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Review and Herald, Vol. 44, No. 11.

THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
Earlier text: Baptism as Memorial of Christ's Death and Resurrection

OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

By George I. Butler

Thoughts on Church Government.—No. 5.

OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.

In the prosperity of the local church, much depends upon the proper selection of officers. Therefore, great care should be used in choosing them. Especially is this true in regard to the elder. Our General Conference has recommended that in the selection of an elder for the church, a committee of three shall nominate a candidate for office, the committee to consist of the officiating minister and two other persons named by him. This, perhaps, is the best course which could be pursued. The church is left free to act, and the probabilities are, that the nomination will be as satisfactory as any which could be made. It would be well for the same committee to nominate a deacon and clerk. The church, of course, are not obliged to sanction the action of the nominating committee, unless they think best.
The Bible has very clearly set before us the qualifications which an elder should possess. They are principally contained in 1 Tim. 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. The words bishop and elder are here translated from different words, but signify about the same, as appears from Titus where the words are used interchangeably. They refer to those who oversee and take charge of the church. The qualifications referred to above are very high, and the great difficulty is to find those who possess these qualifications. We have to use such material as we have at our command. But in some instances the deficiency is so plain that the church cannot be fully organized by the election of officers, but a mere leader has to be appointed temporarily. This is always detrimental to the prosperity of the church. No church will prosper as it should without an efficient elder. There is much important work to be done by an elder in every church, which, however, in most cases is sadly neglected; hence, we do not see all that prosperity that should exist.
In morals as much depends upon one who has ability to teach and direct as in education. A school cannot prosper without an efficient teacher. Hence the apostle says, “apt to teach.” Not only must he possess a good moral character and have ability to teach, but he must have ability to govern. “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.” “If he know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” No one will ever fully succeed as a minister, or an elder, who most lacks in family government. If he has not sufficient judgment to manage a small family circle of children, how much more difficulty he will find in managing a large number of grown people. The same faculties will be called into exercise in both cases. In the selection of elders, these points should always be closely considered.
After their election, they may be ordained by an ordained minister, and are then prepared to enter upon the duties of their office. They may baptize and administer the ordinances, and may do any of the duties proper to be done by those in offices lower than themselves in the church. Let us notice briefly some of the duties of the elder, as set before us in the Bible, toward those under his care.
In Acts 20:28–31, Paul speaks to the elders of the church of Ephesus: “Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseer, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood; for I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things. Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” This scripture sets before us the duty of “taking heed,” of “watching,” and “feeding the flock of God.” These were local elders over the church of Ephesus whom he was addressing.
The apostle also gives us a wonderful example of faithfulness in this scripture, and intimates that elders should follow it. For three years he watched over the welfare of the church, night and day with tears. He did not cease from this. We do not know of a more eminent example in the Bible. No elder will ever see prosperity follow his labors who has not some of this faithful spirit. He is an “overseer.” The flock are under his charge. If he has not interest enough in them to carefully watch over them for their good, to warn the unruly, to strengthen the weak, and earnestly work for the good of all, he will doubtless see very little accomplished by his eldership.
Many local elders act as if they had wholly done their duty when they have met with the church in meeting, opened it by prayer, given a short exhortation, and closed the meeting at the proper time, administered the ordinances occasionally, and possibly baptized some. But these things are a very small part of his duty. He is to “feed the flock of God.” He is to watch over them, warn them of danger, plead with them even with tears when going astray.
What is it to feed the flock of God? It is to take God's word, and draw from that great fountain, such instruction as will build them up, and make them grow spiritually. It is not merely to talk theory. It is not to argue and contend over points of faith, but to give such practical instruction as will develop in those who accept it, the graces of the spirit—love, joy, peace, faith, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance, honesty, temperance, godliness, patience, and, in short, those characteristics which were seen in Jesus Christ. The flock must become like him if ever saved to reign with him. It is the elder's business to feed such provender as will make the flock grow in these very directions. It is none of his business how much of this kind of provender they are willing to eat. It is his duty to furnish it, for the scripture says so. Their duty comes in afterward. He is not responsible for their part of the work if he only does his faithfully. But he will be responsible for their eternal ruin, if he accepts such a position as overseer and makes no reasonable effort to do the plain duty which the position demands. He is either a slothful, lazy servant, or one who presumptuously accepts a position, the duties of which he knows nothing about. He should know its duties. They are plainly pointed out. That is his very business. But they will require of him an individual experience in the things of God, because he cannot instruct another in things he does not himself understand.
Peter also gives instruction to elders. 1 Pet. 5:1–4. “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed; feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” The same general ideas are here expressed by Peter that Paul expresses in the other text. Elders are “overseers” or under shepherds, the Lord Jesus himself being chief Shepherd. The relation of shepherd to the flock is a beautiful and expressive one. The shepherd is personally interested in every one of the flock. It is his greatest interest to see every one thrive. His all is invested in their well-being. He sees that the tender lambs are carefully nursed. When the storm beats violently, he even carries them in his bosom. He watches lest the wild beast should tear and destroy. When one goes upon dangerous ground, he warns him back. He holds in check the strong and unruly, and gives the weaker their proper chance. He does not drive, but leads. The sheep hear his voice and follow him. He goes in advance, and gives the proper direction. They follow in implicit confidence, having learned from experience that his watchcare is the truest safety.
So should it ever be with the elder. The shepherd is the inspired illustration of his office. He should not therefore sit down in idleness, and let the flock go as they please, and where they please, without any effort on his part; but should have a true and faithful watchcare over them, always remembering that his power extends only to advice, reproof, and admonition. He is not a “lord over God’s heritage,” but an example to the flock. But he should faithfully warn the erring, lest their blood be found in his skirts. If the watchman see the danger of those under his charge, and make no effort to let them know it, he is as really guilty of their blood as he would be to see a person in unconscious danger of temporal death, and make no effort to warn him. What would we think of a man who saw his neighbor about stepping over a precipice, and should make no effort to save him? Would he not be a party to his death? Why does not this same principle apply to those seeing one in danger of eternal death? especially to those acting as “overseers,” whose very duty it is to watch for their good?
GEO. I. BUTLER.
(To be continued.)

The Special Work of the Spirit Attends Every Special Work of God.

By R. F. Cottrell

Many have rejected the third angel’s message, and many stand aloof and in doubt concerning it, not because its teachings in respect to the law and the gospel are false, but simply because the work is accompanied by a special manifestation of the Spirit of God. If there was nothing of this kind in the work, they think they could receive it as the truth, and as a genuine work of God. Take away the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy—rob the work of its special credentials as a special work of God—and they could receive it. Then they could number themselves with the remnant of the woman’s seed, “which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Now it is self-evident that the proclamation of the last message of probation is a special work. In its importance it is not exceeded by any work ever performed among men upon earth. At different times in the past, when the special promises of God became due, there have been special interpositions of God’s providence in their fulfillment. The fulfillment of these special promises in the development of the great plan of salvation is what I call special works of God. And I affirm that God never performed such a work without the presence of direct and special inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let us notice some examples.
God made a promise to Abraham that after his children should serve the Egyptians four hundred years, he would bring them out of their bondage to the land he had promised to give them. And when “the time of the promise” was come, he sent Moses, filled with the Spirit and endowed with miraculous powers, and with the promise, “I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say;” and so redeemed the promise which he had made.
Another instance we find in the fulfillment of the promised restoration after the seventy years’ captivity in Babylon. Few and feeble were the Israelites that returned to build again Jerusalem and the temple of God. Their enemies stood ready to oppose the work by every available means. There was much to discourage the people; but God had promised; and it was not by the power of the people, but by the Spirit of God, that the work was to be accomplished. Zech. 4: 6, 7. But for the prophesyings of Haggai and Zechariah, it is evident that the work would not have been accomplished. But “they prospered through the prophesyings of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel.” Ezra 6: 14. Can the exceeding great and tremendous work of the closing messages of probation be accomplished without the gift of prophecy to unite and encourage the feeble laborers? No. With emphasis all must say, No! Without it the work could never have been brought to its present state of development; but with it, will prosper to its completion.
We have another instance in John the Baptist. The Lord had promised to send a messenger before the Messiah to prepare the way. In order for Christ to be the Christ of promise, the promised messenger must precede him. There was no greater prophet than John; and yet it is expressly affirmed of him that he “did no miracle.” The light of prophecy, without the aid of miracles, was sufficient proof of his mission. It was by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that his work was accomplished.
No special message, no special work was ever done without divine inspiration. Will the closing messages, than which there has been no greater, be an exception to this general rule? The idea would be preposterous, had not the Spirit described the remnant of the church as having “the testimony of Jesus,” which is “the spirit of prophecy.”
The work in which we are engaged is a work of promise; and it is second in importance to no other, from the beginning to the end of the world. It should have the special sanction and aid of the Spirit of God. This is promised in the Scriptures of truth. See the tract entitled, The Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts. And it is not only reasonable and scriptural that it should be expected, but the promise is being fulfilled. The builders in this work know what is promised in prophecy—that such a work must and will be done; but they would lack the essential unity and courage to prosper in the work, and might in discouragement conclude, as the returned Israel of old, “that the time is not come” for the work to be performed. Hag. 1: 3. It is encouragement to put forth united effort that is needed. It is the assurance that the builders will be successful when they put all their energies into the work. Encouraging words like these: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.” The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it.”
If God spoke through the gift of prophecy to aid and carry forward the work of rebuilding the temple, that his promise might be fulfilled in its restoration, will he not speak in that way to those who have the last message to proclaim to mankind—a message upon which the destiny of the last generation living is to be decided. Reasoning from analogy the conclusion is inevitable; and besides this we have the sure promise of God’s word for it. The presence of the gift of prophecy, therefore, is no objection; on the contrary, its absence would be the greatest objection against the genuineness of the work.
R. F. Cottrell.

Bishop Latimer on the Advent.

By E. L. Sands

The views of this prelate who was burned in 1555 when eighty years old, are thus given by Barnes in his Notes on Rev. 10:—
Thus Bishop Latimer: “Let us cry to God day and night. Most merciful Father, let thy kingdom come! St. Paul saith, The Lord will not come till the swerving from the faith cometh, 2 Thess. 2:3, which thing is already done and past. Antichrist is already known throughout all the world. Wherefore the day is not far off.”

“SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.” JOHN 5:39.

Holy Bible! book divine! Precious treasure, thou art mine! One of such a sinful birth, Scarce can realize thy worth.
Mine to teach me that the Lord Will fulfill his promised word, And will come again in power, At the right appointed hour.
Mine to teach me that the way To the realms of endless day Is by faith in Jesus’ blood, And the holy law of God.
Mine to teach me they who sleep, In the grave in darkness deep, Shall arise from land and sea, And with Christ forever be.
Mine to teach me that the earth, Passing through its grand new birth, The inheritance shall be, Of the meek eternally.
Mine to teach me that to share, Such a home all free from care, We a city seek to come, E’en the new Jerusalem.
Mine to teach me they that do God’s commandments shall pass through The gates of pearl, and precious stone, And sit with Jesus on his throne.
Mine to teach me life’s fair tree, There on either side will be Of the river flowing on From Jehovah’s dazzling throne.
And its leaves will healing bear To the nations gathered there, And its fruit each month shall show With its rich and heavenly glow.
Holy Bible! guide I pray All my footsteps day by day, Till the Lord beyond the flood, Saves me by his precious blood.
E. L. SANDS. Decatur, Neb.

Our Times

By Jos. Clarke

Our lot is cast to live in a period of time which, from the best light we can get, is one of marked importance and solemnity. Prophets and wise men have pointed to this century as the closing one for earth, and we, in 1874, are truly near its close.
At this time, events passing and events recorded, all proclaim, with fearful certainty, the truth of prophecy, and the nearness of the great day to which all devout minds, in ages past, have looked, and for which they have longed with solemn delight.
Scoffers everywhere lift up their unconsecrated voices and deride the doctrine of the advent, and slander and ridicule its advocates, thus fulfilling the word of God, that such should arise in the last days. Perilous times have arrived; the sixth seal opening with the great earthquake and closing with the rolling up of the heavens as a scroll, and the wail of the lost, has been spread out in all its clearness. This seal was first broken in 1755.
Only a few short years remain, and shall we remain secure? Shall we sleep on? Shall we bury our talents? Is this a time to roll up wealth and heap up treasure on the earth? Is this a time to build and improve for future generations? Is this a time to neglect God and his salvation? Is this a time to ignore the prophecies and to reject the testimony of Jesus? Shall we shut up the vision now, as Daniel was told to shut it up more than two thousand years ago?
About eighteen centuries since, the apostle John was commanded not to seal the sayings of the prophecy; for the time was at hand. Have eighteen centuries so changed the order that the prophecy is now sealed, and so mysterious that no one is to understand?
Is this a time to become skeptical? Is this a time to go on in sin? Is it a time to neglect prayer and watchfulness, and to backslide from God? Is it a time to forget God, and to love this present world? Is this a proper time to bury the one talent, or to be found beating the fellow-servant and eating and drinking with the drunken?
Christian, shall we now, just as the last day approaches, with all its wonderful realities, neglect to fill our lamps and trim them? No, no. Let us all be in readiness for the wedding.
Jos. CLARKE.

An Old Description of Modern Belles.

The following is an extract from a letter written by the poet, Burns, to a young lady of his time.
If the description he gives of fashionable young females was true in his day, what shall be said of its application to that portion of the human race at the present time? The crowd of “Nothings” has not diminished, and there is ample room for the “Somethings” to assert their existence. May the ranks of that useful class be rapidly recruited.
Now let me add a few wishes which every man, who has himself the honor of being a father, must breathe when he sees female youth, beauty, innocence, about to enter into this much-chequered and precarious world. May you, my young madam, escape that frivolity, which threatens universally to pervade the minds and manners of fashionable life. To pass by the rougher and still more degenerate sex; the mob of fashionable female youth, what are they? Are they anything? They prattle, laugh, sing, dance, finger a lesson, or perhaps turn over the pages of a fashionable novel; but are their minds stored with any information worthy of the noble powers of reason and judgment? or do their hearts glow with sentiment, ardent, generous, and humane? Were I to poetize on the subject, I would call them the butterflies of the humankind; remarkable only for, and distinguished only by, the idle variety of their gaudy glare; sillily straying from one blossoming weed to another, without a meaning, and without an aim; the idiot prey of every pirate of the skies, who thinks them worth his while as he wings his way by them; and speedily by wintry time swept to that oblivion whence they might as well never had appeared. Amid this crowd of nothings, may you, madam, be something! May you be a character, dignified as a rational and immortal being!

E. B. & E. S. LANE

By E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane

Ohio.

OUR last report left us at Pulaskiville with the tent. Remained there eight weeks. Harvesting, short evenings, and occasional storms, made the gatherings uncertain—some evenings large, others small, being in a country place; still the attendance was good, all things considered.
Prejudice and opposition were strong. At our closing discourse about three hundred were present, it being a review of a discourse given by a Baptist minister on the Sabbath question. Two elders of the Disciple church were present, and at the close of the discourse asked some questions, and one of them announced a review at his church a few miles distant, on next “Lord’s day” (?). We told the congregation we should expect to be present and reply if an opportunity was given. The time came and with it several hundred convened, who listened to a two-hours’ effort, to prove the abolition of the law of God.
We then replied. It is when truth and error are closely contrasted that truth shines brightest, and in this instance, to me, truth never seemed clearer, while in the judgment of many, a decided victory was gained for the law of God. We have since received a challenge by them to discuss the Sabbath question. Thirteen have decided to serve God by obeying all his commandments.
August 3, we took down the tent and moved it by team sixteen miles and pitched it the same day at Lexington, and commenced meetings the 4th. The good influence of the camp-meeting held here last fall, with books and tracts which have been scattered, has prepared the people to hear. Our evening attendance is usually about two hundred, often more, while on Sunday over seven hundred were counted at one gathering and all three meetings that day were about equally attended. A large camp-meeting held near here has affected our attendance some.
We are now giving the Sabbath question, which is arousing quite an interest. One has already decided to keep it. We hope for many others.

E. B. & E. S. LANE

August 20, 1874.

Northern Kansas.

By J. H. Rogers

Left home July 7 to join Bro. Chaffee with the North-western Kansas tent. Continued with him till the 23d. I went to Bull City, Osborn Co., to look after the cause there. Commenced meetings there on Sabbath, the 25th, and continued with them until August 5. This church has been passing through severe trials until the enemy had almost gotten the mastery. I visited from house to house, and bore a very pointed testimony among them; and, by the help of the Lord, love and confidence now exist where there had been bitter feelings in the past. Nine were baptized. They now number about forty. I have reason to hope they will learn an important lesson by the things which they have suffered. Let us get the Spirit of our loving and compassionate Saviour in our hearts; then it will not be so hard to reach the erring ones. See Jas. 5:19, 20.
During my stay in Osborn Co. the grasshoppers came on, and in a very few days entirely destroyed the corn and a great deal of the forest, and all the fruit trees. This, with the extreme drouth will certainly cause great distress among the people of this newly settled country. Such utter destitution I never before witnessed. In passing from Bull City to Marysville, Marshall Co., I saw only two fields of corn that might be called a crop.
Came down with about thirty brethren and sisters from Osborn County to attend the quarterly meeting at Solomon Rapids, Aug. 7 to 9. There was a very general turn out of the friends, there being about fifty in attendance besides the children, the most of these encamped on the ground which enabled us to have two more meetings, which was heartily engaged in by nearly all. We tried to make the preaching practical and searching. Seven were baptized and the ordinances celebrated. The sweet, melting Spirit was with us in great measure. We all realized it was good to be there. It was one of the best meetings I ever attended. The brethren and sisters came from twenty-five to fifty miles, at considerable sacrifice—a great deal more than the brethren in better circumstances knew anything about. The more pains we take to serve the Lord the greater the blessing. Brethren, try it.
All seemed ready to engage in the tract and missionary work, to do all they were able in spreading the truth.
I there parted with Bro. Chaffee, leaving him and Bro. J. W. Andrews with the tent, which has many calls. Our prayers shall be in their behalf, that God may lead and bless them in this work. J. H. ROGERS.
*Marysville Depot, Kan., Aug. 13.

New Jersey.

By N. Orcutt

Since my last report, have preached six times in a school-house four miles from home. Good attendance until the chart was hung up and history written in advance by the prophetic pen presented, when a turning away their ears from the truth, and turning unto fables closed the effort.
Have partially organized a church here, fourteen covenanting together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, five of the number putting on Christ by baptism. One has since united with us, making fifteen names appended to the church covenant, and raising S. B. figures to $98. The church unanimously voted a request to be admitted to the New England Conference.
We have meetings, Bible-class, and Sabbath-school on the Sabbath, and meetings on first-day evening with a few attentive hearers not of like precious faith. A few are reading the REVIEW and other works on present truth.
Tent labor would be the most efficient in reaching the people here. Cannot an effort be made in this way to get the truth before the people in southern New Jersey?
N. Orcutt.
South Vineland, N. J.

Arthur, Ill.

By G. W. Colcord

This is a lively village of between two and three hundred souls; and has a rather sparsely settled surrounding community. However, during my stay of one week, have had a good hearing. First evening there were two hundred present, last evening about three hundred. Bro. Bliss reports the brethren and sisters all firm in Lovington. We expect some of them will be arraigned before the church for disregarding the Sunday “Lord’s Day” (?). Brethren and sisters, in your prayers remember Moultrie County.
G. W. COLCORD.
August 26, 1874.

The “How” of It.

By Charles P. Whitford

A PRIVATE letter recently received from a friend contains the following extract: “I never thought it mattered so much which of the days we keep for the Sabbath as how we keep it.” Query. If we keep a day for the Sabbath which is not the Sabbath, will the keeping of that day make it the Sabbath? Sabbath means rest; and the Sabbath of the Lord, the only Sabbath having any claims on mankind, is the rest-day of the Lord; and that is the day of the week on which he rested, and no other.
Sunday is not the Sabbath. The substance of the world was created on that day. The seventh day is the day of God’s rest, significant of the week’s work. God rested on, blessed, and sanctified, that particular day, and not the first.
For these reasons, it was commanded to man. The first day has nothing in common with the Sabbath, except that it is a day; and there is no reason for substituting it for the Sabbath, except that man sets up its claim as a rival institution. God has never blessed, sanctified, or rested on, it, nor called it the Sabbath, nor commanded it to be kept.
Jesus was not his Father’s rival. He did not abolish the institution, nor the day that he was Lord of. He never called any other day his but the Sabbath day, and he did not set up any rival institution, nor rival day. But according to the view set forth in the above extract, it matters not whether we keep the day that God commanded or some other. The essential duty is the manner of its observance rather than the day to be observed. All of this is equivalent to saying that we may do things which are wrong, if we are sincere, and think it is right, and then we will be saved anyhow.
Such is the position taken by a large majority of the professed followers of Jesus Christ at the present time. How such a theory can be made to harmonize with the words of our divine Lord is more than we can understand. The last benediction of the coming One was, “Blessed are they that do his [the Father’s] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22:14. Again he says, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19:17. God has given commandments and ordinancesand promised salvation to those who will keep them. Now if men can continue to do things which are violations of the commandments, and yet can be saved, if they are sincere, why, then, are there two ways to salvation. We can obey God and be saved; or, if this is not so convenient, we can disobey him and be saved, provided we are only sincere. To us, this seems like a very doubtful kind of salvation. While we believe that it is a good thing to be truly sincere, we also believe that God will accept of nothing but strict obedience to his commandment. He will accept of nothing but godly sincerity. To be sincere in actions which are violations of the law of God is dangerous sincerity. Let us strive to know the whole will of God and do it; for none but those who keep the truth will enter into the city. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, “Fear God, and do his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”
CHARLES P. WHITFORD. Berkshire Center, Vt.

Among the Danes.

By John F. Hanson

SINCE camp-meeting, I have labored for God among my own nationality with some success. Labored with the church at home, from the 10th to the 30th of June. Four added to the church by baptism. By invitation I then went to Makoketa, Iowa, where four had come out on the Sabbath by reading. Two more became interested. From there I went to Nodaway Co., Mo., fifteen miles from the Iowa line, where some were keeping the Sabbath. Five were baptized and added to the church at Crescent City, Iowa, and from the 28th of July until the present, I have been laboring in Fremont and adjacent country. The Lord has blessed my labors, and nine are now keeping the commandments of God, and others are interested. Sold thirteen dollars' worth of books, and obtained eight subscribers for Advent Tidende. May the Lord bless these dear souls.
I now leave to attend the quarterly meetings at Crescent City and Elkhorn, Iowa. I shall then return, the Lord willing, to follow up the interest in this vicinity and other places as the Lord may direct. Brethren, remember the cause in the Danish.
JOHN F. HANSON.

Northern Missouri Tent Labors at Albany

By T. J. Butler

Missouri.

The Northern Missouri tent has closed its labors at Whitesville and is now pitched at Albany in Gentry Co. Nine signed the covenant at Whitesville. Others are interested. We continued our labor there nearly four weeks. Our present place in some respects is much more promising. Our field of labor seems to be rather a slow one, perhaps from the gloom and discouragement of the population, growing out of their financial, drouth, and chinch troubles, together with a prospective scourge of grasshoppers. In our present locality crops are good, and we hope for more attention and better results.
T. J. Butler.

Wisconsin.

By H. W. Decker

OUR tent is now pitched in Leon, Monroe Co. Have been here nearly three weeks. Have from 150 to 200 out every night. Some have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and there is a good prospect that quite a number more will join them. H. W. DECKER.

Returning to the Fold.

By Sister D. J. Frisbie

SISTER D. J. FRISBIE writes from Chelsea, Aug. 22, 1874:—
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am glad that I attended the camp-meeting at Battle Creek. It has been the means of awakening my mind once more to the subject of the Sabbath of the Lord. I feel, like the prodigal son, to arise and go to my Father's house, where there is bread enough and to spare. I feel very thankful that the Lord has put it into the hearts of his people to have a care for us. It did seem good for me to be with them once more and enjoy their society.
O gentle Shepherd, lead me Into the fold again; With heavenly manna feed me, And all my wants sustain.
Out of the depths of mire, Oh! take my wandering feet; Placed on the Rock of Ages, My joys would be replete.

Sister Williams Reports Interest in Cowley County

SISTER MARY L. WILLIAMS writes from Hardin Co. Ky: I think much good can be accomplished in Cowley. The people are anxious to hear our views, and all that is wanting is a preacher. Truly, the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. We have a church here of eight members. Prejudice is giving way to some extent. May probation be prolonged for a little while yet. I wish to thank the brethren of Howard Co., Kansas, for their Christian kindness manifested toward myself and husband while there. We are anxious to have Bro. Osborn visit us here this fall.

Central Kansas Tent Effort in Osage County

By Smith Sharp; Chas. F. Stevens

Kansas.

The Central Kansas tent has been pitched in Osage County since July 29. The hot weather, drouth, and grasshopper scourge have had a depressing influence on the minds of the people; yet our congregations have been fair considering the circumstances and place, there being no village within three miles. At the present some eight or ten have decided to keep the Sabbath, and many others are deeply interested.
We have had some opposition from a Disciple Elder, who preached against us in our tent to a congregation of three or four hundred. He was reviewed the same evening, which resulted favorably to the cause of truth.
We shall follow up the interest as duty seems to indicate.
SMITH SHARP, CHAS. F. STEVENS.

Iowa: Interest Growing at Logan and Missouri Valley

By J. BARTLETT; J. W. McWILLIAMS

Iowa.

We are still at Logan. There is a good interest here now. Last night there were nearly four hundred present. I think the Lord will work for us here. The work is still going on in Missouri Valley. Two more have signed the covenant, making in all twenty-three who are keeping the Sabbath. Our trust is in God. Pray for us.
J. BARTLETT, J. W. McWILLIAMS.

B. G. WILLIAMS

By B. G. Williams

Union.

I HAVE just been reading Bro. R. F. Cottrell's article in the REVIEW, entitled, “Religion and Charity.” How true it is that such a union of all the various discordant sects as spoken of in the above mentioned article is being effected; and it does not stop here; for there seems to be a desperate effort on the part of these sects to drag the world into the union. They say, It makes no difference about conversion; if you are converted, all right; if not come along and join the church, and you can be converted afterward. I have often heard such invitations given out from popular pulpits.

B. G. WILLIAMS

Newark, Ind.

Eighth Annual Meeting of the Health Reform Institute.

By M. S. Merriam; B. Auten

PERSUANT to notice given in the REVIEW, the stockholders of said Institute met on the campground of the Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 7, 1874.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Eld. G. I. Butler.
On calling the roll it was ascertained that a majority of the stock was represented, either by person or proxy.
Auditor’s statement showing the financial workings of the Institute for the year commencing Aug. 29, 1873, and ending Aug. 6, 1874:

RECEIVED.

From Patients, $11,843 06
On Incidental Sales, 2,518 90
On Shares, 650 00
On Donations, 50 59
Due from Patients on acc’t, 4,340 94
Total, $19,403 49

EXPENDITURES.

Invoice of Aug. 28, 1873, $1,924 35
For Labor, 2,678 34
Stock Refunded, 400 00
Provisions and other Incid’ls, 5,170 74
Furniture, 336 24
For Medical Implements, &c., 405 50
Due Help, 1,461 80
Due on Patients’ Deposits, 514 89
For Wood, 1,404 50
For Lumber, Nails and Stone, 946 00
Ten per cent interest on $6,956 75 worth of furniture for wear, 605 75
$15,938 11
Making, less invoice of:
Provisions, $510 00
Of Wood, 1,200 00
Of Books, &c., 346 00
Lumber and Nails, 750 00
$2,806 00
Total, $13,132 11
Leaving excess of Receipts, $6,271 38
Cash on hand, $3,043 29
M. S. Merriam, Auditor.
This report was accepted.
On motion, the Chair appointed J. N. Andrews, S. N. Haskell, and U. Smith, as a nominating committee, who presented the following names as candidates for Directors: James White, G. I. Butler, Ira Abbey, Harmon Lindsay, E. B. Gaskill, John H. Kellogg, and Benn Auten. These persons, receiving the largest number of votes, were elected.
Adjourned sine die.
M. S. Merriam, Pres.
B. Auten, Sec’y.
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