p. 184 | Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 23. (6/7/1877)

Earlier text: A PLAIN TALK TO THE MURMURERS

“IF SINNERS ENTICE THEE.”

By D. A. Grant

Dear Youth: I feel to address a few lines to you through the columns of our much-loved paper. How solemn the times in which we live! How much involved in the way we improve our time,—the sacred, precious moments of probation! We are assured that Satan will come down in great wrath, when he knows that he has but a short time. How surely is Holy Writ being fulfilled! How forcibly do we feel that he is trying to make war with the remnant of the woman's seed, who are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus! We believe there are few Sabbath-keepers, even, who are aware how very near the coming of the Lord is.

The state of the world, the condition of the churches, and the signs of the times, all declare in thunder tones that the day of the Lord is near. We have none too much time to prepare for eternity. Only a few more trials and sorrows, and then the “sweet rest in Heaven.” A few more prayers and tears, and life's struggle is over. And then, if we have been faithful, the promise is sure. Rev. 21:4.

But, my dear young friends, the enemy is mighty, and he will try all his wiles. Has he not suggested to your minds that you can enter a little more into the spirit of the world? that you are young and need some diversion, some amusement, and that it is right you should have it? And if he sees that you still seem inclined to listen to the voice of God, to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world,” he will select some one through whom he can work (and he can always find an agent), and he will just whisper (cautiously at first, lest he become foiled in his purposes) that you have a perfect right to enjoy the pleasures of the world to a much greater extent than you do, that there are innocent amusements in which a Christian may participate without fear of losing spiritual life. We have heard Christians (?) use this argument in favor of church festivals, oyster-suppers, sociables, etc., and there are those who even dare argue in favor of the ball-room!

If any who read these lines have been ensnared by those wiles of Satan, I ask them to stop and reflect. Do you feel happy in the society of those who laugh your religion to scorn, and never wish to hear the name of the Lord? And is it possible that any have so far departed from the Lord that they prefer to spend their leisure moments in the company of such, rather than with the true followers of Christ, who are willing and competent to instruct them in the ways of righteousness and peace?

If there are any such, we do not hesitate to say, You need a new conversion. You will never be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of man unless you at once change your course. But some one may ask, “Are you quite sure that my advisers have not been right, in the main, and that I may partake of such amusements only at the risk of losing eternal life?” We feel quite sure that no one who has really “tasted, and seen that the Lord is gracious,” can ask this question without feeling in his heart that he is wrong. The next time you think of engaging in any of these very innocent amusements, ask Jesus if he will go with you, and grant his blessing, and my word for it, if you have the least desire to obey God, you will never go again.

Would that you might feel the shortness of time as we feel it, and realize the importance of being ready, as God's dear children should; you would not be inquiring how far you could go with the world, but rather how much you could do for Jesus, who did, and is doing, so much for you. His precious blood was spilled,—his blood, which alone can cleanse and save. He is willing and abundantly able to save all who will come to him with a humble heart, and confess their sins. My dear young friends, no sin can enter there—nothing that shall defile, or in any way mar the happiness of the sinless throng, who will be gathered there so soon.

It is not too late. Jesus still pleads for guilty man. Oh! who will slight him? So surely as we do, so surely shall we encounter his wrath,—the wrath of the loving, pitying Jesus! Who can stand when he comes? Be warned in season, while you can now hear the sweet voice of mercy. Let it be your aim to do what you can, with a cheerful heart and a right motive. And now, remember the parting words of this brief article, “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” D. A. Grant.

TO MEMBERS OF THE MINN. T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By A. H. Vankirk

The time at which we shall have to give an account of our stewardship for the year is steadily and surely approaching. Then will it be known to all in this State how we have employed the talents entrusted to our keeping. This can be known only by the reports rendered. Shall we hide our talent by not reporting, or shall we faithfully render our report, be it ever so little? Brethren of Minnesota, look to this. See that every item of interest is brought forward.

From my own observation during the year now almost closed, I know that the people are being awakened to inquiry. All about here, Bible questions are being agitated. Especially is this so in regard to the question of immortality. I think much of this is owing to the circulation of our periodicals through this section, by reading which, some have seen the light on this question, and some have embraced the whole truth.

We are now somewhat in debt for the SIGNS; having, according to last statement, ordered papers to the amount of $250, and paid only $6. The balance, we hope, will be forthcoming at our annual meeting soon to be held at Hutchinson. We hope the directors will make an extra effort to bring this about. Brethren of the T. and M. Society, let us all see that our donations to the club fund are all made up at that time, that we may again be clear at the SIGNS Office.

I am reliably informed that that Office has now trusted out about $4,000 worth on this enterprise. Now Minnesota is beholden for a part of this amount, and it is expected that she will come right up to the point, and meet her obligations.

A. H. VANKIRK, Sec.

Concord, May 28.

General Meetings

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

General Meetings.

I WILL meet with the church at East Richford, Vt., Sabbath, June 9. Friends from Berkshire invited. C. W. Stone.

R. F. ANDREWS will be at Roscoe, Illinois, June 9 and 10. We hope all the scattered brethren will be at this meeting. M. J. Wood, Clerk.

WILL meet with the brethren at Carson City, June 9; at Estella, June 16 and 17. E. Van Deusen.

THE first general rally of the friends of the cause in Texas will be held at Dallas, in a three days’ bower meeting from June 30 to July 2, 1877. We hope to meet as many as possible at this meeting. If any have favorable openings for labor this will be a good time to make your wants known. This will also be the general quarterly meeting of the T. and M. S. The ordinances will be celebrated, and baptism administered. R. M. Kilgore.

Quarterly and Monthly Meetings.

QUARTERLY meeting at Sand Prairie, Richland Co., Wis., June 23 and 24. John Atkinson.

AT Partello, Mich., June 16 and 17. Will Bro. E. R. Jones or some other minister meet with us? R. Crawford, Clerk.

T. and M. Quarterly Meetings.

Send reports and donations in season.

DIST. No. 13, at Armada, Macomb Co., Mich., June 25. Will the librarians please report in season, and each church see that its pledges are met, if possible? Report to J. S. Chapman, Armada, Mich. W. C. Hebner, Dir.

QUARTERLY meeting of the church and T. and M. Society of Dist. No. 1, Mich., at Ransom, Hillsdale Co., June 23 and 24, 1877. If convenient, we would be pleased to have one of the preaching brethren meet with us. Send reports to A. G. Wilber, Ransom. S. D. Salisbury, Dir.

QUARTERLY meeting of Dist. No. 2, at Eaton Rapids, June 23. Librarians, report one week before to the secretary. Give the amount of the one-third for T. and M. work. E. P. Giles, Dir.

AT Hazelton, Mich., June 16, 17. Send reports to E. S. Griggs, St. Charles. Also be prepared to pay all dues to the Society. John McGregor.

Annual Meetings.

Iowa and Neb. Camp-Meeting.

THE Iowa State Camp-meeting will be held at Marshalltown, Marshall Co., Ia., June 7–12, at the beautiful grounds, on the margin of the city, where held last year. Let there be a grand turnout at this annual convocation of the Seventh-day Adventists of Iowa.

GEO. I. BUTLER, Iowa HENRY NICOLA, Conf. R. M. KILGORE, Com.

Western N. Y. Camp-Meeting.

THIS meeting will be held at Filmore Park, on the Buffalo, N. Y. and Philadelphia R. R., June 7–12, 1877. Filmore Park is eighteen miles S. E. from Buffalo and one mile from Aurora station. All trains stop at the ground. Half-fare will be given from all stations on the road to this point. Ask for tickets for Filmore Park or Camp Ground, which will be sold for regular fare one way, and on being indorsed by the secretary will be good for return passage. The usual arrangements for provisions, straw, teams, etc., will be made on the ground.

N. Y. AND PA. CONF. COM.

Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.

THE Wisconsin State Camp-Meeting will be held at Portage City, Wis., on the banks of Silver Lake, one mile from the depot, June 13–19. The meeting is reached by the Wis. Central from Stevens Point, and by several branches of the C. M. and St. P. R. R. Round trip tickets can be purchased at the rate of about three cents per mile, and are good until used. Our arrangements will be as complete as possible for the comfort of all, and will be in many respects an improvement over anything we have yet had. The meeting will open Wednesday A. M., June 13, and close Tuesday morning, June 19.

H. W. DECKER, Wisconsin GEO. C. TENNEY, Conference O. A. OLSON, Committee.

Wisconsin State Conference.

THE seventh annual meeting of the Wisconsin State Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, June 13–19, for the election of officers, and to transact other business that may come before the meeting. Every church in the Conference, and every unorganized body of believers, should be represented at this meeting by one delegate or more, if possible, and where this is not possible, they should send forward a letter in season, stating their numbers, condition, and wants.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

Wisconsin T. and M. Society.

The annual meeting of the Wisconsin Tract and Missionary Society will be held on the Portage City Camp-ground, June 13–19. It is hoped that a lively interest will be taken in this meeting by all the members in the Conference, and that the numbers of T. and M. workers will be greatly increased.

COMMITTEE.

Missouri Camp-Meeting.

THE Missouri State Camp-meeting will be held in a grove one-half mile west of Holden, Johnson Co., Mo., June 14–19, on the line of the Missouri Pacific and Missouri, Kan. and Tex. R. R. Tickets will be sold from Kansas City and Sedalia to Holden and return at one and one-fifth the regular fare one way. On Sunday a special train. Round trip, rate of one fare from all stations between Kansas City and Sedalia inclusive. Same favors expected from the Mo. Kan. and Tex. R. R., both divisions.

WILLIAM EVANS, Missouri J. F. KLOSTERMYER, Conference J. A. O’BRYAN, Committee.

Missouri State Conference.

THE second annual meeting of the Missouri Conference will be held on the Holden Camp-ground, June 14–19. Let there be a full representation from all our churches, and from bodies of believers not fully organized, either by delegate or by letter.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

Missouri T. and M. Society.

THE annual State T. and M. Society meeting will be held on the camp-ground, June 14–19. This branch of our work will receive particular attention.

COMMITTEE.

Minnesota Camp-Meeting.

THE Minnesota State Camp-meeting will be held at Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn., June 20–26. Let there be an earnest effort to attend this annual gathering of the Seventh-day Adventists of Minnesota.

H. GRANT, Minn. W. H. HALL, Conf. CALVIN KELSEY, Com.

Minnesota Conference.

THE sixteenth annual meeting of the Minnesota State Conference will be held on the Hutchinson Camp-ground, June 20–26. Each church in this Conference should see that its delegates are elected, and provided with credentials, and prepared with reports of the standing and condition of their respective churches.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

Minnesota T. & M. Society.

THE annual meeting of the Minn. T. and M. Society will be held at the Camp-meeting at Hutchinson, June 20–26. Directors will hold district meetings two weeks previously, and be prepared to report at this meeting.

COMMITTEE.

Life at the Sanitarium.

By C. W. S.

THE Medical and Surgical Sanitarium is an institution to which the thoughts of hundreds who have gone from it to their homes with a new lease of life and a clearer knowledge of the laws of health, will ever revert with pleasure and with gratitude. And its circle of friends is rapidly enlarging. Under the efficient management of its present corps of physicians, the Sanitarium is gaining the confidence and respect of the people. This is especially true in respect to the citizens of Battle Creek, as is manifested by the increase of patronage it receives from many who go there for treatment, and from some who are there simply to avail themselves of the healthful and agreeable board there furnished.

The family at the Sanitarium now numbers ninety-nine, besides about twenty-five who just come in for treatment; and new patients are arriving every few days. We say family, for such it seems to be. There is a feeling of union, harmony, and good-will that pervades the entire circle. Patients are impressed with the kindness of the helpers, and the anxious interest shown by the physicians. We have frequently heard the patients remark that it seemed so much like home that one could not help being contented—that it seemed like one entire family.

Dr. J. H. Kellogg has the entire confidence of the patients, by whom he is justly held in high esteem. The physicians take pains to provide ample recreation and means of enjoyment. Frequent drives about the town and visits to Goguac Lake afford healthful and grateful exercise and diversion.

A few days ago, the patients were taken out to the lake, distant about two miles, for a picnic. The grounds about the lake are nicely fitted for such occasions. Rustic tables are in readiness, seats and speaker's stand, etc., while a small steamboat and numerous sail and row boats are ready to take excursionists over the beautiful little lake. After a dinner served up in the best of style, the audience of about fifty were seated to listen to a few remarks from Sister White, who kindly consented to be present a little while and speak to them.

The speaker alluded to the choice our Saviour made of the lake-side to teach the people, and referred to the time when he beckoned to Peter to approach with his boat, and, having seated himself in it, he taught the multitude who thronged the shore. She spoke of the lessons he drew from nature, and the common events of life, illustrating his teachings by pointing to the sower of seed and the reaper as he gathered the sheaves, and instilling beautiful lessons of trust by a consideration of the lilies of the field.

A large bouquet stood in a vase upon the stand, which the speaker raised in her hand, and with language the most eloquent she inspired her hearers with hope and trust in the great Teacher, representing him as a Being of tender love and infinite goodness. A few steps away was the border of the lake, with the boats in waiting by the shore. Everything conspired to carry the mind right back to the days of our Saviour's preaching by the sea-shore.

Several of the audience were weeping tears of joy. When the speaker closed, one of their number arose and asked, in behalf of those present, that that address might be written out and printed, that they might have it to take to their homes as a grateful souvenir of the pleasant scene at the lake. This was then made the request of the audience by a full vote. Brother White assured them that the request should be granted.

At the prayer and social meetings held every Friday evening at the Sanitarium, it is truly affecting to hear different ones express their gratitude to the Giver of all good for leading them to that place; and their prayers ascend for the prosperity of the institution and for those who bear the responsibilities attending its management. C. W. S.

Special Appointment.

By James White

A TELEGRAM from Elder Haskell says: “Will meet with the church at Ipswich, Mass., June 9th and 10.” J. W.

Request for John Hanson's Post Office Address

Will Ed. John Hanson please to give his P. O. address?

Farm Lands for Sabbath-Keepers in Iowa

Bro. J. Wire has 1,000 acres which he wishes to sell in farms of 160 acres each, to those who observe the Sabbath. He has timber also to go with the farming lands. Please address him at Hampton, Franklin Co., Iowa.

Young Man Seeks Summer Farm Work

A strong young man of seventeen years wishes to work on a farm for a Sabbath-keeper during the summer vacation of Battle Creek College. Address, Ceryl J. Whitaker, Care Review Office, Battle Creek, Mich.

Western N. Y. Camp-Meeting.

BRO. B. L. WHITNEY states that mail for any at the above meeting should be addressed to East Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., instead of simply Aurora as stated last week; and that all mail marked Filmore Park, East Aurora, N. Y., will be forwarded to the camp-ground.

Request for Kansas Church Officer Addresses

By Smith Sharp

Notice.

I FIND it impossible, with my present knowledge, to make out a complete church directory; and being exceedingly anxious to do this, I request the clerk of each church or company of S. D. Adventists in Kansas to send me the names and addresses of the officers. But fearing some may fail to do this, I hereby request each minister in this Conference to send the names of officers in each church where he is acquainted. Please attend to this at once. It is absolutely necessary that I have these addresses; and my only way to reach some of these companies, especially those that are unorganized, is through the ministers.

Address, SMITH SHARP, Ottawa, Kan.

Reduction of Rates to the Iowa Camp-Meeting.

By Geo. I. Butler

As stated recently, we have made application for reduction of rates to all those who should attend our camp-meeting. We could not obtain any on the Chicago North Western. But on the Central R. R. of Iowa we obtained the same as last year, viz., four-fifths off on the return fare. A certificate of attendance will be given on the ground to all who have paid full fare in coming, and such will have to pay but one-fifth fare in going back.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Digging Deep for Scripture's Hidden Treasures

By Spurgeon

Get to the roots of things. The gold mines of Scripture are not in the top soil, you must open a shaft; the precious diamonds of experience are not picked up in the roadway; their secret places are far down. Get down into the vitality, the solidity, the veracity, the divinity of the word of God, and seek to possess with it all the inward work of the blessed Spirit,—Spurgeon.

Business Department.

“Not slothful in Business. Rom. 11:12.”

RECEIPTS

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money is received pay—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should be given.

$2.00 EACH, J R Lewis 48-6, Lorenzo Howe 51-22, John Auten 52-1, C Hanson 51-22, W H Riley 51-22, Sarah Rowe 51-22, W Boggs 51-22, D C Hunter 51-18, Mrs A Reed 51-22, J C Wilson 51-22, Clark Swingle 51-22, R J Hill 51-22, John Langdon 52-1, Jerred Mallernee 51-5, Frances Cross 51-23, S Fleming 51-20, E Akin 49-21, Daniel Hale 51-24, Jasper L Green 51-22, Sarah Gibson 53-6, Emma Morehouse 51-22.

$1.00 EACH, Caroline L Williams 51-5, S Renfrow 50-22, Wm Haverland 50-22, J D Fleming 50-4, A Hamilton 50-22, Lucretia Day 50-22, R M Frink 50-22, Daniel House 50-22, Norman S Hallock 50-22, J H Collins 50-22, R W Hill 50-19, R Thompson 50-21, O H Sheldon 50-22, Edwin Judd 50-24, A Christopherson 50-24, G T Bailey 51-6, Susie T Ayers 50-22, Nancy Collins 50-22, Hamilton Maxwell 50-22, C B Williams 50-22, J B Bennington 50-23, Ora J Dorcas 50-22, Mrs M J Sala 50-21, Jimmie Aiverson 51-5, A Gleason 50-22, Annie Tague 50-22, C E Fariman 50-22, Eph Moore 50-22.

Miscellaneous.

Jesse Wood $1.50 51-22, N R Bolles 50c 52-3, Joseph Bennett 50c 50-4, J B Dunlap 1.50 50-21, Andrew E King 50c 50-10, Eleanor Eaton 50c 50-10, D T Bourdeau 4.00 51-1, Mattie J Sloan 50c 50-10, D M Canright 3.00 53-1, James Burnsworth 1.50 51-22, R B Hunter 50c 50-6, R Bascombe 1.50 51-9, Byron Tripp 50c 50-9, Joseph Miller 1.25 50-23, Mrs L Canright 3.00 53-1.

Books Sent by Mail.

Isaac Turrell $5.25, J Davis 10c, R Thompson 24c, Henry Davis 3.00, J T Mitchell 1.25, Miss E A Wheeler 25c, J A Neal 1.25, Mrs C A Joy 50c, Mrs C W Haze 10c, Chas W Thompkins 1.50, S B Owen 10c, Harry P Rue 1.00, E O Hammond 14c, Wm L White 10c, Frank P Maxon 2.00, E H Gates 1.50, A W K Newton 1.50, F K Beckley 1.00, J M Darling 1.10, Walter A Graves 10c, L F Cunningham 10c, Ida Sherwood 80c, H Hilliard 1.00, C C Ghering 1.00, L M Blandin 1.00, B F Merrill 21c, A Cook 50c, A J Dennis 70c, G W Colcord 1.00, Otis P Wheeler 1.00, H Maxwell 1.00, Wm F Dunn 9c, Mrs Dr Barrows 1.00, Frank C Hodges 1.25, Lockwood Brooks & Co 1.25, James M Evans 25c, Mary Swanson 1.25, Geo E Bryson 1.00, Noah Hodges 1.50, John Hurst 25c, L A Rhodes 4.50, E L Lawson 45c, A Grover 1.50.

Books Sent by Freight.

Geo I Butler $483.57.

Books Sent by Express.

E H Gates 3.00, Edward Judd 8.00, T M Cobb 1.00, A Mann 50.00.

Cash Rec’d on Account.

Texas T & M Society $5.00, N Eng T & M Society 999.00, Kan T & M Society 100.00, J Lamont 24.08, W T & M Society 150.00.

S. D. A. E. Society.

D A Owen $50.00, E B 10.00, F H Sisley 10.00, M J Chapman 20.00, James Sawyer 10.00, J W Bacheller 20.00.

Swedish Mission.

L N Whisby 96c.

Book Fund.

Helen Andrews $2.00.

Mich. T. & M. Society.

Dist 8 per J McGregor $6.80, Dist 3 (Battle Creek church) 163.00, Dist 11 14.10, Dist 18 6.25, Dist 6 8.00.

Mich. Conf. Fund.

Elmwood $10.00, Parkville 20.00.

CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1877.

By James White

Place	Date
IOWA, Marshalltown,	June 7-12.
NEW YORK, Aurora,	“ “
WISCONSIN, Portage,	“ 13-19.
MISSOURI, Holden,	“ 14-19.
MINNESOTA, Hutchinson,	“ 20-26.
INDIANA,	Aug. 9-14.
OHIO, Newark,	“ 10-20.
VERMONT,	“ 16-21.
ILLINOIS,	“ 23-28.

Camp-meeting notices, Conference and T. and M. meeting notices, should be given in season, and fully given, embracing all important particulars. J. W.