THIS is poor living indeed. Yet many reject good and wholesome articles of diet; and, like those beasts and birds which choose to live on carrion, delight to regale themselves with, and wallow in, putrefaction. Instead of calling to mind the most amiable traits in the characters of their friends and neighbors, they search for their faults and failings, as if greedy of something that they may use as an excuse by which to justify their own sins. It would be much better to take the counsel of an apostle in scanning the character of others: "Whatsoever things are true; whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on THESE things." All have faults, more or less; but if we would habituate ourselves to think on others' virtues, it would be much more agreeable to all.
Some seek to excuse themselves from living a religious life because professors do not live up to their profession. That there is ample occasion for them justly to find fault cannot be denied, and a fearful responsibility rests upon all professors of Christianity who give unbelievers cause to blaspheme. But, my friend, this is no excuse for you. You belong to this same fallen family for whom Christ died; and if the light of revelation and the gospel, or good news of salvation, has come to you, as well as to others, you have an equal interest in it, and an equal responsibility to live agreeably to its teachings, thus setting the right example for others to imitate, as any one else has. It will not clear yourself to say, "Oh, I do not profess;" for you are under as great obligation to profess the truth, and engage in the work of saving others, as any of your friends and neighbors. They have an equal right to complain of you for not setting them the right example; if you are living a life no better than they.
Do you plead ignorance? In your complaints against others you assume to know how a Christian ought to live. Then show the world, in your own life, how a Christian should live. Otherwise, if you are really ignorant of what a Christian life should be, it illy becomes you to assume the place of a judge.
But we admit it to be a fact that the mass of professors of Christianity of the present day are mere worldlings, setting an example which it is not safe to follow. They are in the broad road to perdition. If you follow with them, you will share with them the like unhappy fate. But you have a soul to save or to lose; and though you undertake to excuse yourself on account of their failings, it will not save you. You may be saved, if you will; but a diet selected from their faults is not healthful, and will not give you life. Then avoid this filthy and life-destroying stuff, not worthy of the name of food, choose that which is good and live; and be assured that you will not regret your choice.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Withdrawing Support.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE real supporters of good reliable journals, and those who contribute of their energies and means to make them a success, are generally the last ones to talk of "withdrawing support." It is amusing to look the case over and see who such talk, as a general rule, emanates from.
I call to mind a circumstance in the past history of the Advent Review, which will serve as an illustration. Some twenty years ago, a small faction, in one of the Western States, took a notion that they did not like the Review, because it did not favor their peculiar ideas of the age to come, but followed the even tenor of its way, publishing the great truths of the third angel's message as the distinct and specific truth for the times.
The opposition with this faction went so far that they thought they must do all in their power against the Review. As they could neither get it into a quarrel with them, nor make it teach their jargon, they concluded it must have its voice silenced. Knowing that a paper could not be published without means, they assembled in conference and gravely "voted to withdraw their support from the Review." When the publishers of the Review read the record of this vote in a letter which had been hastened to their office from the meeting, it occurred to them that they would look over their lists to see how much their finances were to be affected by the loss of this score or so of names.
The list, with account of each was produced, when, lo! it was discovered that with hardly an exception they were all behind on their papers, and some had paid nothing for over two years. The withdrawal of such "support" of course was a relief to the Review instead of any embarrassment. The loss of such confusing elements was speedily made up by many scores of consistent, substantial souls embracing the truth, who became permanent friends of the cause and real supporters of the Review.
In conducting the Signs we meet with some who, after all the explanations, don't exactly see how it is done, and are hastily showing their spite by ordering their paper stopped, for which they have paid nothing for over a year. One such case I was about to refer to, but before quoting the letter, I wish to state the facts. When the Signs was started, it was plainly stated in its terms: "$2.00 a year to those wishing to pay a subscription price, and free to others so far as sustained by the donations of the liberal." Some lists of subscribers came in, as high as forty, fifty, and in one case over a hundred to one post office, with no donation of the liberal to pay for them.
After a time a statement was made that the actual cost of publishing 4000 copies of the Signs was $2.00 each paper for one year. Those who had sent these free lists were requested to see if the papers were read with profit, and if those who were reading were so disposed, give them an opportunity to contribute for the support of the paper.
After some have had the paper free for nearly a year, a final effort is to be made to learn the standing of the lists, and Bro. White wrote an article showing that an actual expense of several hundred dollars over receipts had been incurred in publishing the Signs to that date. He requested those who did not want the Signs longer to stop it, and those who wished to contribute for its indebtedness and support to send in their donations for that purpose from $2.00 to $25.00 as they felt disposed.
Now somebody "got hit." Who was it? Some brother who had donated $30.00 and sent the paper to several of his friends free? No. It comes from one who has been reading the paper free for over a year. He says:
"GENTLEMEN SIRS: I write to ask you to DISCONTINUE MY PAPER. In the last paper, No. 26, is an article written by James White, (page 208, first column), which interests me, and I should think it would every other non-paying subscriber. I do not wish to be longer considered a BURDEN and consequently UNWORTHY. Please stop my paper and send it to somebody that will pay all the way from $2.00 to $25.00 a year for it, and I think it will be quite a profitable business."
The subscriber does not seem to see the point yet, only so far as to get a little vexed because his paper and several hundred more like it, should cost somebody money to print them. No one has been asked to pay $25.00 for the Signs. These donations are for printing the papers of those who have been reading the Signs (we trust many of them with profit) without money and without price. As our friend requests it, we will close his subscription with this number, merely suggesting that he tell us where the profit comes in, on those papers that we furnished to subscribers one year for which nothing is paid by them. J. N. L.
Go to Work.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Hundreds of hearts are panting to be useful. The thought of a listless life is positively painful to them. But they are waiting for golden opportunities which never seem to come. Many of them are looking too high. While they eagerly watch for something to "turn up," which shall open some grand avenue of usefulness, they allow a thousand little opportunities to pass unimproved. The secret of success is in being quick to see, and prompt to do, present duty. Life is but an aggregation of items. To ignore the items, is to waste a life.
Probably not less than five hundred of you who read this brief article, are waiting for something to do. You watch with eager gaze to see which way the cloudy pillar moves. With uplifted hammer you stand ready to strike, if you could only be sure of hitting the heated iron in the right place. While you hesitate, the iron cools and the timely occasion is over.
Hesitate no longer. Make no more bargains with the thief of time. Break up this chronic habit of parleying with questions of duty. Let no plausible excuses paralyze your nerves of activity. Wake up to the momentous issues that are pending. Look out upon the suffering, dying, perishing world! Have you no tears to shed, no groans to utter, no prayers to offer, no warnings to sound out, no instruction to impart, no money to scatter? How wide the field! How urgent the demands! How short the time! How solemn the responsibility! How terrible the results of neglect! How glorious the reward of consecration to the work of God!
Channels of usefulness run in every direction. Every tear that glistens in the eye of sorrow, is a Macedonian cry. Every sigh of distress is a fresh proof that we are in a fallen world, where sympathy and activity are especially needed. Every sound of blasphemy and every scene of debauchery, should remind us that we are standing in the midst of a vast missionary field. There is a world of work on hand. Where are the workers?
The above earnest words from the Bible Banner are worthy of being read and heeded by all. How the devil cheats the most of us out of what good we might do by leading us to overlook small duties and present opportunities to engage in some imaginary great work in the future. Let us have done with this, and take hold of the first thing that comes up and do it now. D. M. CANRIGHT.
San Jose.
By Editor
The cause is still advancing in San Jose. From a letter in which the churches of San Jose and Santa Clara request to have a minister at their next quarterly meeting, we quote the following :—
"Our little band of Sabbath-keepers at San Jose, are all strong in the faith. Not one has left the faith since you were here last winter. We have had no increase of members, yet all have increased in spirit, zeal, and determination. Every one is trying to live out our principles and religion, thus showing to the world our faith and hope."
"We have rented a neat and commodious hall, size, 12x24 feet, have purchased a carpet, and seats sufficient for seventy-five or eighty persons, and a stand for the preacher (whenever we get one), and would like to have your presence to christen it. Everything is paid for. Our services are held regularly every Sabbath, and prayer-meeting Tuesday evening."
"We are so glad to hear of the encouraging reports all over the State. Surely God is in this work. May he continue to bless his cause and people, as he has in the past, is our earnest prayer."
"How cheering and welcome is every issue of the SIGNS, and what solace and comfort to read it after a week's hard labor. 'Tis as food to a hungry man.' Our earnest wish is that success may attend the publishing interests, the church interests of San Francisco, the cause of truth all over the land, and the ministering servants in their labors everywhere."
H. H. STEVENSON, Clerk.
Religion: Armor and Cloak
RELIGION is the best armor in the world, but the worst cloak.
The American Cardinal's Oath.
WE inquired a day or two ago, into the nature of the mysterious oath which Cardinal McClosky must have taken, but of which no report appeared in the New York papers. We are able to answer the question, quoting the text from the copy furnished to Lord Palmerston, in 1850, by the British Minister at Turin. It is as follows:—
"I, ________, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, do promise and swear that, from this time to my life's end, I will be faithful and obedient unto St. Peter, the Holy Apostolic Roman Church, and our most Holy Lord, the Pope and his successors, canonically and lawfully elected; that I will give no advice, consent or assistance against the Pontifical Majesty, and person; that I will never knowingly or advisedly, to their injury or disgrace, make public the counsels entrusted to me by themselves, or by messengers or letters (from them); also, that I will give them any assistance in retaining, defending and recovering the Roman Papacy and the regalia of Peter, with all my might and endeavor, so far as the rights and privileges of my order will allow it, and will defend against all their honor and state; that I will direct and defend, with due form and honor the legates and nuncios of the Apostolic See, in the territories, churches and monasteries and other benefices committed to my keeping; that I will cordially co-operate with them, and treat them with honor in their coming, abiding and returning, and that I will resist unto blood all persons whatsoever who shall attempt anything against them; that I will, by every way and by every means, strive to preserve, augment, and advance the rights, honors, privileges, the authority of the Holy Roman Bishop, our Lord the Pope, and his before-mentioned successors; and that at whatever time anything shall be decided to their prejudice, which it is out of my power to prevent, as soon as I shall know that any steps or measures have been taken in the matter; I will make it known to the same our Lord, our before-mentioned successors, or to some other person by whose means it may be brought to their knowledge. That I will keep and carry out, and cause others to keep and carry out, the rules of the Holy Father, the decrees, ordinances, dispensations, reservations, provisions, apostolic mandates and constitutions of the Holy Pontiff Sixtus of happy memory as to visiting the thresholds of the apostles at certain prescribed times, according to the tenor of that which I have just read through. That I will seek out and oppose, prosecute and fight against (Latin—omni conatu persecuturum et impugnaturum) heretics, schismatics against the same our Lord the Pope and his before-mentioned successors with every possible effort."
The remainder of the oath provides in detail not to sell or give away, or otherwise alienate any church property without due authority; to maintain the "constitution of the blessed Pius" of 1507; and the declarations of his successors, particularly those of Innocent IX, 1591, and those of Clement VIII, 1592. It also engages to maintain the Papal claims to various Italian cities, and closes with the words: "I will not seek absolution from any of the foregoing articles, but reject it if it should be offered me (or in no way accept it if offered), so help me God, and these most holy Gospels." How any American citizen can reconcile honest allegiance to our national and State Constitutions and laws with this complete and abject devotion to a foreign potentate, we cannot see. It is no mere theoretical obedience that is promised. On the contrary, should a band of devout Catholic filibusterers, or a Spanish army resolve to drive the government of Italy—a power with which our nation is at peace—from Rome, the Cardinal would be pledged to give the assailants all the aid in his power. Should any legate or nuncio get into trouble with any government, the Cardinal must defend them "unto blood." He must play the spy for the Holy See; must obey the mandates of the persecuting Pontiffs of the sixteenth century, and must use "every possible effort," even to persecuting and fighting against the heretics and schismatics who oppose the Pope reigning when the oath was taken, and his successors. Now, as the encyclical of Pius IX., of 1864, often quoted in our columns, clearly denounces as wicked, freedom of religion and other fundamental doctrines of our national constitution, it follows that an American Cardinal must pledge himself to overturn the government by which he is protected. If Cardinal McClosky took any other oath than the one from which we have quoted, it would be satisfactory to see it in print.—Cincinnati Gazette, May 3.
THERE are many who talk as though they had "no missionary work to do," because they do not see a favorable opening for successful tract distribution, or an opportunity to obtain subscribers for some of our periodicals. Let it be borne in mind that there are several objects to be accomplished by the T. and M. organization. While one important object is to secure a wider circulation of our periodicals, either by paid or trial subscribers, another object is to "collect arrearages on periodicals," and to look after the cases of trial subscribers, to ascertain whether papers are read with interest and profit, by trial subscribers; to collect donations for support of the paper from interested readers who may be disposed to contribute for its support, and, if the paper is not read with interest and profit, to see that it is stopped or changed to some other person on trial. We are well aware that this is a branch of the work a little more crossing than to gather up names by telling the people, "Here is a paper you can have without money and without price if you will only give me your name." Nevertheless this kind of work must be done.
We have commenced to send out printed lists of our subscribers to the SIGNS in California. These lists we shall send to the business agents of the churches, and individuals, with the request that immediate measures be taken to see those who are receiving the SIGNS and have not paid for it, and give them an opportunity to contribute for its support, to ascertain what papers should be discontinued, and to report the results immediately to the SIGNS office personally or through your district secretary.
In Napa, yesterday, the list was passed out. One brother had the charge of it, and was to see that a report was made of the whole to the SIGNS office, while others took names to look after and report to him as soon as possible. Will those to whom these lists are sent see that the same is done in their respective places. If all take hold with a will this matter can be attended to at once. Let us do the work of the Lord faithfully and promptly.
In a few days we shall send lists of our subscribers to different States. These we shall send to the Presidents of the respective State T. and M. societies, and they may divide them among their respective districts and soon give us a report on unpaying subscribers. With a little explanation we commit this to our T. and M. workers. The figures after the name signifies the volume and number to which a person has paid. If it is Hans Jessen 1-1, it means that he has received the papers from the first, and has paid nothing. If it is 2-1, it means that the paper is square till the commencement of next volume. A volume will probably consist of 48 numbers. If a name stands 1-35, it means that such subscriber will have to pay for 13 papers to carry him to the end of the first volume. Full-paying subscribers are counted at 4 cents a number. To pay for thirteen papers would therefore require 52 cents.
The present number of the paper is 29 of vol. 1. If a person's figures are less than 1-29 they owe for just as many papers as their figures are less than 1-29. If their figures are more than 1-29 those figures will indicate how far in advance they are paid. Let us do faithfully and cheerfully what we find to do. J. N. L.
Now.
By John Norton Loughborough
OUR Saviour, by his precept, and especially in his life of devotion and earnest labor, teaches us the lesson of improving present opportunities for doing good. To be an effective worker for Christ, is not simply to wait till cases come up of individuals literally entreating us in tears to present the truth to them, but, Christ-like, to go about doing good. Going about, would imply seeking for opportunities to labor.
I fear with many of us, instead of watching with anxious hearts every opening providence, and improving the golden opportunities to drop a tract here, a paper there, or to speak a timely Christian counsel or tender word of warning in another place, we let many cases where it is apparent that good might be done pass by unimproved.
The apostle tells us, "Now is the accepted time." To learn how to impress our hearts with a sense of this we should make it a rule to "Never put off till to-morrow what can, and should, be done to-day." Cultivate a spirit and disposition to be prompt in all duties. All our T. and M. officers and members should learn their duties, learn to do faithfully the work pertaining to their office and position, this will tend to develop in us a spirit of caring for others' good, and for the work of the Lord.
Men of the world have discovered that to successfully manage their worldly schemes they must have efficient organization, and that the success of that organization depends on the promptness and faithfulness of every officer and worker of that organization. Though the children of this world are said to be "wiser in their generation than the children of light," it ought not so to be. We, as children of God, should consider that we are "laborers together with God" and should act faithfully our part.
The members should every one of them do thoroughly their tract and paper distribution, visiting, or letter-writing; at the same time keeping a faithful record of the same, that they may make the quarterly reports required of them. All officers, whether Secretary of State or district, directors, librarians, or business agents, should learn what is expected of them, and then by faithfulness in their work they stimulate others to diligence "all along the line."
Oh! for more men and women that shall be possessed of that disposition which Paul found in Timothy, of whom he said "I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state." It can only be continued perseverance in the path of duty which develops a habit and nature like that. We may learn duty, we may lead lives of usefulness, we may learn to improve the favored now, striking the effective blow where and when it should be struck.
J. N. L.
North Pacific Mission.
By I. D. Van Horn
The cause of the Lord is still slowly and steadily advancing in this part of the field. Those who have received the truth are generally in earnest and are bending their energies and means to advance the work.
Our last quarterly meeting was held in our new meeting-house in Walla Walla, the first Sabbath and Sunday in April. By comparing this meeting with the first one I held in this country, about one year before, I could not help noticing the contrast. Then, I saw about twenty Sabbath-keepers and a few others gathered in a small school-house near the Walla Walla River; now, there was assembled before me some seventy-five Sabbath-keepers with their children and others making a congregation of one hundred and fifty or more. Instead of occupying a school-house in the country, we assembled in our large house of worship in the city of Walla Walla. Then, we had no Sabbath-school; now, we have the best one in this Valley.
Our people have entered heartily into the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and I do not know of a single dissenting voice among them. When they get their present burden of building off their hands they will be prepared to help by their means in other directions.
This spring I have hardly known how to plan for future labor. When I came into this mission it was designed that I should labor one year in the Walla Walla Valley to assist the brethren who had been so long calling for help, and then move the tent to the Willamette Valley where the greater portion of the people live. The year is now up. I have not thought it best to go into the large towns of the Willamette Valley without some efficient laborer to help me. The brethren up here are all pleading for me to remain in this part of the field another year. There is work enough here to keep me constantly busy. I read with joy the suggestion of the President of the General Conference that Bro. E. B. Lane and wife should come to this coast and this mission to labor. I have thought of Bro. Canright as the man to labor with me here, but shall be pleased to labor with any one the General Conference Committee may see duty to send.
My present conclusion regarding labor the coming season is to remain in this upper country till after our next quarterly meeting the 1st of July. Accordingly, I have pitched the tent in the little village of Waitsburg, W. T. I have already held six meetings with good interest, considering the rainy weather and the smallness of the place. We shall do what we can in new places till the quarterly meeting. The meeting-house will be completed by that time and will then be dedicated. This will leave the work here in very good condition.
Should some one be sent to labor with me, we could ship the tent down to Portland, and immediately following our quarterly meeting here, go down there to commence the work. By that time the rainy season will be over in the Willamette Valley and we could probably run the tent there four months this season.
We hope to be directed by the providence of God in the work in this mission. Pray for us. I. D. Van Horn.
Waitsburg, May 12, 1875.
Success in the East.
REPORTS from the States show that the truth is gaining ground. Bro. Matteson writes as follows from Grundy Co., Iowa:—
For the last three weeks the interest has been good, and some souls have been gained for the truth. Twenty-five are keeping the Sabbath. Nine of these had commenced before I came. Sabbath and first-day seventeen willing souls were buried with Christ in baptism. We have commenced to organize a church of nineteen members. Others will join when there shall be another opportunity for baptism. I intend to return and labor more with them before leaving this State. It has been a source of great joy to see souls converted—some of them from drinking, swearing, and tobacco-using—to the Lord, and to hear them call in humble, earnest prayer on the name of the Lord.
Bro. Downer reports interesting meetings at Mindoro and Burns, Wis., a few more having come out on the truth.
Bro. G. W. Colcord writes from Cerro Gordo, Ill.: In Lovington our friends had raised (in cash and pledges) a sum equal to the debt incurred in building our house of worship; and on first-day, the 17th, the house was dedicated to the worship of God. Our enemies had scouted the idea of our "building a church"! We humbly say, "It is the Lord's doings."
Monday, the 25th, three were baptized, and a church of sixteen members organized. Systematic Benevolence was explained, and adopted by some; others waited to understand more fully its direct claims upon them.
Of his work for a few days in February, he says:—
I have tried to hold the post at Lovington, and push the work into new fields. Hearing of an interest south-west from Lovington, went and spoke seventeen times. These meetings were held in a school-house. Sold some tracts, and obtained ten subscribers for the papers. We understand that seven or more were confirmed in the truth of our position on the Sabbath question. These had heard but few of our lectures in Lovington. They had been reading. Two others have taken their stand with us as the result of those meetings.
Of the meetings at Cerro Gordo, he says:
From March 19 to April 25, held meetings in Cerro Gordo, commencing in the Presbyterian church; but being requested to close my meetings there "to save division" they said, I finished the course in Mr. Welly's hall. When the meeting-house was closed, I knew not what to do. Thought of the tent; but the air was too cold. Next evening a friend said: "We've secured the hall; announce for to-morrow evening." This was entirely unknown to me. Obtained eight subscribers for periodicals to be sent to Cerro Gordo, besides (by the aid of several brethren in this part of the State) sending 122 for other post-offices. Six kept the last two Sabbaths, and three others have promised to observe it in the future. Now expect to commence tent-work here.
Bro. H. A. St John says of meetings held by him at Ransom, Mich., in the month of March:—
It was my thought to hold but a few meetings in this sandy section until the roads and weather were more settled, but the interest was such that I could not leave. Many times loads went away, being unable to get even standing room in the house. Often the house was filled in the evening before it was dark. From eighteen to twenty-five, during this meeting, have signified their intention to obey the truth. Some of these may fall away, but there are others for whom we have strong hope. The interest is still quite good, and investigation goes on.
Bro. Sanborn writes of meetings held by him at Douglas Center, Wis., during the month of April as follows:—
Although it was in the hurrying time of seeding, I continued my meetings every evening, and twice on Sabbaths and first-days, for ten days. The result is that ten have commenced to keep the Sabbath; thirteen have been baptized; and a prayer society has been organized numbering fifteen. I also organized Systematic Benevolence amounting to $61.16, a year.
This good work is partly due to the faithfulness of sister Zollar, who lived in this neighborhood some time before her death. As I visited from house to house, and talked and prayed with the people, they would often speak of her faithfulness in the truth. By this, all can see how important it is that all the lonely Sabbath-keepers live so faithful to God that their lives may reflect the character of Jesus, and exemplify the power of this truth so that when God shall send his servants into such places to preach, they will not have to clear away a thick cloud of darkness and prejudice, created by an unconsecrated Sabbath-keeper, before they can gain the confidence of the people.
Brn. Hill and Decker of the Minnesota Conference, say some interesting things of an interest awakened in that State by tract labor, from which we take the following:—
For the encouragement of those engaged in this good work, we write a brief statement of what has been done in this place. A brother came here from Grove Lake during the past winter, scattered a few tracts, obtained a few subscribers for the Voice of Truth, and went his way.
It was not long before he received a letter calling for some one to come and present the present truth to the people. As soon as possible we responded to the call. When we came, we found one family striving to keep all the commandments of God, and also a general interest to hear throughout the neighborhood.
We commenced meetings a little over a week ago, and have given nine discourses. The people seemed particularly anxious to hear on the commandments and the Sabbath, and we tried, in the name of the Lord, to speak to them on these great truths. The result is that nearly the whole neighborhood can now say with Paul, "We delight in the law of God after the inward man." It is the spring of the year (a busy time), and the roads are very bad, yet the people come out, night after night, and even women walk long distances to and from the meetings, and the interest is still increasing as new ones take a stand on the truth. The spirit of inquiry is spreading into other neighborhoods, and others are calling for help. All this, dear brethren, from scattering a few tracts and obtaining a few names for the Voice. Go thou, and do likewise.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, will doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Our hearts are warm in this cause as never before. The message will soon go with power. The Lord will soon come, and angels shout the harvest home.
Order.
By S. N. Haskell
ON this subject of harmony and order in the T. and M. work, I will quote a few excellent remarks from the pen of Bro. Haskell. Of the T. and M. work as a whole he says :—
It costs no more to move aright and thus save confusion in this matter than it does to move wrong so as to bring the work into confusion. We believe that all that is wanting is an understanding, then a little care will keep everything moving like clock-work in the missionary enterprise.
Of the T. and M. work he says :—
The plan recommended, and which is found to work well thus far, in substance is as follows :—
1. Each director should hold a district quarterly meeting.
2. This quarterly meeting should be held not more than four weeks, and not less than one week, previous to the State quarterly meeting.
3. It will be perceived that all the various districts in a Conference will be thus holding their quarterly meetings within the range of four weeks of the same time.
4. The district secretary should send a report to the State secretary of the workings of the Tract Society in the district, including the doings of the district quarterly meeting, so that he may receive it in season for the State quarterly meeting.
5. This report should state, first, the number of members of the Tract Society in the district; secondly, the number of reports returned by the individual members, stating the amount of labor performed, taking up each item separately. The nature of these items may be learned from the blanks passed out by the librarian to the members each quarter.
6. The time and place of the general quarterly meetings should be agreed upon at the previous general quarterly meeting.
7. The president or vice-president and the State secretary should attend every general quarterly meeting.
8. The director and district secretary should attend every district quarterly meeting.
9. Just previous to the district quarterly meeting, the director should see that each member of the Tract Society in his district is furnished with a blank report, and also see that it is returned to the district secretary.
This can be done as follows: If there are scattered members not living in the immediate vicinity of any church, send them a blank report by mail. But members of the Tract Society living in companies, can be supplied through the librarian of said company or church; there should be a librarian in each church or company. The president of each Tract Society should see that the appointment for the general quarterly meeting is published in due season. If the president, directors, or the district secretaries, by lack of interest or a misunderstanding, should fail to do according to the system adopted, the secretary should feel a responsibility in the matter and notify them. Thus the secretary of each Conference Tract Society fills as important a position as any officer in the society, relative to the general working of the system of missionary labor.
Thus far, the missionary labor has been a success, and we look for far greater results in the future than anything we have as yet seen. We feel rejoiced to see the interest taken to work in harmony, as it is manifested in different parts of the field.
S. N. HASKELL.
Stockton.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Monday, May 24, we took down the tent after a stay here of five weeks. Bro. Waggoner remains a week or so to follow up the work, hold prayer-meetings, organize S. B., &c. Though our meetings were thoroughly advertised both by bills and the dailies, which gave us favorable notices frequently, yet our attendance was small most of the time.
Many who did attend were transient persons who heard a few sermons and then went to other places, most of them took more or less books with them. I obtained nine paying subscribers for the Signs and one for the Tidende; sold about $30 worth of books, many tracts and pamphlets, and gave away a good many. Some eighteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath, though we do not feel certain of all of them. Some live too far away to meet with them here and others will soon go to other parts. All are in moderate circumstances. Their meetings will be held in a private house. As usual, others are interested for whom we still hope. And so we have not a large or strong company here for the present. We have done the best we knew how and are thankful to God for some fruit. I enjoyed an excellent parting meeting with them the day I left.
D. M. Canright.
A Prayer.
When at thy footstool, Lord, I bend,
And plead with thee for mercy there,
Oh, think thou of the sinner's friend.
And for his sake receive my prayer!
Oh, think not of my shame and guilt,
My thousand stains of deepest dye,
Think of the blood which Jesus spilt,
And let that blood my pardon buy.
Think, Lord, how I am still thine own,
The trembling creature of thy hand;
Think how my heart to sin is prone,
And what temptations round me stand;
Oh, think how blind and weak am I,
How strong and wily are my foes;
They wrestled with thy hosts on high;
How should a worm their might oppose.
Oh, think upon thy holy word,
And every plighted promise there,—
How prayer should evermore be heard,
And how thy glory is to spare;
Oh, think not of my doubts and fears,
My strivings with thy grace divine;
Think upon Jesus' woes and tears,
And let his merits stand for mine.
Thine eye, thine ear, they are not dull;
Thine arm can never shortened be.
Behold me here—my heart is full—
Behold, and spare and succor me,
No claim, no merit, Lord I plead,
I come a humbled, helpless slave;
But, ah! the more my guilty need,
The more thy glory, Lord, to save.
Sel.