p. 174 | Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 22. (5/31/1877)

A PLAIN TALK TO THE MURMURERS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Some Facts for Those Who Are not in Harmony with the Body.

(Continued.)

Now take up the paper published in the interest of these murmurers, and see it filled with articles and letters from those who went out from us. All of them are very holy and much abused. How does the editor know the character of these complainers? In the majority of cases at least, he knows nothing about it. He hears only their side, takes their word, and publishes any accusation they may make against S. D. Adventists. The blacker it is, the better it is liked. Then innocent readers hold up their hands in holy horror at the awful villainy of the “visionites.”

Facts are stubborn things; and these are facts. I do not say that all are of this class; for I do not know them all. Some, no doubt, have turned in with them for other reasons, and some ignorantly. But how can a church or people have the blessing of God, who will receive among them, and fellowship, such characters as these? For more than twenty years this party has been at work under one name and then another, but all of them with the same object and the same spirit. According to the best of my ability to learn of them, all told, they do not number three hundred members in the world. As to the ministers, they have not a tenth part of the talent that they have had at half a dozen different times before, or that they had ten years ago. All their different publications put together would not make one fair-sized volume. Their influence in spreading the light of present truth so far as they do hold it is next to nothing.

There is no union among them in anything except in fighting us. I have been among them, have visited their churches, have conversed with their leading men, and know all about the workings of that party. I think it would be a hard matter to find any two of them who believe alike. I take up their paper; here is one of their leading writers advocating that the wicked never will be raised. On the opposite page is another prominent writer denying it just as stoutly. Look again; here is an article advocating the age to come, and another one denying it. One claims that England is the two-horned beast, another that it is the United States. One believes that the messages apply now, another that they are all in the past. Indeed, to name the different views they hold, you would have to name as many as there are writers for their paper; and then that would only answer for the time being, as they are constantly changing their views. To-day, as a people, they practice the very things which they denounced but a few years ago. They have no union or system in their work. One wants to do it this way; and another, some different way. The consequence is, little or nothing is done in any way. It is impossible with them to discipline their members, or churches, or ministers, as each one is independent of all the rest. They have no man of recognized leading ability among them. Each one thinks he is just as able and talented as any other man.

All those men of ability, who have once been with them, have left them. They have had to get a new recruit of ministers every few years, or they would now be without any. They have not even one man of first-class, or even second-class, ability, i. e., a man who can lay broad plans, can build up churches and conferences, establish finances, build up a publishing house, schools, and other institutions absolutely necessary for the success of any cause in these times. The very most that any one of them is able to do is simply to maintain himself, without being able to establish any general system whereby means shall be brought into the cause, printing houses established, missionaries sent out, and the cause generally built up and sustained. So far as I have been able to learn, and I have been pretty well informed, the regular contributions of the whole party for the support of the ministry do not amount to $500 a year. I think it is even less than that. What a host of ministers that will sustain! In northern Missouri, the most flourishing part of their field, there was only about $200 pledged per year, out of which three ministers were to be supported! Among our people, I can select many a church of not over thirty members who contribute for the cause each year more than that whole party does.

I said that their little semi-monthly sheet is now struggling feebly for a mere existence. In proof of this, look at the following figures. Taking six consecutive numbers, commencing in December, covering a period of three months, or one quarter of the year, and that the very best time for publishers, the very months in which subscriptions to papers are generally renewed, the receipts in its columns show as follows: During the entire three months, thirteen weeks, received:


For the paper,	$79.44
“ book sales,	5.02
“ donations to the paper,	18.50
Total,	$102.96

For this period of three months the average weekly payments are thus shown to be:—


On subscriptions,	$6.11
“ donations,	1.42
“ book sales,	.39
Total,	$7.92

The following are the receipts that appear in a late number of the REVIEW:—


To receipts for REVIEW,	$601.82
“ books by mail,	294.37
“ “ express,	401.69
“ “ freight,	154.17
S. D. A. E. Society,	58.50
Cash on acct.,	258.51
To Pacific Mission,	10.00
“ General Conf. Fund,	15.50
“ Swiss Mission,	8.25
“ Mich. Conf. Fund,	910.69
“ Book Fund,	12.00
“ Camp-meeting Fund,	17.00
“ Swedish Mission,	.50
“ Mich. T. and M. Society,	51.85
“ Danish Norwegian Mission,	4.00
Total,	$2798.85

Taking up another REVIEW we find the receipts for one week are $2,492.97. These are not exceptional cases. Many weeks it runs much higher. Add to this the receipts for all our eight periodicals, and the reader can form something of an idea of the difference between our work and theirs. This is the way they are taking the work from our hands!

One of their prominent men, in their paper of January 9, 1877, says thus:— “DEAR BROTHER JACOB: I have thought much of you lately, as I see the receipts are very small. I sometimes fear that you will get discouraged, but hope that you will not. Although times are very hard, and money is hoarded up by capitalists, yet I hope that every child of God will feel his or her responsibility, and do all they can to help in this good cause.” Then right opposite his name in the receipts, is twenty-five cents credited to him as his subscription to the paper!

This party has now been at work for over twelve years, and what evidence do they show of their prosperity and success? Have they built any meeting-houses within the last twelve years? Not one. Have they any tents in the field with which to prosecute the work? Not one. Have they sent out any missionaries to herald the light of present truth? No.

There is another significant fact which can be observed any day all through our ranks wherever sympathizers with that party or their principles exist among us. It is this: When persons begin to find fault with our work, with Bro. and Sr. White, and with the visions, they immediately commence to cease their contributions to support the cause. They pay no more S. B., or at least very little. They make no donations to aid in carrying on any part of present truth, and very generally they take little part in our meetings. “Oh!” you say, “this is only natural, after having lost confidence in the management of the work, of course they would not feel like giving much to sustain it.” Very well. But has not God a work on earth somewhere? Has not the time come for the light on the Sabbath, and the Advent doctrine to be heralded to the world? So they profess to believe.

Then, is it not their duty to be doing something in that work, to aid it liberally with their means, with their prayers, and with their influence? Of course it is. None of them will deny this. Then if Seventh-day Adventists are not doing that work, why don’t they go at it, why don’t they do something? But do they? No; they do nothing at all, or at least next to nothing. I know of men worth from $5000 to $50,000 who have stood back for years, and contributed nothing anywhere. The only thing they have done is to find fault with us, and use this as an excuse for not supporting the work. Well, if we are not doing the Lord’s work, why don’t they take hold with those who are, or take hold and do it themselves? But no; they never propose to do that. There they sit, and grumble, and curse us, while they make all they can, and keep all they get. The fact is, this is only an excuse to hide their selfishness and covetousness.

And further, I know ministers of good ability, and lay brethren of talent and influence, who once were useful in the cause of God, in converting men to the Sabbath, and sinners to Christ, while they were in harmony with the body; but since they have joined the ranks of the murmurers, what have they done? I do not now refer to those who have openly joined the rebel party, but to the murmurers and fault-finders scattered among our people. Who have they brought to the truth? What churches have they raised up? How many sinners have they converted? How have they shown their zeal for God and his work? What missionary enterprise have they engaged in? What war have they waged with the devil and his host? What articles have they written, what books have they composed? Ah! we know, and God knows, and they know, that they have simply balked, and done nothing anywhere. If they are on the right track, and have gotten nearer to the Lord by withdrawing from us, why do we not see some evidences of it?

And are these the people, this the party, whom God has raised up to give the last solemn warning to a dying world? Brethren, open your eyes and look at these things as they are. Has the time come for the world to be warned, for the last, solemn, Judgment message to be given? one that shall prepare a people for translation, one that shall go to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and even before kings? Rev. 10:11; and is this the people that are giving that message? Are these the instruments through which God proposes to do that work? How foolish! All divided among themselves upon doctrine, not agreed upon anything scarcely, no union and co-operation in labor, no system in prosecuting their work, the regular contributions of the whole body are not enough fairly to support more than one minister. All the able ministers they ever had have apostatized from the faith. They have started on the same project half a dozen times, and have broken into fragments, and gone to ruin every time thus far. Six different papers started in the same interest, and five of them are dead already, and they have not even one man of fair ability in all their ranks—no, not one. The leading men who have started these movements in the past, and particularly the one now existing, have apostatized, not only from the work, but have made shipwreck of themselves. “Oh! but,” say they, “this is nothing against our cause; did not Judas apostatize? Have not there been apostates from every cause? Did not Moses Hull, Nathan Fuller, Eld. Snook, and others, leave your ranks?” But, dear friends, this is quite a different affair. It is no new thing for any cause to have apostates, and it is nothing against the cause either. But when the very leaders and starters of the cause themselves—when these men apostatize, that is something against it.

Judas was only one of the twelve, and he fell before the apostles really commenced their work at all, before the resurrection of Christ; and he even confessed that he had forsaken the right and truth. What show would Christianity have made in the world, if after preaching five or ten years, Peter had apostatized, and renounced the whole thing, if James had given it up and gone back to Judaism, and John had renounced it as a false doctrine, and Paul had turned away, and warned men against it? This is the point to be looked at. The great pillars of early Christianity never forsook it. What would have become of the Reformation if Luther and Melancthon, after having started it and worked in it for years, had come out and re- renounced the whole thing, and gone back to Rome? What would have become of Methodism if Wesley and Whitefield and Fletcher had apostatized from the faith? What would have become of the first message, had Miller and his leading brethren turned away, and given it up? How much hope would there be for the Seventh-day Adventists if Eld. White and Sr. White and Elders Andrews and Waggoner and Smith and other leading men should apostatize from the faith, and give it up as a bad job? Here is the point that we want our friends to look at. The very fathers and founders of these rebel movements have gone to ruin, have apostatized from the very thing which they themselves started. They have renounced it as an error.

Again we challenge them to find a single case in all the history of God’s work upon the earth, where a special message, a great reformation, was to be brought about, where the founder or leaders in that work did apostatize from it, or turn the work in a wrong channel, so that God had to raise up other men to take the work from their hands and carry it on. No such thing has ever occurred in a single instance, and yet this has been the very history of the party we are considering.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

(To be Continued.)

ALBERT STONE

By Albert Stone

Conversion.

“The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.” Ps. 19:7. If you are wishing to know whether you are truly converted, test yourself by each of the ten precepts of the decalogue. If you find yourself in love of all the requirements there made, and striving to abstain from the evil forbidden, and to do the good commanded, then the gospel comes to you as the affectionate mother to her grieved and afflicted child, takes you by the hand, draws you to its bosom, justifies you before the law and its Author, nor breaks the bruised reed, nor quenches the smoking flax, but strengthens all the incipient buddings of spiritual life.

ALBERT STONE

Opportunities That Lead to God's Treasure-House

Few men would pass through a gold mine, having full permission to carry away with them choicest specimens of its choicest treasures, who would not make a good use of such an opportunity. All along the highway of life, God is setting before each traveler opportunities to be and to do, which are far more valuable than the richest treasures of gold or gems which earth offers. These opportunities are so many open doors which lead to the treasure-house of God, prepared for all who seek, and offered to all who ask.

INDIANA

Alto, West Liberty, and Marion.

I met with the Alto church in general meeting April 20-22. There were nearly one hundred Sabbath-keepers present during the entire meeting. Eld. S. N. Haskell was present, and manifested his usual earnestness in the T. and M. work. The subject of clubbing for the SIGNS was introduced, and fifty-six copies were subscribed for. April 22, the new house of worship, recently erected by the Alto church, was dedicated to the service of God.

From April 25-30, I labored in connection with Bro. Covert near West Liberty, Howard Co. Found some fifteen or more keeping the Sabbath. Held nine meetings with them. Preliminary steps were taken to organize a church. Leaders were appointed. Bro. Covert remained to follow up the work, and complete the organization. This little company were taught the truth by Brn. Sharp and Covert.

May 2 and 3, I labored with the church at Marion, Grant Co. This church was organized last winter. Found them all united and in working order. Held three meetings. Without a single exception, all take a part in prayer and social meetings. At our last meeting two were taken into the church. We left them much encouraged. S. H. LANE.

West Liberty.

I held meetings May 19 and 20 at West Liberty. Five were baptized, a church of twelve members was organized, and S. B. pledged to the amount of $40 per year, which will be somewhat increased. All of it was voted to the Indiana Conference. About twelve more are now keeping the Sabbath in this vicinity, and some more of them will come into the church soon. An elder and deacon were chosen and ordained. We have a Sabbath-school and Bible-class organized and at work. Bro. Rees was with us, and helped very much. The house was crowded at each service on the Sabbath. A new course of lectures is requested by many that have not yet decided to obey. WM. COVERT.

NILES HILL, NEW YORK.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Bro. Hall and I came to Niles Hill to hold a two days’ meeting; but the interest was such that we stayed two Sabbaths. Years ago this was a large and prosperous church. But the terrible course of one Fuller came near utterly destroying the church. So for some eight years they have been in discouragement and, as a natural result, in many trials. But for some time past much interest has been manifested among the people here. Eld. Haskell aroused a great interest more than a year ago, but his stay was too short to secure much fruit. Brethren had foolishly allowed petty trials to divide them. Many had given up entirely. Their meetings were attended by only a half dozen or so. The ordinances had not been celebrated for eight years. Some even talked of disbanding.

From our first meeting, their house of worship was crowded. Sabbath day so many of the neighbors came that all could not get in. Though everybody is hurried just now, yet every meeting was largely attended. Soon the church began to wake up, trials were looked up and settled. Wednesday at a meeting of the church, good confessions were made, and we had a melting, weeping time. Two or three old backsliders, but good men, took their stand with the church again. All rejoiced. Then four young ladies made a start.

At evening had a meeting of the youth. Twenty were present, and eighteen took a part, most of them for the first time. At the close of the service they went to each other weeping and encouraging each other. It was a blessed season. From that time the clouds began to clear up. Every day one to half a dozen made a start. Each new one immediately began to look up others and plead with them. This always does more than preaching. Few can withstand it.

The next Sabbath was a rejoicing season. About twenty united with the church, most of them to be baptized. At evening a half dozen more decided to go with us—the ones for whom we had felt the most anxious. Sunday morning a lot more came in weeping, and took their place with us. In all thirty-six united with the church, and twenty-three were baptized. This alone would make a large church. The baptism was one of the most beautiful scenes I ever witnessed. The day was lovely, the place was fine, everybody was as sober as at a funeral. Though a large number were present, no one made any lightness. Most of those baptized were young people from thirty years old down to twelve—largely about eighteen to twenty-five. How good and lovely it seems to see husband and wife, brothers and sisters all going together in the service of God! Eight or ten embraced the Sabbath. The last meeting several came and said they should now obey it. Indeed, the whole community is stirred as never before. I think I never saw anything quite equal to it. Brethren say they can hardly believe what their eyes have seen. Systematic benevolence was reorganized, and raised from $130 to $345, and $160 were raised to paint and repair the house, which will be done immediately. John Lindsay was chosen elder, Wm. Bellamy and Daniel Oviat deacons.

The attendance at their Sabbath meetings will now number about seventy-five. By a rising vote they solemnly vowed to God and each other to drop all the past and make this a new departure. Bro. Hall remains with them to follow up the work till camp-meeting. Nearly all will attend that. Some fifteen tents are ordered from this section.

Our people have the confidence of the community. There is an urgent call for meetings in Wellsville. I believe that to-day it is as good a field as there is in the State. We leave this church in harmony, and all rejoicing. And I feel very happy in God. Though I have labored excessively this winter both in preaching, writing, and studying, yet I hardly feel tired, and I never felt stronger physically. I have some doubt about hard work’s hurting young men so very much. I hope to meet a large turnout of our people at the Aurora camp-meeting, June 7-12.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Battle Creek, May 25.

ILLINOIS

Keenville and Webber Grove.

On Sabbath and Sunday, May 19, 20, we held six meetings in Keenville. Two were baptized. Bro. J. J. Shreve was elected and ordained deacon. This church enjoys harmony. Their records are kept in good condition. They had just sent away $25.00 to the treasury; besides this, they gave me $20.00 to carry to Bro. Whitham. We hope others will soon unite with the Keenville church.

After baptizing, conducting a business meeting, and speaking once at Keenville, we went, last Sunday P. M., over to Webber Grove, in Jefferson Co. Spoke to the public in the evening, then repaired to the home of Bro. Wm. Herald, where we held a very profitable business session, which continued till midnight. One name was received; one was dropped; and all the other names were investigated and approved. Bro. Herald was elected and ordained elder, and Bro. L. A. Logan, deacon.

G. W. COLCORD.

I. G. COLCORD.

Patoka, Ill., May 23, 1877.

Lovington and Oakland.

Our meeting at Lovington, May 11-16, was encouraging. Two were added to the church by vote, and two by baptism. One was disfellowshipped. Forty dollars were pledged for new tent.

We had a good meeting at Oakland, May 17-20. Three were voted into the church. The brethren remembered our new tent enterprise, and gave us a helping hand. Outside interest was fair, and it is evident that the truth is gaining ground.

R. F. ANDREWS.

VINELAND, N. J.

By N. Orcutt

In June, 1874, a company of fourteen here signed the church covenant, and appointed Bro. J. W. Snyder clerk. Meanwhile death has taken two of our number, and three have removed from the State. Present No. of resident members, 20. There are others keeping the Sabbath, who will doubtless soon unite with us. Union and harmony prevail, and we still hope for the blessing of the Lord to rest upon us and our efforts to advance the interests of his cause.

Reading rooms at Vineland and Millville are each supplied with THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES for 1877, a set of books, and an assortment of pamphlets and tracts.

At a business meeting April 29, 1877, Bro. J. W. Snyder was appointed elder, and Bro. H. N. Packard, deacon. The S. B. pledged for 1877 is $92.78; for Tract and Missionary purposes, $30.92.

N. ORCUTT.

SPRING ARBOR, MICH.

By T. Butcher

ELD. J. B. FRISBIE met with us according to appointment May 12. Brethren and sisters came in from Jackson, Tompkins,

and West Liberty. After listening to a discourse, we repaired to the water at Spring Arbor Mills, and ten were buried with Christ in baptism. In the afternoon we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house, for the first time in this church.

T. BUTCHER, Clerk.

QUIET FROM GOD.

Quiet from God! It cometh not to still The vast and high aspirings of the soul, The deep emotions which the spirit fill, And speed its purpose onward to the goal; It dims not youth's bright eye, Bends not joy's lofty brow, No guiltless ecstacy Need in its presence bow.

It comes not in a sullen form to place Life's greatest good in an inglorious rest; Through a dull, beaten track its way to trace, And to lethargic slumber lull the breast; Action may be its sphere, Mountain paths, boundless fields, O'er billows its career, This is the power it yields:—

To sojourn in the world, and yet apart; To dwell with God, yet still with man to feel; To bear about forever in the heart The gladness which His Spirit doth reveal; Not to deem evil gone From every earthly scene; To see the storm come on, But feel His shield between.

It giveth not a strength to human kind To leave all suffering powerless at its feet, But keeps within the temple of the mind A golden altar and a mercy-seat; A spiritual ark, Bearing the peace of God Above the waters dark, And o'er the desert's sod.

How beautiful within our souls to keep This treasure the All-Merciful hath given! To feel, when we awake, and when we sleep, Its incense round us, like a breeze from Heaven! Quiet at hearth and home, Where the heart's joys begin! Quiet where'er we roam, Quiet around, within! —Sel

VALENCE, FRANCE.

By D. T. Bourdeau

Ten are now keeping the commandments in this city. Doubtless we would have had five times as many if we could have spoken in a hall as we do in America. But till now this privilege is refused us, even as it has been refused Father Hyacinthe in Paris, although he is a popular speaker standing midway between Protestants and Catholics.

Bro. Gabert, the teacher to whom I referred in a previous report, is still with us, and is advancing rapidly in the knowledge of the truth. I devote a portion of my time to teaching him the truth. He can now explain the entire chart, and handles other subjects. He has an easy manner of expressing himself, and makes his subjects plain, and I hope he will be of service to the cause.

The influence of the Eastern war is being felt here. France is not disposed to meddle with it at present. May God hold the winds, and may we act well our part in leading our fellow-men to prepare for the coming storm. D. T. Bourdeau.

Rue du Parc, 10, Valence, France, April 7.

WOLCOTT, VERMONT.

By Albert Stone

The Tract and Missionary meeting at Wolcott was held as appointed by Eld. Hutchins in REVIEW, and was in every sense a good meeting. Some who have lately embraced the truth came up from Worcester, and others from Green River. Reports showed an increase of work done over any previous quarter, and numerous letters of thanks from those to whom the SIGNS and other publications had been sent, showed that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. There were four meetings on the Sabbath and two on first-day, and the good Spirit, in a marked degree, was present in all of them. It was a season of encouragement to all present.

ALBERT STONE.

KENTUCKY

By S. Osborn

For a month previous to our camp meeting, I was engaged in visiting the churches and scattered brethren and sisters. Found the most of them in a backslidden state. Some of them were still clinging to their idols, notwithstanding they had promised to quit them. Coffee, pork, and tobacco are among the staple articles of food in the State. We bore a straight testimony on these things.

Business matters at camp-meeting passed off very agreeably. We were much disappointed in Bro. Haskell’s failure to attend our meeting. But it may all be right. It drove us nearer the Lord; and by fasting, pleading, and confessing our sins before God and each other, we obtained light and help. Our meeting began May 16, with prayer and self-examination; and as it advanced, we were admonished by the Spirit of God that we must make close work here. We held nine prayer and social meetings and four business sessions, and Bro. Orlando Soule and I preached alternately eleven discourses upon the main points of present truth and its practical application to us as a people. Though darkness and discouragement seemed to surround us at first, yet as we began to draw nigh to God, he drew near unto us, and as soon as proper confessions were made, of wrongs that had stood in the way of the advancement of the truth here, then it was that the blessing of God descended in great measure. It will be seen from the secretary’s report that in the judgment of this Conference there are young men here who should labor in the cause as ministers. Bro. Orlando Soule is willing to work, and if he keeps humble, God will make him a useful man in this cause.

We were pleased to meet with Sabbath-keepers from Tennessee, among whom was Prof. S. P. Sample, principal of Cooperstown Institute, Robertson Co., who was much pleased with the meeting and greatly strengthened by it. He thinks that on account of his zeal and love for present truth, he will not be wanted where he is longer than the present year. His mind is turned to Battle Creek.

Bro. Soule goes to Tenn., to labor this Conference year. Bro. R. G. Garrett, who received license last year, and could not leave home, feels the burden of the work on him now, and has made arrangements to give himself entirely to the work. Bro. R. P. Pickens and self go with the tent. Upon the whole, our meeting was a success, and many who could not (as they thought) take time to come to meeting lost much. Oh! if our people could see the importance of these meetings, and grace them with their presence and help, with what power would the cause move here!

We all go forth with good courage to proclaim the last call of mercy. We claim the prayers of all who are interested in the advancement of this great work. The post office address of S. Osborn and wife, and R. Pickens, will be, until further notice, Edmonton, Metcalf Co., Ky.

S. OSBORN.

ORDINO, WIS.

By H. W. Decker; John Atkinson

We held meetings with the brethren at Ordino May 12 and 13. They are a branch of the Plainfield church. On Sunday six were baptized and united with the church. Two who were professors of religion decided to keep the Sabbath. One of these has been reading the SIGNS for a few months, which was sent to her by the Plainfield club. This has been the principal means of her receiving the light.

H. W. DECKER, JOHN ATKINSON.

BEAVER CREEK, MINN.

By W. T. Henton

Bro. S. Fulton, in Review, Vol. 49, No. 20, dates his report from Rock Creek. It should be Beaver Creek, Rock Co., Minn. Eighteen here signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We are now having excellent meetings and Sabbath-school. W. T. Henton.

MILFORD, IOWA.

By F. W. Morse

One more good family have taken a decided stand for the truth. The field has all been prepared for the preaching of the truth here by the T. and M. work. As a result of this work, a young man of influence abandoned infidelity, and took a firm position in favor of the truth, and prayerfully sought to extend it to his neighbors and friends. Another young man embraced the truth, and is in another field of T. and M. labor earnestly at work to spread the truth. We shall form a T. and M. Society here next week probably.

F. W. MORSE.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”

DIED, April 2, at Maple Works, Wis., of scarlet fever, Lois Augusta, aged 8 years, 11 months, 9 days. Also, April 5, Lorenzo, aged 4 years, 5 months, 9 days. These were children of Bro. and Sr. Norman S. and Amanda Hallock. Discourse by Eld. I. Sanborn. Text, Rom. 8:28. A. J. BREED.

DIED, at Victory, Knox Co., Ill., March 21, 1877, of lung fever, Bro. Lewis Rey, aged 56 years. Bro. Rey was a member of the S. D. A. church of Mound City, Kan. In company with his wife he had gone to Illinois for a season. His wife writes that he died in great peace, expecting a part in the first resurrection. We would commend Sister Rey to the confidence and Christian sympathy of those of like faith in that part of the country. J. H. COOK.

DIED, in Cleveland, Minn., May 11, 1877, of dysentery, our little Cynthia Iva, daughter of M. L. and E. A. Wright, aged 1 year, 5 months, 24 days. Funeral services by Eld. Mathena. Text, Jer. 31:15-18. E. A. WRIGHT.

ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

Kentucky and Tennessee Conference.

The Ky. and Tenn. Conference met at Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Ky., at 9 A. M., May 19, 1877. Prayer by Eld. Osborn. President Eld. S. Osborn in chair.

Credentials of delegates being examined, an invitation was extended to all Sabbath-keepers in good standing to take part in the deliberations.

Mount Gilead church was admitted into the Conference, making the number of churches six; members, 67. Increase of last year, 14. Systematic benevolence pledge for this year, $426.89. Increase, $83.90.

Last year's tent expenses were $136.60. Paid Eld. S. Osborn for labor, $230.65; Eld. O. Soule for labor, 55.00. Total, $322.25.

Appointed J. S. Milton and R. G. Garrett Nominating Committee. Committee on Resolutions, R. P. Pickens, R. G. Garrett, Orlando Soule. To settle with ministers, S. P. Sample, C. Owens, D. W. Barr, and J. S. Milton.

Committee on Nominations reported for officers of the Conference: For President, S. Osborn; Secretary, Bettie Coombs; Treasurer, David W. Barr. For Conference Committee, S. Osborn, O. Soule, and R. P. Pickens, which were duly elected.

SECOND SESSION.

Second session opened May 20 A. M. Prayer by Eld. O. Soule. Voted credentials to S. Osborn and O. Soule. Licenses were given to P. D. Myers, R. P. Pickens, and R. G. Garrett to improve their gifts. Eld. S. Osborn was appointed delegate to the General Conference.

THIRD SESSION.

Tract and Missionary work. Nothing being reported, measures were taken to bring this work to greater perfection. For President, C. Owens; Vice-President, R. P. Pickens; Secretary, C. Barr; Treasurer, S. E. Barr.

The following resolutions were then passed:—

Resolved, That we commend Eld. S. Osborn for the zeal and courage with which he has labored the past year.

Resolved, That we commend Eld. O. Soule for the earnestness, zeal, and sacrificing spirit that he has manifested in laboring for the cause in Tennessee.

Resolved, That in view of the rapid fulfilment of the signs of the times, we should arouse to the work as never before; and therefore

Resolved, That this Conference, in harmony with the body of Seventh-day Adventists at large, regard the health reform as holding close connection with the third angel's message; that we use all the means in our power to live it out, and to induce others to do the same; and that we have no union with those who persist in the use of tobacco, tea, coffee, and swine's flesh, after having the light fully set before them.

Resolved, That we deeply lament the unfaithfulness of our brethren and sisters in the T. and M. work the past season, and pledge ourselves to amend, and to urge upon brethren not present to come up to this work the coming season.

Resolved, That every expression of murmuring be discouraged. That every brother and sister bridle well the tongue, and cease speaking of the imperfections of one another in a fault-finding manner; but when necessary, reprove in the spirit of Christ, and with charity.

Resolved, That we urge the young men of ability in our Conference fully to consecrate themselves to the work of the ministry.

Resolved, That in view of the great work to be accomplished we do earnestly pray the Lord of the harvest to send us laborers. We would cordially welcome any servant of God that the General Conference may send us.

Resolved, That by special request of the brethren from Tenn., we hold a camp-meeting this fall at some central point in their State, and we do sincerely solicit the attendance of Brother and Sister White.

Resolved, That we receive the spirit of prophecy as being in harmony with the word of God and necessary for the church; more especially necessary in these times of spiritualism and infidelity.

Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to the brethren of Alabama and Florida, and solicit the General Conference seriously to consider their wants and send them help if possible.

Resolved, That we tender to Bro. and Sr. Barr a vote of thanks for their kind hospitality during this Conference meeting.

Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD.

S. OSBORN, Pres. BETTIE COOMBS, Sec.

Indiana State Quarterly T. & M. Meeting.

This meeting was held at Rochester, May 20. Dist. No. 3 failed to send a report in time for the following summary of labor:—

No. of families visited, 108; letters written, 41. Received from membership, $14.00; donations, $16.10; book sales, $13.33; subscribers, $14.00; total, $57.43. New subscribers, REVIEW, 4; INSTRUCTOR, 16; REFORMER, 4; SIGNS, 84; copies sent to friends on trial, 6. Periodicals distributed, 686; almanacs, 191; pages of tracts and pamphlets, 185,807.

Our brethren are just beginning to understand the T. and M. work; but they are ready to fall into line and move forward. Let the librarians and secretaries understand and perform their duties more carefully and zealously, and far greater results will follow. See that every member has a Report of Labor, and memorandum book, and then teach him how to use them. Let our leaders study to show themselves workmen, and let our brethren give a share of their best thoughts to devising “ways and means” to spread the truth far and wide. Now, brethren, for a better work for next quarter.

L. CALDWELL, Sec. pro tem.

Quarterly Meeting, Dist. No. 1, Ind.

About sixty were in attendance at the T. and M. meeting at Rochester, May 20 and 21, Elder S. H. Lane presiding. The tent church erected here last summer was dedicated Sunday forenoon. Six were buried in baptism after the services. The meeting was a precious one, and the Spirit of God was graciously present. All are determined to labor more earnestly for the spreading of the present truth in this State the coming summer. Let all the T. and M. workers take hold with a will, and all Indiana shall soon be lighted up with the third angel's message. Eld. Lane gave some plain directions as to some of the ways and means of getting these truths before the people. Elder Bartlett and others followed with good suggestions and cheering words.

After reading the reports of the last quarterly meeting it was voted to send four copies of the SIGNS to the Deedsville church for its use; also, to donate a sum sufficient to complete Indiana's share of the Centennial expense. The following report of the labor done during the quarter was then read:—

No. of families visited, 72; letters written, 23. Received for membership, $8.00; by donations, $7.60; from book sales, $4.00; new subscribers, $6.00. Total, $26.60. Subscribers obtained, 12; periodicals distributed, 318; almanacs, 33; tracts and pamphlets, 9,020 pages.

L. CALDWELL, Sec.

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