It seems that no careful student of the prophecies can fail to understand that we are living in the last days. The advent messages have been announced in the order laid down in prophecy, Rev. 14:6–12. The first and second were proclaimed by William Miller, and his associates. The third and last is now in full process of accomplishment, and culminates in the revelation of our Lord from heaven in flaming fire to take vengeance on his foes and to reward his saints. Not only so, but we have come so near its accomplishment that the very next link in the chain is this crowning and momentous work. It is this fact which gives the third angel’s message, now going forth, its unusual degree of solemnity and importance. Indeed, it is the most solemn announcement that can be found anywhere in the word of God; for it threatens the wine of the wrath of God without any mixture of mercy upon all such as do not heed the warning contained in the message.
From the language in which it is expressed, we understand that it is designed to warn men against the worship of the beast and his image, and also the reception of his mark—sins which must be most heinous and Heaven-daring in the sight of God, because no warning more terrible is found in all the Bible. And will the world never know what this sin is? Impossible! God does not so deal with his creatures. He does not punish the wicked without their knowing, or having full opportunity to know, for what cause the punishment is inflicted. And as he has given us, in his word, a most solemn warning against the reception of the mark of the beast, and accompanied with the most awful threatening of his unmingled wrath against all who do not heed the warning, we inquire if it would not be unjust in God thus to threaten men, while it is impossible for them to ascertain the meaning of the terms of the warning? Most certainly it would.
Now if it is the truth that the warning is for those to whom the message is given, and if we are not to be left in darkness in respect to what the “worship of the beast and the reception of his mark” represents, is it not logical to conclude, with the full assurance of the justice and reasonableness of all God’s requirements and threatenings, that we can and do understand what the mark of the beast is? The message containing this warning is the last to be given before the revelation of the Lord from heaven. And as all Adventists agree that we have reached the last days, and the two preceding messages have been fulfilled in the past, and as facts compel us to admit that the third and last message is now being proclaimed, we are forced to the conclusion that the time has come when it is not only our privilege, but our duty, to understand what the mark of the beast is. No matter if your learned minister can give you no light on this subject. He may possibly be of that class of shepherds described by the prophet Isaiah—“Shepherds that cannot understand;” or, as Paul expresses it, “Ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim. 3:7.
But the angel declared to Daniel concerning these last days, “The wise shall understand.” Chap. 12:10. “The time of the end” has arrived, and the warning voice of the third angel (Rev. 14:9, 12) is already being heard. Consequently the time has come for us to know what the mark of the beast is, that we may avoid it, and escape the threatened wrath.
And now, dear reader, if you have become interested in the question, “What is present truth?” and desire to know what the mark of the beast is, for a full discussion of this subject we would cite you to such works as these; viz., “Mark of the Beast and Seal of the living God,” “The Three Angel’s Messages,” &c., published at the REVIEW AND HERALD Office, Battle Creek, Mich.
It is evident that the proclamation of the message of the third angel is being attended with the special blessing of the Lord. This is no small evidence in favor of the correctness of our position; yet it would be extremely unsafe for us to settle down on this evidence alone, without being able to give from the Bible the reasons of our faith. Those that heed the warning which is now being given to the world against worshiping the beast and his image, and receiving his mark, will soon realize a mighty deliverance, be sheltered from the seven last plagues, in which is filled up the wrath of God, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb on Mount Zion.
In view of an eternal life of glory in the kingdom of God, saved from sin and all its consequences, we beseech you, dear fellow-mortals, to heed the warning voice of the last message of mercy to poor fallen man. Despise not this warning. Its last notes will soon die away, and then will
“Stern justice lift the avenging sword
To slay the mockers of God’s word.”
Oh! then improve the present, for yet a little while and the voice of sweet mercy will be heard no more. Fear not the reproach or reviling of men, but be willing to suffer persecution. Be wise, and sacrifice all for glory, and do it now. Let the signs of the times admonish you to make no delay. The days are evil, therefore redeem the time.
CHARLES P. WHITFORD.
Berkshire Center, Vt.
“Cast Thy Bread upon the Waters.”
By H. A. St. John
Who is doing it? Where is the individual who dare trust the naked promise of God? Bread, the staff of life, cast upon the waters, implies a sacrifice for the good of others. Says Paul, “But to do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb. 13:16. Some seek to do good only when it is convenient, or when they can make it pay in a worldly point of view at the same time. Such should learn that it is sacrificing to do good that pleases God. The last call of mercy is being heard in solemn distinctness, and is rising in light and power. Who believes it with all the heart? Where are the watching, praying, and laboring ones? Alas, they are few! But God will have a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Believers in the third message, it is time we fling to the winds our doubts and misgivings, and begin to work out our salvation in earnest, and with fear and trembling. If we are not in a condition to work, we need to seek the heavenly anointing without further delay. To battle successfully, we must have on the armor of light. Oh! shall we so hunger and thirst after righteousness that we may daily have a new experience in the things of God?
Are the members of our T. and M. Societies waking up? Do we feel a growing interest in the blessed cause? If not, we have cause for alarm. Some have been opposed to the T. and M. Society. Certainly the recommendations and unqualified support, given it by our leaders, and the remarkable prosperity attending the workings of the organization in the past, during its incipiency, are enough to fully convert all. Let those who have opposed or hindered the work by casting an influence against it, silently or otherwise, at once find their respective places in the army of true missionaries, while there is a call for volunteers. This they may do by making humble confessions to their brethren, and beginning with vigor to redeem the time. To labor in the cause of God, under the supervision of the T. and M. Society, ties up nobody’s hands, but gives the fullest liberty to work for the Master, in sweet union with his people.
Is every director doing his duty? Much, very much depends upon them. Theirs is an important and responsible work. Like the captain of a company, is the director of a district. He should endeavor to enlist in his company all who love the present truth in his district—yes, all, men, women, and children. Nor should he be satisfied with the mere enrollment of names. No, no; but seek to furnish every soldier with books, tracts, &c., and teach them how to work for the glory of God. And to do this, he must move about among his company occasionally, be familiar with all, and strive to help all just where they need help. Every member will want to look upon the face of his director, at least once a quarter, and to hear from his lips words of instruction, encouragement, and good cheer. Do any say that they cannot afford it, that they cannot leave their daily toil without distressing their families? Then we think you are the wrong men for the place. But perhaps you lack faith. You do not trust God enough. Perhaps the kingdom of God and his righteousness are not first with you. Weigh the matter well, look to Jesus for light, and act wisely.
Oh! what a field opens before the T. and M. Society. Now we may gather with Christ. Soon all will be over. Jesus is our example. He went about doing good, and this is the sum total of true missionary work. The Lord measures our work, not by the amount done, but by the love with which we work. Whatsoever is done in pure love, is wholly fruitful. Then let us seek for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is the baptism of love.
H. A. St. John.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, in Orleans, Mich., Dec. 4, 1873, Elizabeth Strong, wife of Elder P. Strong, aged thirty-two years. Sister S. embraced the Christian religion at the age of sixteen. She possessed an amiable disposition and a heart truly devoted to the service of the Saviour. Patience and resignation characterized her through a lingering sickness. She sleeps in hope of eternal life when the Life-giver shall come. Mourning friends may meet her beyond the sting of death. Funeral services on first-day, the 6th. A. S. Hutchins.
Died, in Petaluma, Cal., Dec. 7, 1873, sister Catherine Moore, aged forty-six years. Her disease was internal cancer. Sister Moore and her companion were the first to embrace the Sabbath in Petaluma. She was a great sufferer for the last few months, but calmly committed herself to the Lord, and died in the triumph of faith. J. N. Loughborough.
Died, at Hazelton, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Oct. 21, 1873, of scarlet fever, after an illness of five days, our little son, Freddie Elbert, aged four years. Also, Nov. 27, 1873, of the same disease, after an illness of three weeks, our youngest son, Bertie Ansel, aged twenty-three months. Words of comfort on both occasions by Bro. John Wager. John Warren, Mary Warren.
Died, in Portland, Maine, Dec. 3, 1873, Ezra Mugford, aged eighty years and two months. He had kept the Sabbath of the Lord for more than twenty-five years. He was a firm believer in all the present truth, and we believe he rests in hope. E. Lobdell.
Died, in Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich., Nov. 10, 1873, Marvey B., son of sister Rosanna Tilton, aged seven years, nine months, and twelve days. Remarks by the writer from 1 Thess. 4: 13, 14. E. Brackett, Jr.
If Polly Allen will give her post-office address, we will credit the two dollars she sends.
RECEIPTS
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Pastors. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$2.00 EACH. Mrs Jane Locklin 45-1, Mrs E Bellous 44-1, A D Walter 45-1, Sarah E Bates 45-1, J A Munger 45-1, C N Pike 45-1, Darius D Howard 45-1, Mrs John Bennett 45-1, E R Kelsey 45-1, H Abbott 45-1, Wm E Alchin 45-1, Hattie E Smith 45-1, T S Harris 45-1, L B Kendall 45-1, I Z Lamb 45-1, Susan Crandall 45-1, A C Penfield 45-1, J Russ 45-1, J Hebner 45-1, J Pierce Jr 46-1, S Kingston 45-1 Naomi Jones 45-1, E Lobdell 45-1, A B Brant 45-1, Gertrude Cobb 46-7, S B Whitney 45-1, Mortimer S Tyrel 45-1, Jacob Waldron 45-1, W E Stillman 45-1, D B Welch 45-1, Mrs M C Rood 45-1, L Drew 45-1, S W Harris 45-1, C W Gibson 45-1, Freeman Nichols 45-1, Thomas Hare 45-1, Mary Brisbin 45-1, Robert Vickery 45-1, H M Zenor 45-1.
$1.00 EACH. Mary Hillard 44-1, H C Buck 44-1, L M Jones 44-1, Susan B Southwell 44-1, R W Page 44-1, Joseph Wilgus 44-1, Olive Ayers 46-1, Samuel Rexford 44-1, Betsey Reed 44-1, Caroline Morey 44-1, Z Beaman 44-1, H C Booker 44-1, L E Pettis 45-1, Mrs J E Watson 45-1, Lucinda Cory 45-1, S M Fitzgerald 44-1, Julia Whipple 44-1, Jackson Banks 44-1, M H Leonard 44-1, G F Richmond 44-1, H J Rich 44-1, John H Green 44-1, H S Lay 45-1, John Andrews 44-1, G B Bardwell 44-1, Jane Burnham 45-1, M A H 45-1, A Houghtelling 45-1, Sarah Shaw 45-1, H Jones 45-1, Percis Reaves 45-1, Ezekiel Boylan 45-1, G H Matthews 44-1, Almina Lane 44-7, Lorinda Hutchison 44-7, Polly Holiday 44-7, G Prosper 44-1, H H Wilcox 44-1, Porter Allen 44-1, N S Bigham 44-1.
50 Cents Each, Paying to Vol. 44-1. Mary Paddock, Wealthy Reed, S N Coleman, Jerry Shafer, James Hall, Simeon Bates, Mrs George Parker, Mrs John Orcutt, George White, Lydia C Stanly, Mrs Elzina Colcord, Mrs Lorena Law, Samuel Hogue, Melancthon Lincroede, Charles Corlis, John Shepard, A Burnham, S E Welch, Marcus Churchell, Maryette Cole, Cardine Renzenhouser, John Keel, Wm Peet, Mary Lincoln, Mrs Geo H Haley, Mrs N E Perry, L Goudy, Mrs Georgie Morrison, Charlie Knights, Cornelius Rudd, Permelia Howel, Wiley J Calahan, Mary S Eaton, John Nichols, Mrs Harvey McNutt, Mrs Lucy B Richardson, A Beardslee, Mrs M A Maybee, Mrs S C Simerson, Geo W Kilburn, Sarah A Julien, Wm P Coney, Mrs Linus Foster, Mrs S L Wise, Lemuel Clark, F Kinear, Sam’l Shaw, Hon David Wagner, Christiana Guyer, Maryette Sanders, Mrs Alonzo Felton, Roswell Peck, Curtis Bogue, A M Forsythe, Wm Doane, Daniel Bean, Mrs A Frye, Mrs Joseph Greeley, Mrs David Gage, Mrs Moses Spalding, Z Abbott, Joanna Douglas, Mrs Judson Wilkins, E Stratton, Stephen Hill, E L Eaton, Mrs B Wood, Joseph Gould, Elizabeth Howell, Robert M Cory, H J Brimer, Henry Rinker, Geo W Jackman, Wm Ray, Lewis B Ashbaugh, E M Boynton, C Goold, D C Poennett, P B McLaurin, R Otis, Mrs G A Austin, Jacob Barge, Cornelia Bailey, Benj A Carpenter, Emma Cochran, Austin A Dubois, James Deloc, Mrs Maria Inman, Oliver J Long, Clark J Primrose, Albert Price, Plage (Grocer), Lewis Paye, A Morse, Geo W Dan Dusen, Alexander McPheadren, John King, Bell S Collins, Charles Green, Wm T Fiester, Mrs F S Morgan, Henry Cardy, Henry Waters, D W Newcomb, Phebe Garton, Ben Newcomb, Charles Smith, Joseph Dodge, Susan Wilks, John W Clides, P S Miller, Wm H Bemis, J E Sheldon, D & S A Morris, John Harbin, Oliver Lathrop, Rev Rob’t White, Rev Rob’t Mansfield, J R Gallemore, W S Gallemore, Mrs L Streeter, Eld Gray, Mrs H Stanley, Mrs M Perkins, Mrs E Roberts, Geo F Davis, Alonzo Greenman, C Turnpseed, Amos Justice, Harriet Bussey, Rufus P Kelley, John Mills, Mrs Grey, James H Brink, Mrs Coverdale, Edwin Miller, Caroline Dancen, Alice M Butler, S F York, Eld J W Olmstead, Sylvanius Thomson, Martha Coles, Mrs Charles Thew, Henry Nichols, Mrs L Foster, Henry Hitchcock, Lewis R Hall, Eld D P Curtis, Eld L C Rogers, Joel Saunders, Willis Babcock, A Green, Libbeus Allen, Geo Hunter, Henry Ashley, Julana Butler, Martha Freeman, J H Smith, Melissa Mihill, L A Merrill, John Ferguson, Mrs Thomas Phillips, Sylvester Keene, Mary Melvin, Eld E Nuttin, Mr Thompson, Susan Laberteaux, Lucinda Gunn, John Streeter, John Sleath, Charles Pratt, Alexander Murdock, Z S Welch, Mrs E Geer, Mrs H Lamberton, Horace Mead, E Cheesbro, Peter Smith, Mrs James Hills, O G Stillman, Eld J B Clark, Joseph Wilson, James M Cowles, John Wheelock, Louisa Hetrick, A S Foster, A B Holmes, W E Evans, Mrs J B Ripley, Mrs J E Buxton, A W Park, Mrs James Goodman, C Stowe, Garrett Solomon, Dr Benj Failor, Rob’t Welch, M C Marks, Benjamin Green, Mrs J Spicer, Mrs Eliza Bagley, Mrs O L Sabin, E P Waterman, D Macumber, A H Flutter, Geo Perry, Liddy Franklin, Thomas Anderson, Thomas Stewart, Chester M Robinson, Fayette Kingsley, Erastus Hamilton, Geo Edgerton, J W Morton, Geo W Armor, Lucius H Burdick, Margaret Fisher, Eld J N Copeland, Eld J H Whitmore, Hattie Dunn, Mrs Susie Kane, Mrs Isaac Phillips, John Hiddon, Samuel Weeks, Harvey Burch, Nathaniel Brown, Asa St Clair, Susan Stains, Eliza Bennett, James Clark, R T Rust, Leroy Curtis, Olive Place, Geo Wright, Harriet W Hayden, A S Busby, Mrs C Francis, John Valentine, L G Stinehart, Lucius Killmar, Alex Wigle, Geo Atkins, Alex Paton, Ann Fox, E E Veeder, Elijah Thompson, Stephen Berray, Wm Phillips, E R Martin, H Beals, H Vollen, S B Johnson, P Hockenberry, C Hockenberg, D C Kellogg, B P Cornell, Alfred Allen, J N Roberts, Wm Francis.
MISCELLANEOUS. David Ford $2.50 43-1, B S Burdick 50c 44-1, J H Cottrell 50c 43-14, Mrs A Chamberlin 50c 44-7, Mrs M J Paull 50c 43-14, Edith L Smith 3.00 46-1, Mate Napier 50c 43-14, R J Foster 50c 43-14, J E Freeman 30c 43-1, Noble Whitey 60c 44-1, Peter Weeks 1.00 44-1, John Patterson 1.02 44-1.
Books Sent by Mail.
Emma A Carpenter $1.00, John Hare 1.25, J H Bennett 1.50, L Russell 1.00, Francis Greenman 25c, A C O’Reily 1.00, L H Marshall 5.00, Hiram Thurber 25c, H W Newcomb 35c, J Pemberton 25c, John Stone 3.50, Lucius W Killmar 25c, S C Courey 2.75, Miss Mary Patton 20c, J B Goodrich 1.25, A A Hammond 50c, S W Harris 1.00, Miss Mary I Olmstead 1.00, M Y Reynolds 1.00, Norman Dewey 1.00, Mary A Jameson 25c, A Pease 1.00, Sarah Lowell 25c, M F Dibble 3.50, E D Welch 25c, Isadore Abraham 1.50, John I Tay 2.50, Samuel Bowen 25c, J Bartlett 65c, Matt Wing 25c, Mary A Robinson 2.00, J P Hoffman 2.00, Ebenezer Scribner 75c, Viola Swancutt 25c, E P Ferris 1.00, James Hardy 1.25, Miss Alice Minor 10c, Mrs P S Dorchester 1.20, Mrs Samuel Smith 75c.
S. D. A. Educational Society.
$200.00 EACH. James Harvey.
$100.00 EACH. August Rasmussen, Solomon Sellers, Jacob Berry, Sarah F Gove.
$50.00 EACH. Alfred Hobbs, Jane Hobbs.
$40.00 EACH. Sidney J Hart & wife.
$30.00 EACH. Unice Kelsey.
$25.00 EACH. M A Brigham, E Haskins, H C Stone.
$20.00 EACH. S M Holly & wife.
$15.00 EACH. George Hobbs, Franklin Howe & wife.
$10.00 EACH. Philena Howe, H H Bramhall.
$5.00 EACH. Alice Hobbs, N D Richmond, N S Brigham, Elsie Brigham, Lucinda Rue, Henry P Rue, Wm P Hinton.
$4.00 EACH. Ida Worden.
$2.50 EACH. Peter Howe, Baxter Howe.
$2.00 EACH. N A Brewer.
$1.00 EACH. Henry Hobbs, Ella Brigham, John Brigham.
We hope there will be general attention given to Eld. Haskell’s article, concerning ten thousand subscribers for REVIEW and Reformer being obtained at once, as given in this issue of the REVIEW. We see no reason why these should not be obtained. If all will work with energy, it can be done. Our tract society organization makes it possible. Our new volume is to be prepared with especial care for the very purpose of furnishing such reading matter as will interest those not well acquainted with our views. Series of articles, designed to present before the mind the great principles of our faith, will be given. The winter season is the time to read, and the best time for our tract societies to labor with success.
Thousands of intelligent persons all around us on every side, need just such reading as our present volume will contain. The terms are exceedingly low so that all should feel like helping in the matter. Fifty cents for six months is nothing when we consider the amount of excellent reading matter to be obtained. Who knows how many of these trial subscribers may become permanent subscribers, and believers in the great truths advocated? Now, then, is the time to work. Set about it at once. Many have felt their lives were almost useless. Here is a chance to make them useful. Our views must be disseminated everywhere. Now is the favorable time to take hold of the work in earnest.
GEO. L. BUTLER.
Battle Creek Mich., Dec. 21, 1873.
Appointment Postponed
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago, are invited to attend.
Appointment Postponed.
My appointment for Johnstown Center, Wis., made in last week's REVIEW, for Dec. 27, 28, is hereby postponed one week. There are certain matters of business in Battle Creek which will detain me another week. I now appoint for that place, Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 3, 4, 1874, and meetings will continue more or less during the following week. We ask for a general attendance from the surrounding country.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
I will meet with the brethren near Aledo, Ill., Dec. 27, 28; at Woodburn, Jan. 3, 4, 1874.
The district quarterly meetings of the T. and M. societies for the above districts will be held at these dates. Brethren, pray and work to the end that the Lord may meet with us, and that we may have a refreshing from his presence at these meetings.
R. F. ANDREWS.
The T. and M. Society, Dist. No. 1, Minnesota, will hold a quarterly meeting at Medford, Jan. 24, 25, 1874, in connection with the general quarterly meeting. We expect all the librarians will have their reports ready for this meeting.
HARRISON GRANT.
School Term Opens with Strong Enrollment and Curriculum
By Uriah Smith
The present term of school opened very encouragingly the 15th. There are one hundred and ten scholars, and between thirty and forty different classes. The studies, so far introduced, are, the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, and German, languages; physiology, philosophy, rhetoric, algebra, book-keeping, grammar, arithmetic, geography, penmanship, reading and spelling, besides Bible lessons in all departments, and the Biblical lectures for the more advanced. Those who are pursuing the higher branches seem disposed to make their work a matter of earnest effort, and the prospect is good that all that has been hoped touching the efficiency and usefulness of the school, will be fully realized. U. S.
The True Missionary.
By George I. Butler
This monthly sheet should be in the hands of every true friend of the cause. If any such have not subscribed, they should subscribe at once. It will contain matter of special interest to our own people connected with our tract and missionary work, and of such things as might not be of general interest to those who do not believe with us. It is designed to be practical, rather than theoretical, and we are certain that all the friends of the cause will want The True Missionary. The first number will soon be issued. It will instruct our people how to work successfully. The price is only fifty cents. Send your names at once, brethren, for the first number.
The REVIEW will be the exponent of our theological views, and especially during the present volume will it be prepared to meet the wants of those who are investigating them. But this little sheet will contain just that instruction which we need to make us successful workers in the harvest, and we hope it will inspire the hearts of all our friends with increased interest to labor for God. What we all need, is to become laborers. Then we shall be strong. Many are drying up from inaction. The True Missionary will be a help to all who will receive instruction. Send in your names at once, brethren and sisters, for the first number.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Battle Creek Mich., Dec. 21, 1873.
The School and the Lectures.
By George I. Butler
OUR present term of school has been in operation one week, and is now in good working order. Our new building is fast filling up, and we shall have a full attendance. Still there is room for a few more, though there are far more now than at any previous term. The scholars seem to be pleased with their teachers, pleased with the new building, and hopeful of great progress in their different studies. Bro. Smith’s lectures commence to-morrow, and will be held every school day during the term. There will be a large class, but many others might and should attend. I have in my mind many young men in different parts of the country who should be here preparing themselves to work for God. How long they will wait before they consecrate themselves to the Lord, we know not. We incline to the opinion that some of them can not afford to wait much longer.
The cry is going forth, Go labor in my vineyard. Many have idled away much precious time already. Laborers are wanted. There is a great amount to be done. There are good opportunities now offered to prepare to labor acceptably. Brethren, what are you waiting for? Who will enlist? We call for volunteers. We want men of energy, men of sound judgment, men who can succeed in the business of life, and above all, men who fear God. Come from your farms, from your workshops, and from your schoolrooms, and prepare yourselves for the work of the Lord. This world will soon pass away. The Lord wants, not so much your money, as yourselves, to be consecrated to him. The fields are white. Where are the laborers to gather the harvest? Come, brethren, arouse, and work for God.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 21, 1873.
Explanation of Michigan Periodical Delinquency Payments
By S. N. Haskell
Explanation.
1. It will be noticed in this week’s REVIEW that there is a statement implying that the delinquency on our periodicals in Michigan is all paid. It is paid as follows: Some two or three districts raised the money and paid it, so that the bill might be settled with the Publishing Association; but about half of the districts in this State are yet behind on this matter, and are indebted to the tract society for the payment of their proportion, and, strictly speaking, are not entitled to draw books until it is paid.
2. Any district that shall raise more than enough to pay its proportion will receive credit for that amount, as a surplus tract fund. Hence all pledges that are made for that fund are needed, and some districts are still behind. What is true of Michigan is true of other Conferences.
S. N. Haskell.
To the Officers of the Tract Societies.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
IN THE REVIEW of Nov. 4, it was stated that in obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, the director of each district could send the names direct to the Office for the individuals, and retain the money and pay it into the treasury, which should always be at every general quarterly meeting. We are glad to see a disposition on the part of the members of the tract societies to do their business through the directors; but instead of each director sending his business direct to the Office, it is found to be far better to send the business direct to the state secretary of your tract society, and he forward it to the Office. Then a statement will be returned. It will thus save the Office much perplexity. S. N. HASKELL.
To the Churches of the Missouri & Kansas Conference.
By CHAS. F. STEVENS
I SEE IN REVIEW of Nov. 25, a call for reports from the State Conference secretaries. I am sorry to say that I cannot give any statistics at present from this Conference that can be relied on.
At our last State Conference, the churches were not all represented, and on looking over the papers in my possession I find that only a few of the churches sent in a report of their standing; consequently I am not in possession of such information as is necessary to make out my report to the General Conference.
Will the clerks of the several churches in this Conference send to my address immediately, a full report of their standing, which shall include, 1. The present number of members. 2. The gain or loss during the last Conference year. 3. The amount of S. B. pledged. 4. The amount actually paid into the treasury.
If your church has been organized since the commencement of the present Conference year, please state the fact, and send the names and P. O. address of the clerk and treasurer.
While some of the S. B. treasurers of this Conference have been prompt in making out their reports to the secretary, others have neglected it entirely. As our Conference year commences Jan. 1, reports are due as follows: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
If nothing has been paid into the treasury, the report should be made out and sent at the proper time stating the facts. If the money has been paid in, it should be sent at the close of each quarter to the State treasurer, J. N. Ayers, Farlinville, Linn Co., Kansas, and the report, to the Secretary.
Brethren, let us be faithful in the discharge of these duties.
CHAS. F. STEVENS,
Sec. Mo. & Kan Conf.Elk Falls, Howard Co., Kansas.
The T. and M. Society of Dist. No. 3, Minnesota, will hold a quarterly meeting at Hutchison, Jan. 17, 18, 1874. We hope that every member in this district will be prompt, so that the librarians can report at this meeting. Harrison Grant, Pres.
General quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society of Minnesota, at Medford, Jan. 24, 25, 1874. Let each district in this Conference be in readiness, and report what has been done. Let all attend this meeting, who can come. Harrison Grant, Pres.
Quarterly meeting of the churches and T. & M. Society of Hillsdale Co., Mich., in Hillsdale, the first Sabbath and first day (3 and 4) of January, 1874. The friends in Quincy and vicinity are invited. W. B. Castle, Director, Dist. No. 1.
Monthly meeting at Jackson, Mich., Jan. 3, 1874. E. P. Giles.
A quarterly meeting of the church of Catlin, will be held at Beaver Dams, N. Y. on the first Sabbath and first-day in Jan., 1874. Meetings will commence Sabbath evening, Providence permitting. Brethren and sisters from surrounding churches earnestly requested to attend. D. T. Fero, Clerk.
The first quarterly meeting of the S. D. Adventists of Lafayette Co., Mo., will be held with the church at Pleasant Ridge school-house, between Chapel Hill and Mt. Hope, the fourth Sabbath in December. The friends from Johnson and Jackson Counties are invited to attend. J. H. Rogers.
Quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of Dist. No. 8 of the Iowa and Nebraska Conference Jan. 3 and 4, at the Marsh school-house, Nebraska. M. D. Clark, Director.
Quarterly meeting of the Hundred Mile Grove church, Wisconsin, will be held, no providence preventing, the first Sabbath and first-day in January, 1874. N. M. Jordon.
The next quarterly meeting for the church of Kickapoo Center, Wis., will be held on the first Sabbath and first-day of January, 1874. Sister churches are invited. By order of the church, Eli Osborn, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society for Dist. No. 5, will be held at Liberty Pole, Wis., January 24 and 25. Eli Osborn, Director.
Quarterly meeting of the Plainfield church at Plainfield, Wis., the first Sabbath in January, 1874. The Fish Lake church is cordially invited to attend. Will Bro. P. S. Thurston please be present? A. Fassett.
The T. & M. Society of Dist. No. 7 of Illinois, will meet in connection with the regular quarterly meeting, first Sabbath and Sunday in January, 1874, at Clark Center, Ill. Ministerial aid will be present. Cannot Bro. R. F. Andrews also attend? M. Kittle, Director.
The next quarterly meeting of the Iowa and Neb. T. and M. Society will be held at State Center, Iowa, Jan. 3 and 4, 1874. A general attendance is solicited, and especially a report from every member in the district. Minos Miller, Director.
No preventing providence, I will meet with the Michigan T. and M. Societies, as follows:—
Memphis, “ 27, 28.
Lapeer, “ 30, at 7 P. M.
E. H. Root.