In the fifth session we took up the Two Covenants. Here is where our no-law opponents always think they have a strong case; but the more we have studied this question the plainer it has become, till, of late, it has actually become the strong hold of the Sabbath argument, and the death blow to Sunday. Bro. Andrews’ little tract on the Two Covenants brought out that question very clear and decisive to those who would study the subject thoroughly. In addition to this argument, our brethren in Kansas got out some excellent points which made it, if anything, more simple. I designed to have presented these arguments on the Two Covenants fully, but as Bro. Smith has lately given two excellent and lengthy articles upon that subject I do not feel justified in going over the same ground again. I will, therefore, simply quote the headings of the positions taken.
The nature of both the old and new covenants is stated in Heb. 8:8–12. Here we learn that the old covenant was made between God and Israel at the time he brought them out of Egypt. Paul says, Rom. 3:2, that God committed his oracles to Israel. All other nations had apostatized from God and desecrated his law. Lev. 20:22, 23. Israel was the only nation left upon the earth who regarded the law of the true God. To them, therefore, he solemnly committed his statutes and laws to be preserved among men. For this purpose God made a solemn covenant with them, immediately after bringing them out of Egypt.
Webster defines a covenant to be a mutual agreement made between two or more parties. In Ex. 19:1–8, we have a careful history of this very covenant made between God and Israel. It states what God proposed to do on his part, and what they solemnly promised to do on their part.
In Jer. 11:1–15, the prophet directly says that this was the covenant that God made with Israel when he brought them out of Egypt. He quotes the very words of the covenant in Ex. 19, and says that that is what God said to them when he made the covenant. In that covenant they promised to obey God’s voice and keep his covenant. Then they heard God’s voice as he spoke to them his law. Ex. 20. Afterward Moses went up into the mountain, and was there with the Lord a long time, where he received a great many instructions about various things.
Finally, he came down from the mountain, having written out in a book all the words that the Lord had spoken to him. He read these words to Israel, and here again they solemnly promised to obey what God had said, and stand to their former agreement. Ex. 24:3–8. Then Moses killed a beast, and took the blood and sprinkled it upon the people and upon the book, saying that it was the blood of the covenant which God had made with them. Verse 8. Here, then, the covenant was sealed and ratified. That this was the old covenant, we are positively told by the apostle Paul in Heb. 9:18–20. This settles the question beyond all dispute that the old covenant which God made with Israel is the one begun in Ex. 19:1–8, and finished and ratified in Ex. 24:3–8. Now we need to remember the words of Paul in Gal. 3:15, where he says, “Brethren, I speak after the manner of men, Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.” When a covenant is once sealed, then nothing can be added to or taken from it.
Now that the ten commandments were no part of that covenant, were not in that covenant, were not the words written in the book, is evident from the following facts; viz.,
1. The ten commandments were not written at that time; for it was after this that the Lord called Moses up into the mountain to receive the tables.
2. Moses had not yet received the ten commandments in any shape, because after Moses had first come down from the mountain and read the words of the Lord to the people, and had ratified that covenant with blood, Ex. 24:3–8, after this the Lord said unto Moses, “Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.” Ex. 24:12. Here it will be noticed that after the old covenant was all finished and ratified, Moses yet had no copy of the ten commandments; for the Lord told him to come up into the mountain and receive the law written on stone, which we know to be the ten commandments, that he might teach them to Israel. This shows positively that Moses did not have the ten commandments at that time.
3. He was there with the Lord in the mountain forty days and forty nights, and did not come down with the ten commandments till the end of that time, as recorded in Ex. 32:15. And even then he immediately threw down the two tables of stone, and broke them. Then he had to prepare a second set, and was there with the Lord the second time, forty days and forty nights before he received a copy of the ten commandments permanently. Hence, neither Israel nor Moses had a copy of the ten commandments till nearly three months after the old covenant was closed up and finished. Then it was too late to put the ten commandments into that covenant, because, remember, you cannot add to a covenant after it is ratified. Furthermore, the following facts show that the ten commandments were not the old covenant:
1. The old covenant was made between God and Israel, Jer. 31:32. It was therefore a mutual covenant, a covenant which two parties made. But Israel had no part in making the ten commandments. God made these without consulting them, and they are expressly declared to be God’s commanded covenant. Deut. 4:13.
3. The decalogue was a complete covenant in and of itself alone. Deut. 4:13. It took nothing else to make that covenant. But the old covenant included a good many things, the sanctuary, the priesthood, etc. Heb. 9:1–10.
4. God’s law was perfect, Ps. 19:7; but the old covenant was not perfect. Heb. 8:7.
5. When the Jews failed to perform their part of the covenant, that is, broke the covenant, that ended that covenant. But it does not end a law to break it. You may break a law a thousand times, and the law is just as binding as it was before.
6. Paul distinguishes between the two covenants and the law. Rom. 9:4.
7. There were two covenants given to the people at Sinai. This is an important point, which I made very prominent, and which Eld. Shick never touched at all. I also made the same point in my discussion with Eld. Grant, in California, and he never answered it, for it cannot be answered. By reading carefully Ex. 34:10–27, it was very plainly seen that God there made a covenant with Israel, which Moses wrote in a book. The above scripture shows that this was not the ten commandments. In Deut. 31:24, this book is called the book of the law. In 2 Kings 22:8, Hilkiah found this book of the law, and in 2 Kings 23:2 it is called the “book of the covenant.” Here, then, was a covenant made between God and Israel, written by the hand of Moses in a book, and that book is called the book of the covenant, and this book was placed in the side of the ark. Deut. 31:26. That is one covenant.
That the ten commandments is another entirely distinct covenant is shown thus: In Deut. 4:13, the ten commandments are directly called God’s covenant, and he is said to have written them on tables of stone. In Deut. 9:9 they are called the “tables of the covenant.” That God, and not Moses, did truly write the ten commandments on the tables of stone, is shown by the following scriptures: Ex. 24:12; 31:18; 32:16; 34:27, 28. Notice the last scripture particularly, and compare it with Deut. 9:9, 10, which shows that God is the one who wrote the covenant on the tables of stone. This being so, in Ex. 34:10–32, we see one covenant written by Moses in a book, which was not the ten commandments, the other written by God on tables of stone, which was the ten commandments. So much for the old covenant.
The new covenant was to be made with Israel, Jer. 31:31–34. It was to be introduced and confirmed by the Messiah at his advent. Dan. 9:24–27. That Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant is declared by Paul. Heb. 9:15. Hence, when he began his ministry he immediately chose twelve apostles, and he always kept them with him during all his ministry. While he spoke to the multitude only in parables, he privately expounded everything to these disciples. Mark 4:33, 34. Thus for three years and a half he carefully indoctrinated them in the principles of the new covenant. When he finally left them he said he would send them the Holy Ghost, which should bring to their remembrance30all things that he had committed to them. John 14:26.
He tells them, also, in his last commission, to go and teach all nations what he had already taught them. Matt. 28:19, 20. After they had thus become thoroughly familiar with the doctrine of the new covenant, he gathered the twelve apostles, on that memorable night, in an upper room, and there, he, as the mediator of the new covenant, and the twelve apostles, as the representatives of the twelve tribes, solemnly entered into covenant relations. Luke 22:14–20. By partaking of the bread and wine, they accepted Christ and the terms of the new covenant; for this is what that was for. Notice the language of Jesus, “This cup is the new testament [covenant] in my blood which is shed for you.” Here, then, the new covenant was made with Israel. The next day Jesus died, and sealed it with his blood. Heb. 9:14–16.
Now all will admit that the Sabbath and law of God were binding till the death of Christ, and hence were confirmed by that covenant. And Paul directly says the law of God was in that covenant. Heb. 8:10. But nobody places the origin of the Sunday Sabbath earlier than the day of Christ’s resurrection, which is three days after the new covenant was confirmed, and sealed by the blood of Christ; and there is no getting anything into a covenant after it is confirmed. Gal. 3:15. Hence Sunday is certainly not in the new covenant.
Many other interesting points might be stated here, but I omit them, lest these should be too long. The main points on the covenants were not touched at all by my opponent. The only thing he attempted to do with my argument on the old covenant was to show that the ten commandments were not written by God, but by Moses. But this was a futile attempt, easily met. As to the argument on the new covenant, though I repeated it in our discussion of the Sunday question, yet he never noticed it in any way, showing that he could not meet it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
CHEAP, CHEAPER, CHEAPEST.
By James White
We are thoroughly disgusted with that spirit of covetousness that seeks to take advantage of our reductions in prices, which we made that we might encourage the Tract and Missionary work.
Both the REVIEW and the SIGNS are very cheap at $2.00 a year. These papers are of respectable size, superior stock, and full of original reading matter. Neither of them lean a whit on advertisements for support, as is the case with most religious papers. And then, the postage is pre-paid without adding the amount of postage to the subscription prices, which is an act of pure liberality on the part of the two offices.
How it is that any brother or sister who has the means to raise $2.00 can endure the thought of reading either of our papers for less than $2.00 a year is strange to us.
How one of our ministers can offer the SIGNS for $1.50 to those who are able and willing to pay $2.00, is stranger still. The reduction in the prices of the SIGNS and REFORMER is to T. and M. workers, and to those who send these excellent periodicals to their unbelieving friends, only. And our efforts to extend their circulation should be guarded by every brother and sister and by every minister.
We send the SIGNS to fifty persons in different parts of the world at a cost of $75, and the REFORMER to as many at a cost of $30, making $105, from our individual purse. The reduction in prices is made to individuals to send to their friends to encourage them to send in long lists of subscribers. And when we see our people taking advantage of these reduced prices, or even willing to read these periodicals at reduced prices to themselves, we feel a disgust at such covetous littleness that language cannot express.
Some of our people are calling for the engraving Way of Life with the SIGNS at $2.00. We have made no such offer. The Way of Life with key of explanation is $1.00 a copy, postage paid. We furnish it in quantities to agents and preachers to sell to whom they please with other books for 60 cents; to those who give themselves to canvassing in new territory outside of our people at 50 cents; and in large quantities to T. and M. workers to be used exclusively in clubbing with the SIGNS and REFORMER at 40 cents.
The reason of these very lowest prices in large quantities is we have a very large edition printed expressly for this purpose that T. and M. workers might club with the SIGNS and REFORMER, and thus extend the truth. And we ask the co-operation of all lovers of the cause of truth. To the poor and the stingy we will send anything we print free, if they will report their true condition and character to us. From all others, including our ministers, we shall expect help in our efforts to advance the cause of God.
J. W.
REPORT FROM SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
We have many things which show that God is making our French paper a blessing to the people who receive it. From time to time we receive letters from strangers expressing their interest in the paper, sending the pay for their own copy and sending the names of persons at a distance to whom they have written recommending the paper, and to whom they ask that it may be sent on trial. Such letters give us great encouragement.
In the course of a few months, if God shall prosper our efforts, we will be ready to publish a German edition of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. This is greatly needed. We have more than half as many German Sabbath-keepers in Europe as we have of French brethren. Under the judicious labors of Bro. Ertzenberger our German brethren have made progress in the grace of God and in the knowledge of the truth, and God has added to their numbers. We must not delay the publication of our paper in German a single day after God in his providence shall render it possible and consistent to commence. But this new branch of the work demands a very great amount of labor both in the preparation for its commencement and in its execution, of which no report can be written. But it is work that must be done and if done faithfully will bear much fruit in time to come. Our brethren may be assured that we will use all possible diligence and faithfulness to hasten forward this German work, while at the same time the publication of the French paper and French tracts will be continued as at present. So there is more work than can be executed at once, even with others to help in the work.
But while thus contemplating a German edition of our paper as a thing shortly possible, the question of a paper in Italian is brought also to our notice in a manner that seems like the clear indication of duty by the providence of God. Dr. H. P. Ribton of southern Italy has received copies of the SIGNS, and various publications both of the S. D. Baptists and of the S. D. Adventists. The perusal of these has caused Dr. R. to embrace the Bible Sabbath and the doctrine of the near advent of Christ, and send with this communication his last letter to me, also a letter designed for the REVIEW, and an article which he wishes to publish in Italian, but which he has translated into English for the REVIEW. It will be seen that through his instrumentality a brother has been converted, who is a thorough practical printer, and who understands both French and Italian. Bro. R. asks if we would like to issue an Italian edition of our paper. It certainly seems that God has begun to open the way for this even before we had thought it possible. I know we must mingle caution and prudence with zeal and activity, but if God has gone out before us to the battle it is time at least that we should stir ourselves to follow. We shall seek as a matter of principle to sustain European laborers with means raised here as far as possible. I know our brethren here are anxious to do this.
Bro. Bourdeau is struggling more fully to establish the cause of truth in southern France. He has to contend with very serious difficulties, but he does not lack courage nor zeal nor the spirit of self-sacrifice. The laws of France are quite intolerant, and the adversaries of the truth are able to take advantage of those laws greatly to his embarrassment. Do not forget to pray for Bro. Bourdeau. His work is arduous, and his health is feeble. I never cease to feel an intense anxiety both with respect to his health and also that he may vanquish the difficulties which beset his mission in France. May God spare his life and help him wisely to arrange and accomplish his work within the limits of the just expenditure of his strength.
If we do not report so often as our brethren desire, let them remember that though each day's labor is made as long as we can make it, it is almost impossible to find a moment's time for reporting; and let them judge of the nature of our present work by what we have indicated as to what must now be undertaken. Time flies, as we are admonished by the close of the year, but no day passes that we do not seek to make count all that is possible in the cause of Christ.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Bâle, Switzerland, Dec. 31, 1876.
P. S. I wish, as soon as my time and strength shall make it possible, to devote at least one column of our French paper to such passing events as are worthy to be chronicled as signs of the times. I should therefore be very grateful if our friends in America would send me from time to time papers, pamphlets, tracts, or whatever contains matter which seems to them capable of being of service in such a department or worthy of being translated for our paper. I here take occasion gratefully to acknowledge the papers sent in time past, often by unknown donors, and to say that such matter as was thought capable of being used has been cut out and carefully laid by for use. We hope to add greatly to the value and interest of our paper in time to come; yet each number is the very best that with our present resources we can possibly make it. And no pains should be spared upon a paper that must be printed in several of the languages of Europe.
J. N. A.
ITALY
Bro. H. P. Ribton, M. D., of southern Italy, writes the following private letter to Bro. Andrews who sends it to us:—
“Dear Bro. Andrews: I send an English translation of an article which I have written in Italian, hoping to be able some day to print it, and which I thought perhaps our brethren in America might like to put into the ADVENT REVIEW; also an article on wine, which I thought might be acceptable to the HEALTH REFORMER.
“In the same enclosure I send, at the request of some of my Italian brethren, an appeal to them, as I mentioned in my last. God will enable me to do the great work I want to do if it be his will. I feel thoroughly with you that the time is short and we ought to make superhuman efforts to save souls. Oh! that the rich would give us the one-thousandth part of what they spend on pleasure and fleshly lusts, and we might encircle the earth with our missionary labor.
“Would you like to bring out an edition of LES SIGNES DES TEMPS in Italian? I could do all the work for you (were I even to devote half the night to it); and we have excellent printing presses here.
“I have one zealous brother, a martyr to his faith (turned out of his home, lost his wife and six children through hardship, and has still four children in great peril through persecution; he is now dependent on his persecuting family for his bread). My wife suggests to me to ask you if you could give him any employment on the journal? He has a peculiar talent for writing and composing, and is practically acquainted with all the work of a printing house. I enclose his last letter; you see what a good hand he writes. He knows French, and would be invaluable if you brought out LES SIGNES DES TEMPS in Italian.
“Thanks for the journals. I will do my best in canvassing for them, and hope to obtain for you some orders soon. Will write again shortly. May God give you an abundant harvest in Switzerland.
“Yours sincerely in the cause of Christ,
“H. P. Ribton.”
Bro. Ribton sends the following for the REVIEW:—
To the Seventh-day Adventist brethren in America.
“Dear Brethren: I have been throughout the past year an active laborer in the Lord’s vineyard. Acquainted all my life with the means of grace, it pleased the Lord about a year and a half ago to bring me through a baptism of fire, by which I became in some degree dead to the world, and my eyes were opened to the importance of an implicit obedience to all God’s commandments. I then, in the midst of severe temporal trials and difficulties, became a preacher of his word, and my labors, as far as I was able to carry them on, were blessed. The Lord graciously gave me still more light last summer (which I take as an earnest of his having called me entirely from the world to be a laborer of his), for he sent me, in an extraordinary way, first a journal of the S. D. Baptist brethren in England, which taught me the true nature of the Sabbath, and afterward some numbers of the ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD, which made me acquainted with the third angel’s message. Since then I have felt myself united in spirit with you.
“Dear brethren, I have been stirred with a burning and irrepressible desire to throw myself wholly into missionary work in this beautiful but benighted country, and I have a feeling that God has prepared me through many extraordinary dispensations (which space does not allow me to recount) to become a laborer for you; and that he will send me the means of doing his work through you. I am practiced as a speaker and writer, and speak the language of this country equally with yours. There are fields here white for the harvest. I have around me some faithful brethren, attached to me through the work I have already done, and, if God gives me the means, can make the third angel’s message heard from the Alps to the southernmost point of this peninsula. You have sent it into Switzerland, and a voice within impels me to call to you, like the Macedonian who appeared to Paul in the night visions: Come over into Italy, and help us.
“If it seem good to God, he will enable you to do, not only this, but greater things than these; but whatever be his will, my spirit shall ever be one with yours, and all that he gives me shall ever be devoted to him. May he bless your work, and multiply it abundantly, is the prayer of your brother in the expectation of Christ’s speedy coming,
H. P. Ribton.”
TRAVELS IN THE NORTH.
By John G. Matteson
We celebrated the ordinances at Fish Creek. I tried to get the members to take a position and obtain an experience in harmony with the spirit of the message. Some are doing well, but some are faltering. Others will probably take their crowns. The Lord has done much for this people. My prayer is that they may live to glorify his name.
Tuesday morning I started for Washington Island. Two brethren went with me to help draw the baggage. Three miles from the north point of the peninsula, we took up our carriage (or baggage) and with the mail-carrier for a pilot we intended to cross the ice in the afternoon. But we could not see twenty rods ahead on account of the snow, and he did not consider it safe to cross. The channel in the middle of the Door was open the day before, four miles wide; but he had crossed it in the forenoon on ice less than two inches thick, which had formed in the night while the thermometer stood twenty degrees below zero.
We went about a mile on the ice along the shore, and were kindly entertained in a fisherman's shanty through the night. We could hear the sea roaring in Lake Michigan and the ice cracking in the bay. It sounded like the report of big guns. But the Lord favored us in the morning with fair weather; so we started again on the ice, and when we reached the open water (for the new ice had all gone into the lake), we followed it to the north, until we got around it.
When we got to the end of the open channel, we were within four rods of the water. The ice which we were on heaved up and down as far as we could see. It rose and fell at least six inches. We could hear the water under our feet and see it pressing up through the cracks in the ice. This looked somewhat doubtful to us, but we had confidence in our guide, who has traveled over this dangerous water, month after month, for the last twenty years. We arrived safely on the other shore after about twelve miles' travel on the ice. In many places we would sink into the snow and water, yet there was solid ice underneath. Then again we would mount over heaps of ice that had been thrown up by the storm and waves. It was beautiful to behold these crystal rocks glittering in the sun as far as our eyes could reach.
I thanked the Lord for bringing us safely through; for these turbulent waters swallow many victims every winter and summer. I hope to find work on this island. It contains about 500 inhabitants, mostly Danes, though some are Americans, some Irish, and some Icelanders. They have one church edifice and two school-houses, but no minister of any kind.
Thursday there was a very cold north wind. I walked ten miles to see the trustees of the church, and give out notice of meeting. Friday I walked eight miles through the storm to get a school-house on the south side of the island for Danish meetings, and give out notice. On the Sabbath I rested, and I held two meetings on Sunday. The meeting in the church was well attended, and there was a good impression made on the people, while a tender and solemn spirit pervaded the house.
Meanwhile a notice was sent to me from the clerk of the board, forbidding me to hold meetings in the school-house. So we held the meeting in a private house opposite the school-house. Some over twenty came together. About half of them were Icelanders. We have started a petition for a special school meeting. It is signed by thirteen voters. There is a good prospect of getting the house yet. For the good of others we will here copy a portion of the
SCHOOL-LAWS OF WISCONSIN.
“Chap. 235. Amended. Sec. 1. . . . A majority of the district board of any school district in this State shall have the right to permit the school-house to be occupied by religious meetings, temperance meetings, and any other meetings which in the judgment of the majority of the board will aid in disseminating intelligence and good morals among the inhabitants of the district.
“Approved, March 4, 1875.”
If the board refuses the house, and a majority of voters in the district are in favor of meetings, a special meeting can be called by sending a petition signed by at least five voters of the district to the clerk of the school board, stating time and place for meeting (it shall be held in the evening at 7,) and object for which called. It is the duty of the clerk to post a notice of such meeting in four public places, one of which shall be the outer door of the school-house, and the notice shall be given six days before the meeting is called.
JOHN G. MATTESON.
Washington Harbor, Door Co.; Wis., Jan. 15.
ROOSEVELT, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We came to Oswego County intending to visit the five churches in the county within two weeks, but have been sadly disappointed. It has stormed fiercely the whole time, so that we have been blocked up, unable to do anything scarcely.
With the greatest effort, a few of the brethren nearest the church have been able to get out to meeting. Last Sabbath being the first good day for our meetings, we had a good turnout. Notwithstanding all this, we feel very well satisfied with our meeting, as considerable has been accomplished. Several who had been in the dark and under the power of the enemy came out good and free, and made hearty confession of their wrongs. This always brings light and courage to the church.
As is well known to all our brethren in the State, father Edson for eight or ten years has not seen his duty in the same31light that his brethren have, but has had a different burden from what they thought God designed him to bear. This has been a source of trial to the brethren. At this meeting he took a good stand in laying aside this burden and taking hold according to the advice of his brethren. This brought great relief to the church, and we believe will prove a great blessing to himself and to the cause.
We celebrated the ordinances for the first time in this church for eight years. It is too bad that this sacred memorial of our Lord’s death should thus be neglected in any church. I do not see how the blessing of God can rest upon any church that thus neglects, year after year, this sacred ordinance. Nothing can justify such a course. There is no excuse for it. Hereafter they are to have the ordinances on the first Sunday in every third month. They have it on Sunday because it is necessary to have a business meeting once a quarter, and this furnishes a good chance to attend to both.
Our meetings at Rome ought to have been reported before this. There, also, the terrible storms greatly hindered our work, yet we had a fair attendance most of the time notwithstanding. I think that the brethren were greatly benefited and strengthened in the truth. We had some excellent meetings. Several new ones took a stand for the truth.
I gave four lectures upon the subject of health reform, the last which I gave. The weather happening to be tolerably fair, we had a good turnout, the house well filled. The subject was well received by all, so far as I learned. Nearly every one has got rid of his tobacco, and in many families the work of reform has been begun in good earnest. I was very particular, while urging them to adopt the health reform, to caution them against being radical and going to extremes, particularly on the start. At the close of our meeting I baptized twelve good souls in the Mohawk river. Several others are now ready to be baptized at the first opportunity. We left them in good courage. I am fearful now that we shall have a bad winter to interfere with our labors, but we shall do the best we can and trust in the Lord.
Later. We have now been snow bound here for two weeks unable to get to any other church or hold but very few meetings here. We have found an excellent home with Bro. and sister Ross, and have improved the time thoroughly in writing.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Roosevelt, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1877.
SUBMISSION
By M. J. Bahler
The way is dark, all dark, I cannot see
One step ahead, not one;
But I have laid my burden at His feet,
Trusting in Him alone.
Yes, I have laid it down; I’ll leave it there,
Trusting in Israel’s God.
I know there’s help and strength in him, and I
Will bow and kiss the rod.
The waters surged round me deep and cold,
My heart seemed still and frozen—
But then I sought my God with sighs and tears,
Presenting Christ his chosen,
And he in tender love took all my care,
And blessed my heart with peace.
Oh! there is strength in Israel’s God I know.
He makes our troubles cease.
And though I cannot see the way, I trust
In him; for he will lead.
And though my troubles deepen, still I trust;He heals, e’en though hearts bleed.
M. J. BAHLER.
Dallas, Texas.
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING AT LA COUDRE, SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
THOUGH our organization is not yet perfected in Switzerland, yet we are careful to do our business which pertains to the cause of truth with correctness and with painstaking. Our annual meeting convened Dec. 3 at La Coudre near Neuchâtel. It was attended by some from all the Swiss churches and by Bro. Ertzenberger from Germany.
An executive committee was chosen for the ensuing year. The financial management of the paper and of the publication of the tracts was carefully examined by the books, and reported satisfactory. The best methods of advancing the cause was the special subject of discussion in the meeting. The report of tract and missionary work showed a much greater amount of labor than I had anticipated as I have not been able during the past six months to visit the churches and to help forward this work. But a general tract and missionary meeting is to be held so soon as I can leave Bâle to attend it, and in the report of that meeting I will give particulars. Our general meeting was one of great encouragement to our brethren in Switzerland.
J. N. ANDREWS.
OHIO
By H. A. St. John
NORTH BLOOMFIELD.
At N. Bloomfield from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2. Having taken a severe cold, I was quite unfit to engage in labor, and the weather being cold and stormy, and the snow very deep, our meeting here was not attended by many of the distant, scattered ones. Notwithstanding, we had several very good meetings with the church, and arranged S. B. for 1877. Officers were chosen, and other necessary business was transacted. Their numbers have been lessened of late, by removal. May the remainder so live that God may give them a gathering influence.
CLEVELAND.
Spent Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 7, with the little church in Cleveland. This was an encouraging meeting. This church numbers sixteen members, and we think the prospects fair for worthy additions to their number. One excellent family near Bro. Edgerton’s are coming into the truth, having first become interested by reading the SIGNS.
On Sunday we re-organized the church, Bro. L. W. Carr, M. D., being chosen and ordained elder, and Bro. I. Edgerton deacon. Organized S. B. for 1877, amounting to about $165.
Being hardly able to travel we decided to stay here for a short time and take treatment at Dr. Carr’s Sanitarium, in Case Block on the public square. In the meantime we will try to build up the cause here as we may have strength. If others should fill some of our appointments as made in the REVIEW, the brethren will understand that it is because I am not able to go. My health has been failing for some time, and it seemed necessary that I should do something to recuperate, if possible. I ask the prayers of my brethren.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord
The small company of believers at Weldon was disbanded, Dec. 12, after voting letters by which to unite with the Serena church. One was censured for tobacco-using ; but time to overcome it was asked and granted. Spoke three times at W. to large audiences.
Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 16, 17, held meetings in Kankakee City. Here we were reminded of the necessity of our being orderly in church government. No Seventh-day Adventist should remove from one Conference to another without a letter, and then expect immediately to be received into full confidence. I do hereby advise all our churches and members to require letters from strangers coming into our Conference, pretending to be S. D. Adventists. “Let all things be done . . . in order.”
Came to St. Anne, Dec. 18, and held two good meetings with our dear French friends. I believe they love the truth; but they need labor in their own language. During the next eight days, I held thirteen meetings at four places in Iroquois County. One was censured for using tobacco. Oh! when shall we be free? If we yield the battle on this point, we shall become a fallen people, on the subject of temperance, at least, and our God will frown upon us. No, sir! my tobacco-using brother, may you realize your true condition ere it be too late. We gave this brother time to overcome his habit; but we are compelled to say to all, Put the vile thing away, or God’s people will cut off your names.
Some of our young friends in this part of the State appear to grow in the truth; and for it they gladly sacrifice. I pray God’s blessing to rest upon Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.
During the last four days of the year, I attended seven meetings near Gridley. Three united with the church. We considered the complete list of names, and gave the church roll a thorough pruning. This is a work that should have been done long since, and not only here, but in several churches in Illinois. Lord, help us to be both kind and thorough.
First week in the new year, I enjoyed some good meetings near Coleta. Our T. and M. Society meeting in Dist. No. 11 was very good. There are causes for rejoicing in Illinois. I have come to-day from Aledo, where, I trust, profitable meetings have been conducted by Eld. Andrews and others. I was glad to meet friends of by-gone days.
Our State tract meeting was, in some features, one of the best ever held in our Conference. About fifty church names were considered, and a few were dropped. The ordinance exercises were very cheering. Although the church meeting continued in session six hours and three-quarters, harmony prevailed to a degree causing gratitude. Aledo, will you retain your freedom? G. W. COLCORD.
NEW AUBURN, MINN.
By D. F. Curtis
We have continued our labors here, having as yet seen no time when we thought it would be for the interest of the cause that we should leave. The work has progressed slowly, but we believe that the Lord has led it on. Yesterday we presented the covenant, and twenty-one signed it. Five of these are members of the S. D. B. church, who cast in their influence with the company of beginners, to help them in their new life of obedience and faith. One of them was unanimously chosen as the leader of the company. We think there are half as many more who will come in soon. With the exception of a few reckless young people, we have had good attention. Bro. Ellis designs to remain here over another Sabbath to build up the interest; then, if the Lord will, go to Hutchinson and commence meetings. Duty calls me home for a time. In view of what the Lord has done for this people, we thank God and take courage. Our hearts are made to rejoice as we read the cheering reports from the laborers in other parts of the wide harvest field. May God speed on the message and bless all the messengers. Brethren, pray for us. We know that our God hears and answers the prayers of his people, in behalf of his feeble servants who labor in word and doctrine. And while you pray for those who hear the message, do not forget to ask God to keep their loved ones, who in loneliness and patience remain at home. D. F. CURTIS.
Jan. 14, 1877.
LOCK HAVEN, PA.
By R. F. Cottrell
Though entirely among strangers, they are very courteous, kind, and hospitable to me; but whether they will receive the truth is yet to be seen. Like others they seem to be contented to follow the beaten track of tradition, feeling rich, and having no need; but still I trust the good seed will find a good soil, and spring up, and bear fruit. I have preached nine times, and come to the Sabbath question to-night. A protracted meeting is just now appointed near, and they may mostly go, and neglect their opportunities. My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that they may heed his word in the last message, and be saved.
R. F. COTTRELL.
ELM CREEK, KANSAS.
By J. Lamont
I HAVE been holding meetings with the brethren at this place most of the time since my return to Morris Co. All cannot see their way clear through the health reform as yet; but will in time, no doubt.
We have had some excellent meetings. Our Sabbath meetings are among the best I have ever been in. I begin a meeting at Hymer, Chase Co., the 14th inst. The lady spoken of in REVIEW, two or three years ago by Bro. Haskell, as having embraced the Sabbath while connected with a Presbyterian Mission in Mexico, lives near Hymer. It is hardly necessary to add that she still loves the present truth.