If the readers of the REVIEW will not get weary of reading explanations, we will continue writing them as long as called for, and we have evidence they do any good.
1. The one-third is no part of the Systematic Benevolence. The S. B. is paid for the support of the ministry. The sum equal to one-third of the amount of the S. B. is a free-will offering in addition to the S. B., which each individual is recommended to pay during the year 1877 for the support of the Tract Society.
2. There seems to be with some a misunderstanding in regard to the use of the one-third. The resolution relating to the one-third, passed at the General Conference, Nov. 12, 1876, is as follows:— “Resolved, That this Conference recommend to the several State Conferences that each individual raise a sum equal to one-third of his S. B. pledge for the year to meet the demand for means to be used, as far as necessary, in the proposed increase of the circulation of the SIGNS, the REFORMER, and other publications; this offering to be paid Jan. 1, 1877, or, if more favorable, in four installments; the first to be paid Jan. 1, the second, April 1, the third, July 1, and the fourth, Oct. 1, 1877.
It will be noticed that this resolution relates to three things. (1) The SIGNS, (2) the REFORMER, (3) “other publications.” Now, if all the one-third be appropriated to the SIGNS, the REFORMER and other publications are entirely left out. One-third of the present amount of S. B. is barely enough to pay for ten thousand copies of the SIGNS. If all should be appropriated in this manner, the design of the resolution itself would not be carried out. Furthermore, the Tract Societies would become bankrupt. They would be in no condition to enter upon a fall campaign to purchase almanacs and tracts, or upon any other enterprise which may be advisable.
The plan suggested of clubbing the SIGNS and paying for them in monthly installments, as suggested in SIGNS of Dec. 14, 1876, is a special effort outside of the S. B. or the one-third, while the S. B. and one-third are a more permanent affair. We have stated to our brethren and sisters, after reorganizing S. B., when they have voted to add the one-third to support the missionary work, as follows: Now you are entitled to this sum, the one-third, for the missionary work; and if you use it all for the SIGNS, you have nothing left for anything else; but if you take from eight to fifty copies of the SIGNS to use in obtaining interested readers by canvassing and otherwise, and pay for them in monthly installments during the year, the Tract Society will advance the pay for the SIGNS, and forward them to you at once. Then when you have obtained interested readers, you can have copies transferred to the individuals who have become interested, or you can have the periodicals sent at the expense of the Tract Society, and retain the copies you receive, to use in obtaining other interested readers; but in either case you pay what you have pledged on monthly installments to the Tract Society. The advantages of paying for these clubs in monthly installments is readily seen, also the disadvantage of exhausting your fund, and that frequently before it is raised.
(1) This leaves you a fund by which you can send the SIGNS or REFORMER to those whose interest has thus become awakened, any time during the year, and still retain those sent you if you choose. (2) You also have a fund from which to pay for other publications. (3) If this system is adopted, there will be no necessity that any Tract Society let an account with the Association at Battle Creek, or at Oakland, run over three months, which they never should do. (4) In short, you can do ten times as much, and do it ten times as well, as by the old plan; for when you find readers, you know them to be interested, and your Tract Society is not in debt for sending the paper where it is not appreciated.
(5) It will educate you to be successful workers in the cause of God. If the brethren are poor, and come up on S. B., and cheerfully pay the one-third (and the poor generally do), and can make use of a larger number of copies than they are able to pay for, it is highly proper to draw from the tract fund what is necessary; or, what is better, let some individual volunteer to pay for from eight to twelve copies. In fact, there should be no lack of the SIGNS. Each Tract Society should be able to supply as many copies at any time as can be judiciously used outside of the monthly installments. If this plan be adopted by all of our Conferences, ten thousand copies of the SIGNS are not one-half what will be required yearly.
Wherever I have been, this branch of the work has been taken hold of with the greatest cheerfulness; and, already, good results have followed. There have been not far from one thousand copies of the SIGNS taken in clubs by churches and individuals in places which I have visited during the past sixteen weeks, and in not a single instance have they asked for the one-third to pay for them. In some cases where their circumstances were embarrassing, we proposed it, but they objected. Quite frequently we have checked our poor brethren from pledging too freely. Pledges are made varying from five cents to one dollar per month.
We never take the SIGNS in our hands but our hearts call for a wider circulation. There are none who have any sense of the Christian religion, who could fail of being interested in articles the paper contains. Plans must be laid that will secure a permanent yearly increase of the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Its mission is to arrest the attention of the candid and the careless all over the world wherever the English language is spoken; and this will be its work until probation ends.
3. It is not necessary that each individual should use just the number he or she may pay for when the club is formed. It is not unfrequent that the most successful workers are among the least able financially, and the sisters generally take the most active part in this branch of the labor. Hence the advantage of working together and having a weekly Missionary meeting, even if but a few sisters can meet.
4. Some of our brethren have supposed that if they pledged the one-third they should be released from unpaid pledges. There are individuals who have ever been liberal toward the tract cause, and are poor. The various presidents of our Tract Societies should see that such are not distressed in paying their past pledges. In some cases the SIGNS has been sent to hundreds of interested readers on the strength of pledges made over a year ago, and now the withdrawal of those pledges leaves the Society hundreds of dollars in debt. Under such circumstances, and where the brethren are able to pay those pledges, we see no reason why such should be released. Great care should be taken by a certain class of wealthy brethren, lest they lightly esteem broken vows. The Judgment will reveal the fact that solemn vows made to God under the influence of his Holy Spirit, cannot be released by man. See Eccl. 5:1–6.
5. This plan of clubbing the SIGNS simply relates to one branch of the work, and does not affect any other method that has been adopted. Neither does it take the place of our brethren's subscribing for the SIGNS, and paying therefor two dollars per year. S. N. HASKELL.
FAST DAY FOR NEW YORK.
By B. L. Whitney; Asa M. Green; A. H. Hall
After consulting quite generally with our leading brethren in this Conference, we think it best to appoint Sabbath, April 7, being the first Sabbath in the month, as a day of fasting and prayer in the N. Y. and Penn. Conference; and Sunday, April 8, for a business meeting in every church in the Conference. Our reasons for this are as follows:—
To say nothing of the great State of Pennsylvania, New York is the Empire State. It has a population of over four million souls, nearly all English speaking people. The Metropolis of the Western Continent is in this State, besides several other of the great cities of our nation. It is the great highway of travel from East to West. In educational advantages, it stands unsurpassed. School-houses are scattered thickly all over the country. Comparatively speaking, the people are not poor, but are in fair circumstances. The climate is favorable for running tents in the summer and lecturing in the winter. The laws are wholly in our favor as Sabbath-keepers. We enjoy the utmost liberty in preaching our message and in keeping the Sabbath. The school-houses are universally open for our use. The population is so dense that one can get an audience anywhere. In many places there are meeting-houses freely offered us for our use. Several of our wealthy brethren have either already fitted up places of worship, or offer to do it, where the truth can be presented.
We have many able, and even wealthy, brethren in this State; hence there is no reason why the cause should be crippled for lack of means. Indeed, it has not been so far. We believe that these brethren will open their hands to meet any reasonable expense which may be incurred in the work under consideration. There are now about eight hundred S. D. Adventists in this Conference. Once it was the strongest State in the cause, but for several years past, while it has been gaining some, it has been dropping far behind the increase in other States. Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and even Minnesota, are now far ahead of us in strength; and other new States are rapidly catching up. We can see no good reason why this should be so. We cannot see why New York is not just as rich a field of labor as any State in the Union. With equal labor we believe it is.
With gratitude we have seen tokens of rising prosperity in this Conference within the last two or three years. A number of new churches have been raised up, some quite large ones. There are numerous calls for labor in every direction, and there seems to be more willingness to hear than formerly. So far as we can see, our great need is a sufficient number of proper laborers in presenting the truth. Upon this point we feel deeply. For various reasons, many of our ministers have been very inefficient for several years past. Some have become superannuated, beyond age of active labor; some have gone to other fields, and others have not labored with that earnestness which the cause demands, and some are young in the cause. We believe it is God’s will that the cause in this Conference shall rise up, and put on strength, and have success as well as in other States.
For many reasons we believe that the time has already come when a new impetus shall be given to the work in this Conference. The providence of God seems to indicate this, and we dare not delay to follow as the Lord shall open the way. We cannot consent to appeal to other States to send us help. It is a shame to do it. So; what we want is to develop the talent and strength which we already have among us, or which may be raised up in our own State. At present there are only six preachers actually doing anything in this great State, and some of these are accomplishing but little. We cannot think that out of eight hundred believers there are no more than a half dozen men who can work in this cause. There ought to be at least twenty-five preachers in active service in this Conference. There is room enough, and we believe they would be sustained. Furthermore, we feel confident that there are young men and middle-aged men in this Conference, who ought to give themselves to the work of God. Many of them are dying spiritually because they are bearing no burdens in the work. There are a good number of older brethren, men of means, of good judgment, and of fair ability, who ought to take many of the burdens in the different branches of the work in the State, both in the Tract Society and in other places, who ought to visit from church to church, hold monthly and quarterly meetings, look after the finances, our periodicals, &c., and thus leave our preachers to go into new fields entirely. At present these men are doing just nothing at all. They amount to little or nothing in the cause. We cannot consent to hold our peace longer, and see things continue so.
It seems to be very important that there should be two camp-meetings held in this State the coming year, one in western New York in the spring and one in northern New York in the fall. Shall this be done? Of course, it will involve both labor and expense. Are our brethren in favor of it? and will they take hold to carry it out?
Five tents should be run in this State this year, or four at the very least. Two new tents must be purchased immediately. Will our brethren furnish the means? We feel very anxious about this matter, for we must act immediately. Months and seasons go by quickly. Everything is favorable now. No doubt there are many men in this State, whom God could use in his work if they were brought into the truth.
Brethren, we need God to help us at this time. Our ministers need a new conversion. They need the special providence of God to guide them in their fields of labor. We want wisdom with regard to our camp-meeting. If there are men who ought to enter the field, the Spirit of God is needed to move them out and give them a burden in this direction. The Lord can raise up men to carry on this message, who are now entirely ignorant of it. A real work of revival should be wrought among all our old churches. Scores of our children are growing up unconverted, and rapidly going beyond the influence of the truth.
Many of our older brethren are laying down their watch, ceasing to sacrifice, and falling far behind the spirit of the message. In view of these things, we appoint the first Sabbath in April as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer before God, that his blessing may rest upon the cause in this Conference, and especially that able and devoted men may be raised up to preach the truth.
We recommend that every minister in the Conference preach a sermon that day from the following text: “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Matt. 9: 36–38.
We recommend also that the leader in each church where there is no minister read this and kindred texts, and that the testimonies and prayers of the brethren be directed to this subject. Farther, ask the Lord to direct us with regard to our camp-meeting, the running of our tents this summer, and that he will give life and power to the ministers already laboring.
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(Continued from page 101.)
We also recommend that every church meet together on the following first-day, to examine the list of names belonging to the church, and particularly inquire after each, and transact any other business that may be necessary in connection with them, pay the s. b. due at the time, celebrate the ordinances, etc. We shall endeavor to establish this as a settled rule in all our churches in this Conference, to have a meeting for such business as this, the first Sabbath and Sunday in January, April, July, and October. Let this be our quarterly meeting throughout the entire Conference, and let our quarter commence at this time instead of counting from the Conference as heretofore.
Let this article be preserved and read by the leader of each church on the fast day. Do this in order to have the facts fresh before you.
If any person in this Conference feels that he has any duty to do in the Lord’s vineyard let him write to B. L. Whitney, Rome, N. Y.
B. L. WHITNEY,
ASA M. GREEN, } State Conf. Com.
A. H. HALL, }
To the above we are glad to add our hearty approval. We believe it is just what should be done. We hope every brother and sister in this Conference will take hold immediately and in earnest. We promise to do all in our power to revive the work of God in this Conference.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
JACOB WILBUR.
S. B. WHITNEY.
H. H. WILCOX.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
MICHIGAN
Near Onandaga.
I AM still keeping up my meetings. Some are keeping the Sabbath, and others are interested.
J. B. FRISBIE.
Report of V. M. Society.
At a meeting held at our house of worship in Armada, Jan. 1, 1877, a Vigilant Missionary Society was organized with ten members. Since that time we have held our meetings regularly every Sunday but one, then we were in Memphis to attend the quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society. During this time our numbers have steadily increased until we now number twenty-four. We have sent out letters and papers to about seventy persons. We receive twenty-one copies of the SIGNS every week, and have given away all of them, amounting in all to nearly three hundred since we began our work.
The Lord has a work for his people to perform, and all who are not fitted to be preachers can here find an opening wherein they can labor and assist in sowing the good seed. We rejoice that we can, even in this manner, assist in preparing the sheaves for the great harvest day. With the help of the Lord we will continue on in the work until all shall have been accomplished; then, triumphant we will go to enjoy the reward of the faithful ones. We desire the prayers of God’s servants, that we may be fully consecrated to the work.
J. S. CHAPMAN, Pres.
M. F. MULLEN, Sec.
IOWA
Lisbon, West Union, and Waukon.
My meetings continued at Lisbon about two weeks, when the weather became quite stormy, and the interest, which was moderately good, dropped off considerably. I gave a few sermons on the Sabbath question, which aroused some interest upon that subject; and several expressed themselves favorably impressed. But as I was greatly pressed for time, I could not stay longer, and feel justified without a greater interest. I hope several will keep the Sabbath after a little more reflection. Bro. Mitchell will visit, and hold some meetings, and follow up the interest.
I held meetings with the church at West Union for a week, but under very unfavorable circumstances. The weather was very stormy nearly all the time. We began to hold meetings in the court house for the benefit of outsiders; but the snow came so deep, and it was so stormy, that we could do nothing in public meetings. So we held meetings in the day and evening with the friends who came in from the country. A few came up from Fayette, ten miles away, and others from Fredericksburg, twenty miles away. Our meetings were encouraging to the few who could attend them. We reorganized S. B. for the ensuing Conference year, increasing it from the sum of $89.79 to $191.84; and the church voted to pay one-third additional for the T. and M. work. Other members not present we trust will increase this somewhat. This church is reduced in numbers by removals and apostasy; but those remaining feel determined to go forward in the work. May God bless them and add to their numbers.
March 16. Went to Waukon, and held meetings for three days. The appointment was very short, but I was very glad to find a good attendance, the house of worship being quite well filled with brethren and sisters from West Union, and from our Swedish brethren at Village Creek, and from scattering brethren in the country round about. I was happily surprised. Our meetings were profitable. This is the oldest church in the State of Iowa, and though never a large church, yet but few churches have sent out more laborers into the field. There are seven ministers now preaching the message, who have formerly lived here. There are five others who now hold official positions in other churches, either as deacons or elders. But with all these removals, of course the church is much reduced in numbers and strength. Its former membership are scattered in Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. But scarcely one of them has given up the truth. The members now remaining are those who were most backward in former times. These have now the burdens of the cause resting upon them. A distressing trial in the church, which has been a source of great discouragement for months, I trust was amicably settled, and some who have absented themselves from the meetings for a long time promise to return and try again to do their duty. We hope God will strengthen the friends who remain in Waukon. Here was where I formerly lived, and where all my earliest Christian experience was passed. I would have been glad to remain longer, but could not, as the general quarterly meeting was so soon to be held. We thought best not to organize S. B. here just at present.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
State Centre.
After stating that the meeting throughout was excellent, the writer gives the following report of the T. and M. meeting held March 18:—
Over a hundred Sabbath-keepers were present. The meeting was called to order by the director. Prayer by Bro. Wing.
Report of previous meeting read and adopted.
Report of present quarter was as follows:—
No. of families visited, 157; letters written, 63; new subscribers for REVIEW, 19; REFORMER, 8; INSTRUCTOR, 24; SIGNS, 15; BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, 38; SVENSK HAROLD, 1. Money received on membership, $6.00; donations, $41.90; book sales, $11.16; new subscribers, $25.95; total, $85.01. Distribution of reading matter, periodicals, 604; almanacs, 291; tracts, &c., 61,004 pp. No. of members, 92; reports, 64.
We all felt to rejoice that so much had been done, and separated with a strong determination still to work for the Master.
M. M. KENNEY, Sec.
MARYLAND
By R. F. Cottrell
I am now on the coast, in Caroline Co. While at Woodberry, I was requested to come here to the funeral of a sister, and judged that it was right to leave, and return to them again after working awhile here. Have given three discourses in the Methodist meeting-house at Bethlehem with increasing interest; and have been invited to speak to them next Sunday evening.
R. F. COTTRELL.
KANSAS
Black Hawk.
We closed our meetings here March 11. The people are still anxious to hear. Six more have taken hold of the truth since my last report, making thirty-one that have signed the covenant. Organized a Sabbath-school yesterday, and made a temporary organization for the purpose of holding meetings. Bro. Henry Miller was elected leader, and Bro. N. P. Dixon, Sabbath-school superintendent. I intend to return to this place after the Salem meeting.
Salem.
Meetings closed Mar. 18. Organized a church of seven members. Bro. James A. Ashbaugh was elected elder. Several more will unite soon. We leave a company here of twenty-five that are keeping the Sabbath. Ten of them have lately signed the covenant, and others are investigating. Bro. Stevens labored here last summer, and the people are very anxious for him to return and labor in this vicinity this season.
J. N. AYERS.
Eureka, Greenwood Co.
The quarterly meeting at Eureka has just past. We had hoped to be able at this meeting to gather the scattered Sabbath-keepers in that vicinity into one body. But in this we were disappointed. Some were absent from home. Some were sick. The distance was too great for others—ten or twelve miles. But we were happy to meet, for the first time, Bro. Allee and wife, who came a distance of forty miles, and Bro. and Sr. Main, who came fifty miles. With the exception of Bro. Allee, who became interested while at the Health Institute at Battle Creek some two years since, this was the first time they had ever heard an Advent minister.
These brethren thought themselves well paid for time and expense. What then must be the loss sustained by those who with almost no sacrifice might have been at every meeting? And what must be the difference in the interest which brings about these different results? But our meeting was a success. I think all took fresh courage. Some that had about given up, rallied again. Others realized the necessity of greater consecration, and covenanted anew in this direction. Our ordinance meeting was one of the best. The Spirit of God rested down on us with power.
J. H. Cook.
YET THERE IS ROOM.
By L. E. Millne
I’ve heard of a bright, sunny land,
A land that is fairer than this,
That’s free from all sorrow and care,
Where all shall enjoy perfect bliss.
A home in that beautiful land,
And mansions all glorious and fair,
Are free for all those who will come
To Jesus, who pleads for us there.
His own precious blood he now pleads,
And freely invites all to come
And drink from the fountain of life—
O wand’rer, for you there is room.
Come ye that are burdened with sin
And weary of sorrow and fear.
Oh! rest in the arms of his love—
Soon the Lord for his saints will appear.
Delay not, ’tis mercy’s last call;
The Spirit is striving to-day,
Entreating in pity and love.
Oh! sinner, why longer delay?
Oh! how can you slight his sweet voice,
And turn from his presence away?
Come, open the door of your hearts,
While Jesus invites you to-day.
L. E. MILLNE.
Council Bluffs.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane
Waterford; Elkhart Co.
I came here on the 16th, at the request of Bro. L. Caldwell, who, while teaching here, had awakened quite an interest in our views through that potent agency, the tract work.
Have preached eight discourses in the M. E. church. The interest is increasing. Great interest is shown in our work and faith. Tracts sell rapidly, and requests for home visits much exceed our ability to fulfill. This is a rich country, with the finest schools in the State. The county papers open their columns freely to notices of our work and faith.
Great is the work before us. May we press right onward, trusting in God.
S. H. LANE.
Roann and Deedsville.
By Arthur W. Bartlett
I COMMENCED meetings here one week ago. The audience is fair. The Methodist minister has given one discourse against us, to which we have replied. The impression seems to prevail that the truth was decidedly on our side.
Met with the church at Deedsville on last Sabbath and first-day. I gave four discourses. The house was well filled, and the interest good. On first-day, at three o’clock, we proceeded to a stream near by, and buried one willing soul in baptism, after which the candidate was received into the church. The ordinances were celebrated. Reorganized S. S. to the amount of $70. A T. and M. Society is being organized. The Sabbath-school is prospering finely—attendance from forty-five to fifty.
ARTHUR W. BARTLETT.
SOUTH NORRIDGEWOCK, ME.
By J. E. Baker
There seems to be a living interest in this place. The little company of eight that started last winter are still holding on, and are growing stronger in the faith every day. There is a good attendance at the Sabbath-school. Our prayer-meetings are well attended and some have recently started; others seem deeply interested in the truth.
The Lord has been very good to us in giving us our dear friends to go with us to the kingdom; and we, as a church and people, feel to praise his name for these many blessings. We know that the Lord is soon to come to gather his children home; and we all have a great work to do in preparing ourselves, and in bringing our friends to the fold ere it is too late. May the Lord lead us in the work, is my prayer.
J. E. BAKER.
TENNESSEE
By S. Osborn
Closed our labors here March 11, having given thirty-eight lectures. Interest good from the first. Six are keeping the Sabbath. Several now express their intention to do the same, but want a little time to consider. Two-thirds of the community acknowledge that we have the truth. Bro. Soule will follow up the interest, as we shall go to Kentucky. My address will be Elizabethtown, Hardin Co., Ky.
S. OSBORN.
MINNESOTA
By H. F. Phelps
Two discourses have been given against our positions on the immortality and Sabbath questions. We have reviewed the first. The speaker several times declared that the apostles changed the Sabbath, and also that Christ told them to do so; and in proof he said, “We are told that Christ said many things which were not written, and without doubt this was one of them.” As is usual, he said that the Lord’s day of Rev. 1. 10 was the first day; and then he tried to draw an argument from the messages to the seven churches then in Asia. He spoke of the different sins for which they were reproved, and with much emphasis said, “If Sunday-keeping was such a great sin, why were they not reproved for keeping it?” We can reply, For the simple reason that they were not keeping it. Those who have made a start seemed more than convinced of the truth of our positions.
H. F. PHELPS.
NEBRASKA
By S. Myers
I attended the quarterly meeting of the Blue Valley church Feb. 17 and 18. The interest was good. The church seem to be striving to overcome. There was some interest to hear manifested by those not connected with the church. The church at Valparaiso held their quarterly meeting March 10 and 11. Bad roads and dark nights interfered with the interest of this meeting. Some of the members of this small church are striving to live out the truth. We fear there are others whose whole hearts are not in the work. S. Myers.
NEW YORK.
Genoa, Cayuga Co.
Thursday, March 15, came to Genoa. We had the Methodist meeting house for our meetings. We did not find much outside interest. Some thirty or forty attended more or less, and the house was full on Sunday night, but still no special interest. Brethren and sisters turned out well, and manifested a good interest.
Sabbath morning seven young persons came forward to seek the Lord. These were all there were present of the children of our people. They manifested a good deal of feeling, and every one spoke promptly. Then we enjoyed a good social meeting. We had a special meeting for them on Monday. They took hold first rate both in speaking and praying. All except one now take part in family prayer and in social meeting. As they all have praying parents who will help them, we have strong confidence that the work will be permanent.
We spent all day Sunday in a business meeting. The brethren raised their S. B. pledge from $104 to $193, and then voted one-third more for the T. and M. work. There are about twenty Sabbath-keepers here besides the children. I was exceedingly pleased to find them all in harmony and no trial among them. There is also a good amount of talent in this church, and most of them are well situated to be useful in the work. We visited a brother’s wife who is sick, nigh unto death. She had never been a Christian. Now she regrets this very deeply. With many tears she promises to be faithful to God and the truth if she shall be spared. We hope she may live to help her husband and family in the service of God. This is the way persons always feel when death comes to stare them in the face. Persons in life and health ought to think of this, and lay it to heart.
Brother Reynolds, with whom I have formed a very pleasant acquaintance, was with me. He assisted me very much, and now stays another week, to complete the work there.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Parma.
The interest here is constantly rising, and the attendance increasing, notwithstanding we have cold and stormy weather. Last evening we had the largest audience we have had yet, so that extra-seats had to be furnished for a large number. We held our first Sabbath meeting last Sabbath. There were thirty-two present, aside from old Sabbath-keepers. Several of these have commenced to observe the Sabbath.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Sciota.
Bro. J. E. Morin says, “My meetings are well attended. I preach every evening and twice on Sabbath and on Sunday. I count upon a church of sixteen or eighteen members here, soon to be ready for organization.”
WISCONSIN
By H. W. Decker; Mattie A. Kerr
Meeting of T. and M. Society.
A GENERAL meeting of the Wis. T. and M. Society was held at Baraboo, March 9-11, 1877.
Report of the last meeting was read and approved.
Remarks were made by the president respecting the duties of directors.
The following committee on resolutions was appointed: Eld. Geo. Tenney, Wm. H. Canfield, and E. O. Hammond. The report of the committee was as follows:—
Whereas, The efficiency of the T. and M. work is greatly impaired by the neglect of officers faithfully to perform their duties, therefore,
Resolved, That this meeting recommend much care in the selection of those persons for officers, who will endeavor to perform to the best of their ability their several duties. And we further recommend the removal of those from office, who, from neglect or other causes, fail in the discharge of those obligations.
Resolved, That we recommend to those of our churches who have not already adopted the measure, the raising of a sum equal to one-third of their s. B., to be devoted to the T. and M. work, according to the recommendation of the General Conference at its last session.
Resolved, That we recommend to all of our churches the raising of clubs for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, to be paid for upon the installment plan, as suggested by Bro. White.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Sunday morning, March 11. The secretary’s report for the last quarter was read as follows:—
No. of districts, 17; No. of districts reported, 13; No. of families visited, 949; letters written, 3,101. New subscribers for REVIEW, 7; INSTRUCTOR, 121; REFORMER, 154; SIGNS, 132; TIDENDE, 29. Copies of REVIEW sent to friends on trial, 156; INSTRUCTOR, 87; REFORMER, 59; SIGNS, 293; TIDENDE, 9. Periodicals distributed, 1,806; almanacs, 8,750; tracts and pamphlets, 146,765 pp.
Money rec’d on membership, $24.00
By donations, 171.63
From book sales, 65.13
New subscribers, 83.95
For widows and orphans, .50
Total, $345.21
Voted, That, as the REVIEW Office has forgiven us a debt, it be applied to the several districts which are in debt, so that they can have the benefit of it.
Voted, To purchase a tent for ministers, one for a committee’s tent, and a reporter’s tent.
Voted, To convert the tent and camp-meeting fund into a general fund, and place it at the disposal of the directors.
Voted, That each district take care of its own poor, and that all former resolutions conflicting with this be rescinded, and that the fund already contributed be refunded to the districts, to be retained.
Voted, That the State librarian furnish a book-stand to be kept through the coming camp-meeting.
The following resolution was adopted:—
Whereas, The approach of spring might give to some the impression that our laboring season is closing, and the anticipated amount of work has not been accomplished, therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby urge our directors and T. and M. workers generally not to relax their efforts in obtaining subscribers for the SIGNS and REFORMER, but exert themselves faithfully in carrying forward the work of spreading the light of present truth.
Adjourned sine die.
H. W. DECKER, Pres.
MATTIE A. KERR, Sec.
WHY PREFER THE THEME OF DEATH?
By R. F. Cottrell
When we talk of the coming again of Christ, people in general will begin to talk of death. They tell us if they are only prepared for death, that is all that is necessary. Well, are they prepared for death? If they are, why should they choose to die in preference to “that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”? Do they not in this betray a sense of unreadiness for this grand and glorious event? And if they look upon this with dread, can they still fancy that they are prepared to close their probation by death? Is it not rather a fact that a feeling of unpreparedness—a sense of sin and unbelief—induces them to choose death, because they hope it is further off; and hence they wish to escape the revealed truth that the advent is at hand? Oh! that they would awaken to a preparation for any event which it may be their lot to meet. Then they will be willing to let the Lord choose for them, whether to sleep in Jesus, or live and remain to his appearing.
Death is our enemy, as the Scriptures affirm. Death is not lovely. But Jesus is lovely, and he justly demands our love, adoration, and worship. His coming is glorious and lovely; and all who “love his glorious appearing” will hail that day with gladness inexpressible. That coming is near, even at the doors, according to his promise. The signs have appeared. Let all believe his word, get ready, and be found watching; lest coming suddenly find us sleeping. For to those who are not watching, he will come as a thief; but the true believers are not in darkness, that that day should overtake them as a thief. Rev. 3:3; 1 Thess. 5:1–6.
R. F. COTTRELL.
THE PACIFIC COAST.
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
Lakeside, Tulare Co., Cal.
Bro. J. L. Wood says, “I have given about thirty-five discourses. Twelve have taken a decided stand, while others are investigating.”
CANADA
Bro. A. C. Bourdeau writes that he has just had a discussion with a Methodist minister—in fact, three ministers were arrayed against the truth. The result was a good victory for the truth; and his opponents acknowledged that he was better posted on the subject than they, and promised to study the matter.
TEXAS
By A. B. Rust; J. Cornell
Quarterly Report of T. and M. Society.
The third quarterly meeting of the Texas T. and M. Society was held at Dallas, Jan. 7, 1877. Called to order at 10 A. M., by the director. Opened by singing and prayer. The report of the last quarter was read and accepted. Remarks were made by different ones on the subject of the best mode of distributing our periodicals and the necessity of engaging energetically in the work. Many interesting incidents were given, showing the eagerness with which many receive and read our periodicals, and the reluctance and distrust in others. There seemed a readiness and willingness on the part of all present to engage heartily in the work.
Voted, To send for 1000 more Health Almanacs.
Donations to the amount of ninety dollars were made, to purchase more books for distribution.
Report of work for the closing quarter was as follows:—
Membership, 54; families visited, 62; letters written, 15; new subscribers, 12; periodicals distributed, 105; tracts distributed, 11,848 pp.; books and pamphlets loaned, 4000 pp.; almanacs distributed, 18; tracts taken from “Distributer” at R. R. depot, 3,558 pp.; amount of money received, $4.25.