worship was almost wholly discontinued. Systematic Benevolence was neither pledged nor paid, and our dear Master has been dishonored.
We held fifteen meetings; and at several of these we engaged in solemn, social exercises. To the praise of the Lord we write that good has been accomplished. We considered each name on the church-roll. Some were “cut off,” others were referred to a committee, while others were gladly retained. When the work of the committee is finished, perhaps the roll, as it will be written in the new book of records, will number thirty-five. To-day we say: “Some are lost!” Will it be so said at Christ’s coming? “Spare thy people, O Lord.”
Systematic Benevolence was taken into consideration. One brother pledged $50, to be paid in 1877. Lord, bless the liberal. One young brother, discouraged in the past, now is determined to “go forward.” Last Sunday eve two arose for prayers.
Have been over in Marshall County this week, visiting Bro. Bliss. Spoke in his meeting Tuesday eve. Hope he will see fruit of his labor. We hope to celebrate the rites of our Saviour’s humiliation and death, with this church, next Sabbath.
It is unnecessary to backslide. It is dangerous to backslide. It is sinful to backslide. Princeville friends, learn by the past, and I pray you, never backslide.
G. W. Colcord.
Feb. 1, 1877.
BLACK CREEK, WISCONSIN.
By George C. Tenney
I have closed my labors at this place for the present; having established partial organization, meetings, and Sabbath-school. Seventeen signed the covenant, and others living at a distance will do so when we shall more fully organize. Bro. T. E. Thorp was chosen leader. Much prejudice exists around them. Many of the people are well described in Zech. 7:11, 12; but we trust the brethren will walk in the counsel of the Lord, and retain his blessing with them.
I was happy to form the acquaintance of Bro. Morris Reed and family of Seymour; six miles from this place. He has been a prominent member of the Methodist church and a licensed preacher amongst them. Lately they have embraced the truth, and are rejoicing in it. I trust the way will appear to him for usefulness in the work of the Lord.
Jan. 27 and 28, a few of us met with the brethren at Duck Creek in quarterly meeting, and we felt that the Lord blessed us freely. Muddy roads now make it impracticable to open meetings at present in this vicinity.
GEO. C. TENNEY.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, at the residence of her daughter, in East Leroy, Mich., Feb. 4, 1877, sister Nancy E. Grant, aged 55 years, 4 months, and 22 days. Sr. G. removed to Michigan in 1837, and became a member of the Battle Creek church at its first organization. She has remained a faithful and consistent member ever since. A large congregation attended the funeral at our house of worship, the 6th. Remarks were based on the assurance David gives us of a resurrection and future immortal life in Ps. 116: 15, which, according to Calmet’s version, should read, “Too precious in the eyes of Jehovah are his saints to give them up to death.” U. S.
Died, in Mount Hope, Grant Co., Wis., Jan. 11, 1877, Mr. Melvin Mayhew, at the advanced age of eighty-six. His funeral services were attended by a large congregation of relatives and friends, Eld. Jefferson, Methodist, officiating.
Also on the 21st of the same month, Mrs. Lucy Mayhew, wife of Melvin Mayhew, fell asleep in Jesus, as we trust, aged seventy-nine years and eight months. Thus has this aged couple passed away so near together. Mrs. Mayhew attended the funeral of her husband, but on returning home was soon taken sick, and died as above stated.
The writer of this was informed that this aged father and mother had lived together for over sixty-three years without one word of difficulty ever passing between them. This is a beautiful example for those just setting out in the marriage relation. They have been keeping the Sabbath for over a year past, and were believers in the third angel’s message, though they never had united with our people. The funeral sermon of Mrs. Mayhew was preached by the writer, assisted by Eld. Jefferson, Methodist. Text 1 Cor. 15: 35. E. M. Crandall.
Died, in Bunker Hill, Mich., Jan. 9, 1877, Sarah Philo, aged eighty-one years, one month, and twenty-seven days.
Our dear mother embraced the truths of the third angel’s message nearly twenty years ago, since which time she has lived a life devoted to those truths which she held most dear. According to her wishes, she sank peacefully to rest without a struggle. She leaves children and grandchildren to mourn their loss.
While our hearts are made tender by the afflictions of death, and we miss and deplore the departed, Heaven seems nearer and the hope of the Christian dearer than before. Funeral discourse from Matt. 13: 43, by A. J. Richmond, “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear let him hear.” Hannah James.
REPORT OF MEETINGS.
By E. W. Farnsworth
Friday, Jan. 19, I met with the church in Smithland, Iowa, and continued meetings until Tuesday evening, Jan. 23. The brethren have purchased the building formerly used for a school-house, and having reseated and repaired it, they now have a neat, commodious house of worship. Sunday afternoon it was dedicated to the worship of God. It was a pleasant season for us all. Six were added to the church. Several others will unite soon. I think God has blessed the zeal of the Smithland church, in scattering books and tracts and in doing general missionary labor. The outside interest was good. Our congregations were large all the time we were there; and the Spirit of the Lord seemed to be in our midst as we tried to impress upon the minds of the people the importance of making a practical application of the truth.
I returned to Dakota, Jan. 24, and resumed meetings in a country place about six miles south of Elk Point village, where I had been laboring for several weeks, and where a few had taken a stand on the truth. Sunday, the 28th, we baptized fourteen in the Missouri. We then organized a church of twenty-six to be known as the Elk Point church. A few of these were Sabbath-keepers before. We organized Systematic Benevolence to the amount of $142.00. There are others that we hope will unite with us soon. Pray for the cause in Dakota. E. W. FARNSWORTH.
Elk Point, Union Co., Dak., Feb. 2.
District No. 3 Tract Society Quarterly Appeal
By M. H. Brown
DIST. NO. 3, N. Y. AND PA. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We are drawing near the close of another quarter in our Tract Society, and what have we done? No member should feel satisfied without obtaining at least one subscriber for the SIGNS and the HEALTH REFORMER. This can be done without much effort. But, dear brethren, can it be said that we have done what we could, if we do no more than that? Can we not look back in our experience, and see where we have failed to do all we could in sowing the precious seeds of truth? When are we going to begin to redeem the time and carefully and wisely use the golden moments as they come to us laden with the responsibilities of the hour? The time for labor in this cause will soon be past, and who will come again rejoicing bringing their sheaves with them? Will it not be those who go forth weeping, bearing precious seed?
We have many tracts and pamphlets in our libraries, that ought to be out preaching the truth in the homes of the people. They will do their work faithfully and well if we only do our duty. Shall we allow the quarter to end, and not spend at least one or two days in carrying the light to those who sit in darkness? Can we be so lukewarm as to look on with indifference, and see so much that ought to be done, and still plod on in our worldly pursuits, heedless of the storm of wrath which is so soon to burst upon a world lying in wickedness? When shall we heed the counsel of the True Witness, and become more alive to the wants of God's cause and its claims upon us? We have no time to lose; the enemy is stealing a march on us, I fear, and we shall only learn our situation when it is too late, if we do not heed the stirring testimony of God's servants, and move forward as the Lord has so plainly pointed out by his Spirit and his providence. Our pledges to the Tract Society, of a sum equal to one-third of our s. B., should be handed to the librarian with our quarterly reports, at least one week previous to our quarterly meeting, which will be held about March 4, of which due notice will be given.
Let us be prompt with all our work, and not sleep as do others. May we be able to put on the whole armor, and thus do good service in the Master's cause. A little way in the future we shall know how much we love these truths, and how much they have affected our lives. May God grant that we may not deceive ourselves in these things.
M. H. BROWN, Director.
HYMER, KANSAS.
By J. Lamont
On last Sabbath we held our first Sabbath meeting. Our friends from Elm Creek were with us, also some S. D. Baptist friends from Lower Diamond Creek. We had a good meeting, the Spirit of the Lord being present to bless while we waited before him.
Eight or ten have taken hold of the Sabbath; and from present indications we expect as many more before we close the meetings. J. LAMONT.
Feb. 1, 1877.
CANASARAGA AND CHITTENANGO, NEW YORK.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
The blessing of the Lord continues upon the work at Canasaraga. Last Sabbath only two of our brethren from abroad were able to meet with us, but we had an excellent meeting. Despite the very unfavorable weather and roads made bad by the thaw, there were twenty-six present. Three more started to keep the Sabbath. One young man and his wife. He said he knew not how they should live, how it would be about finding employment, that he should lose his present situation, but he would obey God, and trust him. The other is a brother of means and influence; and when he resumes business, which he expects to do shortly, he will afford employment to quite a number of Sabbath-keepers.
I have now held meetings here every night for five weeks. The attendance continues good; but I shall have to adjourn after to-night, Feb. 4. The people in Chittenango are much interested. The business men, especially the nonprofessors, are very desirous to have opportunity to hear. A paper was circulated on Friday morning, and in a very brief time sufficient money was subscribed to hire the largest and best hall in the village, including fuel and lights, for seven nights. I shall commence meetings there, D. V., Monday, Feb. 5. There is much talk of securing some able orthodox minister to present their side of the question.
The Lord has now opened the way here. Pray that wisdom may be given me so to present the truth in humility and love that God will bless it to honest hearts.
Chas. B. Reynolds.
NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd
My meetings at the Seeley school-house closed last Sunday evening. Last March I held a series of meetings six miles from here, at which time an interest was awakened in this neighborhood; but the opening spring made it impracticable to hold meetings at that time. Meetings have been held here by different denominations. The peace and safety cry sounded till the fears of the people were in a great measure quieted, and then their minds prejudiced by false reports concerning our faith.
It was expected that I would be here sometime during this winter, and on arriving, I learned that arrangements were made for the commencement of a protracted meeting as soon as it was learned when my meeting would begin. But the use of the house was secured, and my appointment announced one evening in advance of theirs.
There has been a very strong prejudice to meet, but the Spirit of the Lord has been manifestly at work. Some have dared to investigate. Four, all heads of different families, have signed the covenant. I hope for others to unite with them. The protracted meeting is to commence this evening. I intend to remain a few days to strengthen and encourage.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
Sutton, Clay Co., Neb., Feb. 6.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
A day's ride from Franklin brought me to Edgefield Junction, where I held two meetings while preparations were being made to visit Bro. Osborn, who was eighteen miles away. Leaving Edgefield, another weary day's journey over hills and through mud, and I found myself once more listening to the solemn voice of an Adventist preacher, which seemed truly refreshing. I remained two days, spoke twice, and then returned to Union Hill, six miles from Edgefield, and began a course of lectures Jan. 31. I have spoken seven times. The roads are muddy, and the nights dark, but the interest is good. Book sales amount to $4.25. Bro. G. K. Owen remains with Bro. Osborn. Brethren, I ask your prayers.
ORLANDO SOULE.
TEXAS
By J. F. Bahler
As I am receiving many letters from the friends of the cause with regard to the advantages and disadvantages of Texas, I will make a few brief statements through the paper.
The staple products of Texas are wheat, cotton, and corn. The climate is fine and healthful. There is almost always a cool breeze from the gulf during the spring and summer months. During July and August, it is generally dry. The water is quite hard, and most people in Dallas are buying it at that, and paying twenty cents per barrel. Fruit and potatoes are high.
The people are very kind and courteous. It seems to be a good field for religious labor. We, as a church, welcome to our midst any that are in good standing among Seventh-day Adventists.
J. F. BAHLER.
NORTH VINELAND, N. J.
By Wm. J. Boynton
The minds of the people in this vicinity, and near here, are being stirred with the solemn truths for this time. Through the distribution of tracts, and a few lectures in private houses, five have taken a decided stand upon the Sabbath, and others are investigating. It was affecting in our last Sabbath meeting to see the streaming eyes, and to hear the thankfulness expressed for the precious light, from those who had just embraced it.
We ask the prayers of God's people that we may live so humble that the Lord can use us for the advancement of his glorious work. WM. J. BOYNTON.
Feb. 5.
QUARTERLY REPORT OF KANSAS T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By John Gibbs
The fourth quarterly report of the Kansas T. and M. Society for the quarter ending, December, 1876, is as follows:—
Amt. paid on membership, $13.00
Donations, 13.15
Book sales, 22.15
Total, $48.30
No. of districts, 6; reported, 4. No. of families visited, 33; No. of letters written, 13; No. of new paying subscribers for the REVIEW, 5; INSTRUCTOR, 9; REFORMER, 2; ADVENT TIDENDE, 1; No. of REVIEWS sent to friends on trial, 4; No. of periodicals distributed, 464; No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed, 431,189.
John Gibbs.
Williamsburg, Kansas.
NICE AND CONVENIENT.
By H. A. St. John
I WAS at the house of the director of Dist. No. 3. He showed me an arrangement in his possession for keeping our various tracts, pamphlets, and bound books, in an orderly and systematic manner. It was a book case with compartments or pigeon holes for each of our various tracts and pamphlets, with shelves for bound books, with an appropriate place for blank reports and other T. and M. Society records. Each pigeon hole had a printed label beneath designating the title of the publication there found, thus enabling you readily to put your fingers on anything you wish without fumbling over a large pile promiscuously thrown together.
Not a better set of publications can be found in the world than ours, and we desire to see them highly prized by all who love the truth. Those who apply themselves with diligence to do their work correctly and orderly, are the ones to fill places of responsibility and trust, however small the position may seem to be. Magnify your office. Do you ask why we write this? Because there are other directors and librarians in Ohio and elsewhere. No more on this point at present.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
“LET THERE BE LIGHT.”
By G. W. Colcord
FRIENDS OF THE CAUSE: You need not stay away from the evening services because the nights are sometimes quite dark. Buy a good lantern; carry it in hand, or hang it on the “dash board”; and thus “let there be light” on the foot-path or in the wheel-track. No danger. Now if you stay at home is it not religious (?) laziness?