It may be expected that we should give some account of the meetings we may attend, and the state of the cause in the West. We do this, not only to inform our readers of the state of the cause, but, because it affords an opportunity to point out errors which have existed, and do now to some extent exist, among the people of God.
May 6th and 7th we met in Conference with the brethren at Milan, Ohio. Brn. Bates and Loughborough were present. There were about forty Sabbath-keeping brethren and sisters in attendance from surrounding towns, besides other inquiring friends. Our meetings were interesting, and, we doubt not, profitable. The word preached, had free course. First-day morning, four were buried with Christ by baptism; and in the afternoon between thirty and forty came around the table of the Lord to partake of the emblems of the body and blood of Christ. This was a solemn and very interesting season.
Ohio is now a promising field. Until quite recently, however, but little has been accomplished in that State. Some who first visited that field, failed in many points to exert a good influence, and those who received the present truth, received many wrong impressions. Those impressions made upon the mind in connection with the reception of important Bible truth, are generally deep and lasting; hence the importance of holy, prudent men, endowed with wisdom, entering the field, who shall present the truth in candor and meekness, and exert a sanctifying influence on the minds of those who may hear.
A very few brethren in Milan and vicinity have stood firm for several years. They have been indeed free to help sustain the cause with their means. But the time finally came when they were no longer to stand alone. An interest was awakened in several places last summer by the labors of Bro. Bates, and a very few embraced the Sabbath. Last December, Bro. J. N. Loughborough commenced his labors in Ohio, which have resulted in much good. It was supposed that not more than one half of those who have recently embraced the Sabbath, under his and Bro.142Bates' labors, were present at the Conference; and still the people are anxious to hear more, and are in many places calling for lectures. We think the brethren in Ohio, may expect the labors of some efficient lecturer soon. May the Lord direct his servants in selecting their proper fields of labor.
May 11th, we met with the brethren at Jackson. We were indeed happy to meet with the tried friends of the cause in this place, and also several others who were on their way to the Sylvan Conference. The church in Jackson is united and prosperous.
The Conference at Sylvan, the 13th and 14th, was the largest gathering of the scattered brethren that has ever been held in Michigan. Here we were permitted to meet again brethren in the ministry, Cornell, Frisbie and Cranson. Bro. Loughborough gave two discourses, and we gave three. The congregation was large, and with very few exceptions, attentive. On First-day uncommon freedom and power attended the preaching of the word.
There were, however, some things unpleasant at this meeting. The course pursued by H. S. Case was annoying and unchristian. No gentleman, to say nothing of his profession as a Christian, and a minister of Christ, would be found in the position occupied by him. At intermissions he was generally engaged in addressing the few who might gather around him to hear his railing accusations against those who have in times past labored for him, but in vain, and have finally withdrawn fellowship from him. He not only annoyed us during intermission, but would continue his conversation with those who would listen to him, in hearing of the congregation, after we had stated that it was time for the meeting to commence and wished the congregation seated. With this exception, we were treated with apparent respect by the entire congregation. All candid, unprejudiced people present must have been disgusted with his course. We mention these things for the benefit of those who were not present, and may be in danger of being injured by his railing accusations.
The cause in Michigan has suffered much in time past by the injudicious course pursued by H. S. Case. He has given the opposers of the truth a chance to raise and circulate reports unfavorable to those who keep the Sabbath. He has been a source of constant trial for years. He has been patiently borne with, and has been admonished and labored with by those who have felt deeply for the cause, and have felt wounded by his course. His brethren have borne with him, hoping that he would reform; but it is evident that the church have erred by holding him in fellowship so long. We pity the man, and mention his course only to warn those who may be in danger of suffering from his malicious influence.
We will here mention one circumstance which may illustrate the character of the man. When we visited Michigan one year since, we were advised to send for a large quantity of books, and also a quantity of Bibles, which could be purchased in Rochester for 37½ cents each. Our publications were then held for gratuitous distribution. We consulted with several brethren upon the best plan to raise the means to pay the Express bill on the books, the box in which they were packed and the labor of packing them, which amounted to $7,50; and we were advised to sell the Bibles at a sufficient profit to cover expenses. The profits on the Bibles did not exceed $6,00 which was $1,50 less than the cost of getting the books to Jackson. H. S. Case, while professing to be our friend, took advantage of our selling Bibles for one or two shillings more than they cost in Rochester, and reported among the brethren that we were speculating! This caused trial among some of our best friends till it was explained to them. To report such a matter without mentioning it first to us, the one charged with the wrong, was unscriptural and wicked. If H. S. Case had followed either reason or the word of the Lord, he would have introduced the matter to us first. But what a speculation! Expenses were $1,50 above profits, besides the trouble of selling them. When the brethren took this matter in hand and explained it to him, he acknowledged his error, and said that he was sorry that he had charged us with speculation, and was now satisfied. But at our late meeting at Sylvan, among other false and railing accusations, H. S. Case charged us with speculation, and referred to our selling Bibles near one year since as proof!! This is the character of the man. We might mention many other circumstances in his course equally as unwise and unchristian, but will not trouble our readers with them.
We now call upon all who may have any fears in regard to our course in managing the publishing department, to state their fears, and we will give them a full explanation. We do not mention these things on our own account; but as we are closely connected with the cause of truth, we shall not remain in silence and let such men as H. S. Case circulate reports calculated to injure the cause. Let all those who wish to make inquiries in regard to our course, address us at Rochester, so as to reach us on our return, by the middle of June. We can show that we refused to receive from the hands of brethren in Michigan on our visit to this State about one year since, over one hundred dollars, and what we did take more than to pay the expenses of the journey, was receipted to Tract Fund in Vol. IV, No. 4, of REVIEW.
The brethren in Michigan have taken hold of the subject of Gospel Order in good earnest. This is a subject of the greatest importance, and will triumph; but in this matter there must not only be great frankness, and plain dealing with those who do not come up to the gospel rule, but the graces of meekness and patience will be much needed. And of some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire!!
There are a very few individuals, whom we highly esteem, who are unfavorably affected by H. S. Case. Such will soon see the real character of the man who has injured the cause of truth, and has wickedly abused us. But there are one or two for whom we can have but little hope. They know him, but being very much like him, do not see his faults. These may annoy the church awhile; but certain victory will turn on the side of the faithful. Those who visit Jackson are invited to inquire for D. R. Palmer and Preston Dickinson. The brethren are of good spirits, and preaching brethren feel like entering the field anew. The all-inspiring hope of immortality and eternal life at the appearing of Christ, is enough to cheer, and urge the weary pilgrim onward through the trials of the way.