Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 20.
The Two Hemispheres and the Sabbath, No. 3Page 1
Earlier text: INDIANA TRACT SOCIETYKENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE CONFERENCE.
By S. Osborn; Bettie Coombs
The third annual session of the Kentucky and Tennessee Conference convened at Powder Mills, Hart county, Ky., at nine A. M. Oct. 25, 1878, and was opened with prayer by the president, Eld. S. Osborn. After receiving delegates, an invitation was extended to all churches to take part in the deliberations of this body. The church at Glover’s Creek was admitted into the Conference. The standing of the Conference is as follows: No. of churches, 6; members in good standing, 104; increase of members this year, 39; increase of Sabbath-keepers, 59. Amount of s. s. paid to the treasurer since May, 1877, $366.30; Conference expenses, tent help, and to Bro. Soule, $314.90; to S. Osborn for labor the past eighteen months, $51.40. Voted, That a sum of money over and above the tent expenses be made up for Bro. Osborn equal to $4.50 or $5.00 per week. G. K. Owen, J. B. Forrest, and R. G. Garrett were appointed the nominating committee; J. T. Crockett, M. L. Williams, and Julia Owen, the committee on resolutions; D. W. Barr, J. T. Crockett, and Clinton Owen, the committee to settle with ministers; and J. B. Forrest, Peter Owen, and D. W. Barr, the committee on credentials and licenses. Adjourned to call of chair. Opened at eight A. M., Oct. 28. Prayer by Eld. Canright. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported, recommending that the credentials of Eld. S. Osborn be renewed, and that G. K. Owen be ordained and receive credentials; also that licenses be given to Julia Owen, J. T. Crockett, and P. D. Moyers. The report was accepted and the credentials and licenses granted as recommended. Voted, That G. K. Owen take the oversight of the work in Tennessee the coming year. The Committee on Resolutions made the following report:— Resolved, That we hereby express our high appreciation of the faithful, untiring labors of our dear Bro. Osborn in conducting the spiritual and financial interests of this Conference during the past year, and that we pledge ourselves to assist him and other laborers in the Conference with our prayers and means. Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for his goodness the past year, and his blessings during this Conference meeting. Resolved, That we express our sympathy with the movement in favor of the Sabbath-school, and that we hereby pledge ourselves to labor more earnestly for the Sabbath-school interest in our Conference. Resolved, That we proceed immediately to raise a fund of $500 for the benefit of the tract society; and that we request every brother and sister in this Conference to assist in this; half of the pledge to be paid by July 1, 1879, and the remainder July 1, 1880. Whereas, We are now living in the very last days, and the cause of God is suffering for lack of means to carry on the third angel’s message; and whereas we believe that now is the special time to devote a part of our means to the Lord, therefore, Resolved, That by God’s grace, we here and now pledge ourselves, in the fear of God, to pay into the s. s. treasury one-tenth of all which the Lord shall give us during the next year. Resolved, That we express our thanks to the brethren and sisters of this place for so kindly entertaining us during this meeting.159 Executive Committee: S. Osborn, P. A. Williams, G. K. Owen. Amboy, Hillsdale Co.—We are now holding meetings in this town. Some interest is manifested in the things presented. Jefferson.—Met with the church here, Sabbath, Nov. 2. After a discourse on the subject of baptism, the congregation repaired to Bird Lake, where six adult persons were buried with their Lord by baptism. One of these, a cripple, had to be carried into the water. So calm, yet so impressive, was the scene of her baptism that some wept. One of these persons belonged to the Jefferson church, two more joined here, and the remaining three will join the church at Ransom Center. Brookfield, Eaton Co., Nov. 4. I commenced meetings in a school-house in Brookfield township, Oct. 20. Already, by the blessing of the Lord, three have commenced to keep the Sabbath, though but a small part of the truth on this point has yet been presented. The interest is good. Oct. 19, 20, I spoke three times to the church in Orleans, Mich., and became deeply interested for them. I regretted that I could not remain longer to follow up the work. It seems to me that a little faithful labor bestowed upon the people there now, would bring souls into the truth. Oct. 23, 24, I was with the church in Milton, Me. One who never attended one of our meetings before signified her intention to keep the commandments. Our meeting at Norridgewock, the 26th and 27th, was not so largely attended as we expected. It is very evident that our brethren and sisters in Maine do not realize the importance of the work, and the necessity of attending all the general meetings, as they should. Somerset Mills, Hartland, Cornville, and Solon were represented, and our meetings were profitable. I am especially impressed with the words of the apostle Paul: “Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Eph. 5:14. It is time to awake to the importance of the times, and the sacredness of the truth which the Lord has reserved for this generation, lest coming suddenly, he find us unprepared, and we hear the Saviour say the word, Depart. God forbid that this should be our fate, but let us rather be zealous and repent and return to our first love. The Lord God hath spoken. Let us tremble at his word. THE glance that doth thy neighbor doubt
Turn thou, O man, within,
And see if it will not bring out
Some unsuspected sin. To hide from shame the branded brow,
Make broad thy charity,
And judge no man, except as thou
Wouldst have him judge of thee.
—Alice Cary. REYNOLDS, GA.
By C. O. Taylor
The first general meeting of those in Georgia who keep all the commandments of God, has just closed. One was present from Houston, one from Bibb, and two from Spaulding county. The meeting was one of interest from the beginning on Friday evening to its close on Sunday evening. All hearts were filled with gratitude to God for his great goodness; all were ready to do duty. The meeting gave a new impetus to the cause of truth in this State. They cheerfully entered into the plan of paying S. B., and all pledged according to their ability. Of course “the all” was not large; for there were but few to give. The T. and M. work was considered. The outside interest was quite good. Some women walked four or five miles to attend the meeting. The people of the village attended well, some of the most prominent not missing a meeting. The last evening our hall was well filled, notwithstanding there was a Methodist quarterly meeting at the same time. I was much gratified with the zeal and steadfastness manifested by our brethren. Their experience has been very rich. God has wonderfully sustained them amid much opposition. At this meeting there was a knitting of hearts in love for God, for his truth, and for one another, and each seemed anxious to work till the Master comes. OGDEN, OCT. 25–27.—The company of Sabbath-keepers at Ogden have kept up meetings well since our tent left them last August. The Lord has blessed them. Some of their number were formerly non-professors. We might have a church here were it not that most of them expect to move away next spring. May God lead these dear souls wherever they may be. SAC CITY, OCT. 29 TO NOV. 3.—Here the brethren and sisters are still of good courage in the Lord. The good Spirit was in our meetings, especially on Sabbath. I baptized two at this place. These friends have borne all the expenses of meetings at their place since they heard the truth, and have made some donations besides. May the Lord give his Holy Spirit to these dear friends, that they may be led by it till the time of reward. At these two places I obtained four subscribers for the REVIEW and one for the INSTRUCTOR, and sold $3.58 worth of books and tracts. I held five meetings at each place. As my health is poor, I ask the prayers of the brethren and sisters. God is good, and in him I will put my trust. THE interest in the tent-meeting recently held at Olin was excellent from the commencement to the close. The last evening the tent was crowded, and there were nearly as many more outside, giving the best of attention to a review of Dan. 2:7. The Lord gave Bro. Pegg great freedom. Twenty have signed the covenant, and more are waiting to hear the “other side” before taking a stand. An interesting Bible-class and Sabbath-school have been organized. A weekly prayer-meeting is also held. Getty’s Grove, Stearns Co., Nov. 6.
I began labor at Getty’s Grove last Sunday evening. The community is not large, hence my audiences have been small. There are, however, some indications of interest. Considerable prejudice exists in the minds of some. Shall remain here long enough to ascertain whether good can be done. Will the Lord’s people remember the work in this section in their prayers. The past two weeks I have spent at Genoa. The Lord has aided in the work. Ten have begun to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested. I feel to praise God for his goodness to me; for I am unworthy of even a place among his people. Pray for me, that God will lead me on in this good work. According to appointment, Bro. Hill held meetings in Dodge Center in the interest of the Sabbath-school work, Nov. 2, 3. We who attended them were very much benefited, and regret that there was not a larger attendance from adjoining churches. Brn. Grant and Ellis were present, and assisted in the exercises. The brethren and sisters were unanimous in favor of a weekly paper devoted to the Sabbath-school work. They also decided to set apart Tuesday evening of each week to the study of the lesson and to instructing the children. The meetings were well attended by the friends in the vicinity, and were appreciated by the church. I am now three miles south of Clinton. Have given three lectures, and the interest seems good. We have a full house. Pray for me. GEO. KENNEDY. Bennington, Ottawa Co., Nov. 6. I commenced holding meetings at the Sigman school-house, four miles east of Bennington, Oct. 21. Am now speaking on the Sabbath question. The interest is good. Five have thus far signed the covenant. To God be all the praise. MARSHALL ENOCH. Brookville, St. Croix Co., Nov. 1. WE left New Centerville Oct. 29, having labored there about five weeks. Twelve have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Bro. W. B. Hill visited us, and preached several times, which greatly strengthened the brethren. Sold thirteen dollars’ worth of books, and obtained four subscribers for our periodicals. We have held three meetings in the church in Brookville. The attendance has been small, partially owing to bad weather. I came to Parish Oct. 25, and have visited and held meetings in different localities. As the result, two more have commenced to serve the Lord; other interested ones we hope to benefit. Shall remain here one week more, and then attend our State meeting. The church is very much cheered and encouraged. H. H. WILCOX. SEDALIA, MO.
By George L. Butler
After an absence of nearly two months I was very glad to meet with the friends in Sedalia who embraced the Sabbath last summer. They had rented a very pleasant hall in East Sedalia, seated and lighted it, and had kept up their regular Sabbath and prayer-meetings since I left them. Some, as usual, have shown themselves to be stony-ground hearers; but the great majority have remained firm, and several other valuable souls have commenced to keep the Sabbath. It was a pleasant sight to me Sabbath morning to see forty Sabbath-keepers assembled for their meeting and school, where a few months before there was not one. Quite a number were down from Green Ridge, where Bro. Wood has been laboring, who have embraced the truth recently. We expect there will be a strong church in this place. Several are developing into earnest workers in the T. and M. society. Have given ten discourses here in the six days I was with them, to perfect the work already begun. Others are interested. I have spent two Sabbaths at Cabot recently. The interest among the friends is good. They have had some excellent meetings when no minister was with them. I have seldom, if ever, known any to take more pains to get out to evening prayer-meetings than some have here. Besides the Sabbath meetings, prayer-meetings are held both at Cabot and Marshfield, each week. Since my last report, I have held five meetings at South Danby. I have also held meetings four miles north of Weston one week. At each place much prejudice has been removed. Some are reading. I find that in Vermont we have to work on the principle that men do in quarrying stone. They must excavate and remove the rubbish before they can get at the stone to prepare it for use. So it is with the people here; they are buried so deep in the doctrines and traditions of men, that it requires much patient labor to bring them into the liberty of the gospel of Christ. But trusting in the Lord, we labor on with courage and hope. LETTER FROM ITALY.
By H. P. Ribton
We are aware that our brethren in America are now engaged in one of the most important Conferences that they have held since they first began to proclaim the commandments of God; and we have directed earnest prayers to the throne of grace that the Divine Wisdom may guide you abundantly in all your decisions, and furnish you with all that is necessary for the prosecution of the great work that is now opening out in every part of the globe. A short time since, I wrote to you saying that in the Mediterranean work I felt myself in a great strait between the two countries, Italy and Egypt, in both of which I am needed; and asking you to ask the Lord to guide me to a decision; for I have great faith in the testimonies of his will that he gives to the brethren who form his church of the latter days. I fully believe that spiritual gifts have always accompanied, and will always accompany, his true servants, and recognize clearly why they were removed from the church. And I ask the Lord to give me clear evidence to guide me in this matter. I have just received very important correspondence from Alexandria, which I inclose (translated). As I mentioned in my last report from Egypt, the brethren there asked earnestly for help that they might take a hall, being excluded from the Scotch church, where they used to meet, on account of the Sabbath. I replied that I could not make a promise in the name of the brethren without first receiving their reply, but that if they found it necessary to take a hall to save their church from being scattered, we would do without ours in order that they might have one, until I could confer with Bro. Andrews as to what can be done. They have been obliged to do so, and having no means of their own, this dear brother, whom I think God has given us to carry the Sabbath into many places, has defrayed the expenses with some money which must be refunded in the month of December. And in order that no increased expense may be incurred thereby for the present, we shall do without our hall here until Bro. Andrews tells me what can be done. It was in the month of March that Bro. Bertola left Naples for Alexandria. Great and unexpected obstacles were raised to his departure, and had it not been for a sum of money raised by the sisters and kindly sent to my wife, he could not have gone. These dear sisters did not know what a work they would set going when they raised that money. You see the fruits now. May God bless them, and all the brethren who are making such sacrifices for the sealing of the hundred and forty-four thousand. There is great need of my presence in Alexandria now. Seven have been baptized, and many others are inclined to listen to our teaching. But next month Bro. Bertola, who is a man of years, will have to go, and two ministers are coming, with all the influence and prestige which their standing gives them, to preach against the Sabbath and baptism, denouncing us as innovators, and warning all, at the peril of their soul, not to listen to these doctrines (just as they do here); and the only one to stand against them will be Bro. Rupp, who is no minister nor doctor, but only a young employé at the courts. It is true God enabled David to kill Goliath, and this young brother is very full of the Spirit; but these two great men will do their best to crush him and frighten the weak ones. It is very important that I should confer with Bro. Andrews about affairs here as soon as he returns. From the turn that affairs are taking now, I think I am needed in Egypt more than I am here, and that the brethren here could stand without me; but I have asked you to ask the Lord for me. If he indicates Egypt, I should go there to work permanently, as the work does not tell if it is not followed up for a considerable time. With much Christian love from my wife and from the brethren here, believe me yours in the hope of the kingdom. Letter from Bro. Bertola on Baptisms and Opposition
By Romualdo Bertola
Very Dear Bro. Ribton: I did not reply to your welcome letters of the 25th of August and of the 1st inst., because I was waiting to be able to send you an account of important events, which I can now relate. My departure for Constantinople is still deferred on their account. I feel in the greatest embarrassment; because on the one hand I see a band of believers, increasing every day, and growing in the life-giving influence of the Spirit of God, with a marked evidence of gifts among the brethren that have been converted; and, on the other, much necessary expense that must be incurred, and no one here that can help me. On the eve of the return of Dr. Yule, president and director of the Scotch Mission, in whose rooms we used to hold our meetings, on the eve of the arrival of Sig. Pietro Monnet, both of whom are on their way back from the Waldensian Valleys where they went to attend the synod of that church, we are in open rupture with Sig. Cerioni, the Waldensian minister here; for having heard of our baptism yesterday, in the evening he mounted the pulpit, and said publicly that, not being able to accept our new baptism nor the Sabbath, he resigned his post and intended to retire into private life. It is quite certain that as soon as Dr. Yule hears these scandals (as Sig. Cerioni and his friends call them), he will no longer permit us to use the meeting room which he has hitherto lent us gratis, especially as we have not a recognized minister among us, nor any regularly authorized person who can assume the conduct of our newly formed church. Thus we find ourselves upon the street, and our only trust is in our Heavenly Father, who has called us forth from this perverse generation to serve him, and who is powerful to open for us a way. I shall be obliged to remain here all the month of October, though at a great sacrifice in my business, in order to set everything in order and confirm these dear brethren in their Christian duties; for there are others who have begun to attend our meetings, have accepted the word, and have already asked to be baptized. But after Nov. 1, it will be absolutely impossible for me to remain any longer; for I have a heavy contract with a house in Milan, which must be executed, under a threat of losing 12,000 francs ($2,400) if I do not fulfill my engagement; but after that I shall be free. I come now to speak of the work of yesterday, a solemn and most eventful day for us. We had arranged to have our baptism on Sabbath, but many things prevented it, and we were obliged to choose the falsely so-called Lord’s day, which, as it happened, was a great day both for the Arabs and the Jews; for the latter it was the beginning of the new year, and for the former it was the feast of Ramadan. It was in the midst of this great excitement that we, having hired an omnibus at a high price, for on such days no carriages can be obtained, left the city for the banks of the Nile, and followed its course for more than an hour, until we found a place adapted to our purpose. Here we changed our omnibus into a tent for our sisters; and when all were ready we passed under the shade of a great mulberry tree. After prayer and reading the Scriptures, we sang a hymn composed by Bro. Rupp expressly for the occasion. We then descended into the water, and I baptized them all, each of them confessing their faith that they died to the world, to walk in Christ in newness of life. After the baptism we sat down under a beautiful palm tree, and partook of a repast, first offering up a fervent prayer. Then, after reading again from the word of God and singing another hymn, we returned to the city. We met in my room to break bread, only those who were baptized partaking of it; for so it seemed to us to be right at that time. Bro. Rupp has just brought me your letter of the 23d inst., and among other things I learn that three of our brethren are about to be baptized. This has encouraged us all here, and we thank the Lord that his Spirit is also working with power among you. May their example and ours encourage many of the timid and weak in faith, and may our brethren remember that when once we give ourselves truly to the Lord we must not look back, but obey without caring what the world may say or think about us, knowing that one day we shall be called to judge the world. Salute them cordially and tell them that for the cause of the Lord we also suffer, but with cheerfulness, knowing that we thus imitate our Saviour, who, the Just One, suffered for the unjust. We now need many tracts upon the Sabbath and on baptism. Send them to us as quickly as you can. We also want Bibles with references, and copies of the Italian edition of the New Testament with the Psalms, also a large Bible for the reading desk. You can send all by the steamer that leaves every Thursday. And now we earnestly solicit your prayers, and we trust that the Lord will come to our help, so that many may honor him by a complete observance of his word. IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE.
By John Nevins Andrews
The following letter from Dr. Ribton and the accompanying letters from Egypt are worthy of special attention, and will deeply interest every reader. They show how the Lord is at work, and should encourage faith and the spirit of real consecration to the cause of Christ. J. N. A. LETTERS FROM EGYPT.
By Giuseppe Rupp
Dear Bro. Ribton: I do not now take up my pen to reply to your last valued letter, but to give you some details of the work of the Lord that is now being accomplished in Alexandria. On Wednesday evening, Sept. 25, we had our usual meeting at the house of Bro. Bertola, who gave a discourse on the subject of baptism, after which eight persons offered themselves for that rite, among them myself. After a conversation on spiritual subjects we separated, each of us filled with devout impressions. On Thursday evening we met again in the room lent by the Scotch church for holding services in Italian. About twenty persons were present. Bro. Bertola was to speak on the subject of present truth, and was about to commence, when we were all surprised by the appearance of Sig. Cerioni, elder of the Italian church. You may imagine how our dear Bertola felt when he saw before him this man who is so hostile to the sacred truths that we preach. For a moment he was on the point of giving up speaking, but with all the frankness that marks a true Christian, he spoke the truth boldly, and truly did honor to the work we have undertaken. I rejoiced; I felt that it was not Bertola that was speaking, but the Spirit of God that dwells in him. All present, with the exception of Sig. Cerioni and his satellites, were greatly edified. Sunday morning, Sept. 29, was set for the day of baptism. We first went to the service held by Sig. Cerioni; and as he knew that we were about to be baptized, he gave a discourse recommending us to unity, saying that divisions bring paralysis upon the work of God. He concluded by saying that it was our duty not to follow these importers of new doctrines, who are trying to separate us from Christ. His discourse, however, had the effect of giving us new courage, and as the clock struck twelve, eleven persons seated themselves in an omnibus that was starting for the Nile. After about an hour’s ride we reached an open place traversed by the river, where we pitched our tent. We read the sixth chapter of Romans; we spoke at length on baptism; we sang hymns joyfully to the God of Israel; and then we descended into the river, where our dear Bro. Bertola baptized us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Oh! sublime inheritance of faith! We seemed to see Heaven open and Jesus prepared to receive us! It was in this river that, thirty-six centuries ago, the son of Levi was miraculously saved to become the conductor of the people of God; in this river also we were buried, to live no longer to ourselves, but to Him in whose name we were baptized. Blessed be our God, whom alone we wish to obey. Amen! After we had come up out of the water, we sang a hymn, and as it was now three o’clock P. M., and we had not yet taken any food, we sat down upon the grass, and partook of a meal together. On the evening of that day so solemnly to be remembered by us, we met in Bro. Bertola’s house to commemorate the death of our Lord Jesus. The course which we have taken, although it has separated us from many who were formerly our friends, has been the means of arousing others. Four other persons, among whom are my loved father and my brother, are almost ready to follow our example, and there are others also who will soon do likewise. But if on the one side we are spiritually prospering, on the other we are in great distress, finding ourselves without a hall and without means to procure one. (Bro. Bertola is making great sacrifices to help us in this.) The warfare has commenced, and already calumnies and insults are flowing from the mouths of our enemies; but if God is for us, who can be against us? We ask your prayers, dear Bro. Ribton, and those of all the brethren with you, that God may give us freedom of speech, and that we may be always ready to defend our faith; pray also for the conversion of our enemies, and do all you can to help us. Send me tracts as quickly as possible. May grace and peace be with you and your family, and all the brethren in Naples, and all those who are awaiting the coming of our Redeemer. GIUSEPPE RUPP. Alexandria, Sept. 30. GIUSEPPE RUPP
By Giuseppe Rupp
DEAR BROTHER: I hasten to write you that what we had foreseen has taken place. Yesterday evening, Thursday, we attended the meeting of the “Italian Evangelical church,” where we found Dr. Yule and Sig. Monnet, just arrived. They excommunicated us, they would not allow us to speak, in addition to which “as Christians” they slandered us, calling us robbers, dissenters, seducers, and deceivers. May the Lord not impute to them their iniquity, but enlighten them by his grace. Meanwhile we invited them to discuss the question with the Bible in their hand; but they would not accept our invitation. We think ourselves honored in being calumniated for the name of Christ and for his sacred truth. All those who were not on our side have abandoned us; but our dear baptized brethren are strengthened in faith and are prepared to continue the good fight. We have a good prospect of victory along the whole line. Pray, and pray continually, for us. Our dear Bro. Bertola, in the affair of yesterday evening, laying aside all personality and not rendering insult for insult, did honor to our cause; so also did all our brethren, who conducted themselves at the same time with firmness and humility. May God bless them! Send us tracts on baptism as quickly as possible, and whatever hymns you can that explain the “present truth.” Many thanks for the tracts already received, which I can promise you will all be used to good advantage. Bro. Bertola salutes you in much love. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died at Battle Creek, Michigan, Nov. 5, 1878, of lingering consumption, Sister Nancy A. Brooks, of Monroe, Wis., aged 39 years and one month. Nine years ago last March she came to Battle Creek to be treated for the recovery of her health, and it was at that time that she fully embraced the truth of the near advent of Christ and decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. From that time to the present she has faithfully walked in the truth, and by her good example has recommended the religion of Christ to all with whom she has associated. She had great peace of mind in her last hours, and spoke of seeing angels in the room. She leaves a husband, Bro. Isaac Brooks, and a son and daughter, besides a large circle of friends, to mourn her loss. May God impart to these stricken ones the consolation of his grace, and may they so walk with God that they shall be permitted to meet the dear wife and mother in the kingdom of God. The funeral services were conducted by the writer. J. N. A. Died in Princeville, Ill., July 25, 1878, of internal cancer, Sister Elizabeth L. Bliss, aged 58 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Sister Bliss was converted in early life, and joined the Christian church. Under the labors of Elds. Ingraham and Sanborn, at Princeville, in 1862, she embraced present truth, joined the church, and remained in its fellowship until her decease. Her last sickness continued more than six months; but all her severe pain she bore with patience, and now the husband and seven children are cheered with the thought that she rests in hope. Funeral services were conducted by Eld. W. D. H. Young, of the M. E. church. Nellie, daughter of Eld. C. H. and Sister S. E. Bliss, departed this life, in Clinton, Ill., Sept. 29, 1878, aged 1 year, 7 months, and 17 days. Her death was caused by mesenteric consumption. The consoling thought is— Nellie now in silence sleepeth,
And escapes this world's dread frown;
O'er her grave her angel keepeth
Vigil, till she gains her crown. Died at Fremont, Waupaca county, Wis., Sept. 27, 1878, Lizzie M., daughter of Geo. and Bella Shafer, aged 1 year, 7 months, and 21 days. Funeral discourse by N. H. Cady. Bro. and Sr. Shafer mourn, but they have laid their little one away in the blessed hope. Christine L. Hall. To the Brethren in Ohio.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
As we are now on the ground, and have entered upon our work in good earnest, we wish to get a thorough understanding of the work in all the field as soon as possible. I therefore request the address of every preacher in the Conference immediately, whether licensed or ordained, also of any who desire to engage in the work. I also wish the addresses of all the officers in the Conference; namely, church clerks, elders, S. S. treasurers, T. and M. librarians, and S. S. superintendents. We wish to correspond with these about the work in their respective churches and districts. Brethren, do not lay this paper down without writing us a card with your address. As we shall now be traveling over the State in order to hunt up all the brethren and hold meetings, we shall be glad to receive requests from scattered brethren or churches anywhere, and we will answer them and attend to the call as soon as possible. Direct to Bowling Green, Ohio. A full assortment of all our publications will now be kept by J. B. Gregory, Bowling Green, Ohio, the State secretary of the T. and M. society. We earnestly recommend that the constitution of the T. and M. society be lived out. All business, therefore, should be done directly with Bro. Gregory. The business should be done through the proper channel. First, private members of each church should do the business through their librarians; secondly, each librarian through his district secretary; and each secretary through Bro. Gregory, the State secretary. Let no business, therefore, be sent, either by individuals, librarians, or district secretaries, to either the REVIEW or SIGNS OF THE TIMES Office. Brethren, let us do business according to rule. We further suggest that our ministers do their business through our State secretary. Though, of course, they are at liberty to do business with the offices if they prefer. The cause is very much in need of the pledges made at the camp-meeting. Brethren, send them in as soon as possible. “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” CLYDE, Ohio, Nov. 14–18. Meetings will commence Thursday evening and hold every evening, and all day Sabbath and Sunday. We wish to see every Sabbath-keeper belonging in that section, and particularly every officer in the church and T. and M. work. D. M. CANRIGHT. A. O. BURRILL. THE Lord willing, I will meet with the church in Partello, Nov. 16 and 17. J. BYINGTON. THE general quarterly meeting for the New England Tract Society, also its annual meeting, will be held at So. Lancaster, Mass., commencing Nov. 28 and continuing over the Monday following. Bring your straw ticks, buffalo robes, and bedding, and accommodations will be made for three hundred. Eld. J. N. Loughborough is expected, and Eld. Andrews if the sickness of his daughter does not prevent. S. N. HASKELL. PROVIDENCE permitting, I will be with the church at Danvers, Mass., Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 23 and 24. We shall expect to see the brethren and sisters from Ipswich, Haverhill, and Newburyport at the Danvers meeting. As the South Lancaster meeting is postponed one week, I spend that time at Danvers. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with friends at New London, Wis., Nov. 23 and 24. H. W. DECKER. PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church at Knoxville, Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 23, 24. I make this appointment at the special request of the Iowa Conference Committee, and expect to spend some little time at K., hoping to encourage and strengthen this large church. Hope to meet Brn. McCoy and Morrison at this time, and many of the friends of the cause from the surrounding country. Let us have a general rally. GEO. I. BUTLER.