SPECIAL MEETING OF THE STOCK-HOLDERS OF THE HEALTH REFORM INSTITUTE.
By John Harvey Kellogg; S. Brownsberger
The stockholders met at Battle Creek, Mich., March 1, 1878, at 10 A. M., in accordance with the call published in the REVIEW AND HERALD. The meeting was opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
The roll being called, it was found that there were 1,027 shares of stock represented either in person or by proxy. This constituted a quorum, being a majority representation of the stock thus far taken in the Institute; the whole number to date being 1,686.
The chairman, Dr. J. H. Kellogg, then proceeded to read the call for a meeting of the stockholders, and at some length stated the object of the call. He also made some statements relative to the present condition and workings of the Institute. He stated that the new building was none too large to accommodate the Institute family at present; that the number of patients now exceeded a hundred; that the prospects promised more patients during the coming season than the Institute will be able to accommodate even with the new building fully occupied. He thought that this rapid increase of patronage was due rather to the prospects of better accommodations, additional improvements, and greatly increased facilities for treating patients than to any change of management. The chairman was followed in his remarks by Elds. S. N. Haskell and D. M. Canright, and others. They spoke of the certain success of the reform movement, and the necessity of the extended improvements being made at the Institute. Eld. S. N. Haskell read the following resolution and moved its adoption:—
Resolved, That the directors of this Institute shall have power to purchase and hold real-estate and convey or mortgage the same, and to erect, alter, or improve such buildings as may be necessary for the business of the Institute.
The resolution was an amendment to Sec. 6, Art. II., of By-Laws of the Association. Sec. 6, before amended, read as follows: “Sec. 6. The directors of this Institute shall have power to purchase and hold real estate, and convey the same, and to erect, alter, or improve such buildings as may be necessary for the business of the Institute.” The amendment was seconded by Eld. D. M. Canright, and was unanimously adopted, receiving 1,027 votes.
Eld. D. M. Canright then read the following resolution, and moved its adoption:—
Resolved, That we hereby recommend the directors of the Health Reform Institute to secure the loan of such a sum of money as is necessary to complete and furnish the new building of the Sanitarium.
The motion was seconded by Eld. U. Smith, and by vote was unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned till 5 o’clock P. M.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. A. S. Hutchins. The minutes of the first session were read and approved. Several more shares were represented by share-holders who had arrived since the morning session, which increased the number to 1,067. The business introduced in this meeting was relative to a loan of $25,000 from the trustees of the Duncan estate, of Battle Creek, Mich. Some resolutions were then passed relative to the conditions upon which this loan would be received. When it was found that a satisfactory agreement between the parties with respect to the loan could not be arrived at, the resolutions adopted at this session were rescinded and ordered to be dropped from the minutes.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
March 4, 3:40 P. M. Prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
Dr. J. H. Kellogg stated the reason why the expected loan of $25,000 could not be obtained, and that it was therefore necessary to procure the money in some other way. After further remarks in this direction by Eld. D. M. Canright, the following resolutions were passed by the stockholders:—
Resolved, That we, the stockholders of the Health Reform Institute, do hereby authorize the Board of Directors of this corporation to make a loan of $30,000, at a rate of interest not exceeding 10 per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually, in not exceeding ten years, in installments, or otherwise; and to secure the payment of the same by mortgage upon real estate, and in such form, and upon such terms and conditions as shall to them seem advisable, and that the same shall be executed, acknowledged, and negotiated by the president and secretary.
Whereas, The Institute is just now in the most pressing need of about $25,000 to meet its bank account and other debts which must be paid by the first of April or have its credit greatly damaged, and
Whereas, We believe our wealthy brethren would in some way secure this money for us if they fully appreciated our distressing need, therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby authorize Elders S. N. Haskell, D. M. Canright, B. L. Whitney, and H. W. Decker, to act as special agents for the present emergency.
Meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
J. H. Kellogg, Vice-pres.
S. Brownsberger, Sec.
OBJECT OF THE MEETINGS IN IOWA.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Dear Brethren and Sisters in Iowa: After an absence of six years, it is my privilege again to visit Iowa, and labor a few weeks among you. I can spend just four weeks, and probably no more. I have tried to place my meetings so as to reach the majority of the friends in the State, if you will make a proper effort to come out.
Now I earnestly hope that you will not stay away because it is a little inconvenient to attend these meetings; do not let a little mud, or rain, or perhaps home affairs keep you away. This may be the last time I shall ever see you. I feel very anxious to help you, and the cause in that State, particularly my old friends where I formerly labored. I should like to attend your camp-meeting; but this is out of the question, hence I come now.
The object which I have in view is, as far as possible, to prepare the brethren for an energetic summer's campaign. I wish to see every preacher, and every young man or woman that means to labor at all in the cause this coming summer, not only as ministers, but with tent companies or in the tract work. Doubtless there are many persons who ought to be at work in the field in some manner, who are not. We would urge our brethren, therefore, to look up all such persons, and be sure to have them at the meeting.
I shall be prepared to tell you all about our excellent school in Battle Creek, and make arrangements with any who wish to attend; all about our Sanitarium, and matters connected with it; and all about our publishing work. If any wish places in any of these institutions, they can talk with me about it.
Several missions are opening up before us. We must have means and men for these. I want to talk about this. Also one special object is to look up our clerks' and systematic records, and give thorough instruction about the way to keep them correctly.
We want to have a long talk with all tent companies and lecturers about the proper manner to conduct a course of meetings. These will be important things to see to.
Our meetings will commence Friday evening; and hold four days, closing Wednesday morning. Let all come prepared to stay that length of time, particularly those who are, or intend to become, officers in any branch of the work. Monday and Tuesday we shall spend instructing the brethren about their duties in various branches of the work.
We will name those whom we wish to be there: 1. clerks; 2. S. B. treasurers; 3. deacons; 4. elders; 5. Sabbath-school teachers; 6. Sabbath-school superintendents; 7. T. and M. librarians; 8. T. and M. secretaries; 9. T. and M. directors; 10. canvassers; 11. preachers; 12. tent masters; 13. tent helpers. Monday and Tuesday will be spent wholly with these persons, in thoroughly instructing them in the duties of their offices, and how to carry them out. Let every clerk bring his book, every systematic treasurer, his book, and the T. and M. officers their books. We want to examine them. We shall have practical lessons in keeping these books. We shall have an illustration of organizing a church, receiving and expelling members, collecting and disbursing T. and M. money, &c. These may seem to be small matters; but they are important matters when they are considered all over the field. Indeed, I think we will dignify our meetings with the name of Officers' Institute. If it is found that two days are not sufficient, we will lengthen the time. Remember the places of meeting are Osceola, State Center, Sigourney, and one other place to be appointed farther in the West. Bro. Farnsworth will be with me.
May the Lord bless Iowa.
D. M. Canright.
“MOTHER SHIPTON’S PROPHECY.”
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
I HAVE been asked several times this winter, in different places, what I think of “Mother Shipton’s Prophecy,” as it is called. My answer is every time, “I do not think of it at all.” I care nothing for it, and why should I think of it?
The origin of this so-called prophecy is a matter of dispute. The Inter-Ocean, of Chicago, says it was written by a gentleman of England not many years ago. We cannot vouch for this statement, but the Inter-Ocean is one of the most reliable papers of the day.
Very little is known about the personage called “Mother Shipton.” There is a tradition among the English people, rather vague, that she was a singular woman regarded as “a seer.” But there seems to be little or nothing reliable concerning her.
We think some of our brethren are attaching to this “prophecy” far more importance than it deserves. We have a “sure word of prophecy, unto which ye do well that ye take heed.” We have no time to have our minds diverted by that which is so unreliable as this.
J. H. WAGGONER.
WHO KNOWS BEST?
By A. S. Hutchins
Those who have taken the REVIEW for years and faithfully read it feel they cannot do without it. Said one brother not long since, whose subscription had expired, “I must have the REVIEW. I cannot keep house without it.” And he does have it.
Others who have taken it, but have not half read it or read it with but little interest, feel no particular loss if they let it stop. The work of God moves on. The REVIEW is filled with precious truths, and glorious tidings of the spread of the last message, of which the latter class know but little or nothing. Now for the questions:—
1. Which of these persons are the best judges of the worth and importance of the paper?
2. Which manifest the most love for and faith in the present work of truth?
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Mistaking Religious Sentiment for a Religious Life
A great many mistake religious sentiment for a religious life. Because they are touched by religious truth, they fancy they are susceptible to religion, they think they have it. An impression is to them the same as if they obeyed it; to appreciate the right is the same as though they did the right. Weeping over a book of martyrs, they almost think it as heroic as though they died at the stake themselves. They come to take what God has planted in them, as a substitute for a practical Christian life.
Improving Our Opportunities as God's Talents
Every opportunity of performing a right action is a direct gift of God, a talent given us to be improved into a blessing, or, failing in improvement, to be withdrawn from us as any other talent unemployed. We read there is a scattering that increaseth, and a withholding that tendeth to poverty. The practice of any virtue soon grows into a confirmed grace; ways and means for its exercise will be sought for instead of avoided; and, at last, the accumulation of the talent will be to our own enrichment.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
North Creek and Indian Lake, N. Y.
[We give the following report of the settlement of a church difficulty, at the special request of Bro. Whitney, as he says that it had become extensively known, and the hearts of many will be cheered to learn that the matter has been happily adjusted.]
We felt great anxiety for our meeting with the church here, as they had been for months in a state of trial that had been a source of great discouragement to the brethren, as well as an injury to the cause. The matter had been badly managed, and the difficulty, which at first might have been easily adjusted, had grown larger until it had resulted in loss of confidence, and division in the church.
On going to our place of meeting at North Creek, Sabbath morning, Feb. 23, we found that but one or two of those particularly connected with the difficulty were present, so we appointed our meeting for the next morning at Indian Lake twenty-five miles distant. Most of the brethren and sisters present at our Sabbath meeting went with us, and we held our meeting till Monday evening. We labored to have these brethren feel that the only hope in the case was that each should for himself repent of his wrongs and confess them, instead of looking at the faults of others.
There was manifested a disposition to heed this counsel, and at our meeting Monday afternoon the melting spirit of confession came in, and with it the sweet blessing of the Lord. All present made hearty confession of their past wrong course, and the softening influence of the Spirit of God seemed to touch each heart. We had a powerful meeting, and felt to thank God for so much of his blessing as we felt in our midst. We counsel these brethren to be careful not to let the enemy come in and destroy the good work commenced there. He will surely try to do this; but we hope the advice given will be heeded, and that they will learn from this lesson to avoid such trials in the future. We believe these brethren love the cause of God, and they ought to learn from this experience that it is an easy thing to bring a sad reproach upon it. We confidently hope for better days for this church. Monday evening we had a meeting to consider the missionary work here. Twenty-two copies of the Signs were subscribed for, and several subscriptions were obtained for our other periodicals. Sold thirty dollars’ worth of books.
B. L. WHITNEY.
A. H. HALL.
Covington, Pa.
The meetings continue here with unabated interest. We have had dark nights, rain, and mud; but these have affected our congregations but little, and Sunday evening last the house was filled, gallery and all.
Last Sabbath we had our first Sabbath meeting, which was a good one. There were over forty out besides children. Quite a number of them have already commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are strongly convicted. The ministers are becoming disturbed over the matter, and are visiting among the people to quiet their minds; but we hope for a goodly number to obey the truth.
S. B. WHITNEY.
South Bay, N. Y., March 5.
Have held meetings here nearly every evening since my first report. The attendance and interest have been good from the first, although of late the weather and bad roads have kept away some who were interested, and obliged us twice to take up our appointments.
Many admit the truth, so far as they have heard, but seem slow to decide to obey it. Two kept last Sabbath, and others are deeply convicted, for whom I hope.
Expect to remain to visit among the people and hold what meetings I can until the commencement of the Biblical Institute at Rome. I learn by letter that the friends at Scott Center are still firm in the truth.
E. W. WHITNEY.
PACIFIC COAST.
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
St. Clair’s Station, Churchill Co., Nevada.
At this place, Eld. Loughborough has baptized three, the first Seventh-day Adventists ever baptized in the State of Nevada. One of these persons has taken his stand on the truth since Eld. L.’s meetings commenced here. The people of Nevada are much given to such amusements as horse racing, dancing, etc. Bro. Ferguson has held meetings here and at Stillwater, a place twenty miles north-east, during the past year. Some improvement has resulted. Several have taken a noble stand upon the truth, and others have discarded the practices above-mentioned. Our cause is looked upon with favor. Some who have not yet taken a stand with us esteem it a privilege to contribute toward a tent to be used in this State.
Eld. Loughborough, after speaking one evening in Stillwater, intends to return to St. Clair to assist in laying plans for future operations in spreading the truth before the people of this State.
Oakland, Cal.
At Oakland, Bro. Wm. Healey has given twenty-two discourses; besides these, sister White has spoken one evening, and, with Eld. White, has occupied an hour each Sabbath morning. Good attention has been paid to the word spoken. Many are under conviction, and several worthy, honest souls have decided on the side of truth.
Tulare Co., Cal.
Bro. J. L. Wood has been laboring with the Lone Oak and Lakeside churches much of the time since camp-meeting. These churches are young, and as they have considerable opposition to contend with, it has been necessary to devote considerable time to them. The outside interest has been almost equal to that in a new field. Quite a number have commenced the observance of the Sabbath. Fifteen have been baptized, and still others are reading and inquiring the way of truth.
LIGHT WANTED.
By J. B. Goodrich
Before me is a letter from a lady who lives in a city in Maine. I take the liberty to extract the following: “I have of late been informed of the Seventh-day Adventists, yet I have never seen any of their publications. By the way of a friend of mine, I have heard of the health reform, and am trying to live it; but I wish to be informed on this subject. I am a poor widow, and am not able to purchase books and tracts at the present time. Will you87please send me a few of your papers called THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and a health cook book?
“I have heard of a Christian lady by the name of Ellen White. I would like some of her works.”
The request is complied with, and the light-bearers have gone forth. May the Spirit of God go with them, to enlighten the minds of all that may read them. Courage in the work! Let us awake to the importance of the times; let us work with the Lord, and our efforts will be crowned with success. Workers who will say, Here am I, Lord, send me, are wanted in the missionary field. J. B. GOODRICH.
IOWA
Pilot Grove and Brighton.
HELD meetings at Pilot Grove, Feb. 19 to 24. During the day I labored more especially for our own people; in the evening, for those without, and believe the meetings were profitable for both. The importance of making a practical application of the truths of the third angel's message was impressed on the minds of our brethren and sisters, and I think the word spoken found some response in their hearts. The outside attendance was good, and increased to the last, when the house was crowded with attentive listeners.
Our meetings at Brighton seemed to accomplish more than those at Pilot Grove. This is an old battle field. Prejudice is high; but our brethren had acted wisely in advertising our meetings in the papers, so there was a good congregation to commence with. By Sunday the house was full. Sunday afternoon a special call was made for the youth, children of Sabbath-keepers, and seven young men and women responded. Monday I had the pleasure of burying these dear souls by baptism. The church was much encouraged by these good meetings; and we believe if their vows are kept, and the instructions they have received are carried out, they will grow spiritually and in numbers. E. W. FARNSWORTH.
Tipton, Cedar Co., March 2.
THE truth is gaining some ground in this county. Last fall I heard of a family about twelve miles from our place, that had commenced keeping the Sabbath. The next day I visited them. They had been partially brought into the truth by reading the Signs. Found them using tobacco and tea. Now the good effects of present truth are manifestly seen in their cases, in several respects. I held a few meetings in their school-house, and the result is, others have received the word of the Lord.
While engaged in tract distribution, I found a lady who had seen the work of the first or third message in Germany, but knew not what course to take since the time has passed. She was glad to hear of present truth and duty; and herself and four of her children have commenced keeping the Sabbath. Several other families are deeply interested.
Our little flock, the Oxford church, is in good spirits, and determined to go forward. J. DORCAS.
State Center, March 6.
OUR meeting twelve miles south of State Center is still in progress, and the interest in the minds of the people is deeper than ever. The house is well filled every evening. We have had three Sabbath meetings. Five have signed the covenant, and others, we think, will soon commence to keep the Sabbath. G. V. KILGORE.
MINNESOTA
Pleasant Grove, March 3.
THE Methodists commenced a meeting here last week, with the hope of counteracting our work, and recovering the members they had lost. Their minister preached upon the Sabbath last Thursday evening, making many assertions but proving nothing. Bro. Dimmick reviewed him last night at the hall. None of the converts are shaken in the least. Ten have united with the church here, and there are others who will probably come in. The lumber is mostly on the ground for the new church.
There are several places where they are anxiously waiting for help. We hope to commence in one of them as soon as the roads become passable.
D. P. CURTIS.
Hudson, Douglas Co.
I COMMENCED labor at the Maple Lake school-house, Feb. 17. The prejudice is strong among the professors, and they preach and practice the stay-at-home policy. There is a deep interest among the nonprofessors.
JAMES S. BROWER.
KANSAS
Elk Falls, Elk Co.
This church has been very unfortunate for the past year or two; but during the meetings I recently held there the Lord evinced his willingness to heal all their backslidings. Our meetings closed Feb. 17. We left them, with feelings of gratitude to God for what he had wrought in their midst. J. H. Cook.
Bull’s City, Osborne Co.
A course of lectures was given with the Pioneer church this winter, by Bros. Marshall Enoch and J. S. Thorp. Four commenced keeping the Sabbath as a result of their labors. M. W. Neal.
The Heat of the Day.
There must be those who bear the heat
And burden: on with weary feet
They toil along the noontide way,
Nor rest when comes the fall of day.
Through dewy morns, through tender eves,
Love’s labor keeps them binding sheaves
Which no man cares for. One on high
Will count their earnings by-and-by.
O patient heart! heroic will!
That bends to work such strength and skill!
The angels sometimes stoop to ask
The meaning of thy daily task.
God knows, beyond an angel’s ken,
The grandeur God bestows on men
Whom sorrow, failure, pain, and loss
But crown anew at every cross.
—Sel.
REYNOLDS, GA.
By C. O. Taylor
I HAVE just returned from a visit to Brooks Co. The few that we left keeping the Sabbath there were firm and steadfast. Two more commenced to keep the Sabbath. I found the interest good. Others are reading and becoming convinced that these things are so.
I have labored some in Worth Co. Two are keeping the Sabbath, and three or four others said they would do so. Two have commenced keeping the Sabbath in this place since my last report. Three of the Sabbath-keepers in Brooks and Worth counties have been, or are now, teachers. A young lady who is teaching school a few miles from here, called yesterday and wanted reading matter. She mentioned a gentleman who also wanted tracts or papers, and said that he was very anxious to know the views of Adventists. I called on Bro. Killin. I found him and all his family very firm and decided in the truth. One of the men that work his land on shares, a colored minister, is keeping the Sabbath.
I have given away much reading matter. It has created an interest to hear preaching. The field is all white for the harvest, but where are the reapers? C. O. TAYLOR.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER.
From a letter written by sister White to her son and his wife, in Battle Creek, we are permitted to extract the following:—
OAKLAND, CAL., FEB. 25, 1878.
MY DEAR CHILDREN: Although I have written you so much and so recently, yet I wish to say a few words more to you. I think your father is improving steadily. He is preparing, for publication, life incidents, both in his history and in mine. He is making his time count well, I think.
We had a very excellent meeting to-night. I have never seen a more intelligent, noble-looking company together in one audience. In company with sister Gillet we visited three families to-day. They are all interested. One very intelligent woman was convinced on all points of the truth, but knew not how she should be able to know that she was converted. I talked with her about half an hour upon the simplicity of genuine conversion. She acknowledged that she was enlightened in reference to the matter. We prayed with three families that we had never spoken with before. We hope our visit will not prove in vain. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon us as we prayed, and tearful eyes and quivering lips testified that hearts were subdued and softened. I know that the Lord is at work, moving upon the hearts of the people almost everywhere. We want to work in unison with the Spirit of God, and be earnest, vigilant, and faithful workers. Every one who professes to be a Christian should put the armor on now, if he has never done this before. There should be no idlers in the vineyard of the Lord. A sad fate awaits the slothful servants; then how careful should we be to be diligent workers. Satan will tempt us to be indifferent, serving ourselves, loving ourselves, worshiping ourselves, and leaving souls for whom Christ died to perish.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
Edgefield, March 2.
I have closed my labors at Old Center. My meetings were interrupted several times. Came to Edgefield, where I have labored from house to house. Two have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested. I am invited to hold meetings about two miles from here, in a house belonging to the Primitive Baptists. Expect to begin March 4.
This is an important point, being near the capital of the State. I feel the need of help from above as never before. Let me have your prayers, dear brethren.
ORLANDO SOULE.
MASSACHUSETTS
By D. A. Robinson
South Amherst.
Since my last report I have held a few meetings in Pelham, Mass., about six miles from South Amherst. Came here at the earnest request of Bro. Murphy, but the time chosen was unfortunate on account of church sociables, the “Murphy movement,” &c.
Held several more meetings at South Amherst. One more took his stand on the truth. We organized a church of eleven members. Several others will probably join soon. They pledged s. s. for 1878 to the amount of $79.04, and about $30 were pledged to the T. and M. Society.
One brother here who has been in company with “Tobacco” has concluded to dissolve partnership. He has been a raiser, smoker, and chewer of the vile weed; but has now made up his mind to abandon the business and convert his tobacco barn into something more honorable.
Now, within a radius of eight miles, there are about twenty-five Sabbath-keepers here, where a year ago there were but five. Brethren, let us expect great things of God and then labor for them.
D. A. ROBINSON.
A SUGGESTION.
By C. O. Taylor
Those who send out the SIGNS should not be in a hurry to stop the paper when they do not hear from the persons receiving it after writing them. I know of instances where persons were interested, yet failed to say so, as they should have done. I think in some cases they would have received the truth had it been kept before them by the weekly visits of the paper. Those sending papers should know that the ones to whom they are sent get them. This arrangement is excellent for spreading the truth; yet it requires much patience and persevering labor. C. O. TAYLOR.
RESPONSES
By Mary Martin
The following responses have been received from those to whom specimen copies of the Signs have been sent by the V. M. Society at South Lancaster, Mass.:—
“I read your papers carefully and am much interested in them. Have lent them to several friends, and they appreciate them highly. I hope to get some subscribers.”
“I appreciate The Signs of the Times, and hope it will continue to come. Please write me, giving the subscription price.”
“I send you the names of several who would like to read your paper. Inclosed please find money to defray expense.”
“I am very much pleased with your paper. Many thanks for your kindness. Inclosed please find ——.”
“I have received The Signs of the Times you mention. I read them attentively, then handed them to my neighbors. The arguments seem to be sound and scriptural.”
“The papers you sent to me were always gladly received, and read with much interest. The doctrines therein set forth are new to me; but after a careful search they really seem to harmonize with the Bible.”
“I have been the happy recipient of The Signs of the Times. The paper will always be welcome. Please accept thanks, and inform me upon what terms you will furnish it.”
“I received the papers of which you speak, and am thankful for them. They are excellent. Will send the pay for them this month. I received your kind letter today, and hope God will bless you.”
“The papers sent me have been received and read. I was pleased with them. Am glad to read whatever is true, especially respecting passing events, showing our proximity to the Great Day.”
“Please accept my warmest thanks for the papers you sent me, and especially the letter. I felt while reading it that one of the richest rewards the Saviour gives us in his service is the friendship of his dear people. The work on health [REFORMER] is valuable. I have enjoyed the paper very much for the high tone of spirituality which pervades it. I like Mrs. White’s Bible talks. With regard to the peculiar doctrines taught, I was instructed differently concerning the millennium. Yours may be, and probably is, the correct theory.”
“The Signs of the Times is interesting to us, as my husband and myself have been acquainted with the advent movement from its commencement till the present time. We were well acquainted with many of the first who proclaimed the coming of our Lord, and esteemed them highly. Mr. Bates visited us when we were living in the East. We have been much interested of late in Mrs. White’s writings. Although we have never met her, we have ever felt a deep interest in her. We do not know who the friend is who has introduced us to you. Pardon me if I tell you our ages. My husband is seventy-one and I sixty-eight.”
“The papers have been read with both interest and profit. I return you many thanks. I wish they might be in every household in the land.”
The following is from a lawyer: “Please accept my thanks for the papers you sent me. I have read them, and should be pleased to receive more. I have been familiar with the advent doctrine since 1843, but have not embraced it as tenaciously as some. With regard to the Sabbath question, I think you have the best of the argument on your side. Upon some other points of doctrine I have been taught differently, still you may be right as there is much reason in your belief.”
These are but samples of what we are receiving. We are always glad to witness immediate results; but if we do not, we remember that in the parable of the sower it was not the seed which came up first which brought forth most abundantly. We hope one day, not far in the future, to see the fruit of the seed which may now be germinating.
MARY MARTIN.
THE GRASSHOPPER ON THE ROYAL EXCHANGE.
Whenever I go to London, I always stand at the corner of the Bank of England for a minute or two, watching the crowd of busy men hurrying everywhere. What thousands of cares they carry! How many anxieties! Then I look at the Royal Exchange. It is pleasant to see the London sparrows, though they are a little black and grimy, chirping on the massive cornices, as free and happy as possible, above the din and awful hurry of the great city. They have no cares, no anxieties. They seem to know what the great letters mean, which are cut in the stones on which they hop,—“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” God keeps the sparrows, and they are happy. I wish the busy city men would watch the sparrows, and read the great city text.
But the sparrows and the text are not the most attractive things about the Exchange, and I am sure if you look at it, you would think as I do—that the weathercock is the most singular and curious thing about the building. It is not like any other weathercock in England, or, I should think, in the world; for there, twisting on the pinnacle of the spire, is a monster grasshopper; and I will tell you how it came to be there.
About three hundred and fifty years ago, a woman with a little baby in her arms was trudging along a country lane. Presently, after looking to see that no one was watching her, she climbed over a gate into the field, and wrapping the baby in its little shawl, she laid it down in the grass, so gently as not to awake it, and then, never even looking behind her, she climbed over the gate again into the lane and went on her journey.
The baby soon awoke, and began to cry; and it cried for a long, long time. And at last, tired and hungry, and hot with the sun, for it was a fine summer’s day, it was wearied out, and dropped off to sleep again. “But God had heard the voice of the lad,” and see how simply he brought help for the little one.
By-and-by, down the lane came a schoolboy; he was whistling away, as happy as ever he could be; he had come out of school and was going home. He lived at the farmhouse a little way farther up the lane. Now he gathered a few primroses, now he scampered after a butterfly, now he had a shy at a bird; but just as he came to the gate over which the woman had climbed, he heard a grasshopper chirping away so loudly, that he sprang over the gate to catch him; and there was the baby, fast asleep! Far more pleased than if he had caught a hundred grasshoppers, the boy took up the little fellow, and ran home with his prize. The kind farmer’s wife, although she had many children of her own, at once determined to keep the little orphan who had been saved from death by a grasshopper.
Years passed away and the baby became a strong boy; the boy grew to be a man; he went to London and became a merchant. God blessed all he did, and he rose to be the most noted man in the city. Queen Elizabeth was then on the throne, and often did she send for Sir Thomas Gresham, for the little deserted boy had become a knight, to consult him on the great affairs of state.
Three hundred years ago, Sir Thomas Gresham founded the Exchange. The Queen came to dine with him, and to lay the first stone; and there upon the topmost pinnacle, Sir Thomas placed a grasshopper; and there it is to-day to tell the busy, toiling city, and to tell you and me, when we go to see the city, that Almighty God will hear the infant’s cry, and can save a valuable life by even such a little thing as a grasshopper.
So it was that ‘God heard the voice of the lad.’—Sel.
INDIANA T. AND M. WORK AND WORKERS.
By J. W. Covert
In a few more weeks it will be time for our church quarterly meetings. What arrangements are you making for a report at that time? Let each member be represented by a report at the next series of meetings. We want no blanks this quarter. Let every church hold its quarterly meeting April 6, 7. Do not fail. Do not wait for a preacher to come. Do it yourself. It is your business. Librarians, see that each member reads a report, then consolidate them and send them to the district secretary the 8th. Do not wait to bring your report to the meeting. Something may happen so that you cannot come.
We were much encouraged by our last report. It gave indications that the work is onward. Let it move. New interests are springing up in our State. Several papers and tracts have been sent to Hendricks Co., within the past year. A brother lately visited that vicinity. He says they have been read and loaned till they are nearly worn out. Some are very anxious to hear preaching. A similar report comes from Switzerland Co. A few months ago we received the following letter from the Y. M. C. A., at New Albany, Ind.: “Some time ago you favored us with your regular edition, which was afterward stopped. We write to inquire if you would not like to renew the favor, which was highly appreciated by our Association and numerous readers.” Most of us know that there is a church in South-western Indiana which was brought out by T. and M. labor.
Seeing the interest awakened, why should we not double the work, and expect the interest to be doubled? Send out the papers and tracts. If you cannot leave home, send them by mail. Honest men and women are as plenty in new fields as they are in your immediate neighborhood. Do not think the truth will spread in regular circles from your church all over the State. I once helped to burn the leaves in a piece of woods. We did not stick the fire down in the middle and let it spread from that fire alone; but we put down fire in one place and fanned it to a blaze, then went to another, and another, until we had it all in a blaze. Just so this truth must go. We can send it to new places and let it prepare the minds of the people, so that when a minister comes he can soon start a blaze. And it may cause such a stir that a blaze will break out without a preacher. Brethren and sisters in Indiana, try it.