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Signs of the Times, Vol. 7, No. 17.

THE SIN OF ACHAN
Earlier text: IMMORTALITY—CONSTITUTIONAL OR CONDITIONAL?

GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY.

By Editor

VERY often have we heard this expression used; but if "much has been written" on the subject it has not been our good fortune to see it. The article copied below is an editorial in the N. Y. Independent. It contains so many good and suggestive thoughts that we wish to do our part in its circulation. As we are turning the corner of our three-score years the subject is one of peculiar interest to us. As we read this we feel to pray in the words of David; "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also even unto old age and gray hairs, forsake me not." We cannot imagine a condition more deplorable than that of being forsaken of God in old age; of grieving God's spirit and fretting our graces away, when they ought to be perfecting under the experience of our years, and our declining days be those of quiet trust and peaceful serenity. As all are "growing old," we invite a careful reading of the article by all:—
"Very much has been written on the beauty of growing old graciously, and very much on the ugliness of a peevish old age. Doubtless, the most difficult thing for an old man to do—which requires more grace than anything else—is to see himself gradually replaced by younger men, who take the burdens which he would still like to bear and, perhaps, thinks himself still able to bear. Our admiration especially goes out to those who are willing, when required, to take a subordinateplace in their advancing years, and still work in such a position as cheerfully as of old. It is that one thing that makes the memory of John Quincy Adams dear—that he was willing, after being President, to serve faithfully in the lower house of Congress; and his district appreciated it and were faithful to him till his death. We remember many cases in which men in high educational positions—presidents of great colleges—have, at the age of seventy, put their resignation in the hands of the trustees, not willing to become, unconsciously to themselves, a burden where they had been a strength.
"Ministers probably have especial occasion to show the beauty of growing old graciously. The most of them live to grow old; and the time comes when, without their own knowledge, perhaps, they become unable to meet the requirements of their position. A younger man is wanted—perhaps as colleague, perhaps as successor. It is beautiful and gracious, we say, to show so much self-distrust as to be ready, without feeling that an injury has been done, to retire and make room gracefully for another. Old men, near Heaven, called to be saints very soon, often show a temper of another calling when they hear their age complained of. We know very well that there may be an unreasonable call for young men, that experience and wisdom are often slighted; but, on the other hand, an old man may overestimate his own wisdom and the value of his own experience. The younger man may be better fitted for the new age. It is not every man that has kept his heart young and in sympathy with the young. Above all, the peace of a church is of more importance than the place of any man, old or young, and no man has a right to resist a general feeling that he has outlived his influence. He should rather be quick to allow that it may be so.
"An unpleasant, but not very flagrant case of this failure to accept graciously what is inevitable when God blesses us with old age, is afforded in the case of a distinguished, aged professor in a theological seminary of the Southern Presbyterian Church. It became necessary to close the seminary, for lack of support. This worthy and honored professor opposed the suspension earnestly in the last meeting of the Southern General Assembly, and especially the proposition that he should be retired as emeritus professor on a small salary. In an address, delivered with faltering, yet energetic tones, and with the frequent need of calling for milk to strengthen him, he protested against his transfer from the active duties of his chair to this honorary position. But it was necessary to do it, and the only anxiety of the members of the Assembly was to know whether he would accept the position and support, which were offered with the kindest expressions of esteem. After the adjournment of the Assembly, the clerk of the board of directors wrote him of his retention as emeritus professor, but got no response. Six weeks later he wrote again, and requested an answer. The professor (his name is not necessary) now replied, without one word of thanks, mentioning that the action was taken without his consent, and concluding as follows:—
"'Consequently, nothing remains for me to do but to stand in my lot, accept the position in which I am thus placed, receive the sum thus promised toward the support of myself and family, and adapt myself to my new and difficult circumstances. This I now do, being shut up to this course by the manifest providence of God toward me.'"
"As we give elsewhere the example of a most eminent American naturalist as one to be followed, so we mention this as one to be avoided. We may reasonably expect, as Cicero says in an essay which all people should read that feel age approaching, that the 'captious and irritable disposition incident to this season of life will be much softened and subdued in a mind actuated by high moral principle and improved by liberal accomplishments.'"

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

By J. H. Waggoner

In my connection with the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for the last two years and a half, I have refrained from speaking of myself, having matters of greater importance to present than that which pertains to persons. But it is only just that I acknowledge the action of the Stockholders of the Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association who, in their recent meeting, conformed to the advice of the General Conference and again elected me to take charge of the paper. I can only say that I feel, as I have felt in the past, that the responsibility is great, and strength from God is necessary to bear it to his glory and to the good of his cause. The importance of the work is becoming more manifest as it is so fast enlarging on our hands.
It has been a source of much gratification to me that, ever since my arrival here in the fall of 1878, I have had efficient hands and devoted hearts to assist me. The coming of sister Mary K. White was timely, as it was necessary for sister L. M. Hall to go East to rest, and to recruit her failing health. These two sisters have well filled their places in the office in connection with the SIGNS.
The object and the course of the paper cannot be changed; we all believe these are fixed in the providence of God. I can only promise in behalf of all connected with it that the most strenuous efforts will be made to keep the standard high, and to excel the past if it lies in our power; and to present to our Tract Societies, under whose auspices it is published, a "pioneer paper" worthy of their confidence and their patronage. We are happy also to acknowledge our indebtedness to the Tract Societies for their sympathy and encouragement in our labors. And we ask them, and all friends of the cause, to pray for us, that we may be guided aright in the good work.
We shall return to the rule of credits followed before I went East last October. Articles by the resident editor will have no signature. Those by the corresponding editors will be signed with their initials. The names of other correspondents will be given in full, in SMALL CAPITALS. Selected articles will be credited in italics. J. H. WAGGONER.

FRESNO CAMP-MEETING.

A LINE from Bro. Corliss dated Fresno, April 30, says:—
I will write a little about the meeting this evening while Bro. Haskell is preaching. There are thirty-one family tents on the ground. Considering the busy season (haying), the attendance is good, though I am told there are hardly as many present as were at the meeting one year ago.
The meeting commenced Friday afternoon, and has steadily risen in interest since. To-day a good move was made. Upon an invitation being given for sinners and backsliders to manifest their desire for the prayers of the people of God, thirty or more quickly moved forward and occupied the front seats. Some made hearty confessions of their backslidings, and others with tears expressed their desire to come near to God.
After prayer was offered the meeting closed, and the congregation dispersed to the family tents, where the good work was carried on with marked effect. The Lord has evidently been in our midst to-day, and has given tokens of his willingness to bless his people. We confidently look for good results from the meeting.

EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT.

By Editor

Some of our religious exchanges are making a great show of proofs, citing many passages of Scripture, affirmative of the proposition that the punishment of the wicked is everlasting. And then, having fairly proved their point, they raise a shout of triumph at their supposed successful overthrow of the materialism of the Adventists! But their labor is all a gratuity not called for by the circumstances. He must indeed be ignorant of the Scriptures who would deny that the punishment of the wicked is everlasting; and he also is ignorant of the issue involved in this discussion who thinks he has gained anything in favor of the serpent's first and constant assurance to sinners—"ye shall not surely die,"—by proving that punishment is everlasting.
The question does not at all turn on the duration of punishment, but on the nature of punishment. The Lord denounces him as teaching lies, who promises "life" to the sinner. Eze. 13 : 22. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6 : 23. The life of the righteous will be eternal, and the death of the wicked will be eternal. Both eternal, but not both life. Unless the advocates of inherent immortality,—the teachers of the doctrine of eternal life for the unrighteous—examine this point and meet this issue, and cease to raise a dust by arguing a point not in dispute, we shall be compelled to think they are deliberately turning away from the teachings of the word of God. Now as a good starting-point for their further investigations we will quote for them two more passages of Scripture; passages dear to the heart of every believer, the first in the text, and the second more especially in the context.
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3 : 16.
"And to you who are troubled [he will recompense] rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction." 2 Thess. 1 : 7-9.
When it is proved that these texts, and scores of others of like import, show that the wicked shall have everlasting life, and that destruction is not their doom, then we shall stand corrected, and we promise then to make open retraction of our error.
The truth is that punishment is not a determinate word. In our courts it covers fines, imprisonment, and death. When it is said that a man shall be punished, that does not determine how he shall be punished. He may be fined; he may be incarcerated in a county jail; he may be both fined and imprisoned; he may be sent to the penitentiary; or he may be hanged. Each of these is punishment, but they are not the same. The wicked shall be punished with death—with destruction, "everlasting destruction."
A dreadful fate! loss of eternal life with all its possibilities of happiness and glory! In the Lord's own words we would entreat the wicked: "Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?"

GROWTH IN GRACE.

By John Nevins Andrews

[From Les Signes des Temps.]
CHRISTIAN experience consists in making constant advancement in the things of the Spirit of God. Our first lesson in the school of Christ is not all that we need to learn. Each day there is a new lesson for us to master. Our acquaintance with Christ commences when we receive the forgiveness of our sins through the merit of his blood. It is then our business to form an intimate acquaintance with him. We are to learn the excellence of his character, and then to imitate that excellence in our own lives.
It is not enough for us to know that Christ is meek and lowly, we must become such ourselves. It is not all that is necessary for our salvation to be assured of the fact that Christ resisted Satan and overcame him. We must ourselves, through the grace of Christ, gain the victory over the great adversary. Christ loved his enemies. We cannot be Christians while we have evil dispositions in our hearts toward those that hate us. The life of Christ is our example, and our character must, through the grace of God, become like his. How can this great work be accomplished in us? It cannot be done in a moment. It is a progressive work. To-day we learn one part of our lesson, to-morrow another, and so each day of our lives, we must make some advancement in this divine experience.
Selfishness dwells in us by nature. Our Lord Jesus Christ was wholly unselfish. How can we be transformed and made in this respect like Christ? The work must be wrought by the grace of God, but not without our co-operation. God will test us by bringing us into circumstances, where self must be given up, unless we prove rebellious against him. Now we are brought into a great strait, we must sacrifice our self-interest, or refuse to follow Christ. If we seek the grace of God to help us in this trial, we shall gain the victory; but if self is dearer to us than life, we shall sacrifice Christ to self. Many Christians have done this and ceased to make progression in Christian experience. But if we gain the victory in this struggle with self, our warfare is by no means accomplished.
We have a thousand such conflicts before us in every one of which we must gain the victory. The promises of God are made only to those who overcome. Our strength to overcome in this great conflict is in the grace of God. But we must use the grace that God gives us in watching, praying, and resisting Satan. If we do this, every conflict will result in bringing us nearer to God.
Why do we not take a deeper interest in this work? Why do we not feel an intense desire to grow in grace? The reason is obvious. We are too well satisfied with ourselves. We think that we have already attained the character of the Christian, and that our salvation is certain. Christ pronounces a blessing upon those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Hungering and thirsting are among the strongest emotions of our nature. They express the most intense desires of which we are capable. It ought to alarm us that we do not have these desires in our hearts. We ought to know that our situation is one of danger, when we are satisfied with ourselves and do not earnestly seek the advancement of the work of grace in our hearts.
The character of Christ is one of infinite excellence. If we keep our eye fixed upon him, we shall feel an intense desire in our hearts to become like him. The greater advancement that we make, the greater desire shall we feel to advance still further; for at each step which brings us nearer to Christ, our views of his excellence will become clearer and more distinct, and our desire for greater conformity to him will increase in proportion as we come nearer to him. We shall never find the place at which to halt in our Christian experience. The advancement which we make each day will only show us farther advancement that we need to make on the following day. And so while we really grow in grace we shall never become proud of our attainments in Christian experience, for we shall see at every step as we advance the excellence of Christ in a clearer light than we have ever seen it before. And so we shall not take to ourselves the credit of having already perfected a Christian character, but at each new discovery of the excellence that dwells in Christ we shall feel that what we have attained in the past is as nothing compared with the great advancement which we ought to make.
How many Christians are like the children of Israel in the wilderness. Moses tells us in the first chapter of Deuteronomy that there was only the distance of eleven days' journey between Horeb, where Israel received the law, and Kadesh-Barnea on the border of the promised land. Yet between these two points the children of Israel journeyed thirty-eight years. They made long journeys, but they were in every direction except toward the promised land. If they had been obedient to God the journey of eleven days would have sufficed to take them through the wilderness, but in consequence of their disobedience they made this long journey in the desert.
Many Christians spend years of their lives without making any advancement in Christian experience. When they are assailed by Satan they give way to his temptations instead of gaining the victory over them. If something unpleasant arises, they give way to violent temper and speak bitter words. If they are tempted to envy or jealousy, they allow these evil passions to obtain the mastery in their souls. If selfishness shows itself in their hearts they yield to its evil suggestions, and they are not alarmed at the manifestations of these evil passions. They suppose that because Christ was free from malice and envy and selfishness, that they shall be saved while yielding to these evil things, if they only believe in Christ. They do not understand that all the promises of God's word are made to those that overcome, and that the grace of Christ is freely offered to us to enable us to accomplish this work.
Christ has told us in his sermon on the mount what he will say to those that profess to be his disciples, but who have never overcome the evil passions of their hearts. In the day of Judgment when they expect confidently to meet his approval he will say, "I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity." We need not have these words spoken to us, but they will be thus spoken unless the work of God's grace shall be perfected in our hearts. There still remains a space in which to accomplish this work. Let us be diligent that we may be found of him in peace without spot and blameless. Bale, Dec. 1880. J. N. A.

The Missionary.

By S. N. Haskell

MEETINGS IN OAKLAND.

The meetings just closed in this place have been of a very encouraging nature, and we trust profitable to all who attended them. We have reason to believe that the cause in California will receive from this quarterly meeting, an impetus it has never felt from any similar gathering in the past. The missionary meetings on Sunday were well attended, and much interest manifested. The church at San Francisco was well represented; also the churches at Woodland, St. Helena, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Newcastle.
Many incidents were related, showing what is being accomplished by our tracts, and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which seemed to inspire all hearts with new courage in the work. Some cases were related which we will briefly mention. In one place a company of thirty have embraced the Sabbath, and given up tobacco, tea, and coffee, as the result of reading the paper, followed by Christian correspondence on the part of those who furnished the reading. All this too, without ministerial labor.
In another place, fifteen took their stand for the truth, and after two days' labor by a minister, five more united with them. These in turn, are now ready to purchase a tent and support a minister if one can be sent them.
Still another remarkable case was related of a company of eleven Germans who have embraced the truth after hearing a few discourses. These are so anxious for preaching in their native tongue, that they have written to the General Conference Committee, asking if a man can be furnished them. They promise on their part, in the event help is sent them, to furnish a tent and support the minister. All these cases cited are in different parts of the country outside of California.
There are, however, openings of equal importance in this State. A company of four, who have never heard a discourse on present truth, but embraced it from reading, sent an earnest appeal for help. Ten ministers could not answer the calls of this kind in California alone.
The Seaman's mission also claimed a share of attention at the meeting. The report given by Bro. Palmer (ship missionary) was truly cheering. Nearly every ship which has left this place for foreign ports during the last fifteen months, has been visited and reading matter placed on board. The fruit of this labor has already appeared. Some have embraced the truth fully, and others are much interested.
The business meetings on Monday were of unusual interest throughout, and passed off in perfect harmony. We do not think there has ever been a meeting of this kind in the State where more evidences of God's special care for his people were manifested than at this meeting. All could see, as never before, the hand of God in the establishment of the press on this coast. Already, demands for publications come from New Zealand, England, and the Sandwich Islands. We look forward to no distant day when Oakland, Cal., will become as important a point from which the light of truth will go forth to the different nations as any other spot on the earth. It certainly possesses greater advantages in many respects to do such a work than any other place.
Another source of encouragement is to notice how cheerfully the captains of vessels offer to transport our publications, or carry missionaries to the different places where the publications are sent, and in fact to almost any part of the globe.
The V. M. Society of Oakland, have enlarged their club of SIGNS and adopted a system by which in due time, every family in that section can have the truth set before them with proper missionary labor. The brethren from other places returned to their homes apparently much encouraged and we trust to labor with more zeal than ever.
S. N. HASKELL.

The Signs of the Times and Missionary Work

The President spoke of the number of SIGNS taken in clubs, and, considering that God has honored California with its publication in our midst, thought that this State should come behind no other Conference in the number used and missionary work performed. Comparisons between this and the New England Conference, showed that in proportion to the number of members, there were one-half more SIGNS taken for missionary purposes in New England than in California. Eld. Waggoner spoke of the influence which the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is exerting, which had become more apparent to him while on his recent visit in the East. He thought there was more being done by the SIGNS in spreading the truth, than by all our ministers together. Eld. Corliss gave some of his personal experience in the missionary field. Many interesting and encouraging incidents were related, showing the good that is being accomplished especially through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. He stated that only those who go into new fields are able to properly appreciate this work; and many facts were given where it had prepared the way for him.
A Committee on Resolutions was then appointed by the chair, consisting of Wm. Saunders, Eld. J. O. Corliss, and Barbara C. Stickney. The meeting then adjourned until 2:30 P. M.
At the appointed time a second meeting was held. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following:—
Resolved, 1st. That in the Tract and Missionary Society we find an opening for every one of our people to do something, and we recommend that efforts be made in new fields, and especially in those places where meetings are being held or are in contemplation.
2nd. That we recognize that we, on the Pacific coast, are highly favored in having the SIGNS OF THE TIMES—the pioneer paper of our cause—published here; and it is our belief that if it is properly and liberally used by us it will increase both the membership of our churches and their spirituality, infusing into all a missionary spirit, and returning to all the benefit to be derived only from active efforts to secure the salvation of our fellow-men.
3d. That it gives us great pleasure to hear of the good which is being done by the SIGNS in other lands, and especially in England, and that we request the members of the churches in this Conference, and all interested in this cause, to forward donations to the State Secretary to pay for the papers required by Elder Loughborough, as recommended by the California Conference at its last session.
4th. Whereas, The Spirit of God has indicated the efficiency of a system of colportage as a means of bringing the light of truth before the world, and
Whereas, When some system, perhaps imperfect, has been adopted in canvassing, success has attended the efforts put forth, demonstrating the necessity of systematic and united labor, therefore
Resolved, That we request the President of the California Tract and Missionary Society to devise a plan of labor for those engaged as colporters, and that he cause to be issued printed instructions for their benefit in their work.
5th. We recommend that our societies order their publications, in larger quantities, through the District Secretaries, to be sent as freight, and save the expense of so often sending small quantities by mail or express.
6th. Whereas, The seaman's mission is proving an efficient auxiliary to the T. and M. Society in spreading a knowledge of the truth among the nations of the earth, to thus fulfill the prophecy to this generation,
Resolved, That we recommend our brethren throughout the State to embrace this important branch of the work in their considerations of the wants of the cause; and that all the officers urge upon those in the several societies to donate liberally for this work. And further, that as soon as may be, the pledges which have been made to this fund be paid, in order that this good work may be vigorously prosecuted the present season.
7th. That, in view of the fact that the time of the ship missionary is spent in this work, and that he is thereby prevented from following his ordinary avocation, we recommend that the President and Directors of the T. and M. Society devise some means of relieving him in that direction as may be necessary.
These resolutions were acted upon, and unanimously adopted. That in regard to colporters usingthe SIGNS in their work was spoken of by several. Eld. Israel thought there could not be too much importance attached to it. Much of this work has been done in Los Angeles with encouraging results. The president explained the plan that is usually adopted; it is to obtain the addresses in a certain place, and have the SIGNS sent, usually through the office of publication to all or as many as can be worked up properly.
The colporter commences his visiting after the first copy of the paper is received, and continues as long as he may deem it profitable. The paper serves as a theme of conversation, besides in a silent way advocating the very truths the colporter wishes to present. Where much interest is shown, the individual is usually ready to subscribe by the time the four copies have been sent. The names of those who are somewhat interested are also obtained to be used in our V. M. Societies. He thought there were individuals in nearly every church that could engage in this work, but should always consult their church officers in regard to it.
The resolution concerning the ship missionary work called forth much that was very interesting. The president made some statements in regard to the financial condition of the society. In September, 1880, the debt against the mission was over $450, and $350 have been expended since that time. Besides what has been paid on the pledges made to raise $100 for the ship-work, there have been $60 donated to this cause and over $200 to the cause at large, by those brought to accept the truth through this mission. Bro. H. C. Palmer, our ship missionary, related many interesting cases which have come to his notice, although not a tithe of the results of this work can be ascertained. In his report, which may be published hereafter, he mentions the names of thirteen captains and ten or twelve others who have shown much interest; several buying our standard works, and all expressing a desire to learn more concerning our views. Others have attended our churches, and have promised to write when they investigate further. Services have been held on several of the ships and many names obtained for our V. M. Societies. Our reading matter has been sent to many ports, always free of charge, and also quite a quantity to Eld. Loughborough for his work in England. While as further results of this work, two have recently been baptized and united with us. Meeting adjourned.
ELD. S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
BARBARA C. STICKNEY, Sec.

THE QUARTERLY MEETING AT OAKLAND.

By James O. Corliss

BY ELD. J. O. CORLISS.
THE meetings just closed in Oakland have been to me a source of much pleasure; not simply because of the privilege of meeting so many friends of the truth—though this alone afforded me much real joy—but because of the encouragement received. The many indications of God's love for his people, and care for his cause, make the prospect for the work on this coast in the future, very cheering indeed. The many earnest calls for labor, that cannot possibly be met with the present force of laborers, and the good news of an abundant blessing bestowed on labor already being put forth, shows conclusively that God has gone out before his people in the work, and is inclining hearts toward his truth.
The influence of God's Spirit is being felt, not only on the Pacific slope, but in the islands of the sea. Men, who heretofore have been considered very indifferent to all that pertains to Christianity, now rise up, and crave the privilege of doing something to assist in the work. Everywhere we see tokens of the ripening harvest.
The brethren and sisters of the Oakland church have seemed to take in the situation to some extent, and in order to meet the increasing demands upon their missionary efforts, have doubled their club of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for the coming year, thus using five hundred copies. Some very interesting letters are received from time to time, from those who receive the paper. One man wrote, expressing thanks for the SIGNS, and said he thought it so valuable a paper that he should try hard to procure a club of subscribers in the town where he lives.
There were many interesting features of this good meeting that need not be mentioned here, as they have been reported by others. It is enough to say the meeting was a success. First, because of the encouragement afforded to all who attended it. Second, because of the permanent good we feel assured will follow. We cannot help believing that an era of unusual prosperity is dawning upon the work in this State. Now is the time for God's people to consecrate themselves to the work anew, and labor in unison with the spirit of the last message of mercy to the world.
The meeting closed Monday evening with the ordination of Bro. Briggs to the work of the ministry, and the brethren and sisters separated, expressing themselves repaid for the time and means spent in attending it. May the good Spirit present at the meeting remain with those who enjoyed it with us, and work in all the churches among us, and thus fruit of the occasion be seen in the kingdom of God.

STATE QUARTERLY MEETING.

ACCORDING to appointment the third session of the California Tract and Missionary Society for 1880–81, convened at Oakland, April 24, at 9:30 A. M. Four directors were present. T. M. Chapman of district No. 1; Wm. Saunders of No. 5; W. J. Bostwick of No. 7, and Eld. M. C. Israel of No. 8. Several of the district secretaries and librarians were also present, besides visitors from various churches.
Prayer was offered by Eld. Corliss, when the president stated the nature of the meeting, and considered that the extent and magnitude of the work rendered any more that might be made of great importance. He spoke of the cause in its small beginning, and what might be accomplished in a short time, if, with our increase of members, there had been a proportional increase of interest manifested in the work.
The report of labor for the quarter ending Jan. 1, was then read, also the report for the last quarter which is as follows:—
Districts. No. of Members. No. Reports Returned. No. of Members Added. No. of Visits. No. of Letters Written. No. Sheets taken in Clubs. Review. Signs. Good Health. Instructor. Other Periodicals.
No. 1 104 54 1 46 184 104 4 15 4 18 3
“ 2 96 20 40 84 113
“ 3 66 32 126 844 184 1 3 4 1 1
“ 4 14 4 1
“ 5 96 42 1 123 163 180 1 10 4 2 12
“ 6 23 18 39 43 56 19 2
“ 7 110 70 2 60 273 539 2 12 40
“ 8 62 39 1 327 43 105 3 38 1 1 101
“ 9 5 10
Ships. 134
Total. 577 279 5 895 1134 1401 11 98 53 24 117
Districts. No. of Pages of Reading Matter Distributed. Periodicals Distributed. Annuals Sold and given away. Donations to Tract Fund and for Membership. Sales. Periodicals. Total.
No. 1. 40509 3576 107 $23 10 $ 9 70 $ 63 20 $101 00
“ 2. 8725 754 53 89 19 50 2 00 75 39
“ 3. 5263 617 28 30 90 28 35 73 65 132 90
“ 4. 400 35
“ 5. 14612 1614 491 33 31 16 48 81 05 130 84
“ 6. 13201 941 4 65 19 85 39 35 63 85
“ 7. 53327 1783 38 35 1 15 11 00 50 50
“ 8. 25795 2011 110 5 60 5 75 14 50 25 85
“ 9.
Ships. 50258 5473 260
Total. 223090 16804 996 $189 80 $100 78 $289 75 $580 33

UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE.

By George Washington Colcord

I HAVE not reported lately, but I have been busy. Not long since, I closed a series of services at Couse Creek School-house, five miles from Milton, Oregon. Ten voted to obey the truth. I immersed three.
We meet difficulties and experience trials; but “the Lord is faithful.” The present outlook of this field is encouraging. G. W. Colcord.

GLEANINGS FROM THE FIELD.

NORTH CAROLINA, Soda Hill, Watauga Co.—April 4, Bro. L. P. Hodges writes: I visited the western part of this county, Sabbath and Sunday, March 19, 20, and spoke five times. Our meetings were good. On Sunday, five, all heads of families and members of the Lutheran church, arose for baptism. We expect others will be ready for this ordinance when I visit this part of the county the second Sabbath and Sunday in May. I expect to visit Carter and Unicoi counties in Tennessee this spring or summer. The people have requested me to visit these counties, as they wish to hear the views of Seventh-day Adventists.
ALABAMA, Choctaw Co.—Eld. C. O. Taylor, April 7, says: The interest in present truth is rising in this county. The monthly and quarterly meetings last Sabbath and first-day were very good. Two families have commenced to keep the Sabbath since my last report.
MISSOURI, Utica, Livingston Co.—Eld. C. H. Chaffee reports: I have just closed a series of meetings with the church at this place. Two came out in the truth. Two united with the church by vote, and three by letter. The ordinances were celebrated, and all seemed to be encouraged. This church has twenty members, and all are in harmony.
Sylvania, Dale Co.—Bro. W. Jones writes: Elds. Wood and Woodruff commenced a series of meetings about the 10th of November, but on account of cold weather, not more than three weeks' work was done altogether. As a result of these meetings, seven are now keeping the Sabbath, and have signed the covenant, making, in all, fourteen commandment-keepers in this community.
KANSAS, Alta.—Bro. G. H. Rogers reports, April 12: God has blessed the word spoken at this place. I left here three weeks ago on account of my health. At that time twelve had signed the covenant. A prayer-meeting was established, also Sabbath-school and Sabbath meetings. On returning last week I found the little company firm, the Sabbath-school increasing, the prayer-meetings well attended, and a good interest. The brethren and sisters desire the organization of a tract society. Have sold nearly $10 worth of books, though all the brethren are poor. Last first-day four were buried with their Lord in baptism, and the good Spirit of God seemed to rest on the deeply impressed audience. Others expressed a desire to be baptized.
MINNESOTA, Anawauk.—April 4, Brn. D. C. Burch and E. A. Curtis, write: We found a man here who had heard Bro. Andrews preach at Clinton Junction, Wis., eleven years ago. He also received tracts from Bro. A. that he still has in his possession. The seeds of truth then sown in his heart have been cherished, and now that clear light has come, he and his wife have taken their stand for the truth. Three have taken a decided stand, and three or four others have signified their intention to do so. Others are interested.
IOWA, Traer, Tama Co.—I met with the company at this place Sabbath and Sunday, April 9, 10. All who had embraced the truth were firm, and two families more had commenced keeping the Sabbath. These additions materially strengthen the company here. They have regular Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school.
MICHIGAN, Abronia, Allegan Co.—April 13, Eld. W. H. Littlejohn writes: As the result of our labors in this place, five intelligent young men have embraced the faith, who had never made a profession before. For this we feel very thankful, and feel assured that there are others still who will finally work their way to the light.
Cedar Dale, Sanilac Co.—Bro. Albert Weeks says: The meetings at this place still continue. All who were keeping the Sabbath at the time of my last report are established in the truth, and some others have begun to observe the Sabbath who would not come to our meetings at first. There are now twelve or more keeping the Sabbath who knew nothing of it two months ago; and still others are under conviction.
Mundy, Genesee Co.—Bro. E. P. Daniels reports, April 12: Since our last report, we have been engaged principally in gathering up the fragments that nothing be lost. Another family of four members has fully decided to be commandment-keeping servants of God, and to prepare for the return of our Lord from Heaven.
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