p. 172 | Review and Herald, Vol. 59, No. 11. (3/14/1882)

March 8

By Ira J. Hankins

Dist. No. 4.—Have now visited all the churches in this district. Spent two weeks in Birmingham. Found the brethren all holding on to the truth, and, with few exceptions, making progress in the Christian life. Although our meetings did not result in the ingathering of souls that we desired, yet we do not feel discouraged, but still hope and pray that those who are “halting between two opinions” may take their stand for the truth. This, however, will depend largely upon the influence of those who profess the truth. May God bless the church in Birmingham, and may its light be such as to guide some poor wanderer into the haven of rest. We trust our meetings were a source of strength and profit at this place. There are those keeping the Sabbath here whom we would be glad to see unite with the church, and hope they will soon conclude to do so.

Held four meetings at Bentonsport, which were well attended by our own people, and a few came in from outside. Some of the brethren have been discouraged because their Sabbath-school and meetings have been so poorly attended in the past. We hope to hold more meetings here soon, and if possible revive the interest.

The meetings at Bonaparte were a source of great encouragement to the church. One member was added to the church by vote, and two subject to baptism. Three signed the covenant, all of whom we hope will be ready to unite with the church at the next quarterly meeting, to which time, by request, the baptism was postponed. The brethren manifested their interest in missionary work by taking seventeen copies of the Signs for distribution, also two single copies. One subscriber was obtained for the Review. May the Spirit of God attend these papers as they go forth on their silent mission, as well as all the missionary efforts everywhere, and may the glad day hasten when truth will triumph and victory crown the efforts of the faithful laborer. IRA J. HANKINS.

March 8

STRENGTH

By Marianna Farningham

“Give thy strength unto thy servant.”—David.

What is the work that I have to do? It is strange, new work. I cannot see Whence the strength shall come, that I may pursue The difficult tasks that are given to me. If it were but the rich, ripe, summer days, Among the vines I might work and sing, Gathering fruit for the Master's praise, Offering treasures to the King.

But what can I do among winter snows, When the ground is hard, and the fields are bare, And my heart cries out for a dull repose, And rest, and ease, that are free from care? Father, where should thy weak ones go But unto thee, who art good and strong? So I wait in my weakness thy will to know, And for the strength I have tested long.

And yet it were easier far to do, Than it is to bear, as the days go on; Only the Strongest can help me through, As he always helped in the days by-gone; For the clouds are gathering heavily Over the tops of the distant hills; But I know that the storms that threaten me Can only come as my Father wills.

Give me thy strength, O Lord, I cry; Strength to suffer or work for thee; Strength for the tempest that draweth nigh, However mighty its wrath may be. I am not sorry to be so weak, If thus my Father be glorified; Only give me thy love to speak, And be the shadow in which I hide.

—Marianna Farningham.

Nebraska.

By CHAS. L. BOYD.

Hubbell.—Held meetings here Feb. 25, 26. A part of this company came here from the State Center, Iowa, church, a part embraced the Sabbath as the result of Bro. Jenken’s meetings a year ago, and a part under Bro. Nettleton’s labors this winter. We organized a tract society of eleven members. Two were baptized in a stream near by. The Lord drew very near on the evening of the last day, when we celebrated the ordinances of his house in obedience to the command, “This do in remembrance of me.” CHAS. L. BOYD.

IOWA

By J. BARTLETT

Blencoe, March 2.—I have been holding meetings at the Rowlings school-house in Monona county since Jan. 18. The opposition from the Methodist and Baptist churches has been strong. Five have commenced to keep the Sabbath, four of them heads of families. The Lord is at work, and I think several more will yet embrace the truth. Last Sunday the M. E. minister spoke on the Sabbath question. I reviewed him at night before a good audience, and had liberty in speaking.

J. BARTLETT.

R. C. PORTER

By R. C. Porter

Sac City and Fonda, March 7.—I came to Sac City the 24th of January, and after holding meetings on the Sabbath with the little company of Sabbath-keepers in and near town, I commenced meetings about eight miles north of town in a school-house. I had a good hearing during the entire course of lectures. But when it came to be shown that the testing truths of the third message are applicable at the present time, I found almost all ready to fulfill the prophecy of Eze. 33:30-32, but none willing at present to take up their cross and follow their Saviour. Yet I have reason to hope that some of the seed sown will bear fruit. Bro. J. T. Mitchell was with me during the last of this series of meetings, and rendered valuable assistance.

Feb. 22 I accompanied Bro. Mitchell on his visit to the church at Fonda. Here we found the enemy had come into what had been a promising little church through the agency of the “unruly member,” and had succeeded in scattering the flock. As we saw their condition, our hearts were made sad, and we asked the Lord for the direction of his Spirit while we labored for them. The blessing of God attended our labors, and hearts were softened. An investigation was held, which resulted in bringing together those who were at variance. Good confessions were made on the part of all, and a bond of union now exists which I hope will be lasting.

Some who had become discouraged and had given up their hope, started anew. If they profit by the experience of the past year, and retain the feeling of love and interest for each other that they now manifest, trying to lift one another up, they will yet see others added to their number.

Since leaving them I have been laboring for the little company at Sac City, while Bro. Mitchell went to join Eld. Nicola in labors at Sandyville.

I start to-morrow for Hook’s Point. Expect Bro. Mitchell to meet me again at Lisbon.

R. C. PORTER

INDIANA

By A. W. Bartlett

Star City, March 6.— Have been preaching here one week. The interest has been so great that nearly every night the house is filled to repletion. A partial cause for the present interest is owing to the opposition. I was ejected from the Campbellite church edifice, and also refused the M. E. church, although the pastor of the latter is favorable and has treated me very kindly. Am now preaching in a large school-house, with seating capacity equal to that of the churches here. There is the best prospect for the conversion of many that I have had this winter. The Lord will bless his own work. Pray for me.

A. W. BARTLETT.

MAINE

By J. B. Goodrich

Concord.—By urgent request of Bro. Seth H. Whitney, I visited this place, where he has been laboring since Dec. 11, 1881. Eight or ten have commenced to keep the Sabbath under his labors, and others are interested. Some of the leading men of the town attend meetings and acknowledge the truth. May God help them to obey. During my visit here, from Feb. 25 to March 2, I spoke eight times, with good freedom. The best of attention was given to the word spoken. Bro. W. has manifested a commendable zeal, in that he has held on until he has seen some fruit of his labors; and may God add to their number such as shall be saved.

I obtained one subscriber for the REVIEW, and one for the Signs, with the premiums, and sold about $2.00 worth of tracts and pamphlets. The roads were very bad, as about twenty inches of snow had fallen on the 22d. May the Lord still bless the effort here to the good of the people. Much opposition has been manifested by some of the church people, but the Lord has given the victory. The message will go; the Lord is in it.

Bangor, March 6. J. B. GOODRICH.

Hillsdale Division

By D. H. Lamson; M. S. Burnham

Hillsdale Division.—The cause is prospering some in this part of the State. Meetings have been held in Camden and Jefferson; at the latter place, for five weeks continuously. The church has been revived, the Sabbath-school encouraged, and to both school and church numbers have been added. Several new families, husbands and wives together, have accepted the truth, and young people also. With but few exceptions, all the young persons at Jefferson are members of the church. Quite a number have not yet been baptized. We hope soon to attend to this duty.

At Camden we have had a severe struggle. The opposition on the part of some has been most bitter and unreasonable, but it is giving way to some extent. The schools here are kept open on the Sabbath, and not on Monday. So far we have been able to make a change in only one district. We are hopeful that in another district where our people are quite largely represented, a change will be made next term. In the town we can scarcely hope for a better state of things unless there is a change in the administration of affairs. This has quite largely affected our Sabbath-school. Our own people have patiently and cheerfully sacrificed their interest in the day school, though it is no small loss. We have appealed to the superintendent of public instruction, Mr. J. Cochran, and to Hon. T. M. Cooley, judge of the supreme court, both of whom have decided in our favor. This will help us.

Our Sabbath-school has numbered about twenty. The average attendance has been but six per cent during bad weather. Thirty copies of Instructor are taken.

The friends meet next Wednesday evening, March 8, to organize a legal society, and will immediately proceed to build a house of worship. It is to be a Seventh-day Adventist house, and not a union, as was at first proposed. They will build as they are able without getting in debt.

Our week-day and Sunday-evening congregations are still very large, sometimes more than we can well accommodate. We have still three churches to visit in this division, and will get to them as soon as possible. Some of these churches need help very much, and it is hard to decide where the need is greatest. We pray each day for wisdom to direct. D. H. LAMSON. M. S. BURNHAM.

MINNESOTA

By L. H. Ells

Among the Churches.—From Feb. 1–4, in company with Bro. Norton, I held meetings with the church at Greenwood Prairie. Spoke three times, and organized a V. M. society. While talking on the subject of missionary work, the Spirit of the Lord came into the meeting, and all felt to rejoice that the opportunity is afforded them to labor in the Lord's cause. I think the time has fully come when the Lord would be pleased to see his people pushing this part of the work forward with greater earnestness than they have done in the past. On the Sabbath, the sisters came up from Rochester, they having previously appointed the day for fasting and prayer that God would raise up more laborers. It was a good day, and will long be remembered by the brethren and sisters present. In the afternoon we celebrated the ordinances, it being the last time this church expect to engage in the rite together in Minnesota; for the entire church, with but few exceptions, are intending to move to Dakota.

From the 6th to the 18th, we were with the church at New Hartford. This is a small church.

Numbering only eight members, but I believe they were of a mind to work for the Lord. Two more were added at this meeting, one awaiting baptism. I spoke seven times. There was a good outside interest. We organized a V. M. society, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. We also had a very precious season, many saying that it was the happiest day of their lives. We also visited all at their homes. We left feeling that the occasion had been one of mutual profit, and that we had been encouraged to labor for the Lord.

From there we went to Pleasant Grove, where we labored with the brethren until the 1st of March, visiting and holding meetings. Spoke twelve times. Organized a V. M. society of twenty-nine members. Several others will join, who were not present at the organization. We have felt the blessing of the Lord in all those meetings. Brethren, pray for us. L. H. ELLS.

Oxford, March 3.

KANSAS

By L. D. Santee

Cedar Vale.—Our meetings here closed last Sunday. Five were baptized on that day. A weekly prayer-meeting is to be held Thursday evening, besides the regular Sabbath service. Four copies of the REVIEW were ordered, and more will be taken as soon as means will permit. Bro. Hill will labor with them as he shall deem best. I go to Ward this week. I met Bro. Cook yesterday. He reports a good degree of spiritual advancement as the result of his western meetings. L. D. SANTEE.

G. H. ROGERS

By G. H. Rogers

Burlingame, March 6.—Meetings at Eagle closed Feb. 23, with a bright prospect before the little company who have covenanted to keep the holy law. Most of them have had a severe struggle with the powers of darkness. Intoxicants of almost every sort had been used by some, and only the strength which comes from God could enable them to overcome. An encouraging Sabbath-school is organized, and we expect that still others will join with them. A good letter from the company at Milan makes my heart glad. The Spirit of God attends their meetings.

From Eagle we went, in company with the director of Dist. No. 9, to Alta, where we spent a week for the purpose of giving instruction in the keeping of T. and M. books and accounts. We left the friends much encouraged, and, as we trust, with a good knowledge of the books. Several who were opposed to us during the meetings there last winter, are now anxious to hear a course of lectures. The preaching of the truth has left a good impression, and I feel sure that a short series of meetings would lead several to decide in its favor. I hope soon to return, or that some help may be sent them. Oh, how precious seems the truth of God, when we compare it with the spasmodic efforts Satan so often makes to put on a garb of devotion, when he sees the people taking a stand for the right! May God give us more of his Spirit, that we may be able better to do his will and to be a light to others.

G. H. ROGERS

GEORGIA

Brooks Co.—We held a two-days’ meeting in Brooks Co., Ga., on the first Sabbath and Sunday in February. The meeting was appointed for the purpose of organizing a Seventh-day Adventist church; but after talking the matter over, it was thought best to put it off a little longer. Under all the circumstances, we could not at that time enter into an organization. I preached six discourses and visited from house to house, instructing the people all I could. I am convinced that much good was done; and in the near future I hope to organize a church there with from twelve to fifteen members.

We were informed that the Baptists of that neighborhood “had covenanted together to keep away from our meeting.” Wm. F. Killen.

Perry, Houston Co., March 3.

ILLINOIS

By C. H. Bliss

Janesville, Coles Co., March 2.—Bro. Foster commenced meetings here Feb. 14. He continued only one week on account of failing health. By his request I came Feb. 21, and have been holding meetings since. The roads have been impassable for teams all the time we have been here. People come only on foot. A Methodist revival has been in progress near by for over a month. I understand they number fifty-five converts. On account of this, our congregations are not large; still a few are interested, and we shall endeavor to make the best of it.

Feb. 10 to 20, visited the friends near Clinton and at Mackinaw. The brethren are making some progress in overcoming bad habits, and all seem to be of good courage.

We regret that Bro. Wm. Clifton and family have moved away from our little band at Clinton. His address is now Hepler, Crawford Co., Kan.

C. H. BLISS.

KENTUCKY

By S. Osborn

_Among the Scattered Ones._—After our quarterly meeting at Rio, I went to Bro. Forrest's in Metcalfe county, visiting the lonely Sabbath-keepers on the way. Gave three discourses at the house of Bro. F. The weather being very stormy, the attendance was small. Feb. 3, came to Edmonton. Spoke three times, with a fair attendance considering the weather. I remained in this vicinity until the 14th inst., preaching from house to house. Two backsliders started anew in the Master's service, and many others were much affected.

The 14th, in company with Bro. Branstetter, came to his home near Summer Shade, where I held meetings until the 28th. One came out on the Sabbath truth; and others who had resumed the use of tobacco, made confessions, and again discarded the filthy weed. As the crops have been cut off by drought, we were not able to raise any money.

S. OSBORN.

Feb. 28.

MICHIGAN

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Douglas.—Have just closed a ten-day's meeting at Douglas. The town is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, and is one of the finest fruit countries in the world. There is a church here of twenty-five or thirty members. They own a building which has been comfortably fitted up for meetings. We had a good attendance from without. It seems as though a little effort would bring several into the truth. We found an excellent Sabbath-school, which is conducted with much spirit and interest. All the little children are taught to join in the singing. This is the way it should be. As quite a number had never taken part in family or public prayer, we made a special effort on this point, and were successful with them all. All the youth and children who were old enough made a good start in the Christian life. Every one of them took part in all our meetings after they were converted. A young people's prayer-meeting was started with excellent success. On Sunday four were baptized, and received into the church. As their elder was about to move away, Bro. Robert Reid was elected elder, and Bro. McCullam, deacon, and both were ordained. I sold a great many books. This church has taken a deep interest in the missionary work. They are now purchasing a full set of our bound books to loan. It was cheering to find a church not in trial. My visit was a very pleasant one to me, and, I trust, profitable to them.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

WISCONSIN

By H. R. JOHNSON

Clintonville, Belle Plaine, Hutchins, and Pulcifer.—Since the 19th of January I have been laboring at the above-named places. God has bestowed his blessing in a large measure, for which we praise his name.

A German family who embraced the truth last fall at Clintonville, under the labors of Elds. A. Olsen and J. J. Smith, have, by furnishing him with tracts, influenced a friend who lately came from Germany to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and now he is trying to teach it to his family. May God give success.

At Pulcifer Bro. Nickelsen joined me, and rendered acceptable help. This church is composed only of Scandinavians. As they had had no ministerial labor for about two years, the meetings were well attended, and the privilege of hearing the truth preached was highly appreciated. The days were spent with them, and nineteen meetings held. A young lady from Marquette, Mich., lately came to Pulcifer, and by reading, and the examination of some of our faith, has received the truth and is trying to live it out.

I have distributed over two thousand pages of reading matter, and loaned eight hundred and thirty, all of which has been thankfully received. Received $4.66 for publications sold; by donations, $2.70.

On the 8th of March I go to Hutchins to hold a course of lectures.

My address will be Clintonville, Waupaca Co., Wis. H. R. JOHNSON March 1.

Books of Reference.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

A most excellent thing for every minister to do in his studies, is to have constantly with him, and easy to get at, a few books of reference.

1. Webster's Dictionary. Questions as to the spelling, the pronunciation, or the meaning of a word, must constantly arise in reading, writing, and conversing. With a dictionary at hand, it requires but a minute to look up the word. Then you have learned something. It has taken but a moment; but these little bits added day after day are what make well-informed, intelligent men. Neglecting these, many a man goes stumbling and blundering through his work all his life.

2. An atlas. It is also an excellent thing to have a common atlas at home for reference. When in reading a book or a paper, a place is mentioned with which you are not familiar, turn to your atlas and look it up. Then you will read your article with much more interest and profit than before. In this way you will shortly become thoroughly acquainted with all the important places on the earth.

3. Burton's Dictionary of Universal Biography. This is another good book for reference. It helps one greatly when the name of some prominent city-man is mentioned, to look it up, to see who he was, where and when he lived, etc. A little knowledge gained daily in this way will, in a few years, make one quite familiar with the leading characters of history. Without some such aid, a person must always remain in ignorance of many of these facts.

4. A Bible Dictionary. This is really indispensable to the Bible student. He can scarcely read a chapter without finding something which he does not understand,—the pronunciation of a name, the location of a town, the meaning of an ancient custom, etc. A glance at his dictionary will give him valuable information never to be forgotten.

5. A Concordance. The value of this book need not be mentioned here. A minister cannot afford to be without one a single day.

But can a minister carry these books around with him in all his travels? Certainly he can, and will if he places anything like a proper value upon them. As our ministers have to labor, they must take these books with them, or they will seldom have the use of them. If they learn to get along without them weeks at a time when away from home, they will finally learn to do without them even when they are at home, and might use them. An extra satchel for this purpose can be carried with a little effort. As our ministers are now entering on a course of study, they will find these books of reference very valuable.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

ONE THOUSAND CANVASSERS WANTED.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

The two books “Thoughts on Daniel” and “Thoughts on the Revelation” have recently been issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association in one volume, in suitable style for canvassing, printed on heavy tinted paper, making a book of 840 pages, two inches in thickness, nine long, and seven wide. It is put up in extra binding, contains the portrait of the author, and sells for $3.00, $3.50, and $4.00, according to style of binding. It is sold by agents, and is already becoming one of the most effectual means of getting the light before a class of people who have hitherto been unacquainted with our position. Those who have given their attention to canvassing for this book have thus far been very successful. In the city of Battle Creek over sixty names were taken by Bro. Geo. King, working twelve consecutive days, with the exception of Sabbath and Sunday. Having gained permission to examine this list of subscribers, I found that it did not consist of the names of our brethren. Three ministers, representing three of the four denominations in the city, not including our own, the president of the bank, and leading physicians, lawyers, merchants, etc., were of the number of persons who had subscribed for the book.

Bro. King has also made a six weeks’ trip in Ohio, visiting seven cities. Although canvassing some for the book, his principal business was to work up canvassers for it. In this he was successful, disposing of fifteen outfits to persons who are about entering fields, or have already done so. In addition to this, Bro. King sold about seventy copies of the book himself, more than half of them to the same class of persons as those referred to in Battle Creek,—the mayor of each of the cities, the judge of the Supreme Court, and many more of that class of men who would not be inclined to visit an S. D. Adventist place of worship. In the early history of the gospel, some came to the Saviour by night (John 3:2); others secretly believed on him (John 19:38); also the apostle speaks of visiting persons of reputation privately (Gal. 2:2), and people are much the same now-a-days. While introducing the book, as a short commentary on Daniel and the Revelation, and as giving a brief history of the world, the solution of the Eastern Question in the extinction of Turkey, the attitude of the various nations of Europe, also the United States in prophecy, remarks like the following were frequently made: “These are subjects to which my attention has been called of late.” “These are subjects upon which I would like to read.” “I did not know that this country was mentioned in prophecy,” etc. Thus an interest was awakened to purchase and read the book.

The old fable of the world’s conversion has about faded out of the mind of the more sensible portion of the reading public. Who cannot see in all this the providence of God, indicating the last steps to be taken before the loud cry of the third angel? I fear that many of us are asleep over the most unmistakable evidences of the closing scenes of this work.

Canvassers are wanted everywhere to sell “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” and our health publications,—not men and women who never have succeeded, and never can make a success of anything; but energetic, persevering persons, who will not be turned aside from their purpose, those of piety and moral worth, courteous, kind, gentlemanly, having a heart beating in sympathy with, and fully devoted to, the cause of God.

The dark war-cloud hangs heavily over Europe, and in a brief space of time the work of spreading the truth in these nations will be done. It will ere long burst, spreading bloodshed, distress, and confusion everywhere, and terminate in the unmingled wrath of God, when the slain of the Lord will be from one end of the earth to the other, and they will not be gathered, lamented, or buried, but will be dung upon the ground. Jer. 25:33.

The dragonic voice has already commenced to utter imprecations upon those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 12:17. Men in high standing, who give evidence of moral integrity, are inquiring for light. Who will give themselves to God as colporters or canvassers, thus becoming agents to give the last notes of warning to a dying world? is the question which now comes home to us.

“Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” is the best commentary on this portion of the inspired word that has ever been printed. Not less than nine or ten chains of events are here brought to view, which bring us to the closing of this world’s history. The book of Daniel, in which is found four lines of consecutive events leading to the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom, not only has the direct sanction of our divine Lord, but contains definite instruction to the end that we should read and understand the prophecies therein contained.

There can be no calling more honorable than that of spreading the knowledge of these truths. There should be not less than ten thousand copies of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” sold within the next twelve months.

PERIODICAL BUSINESS.

By S. N. Haskell

A few years ago very much was said with reference to the matter of charging the tract societies for periodicals continued by our publishing houses after the subscription had expired. Previous to our tract society organization, there was owing to the REVIEW Office many thousand dollars from delinquent subscribers. This arose largely from the fear that if papers were discontinued when the subscription expired, many of the worthy poor

would be deprived of its weekly visits. Some lived in opposing families, and for certain reasons were unable to write themselves; others were unwilling to place themselves on the charity list. It was also ascertained that there were unprincipled men who, upon the plea of poverty, claimed favors of the Office; and as it was impossible to learn who were worthy and who were not, the papers were continued. In consequence of this, and from other causes, there was at this time due the Office about ten thousand dollars. This sum the tract societies cheerfully paid, and then voluntarily took upon themselves the responsibility of looking after doubtful cases, and collecting subscriptions when due. Wherein tract societies have neglected to do this, they have failed to do their duty. The publishing houses have the undisputed privilege of continuing periodicals on their own responsibility to any one, if they choose to do so; but when they do this, the tract societies are not, and will not be held, responsible for the indebtedness incurred. There need, therefore, be no fears in this direction. Should charges of this kind be made to any society, the mistake will be cheerfully rectified upon receiving a statement of the fact from the State secretary.

S. N. HASKELL, Pres. Gen. T. and M. S.

OHIO

By H. A. St. John

Among the Churches.— Came to Leipsic Feb. 20, began meetings on the evening of the 21st, continuing till Sunday evening. This society is small, and the weather and roads were so bad that but few of the scattered ones could get to the meeting. We have been acquainted with the country for years, and yet I think I never saw it so flooded with water as at this time. The brethren here have rented the Presbyterian church at $24 per year, which gives them a very convenient and comfortable place for worship. There seemed to be no outside interest to begin with, but before we closed we had a fair attendance and interest. We tried to instruct and encourage the brethren, and to point others to the shelter from the coming storm. Obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW. We left them encouraged, and with the earnest solicitation that we return to them again. Leipsic may be the place where the district elder will hold the next quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 5.

From Feb. 28 to March 5, we were with the brethren in Wirt church. Here again we were much hindered in our work by the bad weather and roads. As an illustration of the state of the roads, we mention the fact that while we were there, a farmer came to town with a four-horse team, his load consisting of one hog, and the porker was not very large either.

We began meeting on Tuesday night with a small company, the brethren from the country not being able to come. The company increased till Thursday evening, when, leaving an appointment for Sunday night, we went three miles into the country, where our brethren live, and preached three times, till Sunday forenoon. Our meetings were held in the Lutheran church, and the attendance was quite good. I think much good could be done in this neighborhood in a favorable time. The last meeting in town, on Sunday night, was quite well attended. We leave them encouraged. We have hope that the day is not far distant when we shall have a good, strong church in Van Wert or vicinity. H. A. ST. JOHN.

Our Young Societies.

By Viola E. Smith

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” —Mark 16:15.

“LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED.”

BY VIOLA E. SMITH.

Friends, “let not your heart be troubled;” From the far Judean hill, Down the corridors of ages, Float these words of comfort still.

On the hearts of his disciples, On that little, sorrowing band, Must his words like balm have fallen, In the distant Holy Land.

Hear, O earth! careworn and weary, Groaning ’neath thy weight of woe, Hearken to the voice majestic Coming from the long ago.

’Mid the din, the wild confusion, Of this busy, restless life, Hear ye not the benediction, Quieting all fear and strife?

Ye who toil for truth and justice, Is your courage almost gone? Lies the right ’neath all crushed and bleeding, While the wrong sweeps proudly on?

Look aloft, to God above you, Him on whom your hope is stayed; And “let not your heart be troubled, Neither let it be afraid.”

Woodbury Co., Iowa.

Europe’s Anxiety Over Slavic Conflict

—Commenting on General Skobeloff's recent speech in Paris, in which he declared that Russia had been held in check by Germany, and that a long and terrible conflict between the Slavs and the Teutons was inevitable, the Christian Weekly of March 4 says: “While to the casual observer there may seem to be general amity and concord between the nations of Europe, it is really but little more than an armistice, and they are in fact reposing on the surface of a volcano that may at any time burst its crust. It seems strange that a single sentence of a single man, unofficial and uninspired by high authority, should send alarm throughout the continent.” Judging from very recent dispatches, Europe is not convinced that these inflammatory remarks were the utterances of a “single man, unofficial and uninspired by high authority.” General Skobeloff has been called home; but it is rumored that his brother-in-law is continuing the agitation in Paris, and the fires of rebellion are burning in the heart of the Russian Slav, “The Slavs claim that they number 87,000,000, and the dread of their uniting against the other races is the nightmare of Europe. The fear, not altogether causeless, of a formidable Mohammedan revival in a rapidly approaching epoch of their faith, adds to the ill-concealed anxiety of those who are in the high places of power.”

Is Not the End Near?

By N. Kling

BY N. KLING.

While looking over a daily paper recently, I could but notice the fulfillment of the Scriptural statement that in the last days perilous times shall come. How plainly events show us the time we are living in; and knowing these things, what manner of persons ought we to be! How it behooves us to be ready for the great change! And when we look over the field, and see it ripening for the great harvest, we can but join in the prayer to “the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” I often feel so impressed with the shortness of time, and the great work yet to be done, that I desire to double my diligence, and work while the day lasts, that when the Master returns, I may be found watching.

A word to encourage T. and M. workers. Four brethren of the church at Rome, N. Y., went and distributed reading matter—Annuals, Signs, tracts, etc.—in four of the southern towns of Oneida county, spending nearly a week. In nearly every case found a readiness to receive and read our publications. We expect to go again, and visit and canvass for our works. Now, if any are downcast, cold, or lukewarm in this message, I can recommend them to try for a week or two this kind of work, and it will be a sure cure for many of the ills that Satan is trying to put on the people of God. Dear brethren, let us be up and wide awake.

Michigan Tract and Missionary Society.

By Nellie Sisley

Report for quarter ending January 1, 1882.

Districts	No. Members	No. of Reports Received	Members Added	Families Visited	No. of Letters Written	No. of Signs taken in Combs.	Subscribers Obtained for Periodicals	Pages of Pamphlets & Tracts distributed	Periodicals Distributed	Annuals sold and given away	Cash Received on Tract Funds & Periodicals
1	49	15	....	8	13	23	....	3139	380	....	$71.62
2	86	41	1	28	25	12	15	11461	385	33	$65.03
3	224	69	....	100	200	525	3	16117	2011	....	422.16
4	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
5	164	86	....	74	48	94	12	6494	796	102	11.84
6	116	54	1	35	13	11	5	11703	1764	98	92.16
7	94	49	14	17	30	81	50	11455	1050	55	87.82
8	69	22	....	145	76	44	66	24559	723	....	66.73
9	62	25	....	13	51	23	22	4566	442	22	49.18
10	84	19	....	14	14	37	....	713	769	12	41.72
11	82	20	4	4	56	46	2	3867	516	....	52.70
12	18	14	....	6	25	10	....	1328	356	....	1.00
13	47	18	....	23	13	18	13	1135	118	6	45.45
14	53	28	....	27	5	....	....	10629	730	....	61.34
15	....	....	....	3	....	....	....	956	75	....	....
16	25	16	1	33	3	16	1	1748	449	88	15.49
Totals	1173	461	30	530	694	927	189	209963	10564	406	$1081.94

NOTE.—Received for membership and on donations, $584.23; sales, $70.65; periodicals, $477.06. Collected on other funds, $140.00; Subscribers obtained for Review, 71; Signs, 5; Good Health, 12; Instructor, 94; other periodicals, 7. Members dismissed from society, 29.

Nellie Sisley, Sec.

MISSOURI TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

By Sarah Clarke

REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1, 1882.

Districts.	No. Members.	No. of Reports Returned.	Members Added.	Families Visited.	No. of Letters Written	No. of Signs taken in Clubs	Subscribers obtained for Periodicals.	Pages of Pamphlets & Tracts distributed.	Periodicals Distributed.	Annuals sold and given away.	Cash rec'd on Tract Fund & Periodicals.
1	28	17	.....	.....	16	5	14	6634	281	14	$ 77.75
2	18	10	1	2	15	19	2	3801	580	.....	$ 22.70
3	40	12	1	14	9	22	1	7834	711	.....	$ 35.55
4	27	11	.....	20	27	6	3	5842	589	.....	$ 35.80
5	13	1	.....	.....	.....	.....	.....	.....	.....	.....	$ 5.00
6	12	7	.....	26	22	.....	6	1707	163	4	$ 3.75
7	31	7	.....	.....	18	10	3	1648	151	.....	$ 3.75
^*	.....	.....	.....	38	19	.....	.....	200	58	.....	$ 32.15
	169	70	2	100	126	62	29	27526	2533	18	$ 204.15

NOTE.—Received for membership and on donations, $15.10; sales, $6.00; periodicals, $82.30; reserve fund, $100.75. Collected on other funds, $177.40. Subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 8; Signs, 5; Instructor, 16. Members dismissed from society, 2.

SARAH CLARKE, Sec.

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