We are all well here, and laboring to advance the good cause. I have never had so much work before me as now. I preach four times a week, and have the charge of the Sabbath-school and one prayer-meeting besides. Then I have to furnish copy for the paper and for the Sabbath-school lessons.
Our work among the Scandinavians has up to the present time lacked one essential element,—a well-organized Sabbath-school. In America this want was in some degree made up by the American Sabbath-school, because most of the children would learn to speak English, and could thus be instructed out of our English Sabbath-school books. But this is not the case here. The children of Sabbath-keepers in this country must be instructed in their native tongue, or not at all.
When we started a Sabbath-school here on the American plan, it awakened an interest far beyond our expectations. Old and young vie with one another in learning their Bible lessons. The average number of members in our Sabbath-school in this city during the past quarter has been 117; average attendance, 101. Here old and young have an opportunity to become established in all points of our faith. Under these circumstances we agreed that it was a necessity to print Sabbath-school lessons, and they are now forming themselves into three small books adapted to the three divisions of the school.
Our brethren in Denmark are very much in need of these books, and they will soon be wanted by others in Norway. We are so situated here that we can print small editions and make it pay. An edition of five hundred pays the work and material, and leaves a margin besides wide enough for the trade. We print tracts in editions of five hundred, and sell them to the tract societies at the rate of twenty pages for one cent, and make it pay. The Lord has blessed our efforts, and with but little means and short experience we succeed in printing. The last issue of our paper is as neat and well printed as any reader will ask, and it looks better than any other religious paper in this country.
We mail and sell about eight hundred copies at present. And we are very glad of one feature about this paper,—that it has paid its own way and some over, since it was started, Jan. 1, 1879. We do not need to ask our brethren to help pay our debt on the paper. But we have asked them to help us to type and the necessary material for a small printing office. To this appeal our brethren in America have cheerfully responded, and we are very thankful for this help.
Our tract society in this city sells about six dollars’ worth of tracts each week. Bro. Jasperson and Roseqvist are in Skien. They will soon get a hall for meetings. Meanwhile, they have visited people and sold tracts. They had sold about eight dollars’ worth of tracts when they last wrote. Our brethren in Denmark have formed a tract society, and are at work. The consequence is that our tracts from America are all gone except two kinds and some pamphlets. Our brethren in Sweden need books and tracts. In Sweden very little can be done without tracts. Preachers who are not of the State church are not permitted to preach there, except in their own meeting-houses. But books can be sold freely, and the people like to read. Bro. Olsen, who has been with us about five months, will soon leave this place and try to labor in Sweden. It seems that the time may not be far distant when there will be a demand for Swedish tracts large enough to get them printed here.
I have furnished manuscript for about three hundred book pages during the last eight weeks, besides writing for the paper, reading proof, holding six meetings each week, and attending to several other things. The attendance and interest is increasing in our meetings since the tract society commenced to work. The house was crowded Sunday evening. The people listen with marked attention. The truth is gaining ground. Immediately after the close of the service, two of us hand out tracts for the members of the tract society, and receive the money which each one has received for tracts during the week. This takes about an hour. There is always a surplus of money in the treasury of the tract society. Then the tracts go out to different parts of the country as well as in the city.
Our quarterly meeting was well attended. Seven persons were baptized on the previous evening. Sabbath morning we felt a good degree of the presence of God. In the afternoon seventy-two brethren and sisters took part in the ordinances. This was the first time the washing of feet was introduced among them. All except two took part in this solemn ordinance. We have now in all seventy-five members in good standing.
Bro. Brorson has labored some time in the southern part of Jütland, and some souls have there embraced the truth. The fields are white for the harvest in Northern Europe. The time is short, and it is a great work to be prepared to meet our God. But this is the great aim of our lives, and we desire to win as many souls with us as possible, before the Lord shall come.
Oct. 7. J. G. MATTESON.
GONE, IS IT?
There appeared recently in The Christian Union, an article declaring that “the Puritan Sabbath is gone; not threatened, not going, but gone,” and suggesting that the future must give us a modified day of rest regulated by law, in which both laymen and preachers will, without scruple, “read the Sunday paper, ride in the Sunday cars, and trade in the Sunday market.”
A writer in the Advance of Oct. 9, 1879, severely criticises this article in The Christian Union, as a virtual surrender of the whole Sabbath controversy. He also objects to the use of the word “Sunday,” but pleads for the term “Sabbath,” and the maintenance of the Sabbatic institution, of course on the first day of the week. He says:—
“There is nothing in a mere ‘Sunday’ to beget, foster, and spread those influences that afford society and a nation the support and sustenance of the higher social virtues. But in the ‘Sabbath’ there is; . . . a Sabbath originating, not in the Westminster Catechism, but in the Old-Testament Decalogue.”
The utter misapprehension under which men are laboring in reference to the Sabbath question, is here apparent. The thought that the term Sabbath in any wise belongs to Sunday, or that it can be truthfully applied to that day, and that the decalogue can be used to enforce the observance of Sunday as a Sabbath, is one of the fatal weaknesses of the Sunday movement. Many have already learned that this cannot be done; and all will have to learn it. This is the new wine which Nicholas Bound, D. D., tried to pour into the old Sunday bottle in 1595; but it will burst it into shreds, for it has given birth to the inquiry how the fourth commandment can be made to sustain the observance of Sunday, and thus the fatal fallacy of the position is revealed.
We predict that the popular Sabbath of the future will be such an institution as The Christian Union speaks of,—an American Sabbath, not enforced by the Bible, but resting on the sanction of human law.
A FREE SUNDAY.
A Mr. Reitzel, in a speech in Patterson Park, Baltimore, Sunday afternoon, Sept. 28, said:—
“There are about 100,000 Germans in this city, and if these, taking all the circumstances into consideration, would cast their vote in the right direction, Baltimore would soon have a free Sunday. The great majority of the people are in favor of a free Sunday, and there are only a few bigoted people who wish to perpetuate the ‘Sabbath of the olden time.’”
He was followed by a Mr. Lewis N. Hirshberg, who, after declaring that no persons had a better right than the Germans to “strike from the statute books the many objectionable parts of the Sunday law,” said:—
“No, my friends; I tell you the time has come when the people, and consequently the Legislature, can no longer remain indifferent to these things, or to the behests of so large a portion of the law-abiding citizens of this city, and as a matter of policy, if for no other reason, they will modify them. Last year the petition sent to Annapolis, and signed by 7,000 people, was pigeon-holed, after having been made the special order of the day, through the influence of a few citizens and ministers. We will take the same steps next year, send another petition, and if this, too, is pigeon-holed, why we will take more decided steps, and send men there who will listen and act upon the moderate requests of our best citizens, and in this way modify this chip from the block of ‘the old blue laws.’”
This speech was received with tremendous applause. It shows how the Sunday question is being forced into politics. In Newark, N. J., it has already been made a test question. In the election in that city, Oct. 15, the German vote, which has heretofore been Republican, was cast solidly for the Democratic anti-Sunday and free-liquor candidate for mayor, giving him a majority of 3,367. Commenting on this, the Christian Statesman of Oct. 16 says:—
“But this does not settle the Sabbath [Sunday] question by a long way, even in Newark. It only shows the utterly unscrupulous character of the liquor and anti-Sabbath [anti-Sunday] interest, and that it holds all other political principles and issues subordinate to the supreme issue of license for immorality. This will help to emancipate Christian men from party bondage, and combine them in loyalty to Christian principles as supreme over all other considerations.”
There is already seen a determination on both sides which is rarely manifested at so early a stage in any controversy.
CAMP-MEETING AT EL DORADO, KANSAS.
By George I. Butler
This was a small meeting. Perhaps sixty or seventy were encamped on the ground. The weather, after the commencement, was very fine, except that the nights were quite cool. There were no very striking or remarkable features in this meeting. A good degree of interest was shown by the people. Nearly all of those encamped on the ground came forward for prayers Sabbath afternoon, when the call was made. And on Sunday, when the teetotal pledge was passed, as nearly as we could ascertain, all S. D. Adventists present who had not previously done so, signed.
A Sabbath-school was held, though our lesson sheets and Instructors did not get there in season. The Sabbath-school work was discussed, as well as the T. and M. interests. Pledges to the amount of over $100 were made to the reserve fund.
The meeting closed Monday forenoon, with a very good feeling, nearly all expressing gratitude for the benefits they had received, and claiming to have learned much more perfectly the way of life.
Many of those present had never had the benefit of a camp-meeting before, and had it not been held here most likely many would not have attended. Doubtless the profit to them was more than sufficient to compensate for the labor and expense of the meeting. All seemed to go away feeling well. GEO. I. BUTLER.
El Dorado, Kan., Oct. 20, 1879.
ILLINOIS
Farmington, Oct. 20.—We closed our meetings here last night. We have had a good attendance throughout. The no-law advocates have bitterly opposed the truth on the Bible Sabbath from the first. Nevertheless, our efforts have not been fruitless. Six have been added to the church, and yesterday five were buried with their Lord in baptism, four of whom have been Sunday-keepers. There are fourteen keeping the Sabbath here now, and we hope for others. DENNIS MORRISON.
Hoopeston and Vicinity, and East Lynn.—Since reporting last, in addition to my ordinary work I have given three discourses in reply to opposition efforts by a Christian preacher, one of which was made at East Lynn to draw away my congregation, and another in the school-house where I have been preaching. The result thus far has been that several minds have been settled in favor of the truth, and I have received a special invitation from a prominent member of the Christian church to hold meetings at East Lynn.
As Bro. Gros is obliged to leave me, unless I get suitable help I shall not be able to give a full course of lectures at East Lynn. I have an appointment out to give two discourses in that place in reply to opposition efforts.
Last Sabbath I organized a Sabbath-school of twenty members. Others who were absent will unite. The penny contribution was adopted.
Oct. 20. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Rockford, Oct. 22.—Commenced meetings at Lena, Sept. 2. On Sabbath, Sept. 27, the brethren from surrounding neighborhoods came in, and we organized a union Sabbath-school to meet the first Sabbath of each month at Nora, with four branch schools. I then went to a school-house five miles south of Apple River, where we have a small company of Sabbath-keepers. I came when most needed, and trust I left them with much better courage than I found them.
Oct. 1, spoke in a hall in Nora. A good interest to hear the truth was manifest. Expect to commence a series of meetings here Dec. 6.
Oct. 3, I visited Winslow, and had a good hearing from the outside. One was baptized. Oct. 10, commenced meetings at Belvidere. Had a good meeting. The brethren here, although unorganized, seem to have the spirit of the work. On Sunday we organized a Health and Temperance club, established regular monthly meetings, etc. All seem willing to do their part. I also visited Ridott Oct. 7, and spoke once. One young man of some promise had lately embraced the Sabbath through reading.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that.” The work is onward. C. H. BLISS.
MICHIGAN
Mason.—As the interest here was good, the brethren at Alaiedon furnished us with wood and a large stove during the recent cold weather, so we still keep our tent up; but we shall take it down as soon as it is sufficiently dry to pack. We shall then be obliged to hold our meetings in a private house. We are just starting a Sabbath-school. There are about twenty-five Sabbath-keepers here now, and others are investigating the Sabbath question. Pray for us. T. M. STEWARD. E. P. DANIELS.
Dist. No. 11.—According to appointment in REVIEW, I attended the quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 11, at Bancroft, Oct. 11 and 12. The meeting was thinly attended, and the churches failed to report; hence much that ought to have been interesting was lacking. But a few friends had kindly contributed to a paper prepared for that district, called “The Morning Star,” devoted to tract and missionary and health and temperance work, which was listened to with interest.
Our meetings were well attended by the brethren and sisters of Bancroft and Vernon, and there were a few from other places. On Sunday evening we had quite a good turnout of the citizens of the place, who listened with attention and candor. The meeting-house at Bancroft will soon be completed. It will be the first in the place. T. M. STEWARD.
Dist. No. 12.—Sabbath, Oct. 18, I met with the Dryden church, and was glad to see some there from Almont and Imlay City. I spoke on the progress of our cause, and the importance of engaging in the work of the tract society, after which we had a good social meeting. Nearly all expressed a desire to engage more heartily in this branch of the work. In the evening we had a tract society meeting, and we were glad to see the brethren and sisters come up nobly to the work. If all would do as well as the few here, our debt would soon be lifted.
I then introduced the subject of temperance, and nearly every one present signed the teetotal pledge. One of these was a good sister who has been tampering with the weed, but who now resolves, by the help of the Lord, to be free. GEO. O. STATES, Director.
Lakeview.—Oct. 11 and 12, I attended the quarterly meeting at Lakeview. There was quite a representation from the other churches in the district. Commencing with the evening of the Sabbath, seven meetings were held. A social meeting Sabbath morning at 9 A. M., was followed by a Sabbath-school in which the schools at Muir and Lyons, Orleans, Saranac, Vergennes, Greenville, and Morley were represented. After the recitations and general questions, remarks were made by F. Howe, Eld. Van Deusen, and others. At 1 P. M. there was a discourse on baptism, after which four were baptized. In the evening, Eld. Van Deusen spoke on the subject of temperance, and quite a number signed the pledge.
Sunday morning we had an excellent prayer and social meeting, after which the tract society business was taken up. In the evening, Eld. Van Deusen spoke to an attentive congregation on the coming of the Lord. On the whole, we trust we had a profitable meeting.
Eld. Van Deusen remains to hold meetings during the week. J. FARGO.
Jefferson, Hillsdale Co.—The quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 1 was held at this place. There was a good attendance, the best they ever have had at a meeting of this kind. The meeting suffered some by a few returning home before its close; but a spirit of interest characterized it all the way through.
We had a good Sabbath-school Sabbath morning, in which nearly all took part. The interest in this work is so great that a Sabbath-school convention could be held with profit at the time of their quarterly meeting.
The business of the tract society occupied two meetings. Harmony prevailed. A large proportion of the pledges that were made during the past year to clear the district from a long-standing debt have been paid. When the remainder are paid, the district will be free from debt. As the debt rolls off, courage comes in, and we trust well-directed efforts in the future will not only keep the district clear from debt, but will accomplish much good in spreading a knowledge of the truth.
Sunday forenoon we gave a discourse on temperance, after which we obtained fifty signers to the teetotal pledge. Let us give the temperance interest a little time and room at these general meetings. After the services in the afternoon we repaired to Bird Lake, where seven, four adults and three children, were buried with their Lord in baptism. Thus closed our good district quarterly meeting. M. B. MILLER.
Cedar Lake.—Bro. Francis Nelson reports that the church at Cedar Lake has recently been greatly revived and encouraged by the labors of Eld. O. Soule. Six have for the first time commenced the Christian life, and two who had previously kept the Sabbath have been baptized and have united with the church.
Nebraska Conference.
By C. L. Boyd; Geo. S. Reichard
The second annual session of the Nebraska Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Seward, Neb., Oct. 2-7. In all, twenty-three churches were represented by delegates.
The president, being authorized to appoint the various committees, announced the following: On nominations, Stephen Rider, J. C. Williams, H. A. Whitaker; on resolutions, Eld. Geo. B. Starr, R. R. Chess, N. H. Hopkins; auditing committee, Stephen Rider, O. W. Bent, J. C. Middaugh, J. B. Stilwell, Robert Gardiner, N. H. Hopkins, C. P. Bollman; on credentials and licenses, Stephen Rider, J. C. Middaugh, H. A. Whitaker, O. W. Bent.
The Sabbath-keepers at New Era, Ord, Albion, El Dorado, Halifax, Eagle, and Syracuse151were taken under the watchcare of the Conference.
The committee on nominations recommended the following-named persons as officers of the Conference for the ensuing year: For president, C. L. Boyd; secretary, R. R. Chess, Albion, Boone Co., Neb.; treasurer, J. C. Middaugh, Fremont, Neb.; executive committee, C. L. Boyd, H. Shultz, and Geo. B. Starr. These persons were unanimously elected to their respective offices.
The committee on credentials and licenses recommended that the credentials of Elds. Chas. L. Boyd and H. Shultz be renewed, and that Geo. B. Starr be ordained and receive credentials. It was also recommended that Daniel Nettleton, A. J. Cudney, Geo. S. Reichard, O. P. Bollman, R. R. Chess, and F. G. Harris receive licenses. Credentials and licenses were granted accordingly.
The committee on resolutions reported as follows:—
Whereas, The second annual session of the Nebraska Conference of S. D. Adventists shows an encouraging prosperity of the cause both in numbers and in the spiritual condition of our people, therefore
Resolved, That we express gratitude to God for the aid of his Spirit, and for the means placed in our hands to extend a knowledge of the present truth.
Whereas, The existence of the tract society has proved to be an efficient means of placing the evidences of the truth before the people, and bringing many to Christ, therefore
Resolved, That we cherish it as an institution worthy of our united support; and that we urge upon all Sabbath-keepers the necessity of becoming active members at once.
Whereas, A thorough knowledge of the truths of God's word is of the greatest importance both to ourselves and children, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend the formation of Sabbath-schools in all our churches and in the families of isolated Sabbath-keepers, for the systematic study of God's word.
Resolved, That we hail with joy the health and temperance movement and the formation of a State Association, as being in perfect harmony with the Christian religion; and that we recommend the formation of local societies in every church in this Conference.
Whereas, The testimony of Jesus was to be one of the characteristics by which the remnant people of God were to be known, therefore
Resolved, That we return gratitude to God for the manifestations of this gift in our midst; and that we show our appreciation of it by giving heed to its warnings, and by recommending that a circulating library of Sr. White's works be purchased by each church company, and read by all its members.
Resolved, That the work of our ministers is not complete in any field until the subjects of Christian temperance, S. B., and spiritual gifts are presented.
Resolved, That a vote of thanks be extended to Messrs. Moffitt and Harris for the free use of the camp-ground.
The treasurer's report showed that the expenditures of the Conference exceed its receipts.
It was voted that one-tenth of our S. B. be paid to the General Conference; also that a reserve fund be raised to purchase tents.
In all, three business meetings were held.
Adjourned sine die.
C. L. Boyd, Pres.
Geo. S. Reichard, Sec.
H. A. ST. JOHN
Ohio.
Clarksfield.—Since my last report the Congregationalist church has been closed against us, which action, as usual in such cases, has worked in our favor. The directors immediately opened the village school-house, which stood near by, which is even a better place for meetings than the dilapidated old church. Opposition is now rising somewhat, and this gives us some hope that more good will be accomplished. We continue one week or longer.
H. A. ST. JOHN
North Bloomfield, Bedford, and North Solon.—All that attended the meeting at North Bloomfield, Oct. 4, 5, were greatly encouraged to go forward. One good sister took a stand for the truth, and two were baptized and united with the church. A local temperance society was organized, and a good interest was manifested in all branches of the cause.
We organized a church of five members at Bedford. Others will soon unite with them. An elder and a clerk and treasurer were chosen. Two more have decided to obey the truth at North Solon.
R. A. UNDERWOOD. J. C. BARTLETT.
OUR CAMP-MEETING.
By Joseph Clarke
The camp-meeting held at Windsor, Henry Co., Mo., Oct. 9-13, was a good and profitable meeting. The interest increased to the close. Eld. Geo. J. Butler labored hard and with much love and plainness to arouse the church to action, and a deep feeling of interest in the word spoken was manifest. Elds. Wood and Chaffee greatly aided in the preaching of the word. The absence of Bro. and Sr. White was deeply felt; but all seemed inclined to do what they could, and the good, uniting influence of the Holy Spirit was felt in every meeting.
The testimony sent to the Missouri Conference at this meeting was very much to the point. It was close, searching, and clear; and nearly all accepted it in humility and contrition of heart. The ministers in this State took an especial interest in the testimony, and expressed a determination to go forward in the pathway so clearly laid out. The model Sabbath-school was organized by Bro. N. W. Allee, and was a very interesting feature of the meeting.
There were about seventeen family tents on the ground, and quite a number of families in the old circular tent; some lodged in covered wagons, and others occupied rooms in Windsor, only about one-third of a mile from the camp. The people of the town and vicinity were very kind and obliging.
The prominent place given in Eld. Butler's discourses to the influences of the Holy Spirit in the great work of elevating the Christian character, is worthy of special mention. It was shown and proven from the word of God and the history and experience of the church, that without the influence of the Holy Spirit the ablest efforts of men are vain and abortive, while with the aid of this Spirit all that is good and desirable may be accomplished. It was observed that in the testimonies of the brethren and sisters this principle had a place; a universal desire was expressed to obtain a greater measure of the Holy Spirit, and to drink more deeply into the spirit of this work.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
By P. Alderman
WHAT joy to think of all the love
That Christ bestows on me,
And trust the precious sacrifice
Offered on Calvary.
O scene of scenes! one wondering look
I backward turn to thee;
O Lamb of Heaven! can I forget
The One who died for me?
No; let my hand forget to move,
My tongue to silence fall,
If I forget the dying love
Of Christ, my all in all!
With childlike faith I turn to thee,
And to that cleansing tide;
Renew my soul, nor let one sin
In my poor heart abide.
P. ALDERMAN.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
Mt. Jackson.—After making an effort at Bolivar, I held a few meetings in a neighborhood three miles west of this place, where there are eight Sabbath-keepers. Mrs. Sanborn is at present living in the neighborhood, and doing a large amount of missionary work, which is increasing continually. If we succeed in carrying out our plans, one thousand copies of the Signs will soon come into this mission every week.
Bro. Fultz and I design to start on a trip next Monday toward the southern part of the State, to obtain names for V. M. workers, and to circulate reading matter. Then we shall be able to furnish names to societies in other States.
Our quarterly meetings just past were good. The preaching was practical and searching, and all the lovers of the truth seemed encouraged to be more faithful than in the past. The V. M. workers are now sending out weekly thirty-five copies of the Signs. They also raised about $26.00 in donations and pledges, to add to our tract fund. We have some money on hand and a good supply of tracts. The church at Zion, Page Co., is now fully organized, having eleven members and an ordained elder and deacon. They have a Sabbath-school. The work moves slowly, but I trust its progress is sure. Pray for us. I. SANBORN.
VERMONT
By A. S. Hutchins
Cabot and Warren.—Oct. 11, 12, I held meetings with the little church at Cabot. Bro. R. S. Owen, on his way to the southern part of the State, was with us. We think our visit was timely, encouraging believers.
The work on the meeting-house is progressing. Paul bears record as to the willingness of some of his brethren to work “beyond their power;” and so may we say respecting the sacrifice some of these brethren have made in thus far completing their house, but they must have more help if they complete it this fall, as should be done for the good of the cause in this locality. It is very much needed for their weekly meetings, and that a course of lectures may be given there early in the ensuing winter, if the General Conference Committee send us help to supply the place of Eld. C. W. Stone, by them called from the State.
The following friendly words from some one watching our work here, I clipped from a Montpelier paper of a recent issue:— “LOWER CABOT.—The Seventh-day Adventists are rapidly progressing with their new church, and the prospects of its completion before cold weather are good. The church is small, but it is better adapted to a small audience than a large one would be. When finished it will be neat, plain, and pretty, nothing being put in for mere show. We shall then have four churches in town instead of three, in consequence of opposition; and that opposition to a new sect tends to increase its numbers and energize its forces. Clergymen would do well to thoroughly investigate the scriptural authority for the change of Sabbath from the seventh to the first day, lest the ‘blind lead the blind and both fall into the ditch.’”
Agreeably to appointment, meetings were held in Warren on the 18th and 19th inst. Brethren and sisters were present from each side of the Green Mountains. The State secretary of the tract society, two directors, and the secretary of the State Sabbath-school Association and temperance organization were present, which contributed to the interest of the meetings.
The word was preached with freedom, an interesting Sabbath-school was held, the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated, and two persons were added to the church. A tract society meeting was held, in which many words of good cheer were spoken; and the first local H. and T. club of the State among S. D. Adventists was organized.
I am satisfied that we, as a religious body, looking for the soon-coming of Christ, and hoping for the rest that remaineth to the people of God, should, with the blazing banner of health and temperance reform, stand ahead of every other people.
Temperance is one of the fruits of the Spirit, against which “there is no law” nor sound reason. Peter would have us “give all diligence” in adding one Christian grace to another, in doing which we must add to knowledge temperance; and if the man of God does not do this, he not only lacks knowledge, but he certainly will fail in erecting the monument of Christian graces.
Paul says: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.” A. S. HUTCHINS.
Oct. 21.
FINDING THE LIGHT.
Mrs. Annie Sufficool, of Clark Co., Wis., writes:—
I have recently been brought to see the light of the “third angel’s message.” I now rejoice in the glorious law of liberty. God is revealing and pointing out to my inquiring heart the straight and narrow path. The REVIEW is a welcome visitor to our home, and we shall endeavor to do all the good we can by putting it into the hands of others. We have a little band of commandment-keeping people in our neighborhood, who are earnestly seeking to make Heaven their home. May God help us one and all.
FROM BRO. RODMAN.
By P. C. Rodman
I FIND that in the last few years I have not had that heartfelt interest and zeal for the cause of truth that I had when I first embraced the third message. I had become overanxious about the things of this life, instead of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and trusting in him who feeds the raven and clothes the lily. But for a few months past I have been trying to draw near the Lord, and he has heard the voice of my supplication and accepted my confession of sins. He is giving me the love of the truth as in former days, and restoring to me the joy of his salvation, for which I praise him with all my heart.
If the above is read by any who have wandered from God, let me beseech you to return at once while the Lord is waiting to be gracious. Tarry not in the wilderness of sin, but make haste and delay not to draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. “Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” To draw back is perdition, but to hold fast the faith unto the end in obeying the truth will secure a passport through the gates into the eternal city. See Rev. 22: 14.
Brethren of New England, pardon me for grieving you by my coldness, and pray for me. Yours in hope, P. C. Rodman. Sanitarium.
AN APPEAL TO THE BRETHREN IN VIRGINIA.
By I. Sanborn
I BELIEVE the time has come when it is very important that all Seventh-day Adventists should pay their tithes. How can we expect the blessing of God, if we refuse or neglect to do this duty. To all who are doubting he says, “Prove me.” I would therefore ask the lonely Sabbath-keepers in Virginia to send all their tithes, every quarter, to A. C. Neff, Quicksburg, Shenandoah Co., Va. He is the legally authorized treasurer for the State, and will faithfully take care of all our tithes, and hold them subject to the order of the General Conference Committee, who will see that the money is properly used to advance the third angel’s message in this State. You can send by post-office order or by registered letter.
Now do not fail to attend to this. If you are faithful and prompt in the performance of this and all other duties, you may expect to see the message spread and souls converted to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, in this State. I. SANBORN.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth” Rev. 14:13.
Whitcomb.—Died, Sept. 15, 1879, at St. Louis, Mich., Daniel L. Whitcomb, infant son of Levi P. and Nancy E. Whitcomb, aged 6 months. Funeral service by the writer; text, 1 Cor. 15: 21. JAMES M. NICHOLS.
Merchant.—Died in Brooks Co., Ga., Sept. 26, 1879. Burie, only daughter of Bro. and Sr. I. T. Merchant, aged 5 years, 3 months, and 19 days. Burie was an interesting child. Our mourning brother and sister will find comfort in Jer. 31; also in 1 Thess. 4. C. O. TAYLOR.
Preston.—My brother, John S. Preston, died of inflammation of the bowels, at Marion, Ill., Sept. 2, 1879, aged 75 years. He leaves a faithful companion and four children to mourn his loss, but they mourn not as those without hope, for we believe he sleeps in Jesus. C. B. PRESTON.
Hull.—Died of diphtheria, in Alaiedon, Mich., Sept. 26, 1879, Frank J., son of Bro. Truman Huley, aged 11 years, 9 months, and 7 days. This is a sad bereavement to these parents, yet they mourn not as those without hope. Sermon by the writer, from 1 Cor. 15: 26. T. M. STEWARD.
Leonard.—Died of typhoid fever, near Osseo, Hillsdale Co., Mich., Oct. 13, 1879, Mrs. Ann Eliza Leonard, aged 19 years, 1 month, and 12 days. Ann Eliza was an obedient child and made a kind companion, but death claimed her so soon as his, thus leaving a husband to mourn for her, and a little daughter to feel the loss of a mother's love and care. Funeral services were held in the Baptist church at Osseo, where the writer addressed a full congregation from the words, “For the living know that they shall die.” M. B. MILLER.
Leach.—Died near Olivet, Mich., Sept. 22, 1879, of paralysis of the heart, after an illness of less than one-half hour, sister Esther Leach, aged nearly 77 years. When about eighteen years of age she gave her heart to the Master; and when called to close her earthly career gave evidence that she was ready to respond. She had kept the Bible Sabbath since 1855. Her death caused sorrow to friends, three children, and her aged husband with whom she had lived 53 years. Funeral services, Sept. 23; text, Num. 23: 10. G. W. COLCORD.
Foster.—One of the members of our little church, sister Mary Foster, of Haverhill, Mass., died Sept. 28, aged 79 years and 8 months. Our sister was one of the oldest members, having united with the church at the time of its organization by Bro. Loughborough in 1864. Her mind was very much impaired in her last years, but the tender care of her children did not fail her. It has been said of her that she was seldom seen without her Bible in her hand. She leaves one son and two daughters to mourn her loss. May the consolations of their mother's religion become theirs also. Words of comfort were spoken by Rev. Charles Cole, Disciple, of Haverhill. MRS. FRANK PEABODY.