Earlier text: A COURAGEOUS WOMANBUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
By James White; Uriah Smith
OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTS, MARCH 11-15, 1880. The special session of the General Conference called for March 11, 1880, convened, according to appointment, in the Tabernacle at Battle Creek. Meeting was opened by singing and prayer. The call for delegates brought to the front the following brethren: C. W. Stone, from Vermont; H. A. St. John, from Ohio; E. B. Lane, F. Howe, H. M. Kenyon, A. O. Burrill, H. W. Kellogg, E. R. Jones, Wm. Ostrander, and S. Howland, from Michigan. The reasons for the calling of this special session of the General Conference were then stated by the Chair, who also mentioned the many circumstances favoring such a gathering just at this time. Among these were the facts that brethren qualified to act as delegates from quite a large number of States were already on the ground; that consequently the Conference could convene at less expense than at any other time; and that important enterprises to be entered upon at once, especially the new campaign in the tract and missionary work, rendered it very proper that there should be a council of brethren, so far as they could be easily assembled, at this important epoch in our work. New delegates were then received into the Conference as follows:— Fred B. Goodrich, from Maine; H. W. Pierce, additional delegate from Vermont; W. C. Gage, from New England; B. L. Whitney, from New York; G. K. Owen, from Tennessee; S. H. Lane and W. W. Sharp, from Indiana; R. F. Andrews and G. W. Colcord, from Illinois; H. W. Decker and G. C. Tenney, from Wisconsin; S. Fulton, from Minnesota; L. McCoy, from Iowa; and J. O. Corliss, from Colorado. The reading of the minutes of the last meeting was waived, they having already appeared in the REVIEW. Moved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair on each of the following subjects: 1. Resolutions; 2. Tract and Missionary Institutes; 3. Camp-meetings; 4. Tent-meetings.—Carried. SECOND MEETING, 2:30 P. M.—Bro. W. D. Sharpe was received as an additional delegate from Ohio. The Chair appointed the following committees, according to the foregoing motion: Committee on Resolutions, B. L. Whitney, C. W. Stone, Geo. I. Butler; on T. and M. Institutes, H. W. Decker, S. H. Lane, Saml. Fulton; on Camp-meetings, Geo. I. Butler, B. L. Whitney, A. O. Burrill; on Tent-meetings, Geo. I. Butler, J. O. Corliss, H. A. St. John. The Conference then listened to reports from delegates. Elds. E. R. Jones, E. B. Lane, and H. M. Kenyon spoke of the condition and wants of the cause in Michigan. B. L. Whitney spoke for New York, S. H. Lane for Indiana, R. F. Andrews for Illinois, H. W. Decker for Wisconsin, S. Fulton for Minnesota, L. McCoy for Iowa, C. W. Stone for Vermont, J. O. Corliss for Colorado, G. K. Owen for Tennessee, and Eld. White for the whole field. The great feature brought out in all the remarks was the almost numberless appeals for help coming up from every quarter, and the painful scarcity of laborers to meet these calls. At this point Elds. D. T. Fero and Geo. I. Butler, having arrived, were received as delegates to the Conference, the former to represent Pennsylvania, and the latter to represent Missouri, and as additional delegate from Iowa. THIRD MEETING, 9:30 A. M., March 12.—Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Moved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to consider the proper qualifications of ministers.—Carried. Elds. Butler, Whitney, and Smith were appointed as said committee. Moved, That the committee appointed at the last Conference on the subject of the length of time church elders and deacons should hold their office without a re-election, be requested to report at this meeting.—Carried. FOURTH MEETING, 2:30 P. M.—Minutes of last meeting read, and, with one correction, approved. Moved, That the duties devolving on the committee on qualifications and examination of ministers, appointed at the last session of the Conference, be transferred to the committee appointed at the preceding meeting of this session. This motion, after remarks by Elds. Corliss, Whitney, and White, prevailed. The Committee on T. and M. Institutes reported as follows:— “Your Committee on Tract and Missionary Work would respectfully submit the following report:— Whereas, Our experience as a people is demonstrating more and more the vast importance of the tract and missionary work; and Whereas, The light recently given us through the spirit of prophecy most forcibly presents the importance of this great branch of the work, and the duty of our people everywhere to become earnest workers therein; therefore Resolved, That we urge our Conferences, churches, and membership in all parts of the world, to become more deeply engaged in this part of the work. In order to this, our people should all become members of the society, and do their utmost to carry out the noble purpose of its organization, by giving their means, and learning how to labor successfully in creating an interest in our reading matter, and in bringing souls to the truth. And our ministers should make it a prominent point in their labor among our people to impress upon them the importance of becoming earnest workers in this society, and teaching them how to work. This instruction should commence as soon as they receive the truth. Our churches and Conferences should ever make this branch of the cause prominent by giving it the place which our past experience and the light which the Lord has given show that it should occupy. Your committee would also recommend 1. That one or more general Tract and Missionary Institutes be held in each Conference, as the circumstances may seem to demand, and that especial efforts be made to secure the attendance of all ministers and tract and missionary officers. 2. That in each Conference one or more persons be qualified to conduct similar classes, and thus extend the system to every local society. 3. That as many Institutes be held the present spring as practicable without interfering with tent-labor. 4. That as Eld. B. L. Whitney, of New York, has successfully taught several Institutes, introducing an efficient system of tract and missionary accounts and labor, we recommend the adoption of these methods, and that, as far as possible, his services as teacher be secured by those Conferences where tract and missionary Institutes may be held. 5. That a manual of instruction be published, embodying the system of instruction relative to the tract and missionary work. 6. That, in order to secure system throughout the entire field, we recommend that no person organize local societies, who is neither qualified nor authorized to teach the approved system of tract and missionary work. H. W. DECKER,
S. H. LANE,
SAML. FULTON. } Committee. The report of this committee was adopted. The Committee on Resolutions then introduced the following:— Resolved, That it is the opinion of the General Conference that there should be one general camp-meeting in each State Conference, at which all the members throughout the Conference should be urged to be present, and during which the annual session of the Conference and of the various societies should be held. Resolved, That this Conference recommend that those who conduct camp-meetings, acting with the State Conference committees, prepare a programme of business at the opening of the meeting, in order to expedite the transaction of business; also that they divide the camp into sections, and appoint laborers to hold meetings in those sections and work for the spiritual interests of the people. These resolutions, after being discussed by Brn. Tenney, Pierce, Andrews, Fero and Jones, were adopted. FIFTH MEETING, 7 P. M., March 14.—Eld. H. Grant, having arrived from Minnesota, was received as an additional delegate from that State. The report of the Committee on Camp-meetings being called for, the committee responded by saying that they would adopt as their report the resolutions on the subject of camp-meetings already presented by the Committee on Resolutions. It was then Moved, That the Committee on Camp-meetings be continued through the entire session of the Conference.—Carried. The Committee on Resolutions further reported as follows:— Whereas, The spirit of prophecy has spoken directly upon the value of systematic and efficient efforts to spread the truth by the circulation of our publications, therefore 1. Resolved, That our ministers should thoroughly acquaint themselves with the practical workings of the T. and M. society, that they may be able to instruct the members on every point, and labor unitedly to raise the interest in this great work among our people by teaching them how to labor; and Whereas, It is necessary, in order that our ministry should exert a proper influence in favor of this important branch of the work, that they should set the example of disinterested and self-sacrificing effort in the interests of the society, and Whereas, In view of the great field before our T. and M. societies, involving the outlay of a large amount of means in the accomplishment of its work, it becomes necessary that the financial policy of the society be such as shall make it, as far as possible, self-sustaining, therefore 2. Resolved, That we recommend that our ministers act187 as agents for the T. and M. society in the sale of publications, the society furnishing the publications, and receiving the profits thereon. 3. Resolved, That we recommend the employment of judicious persons by our State Conferences to act as colporters, who shall receive a license from the State Conference committees to labor in that capacity; and all such persons will be expected to give quarterly reports of their labors to the Conference; and we recommend further that the auditing committees be empowered to consider such cases; and when, in their judgment, such labor has benefited the cause, to give a reasonable remuneration for the same. On motion to adopt, these preambles and resolutions were discussed by Bro. Whitney, Colcord, Butler, McCoy, Lane (E. B.) and Jas. White, when it was moved and carried to amend the motion by dividing, and considering the resolutions separately. The first preamble and resolution were then adopted. On the preamble and resolution No. 2 an amendment was offered to insert before the word publication, “books and all,” so that it should read “books and all publications.” An additional amendment was offered, by which the words should be transposed, so that it should read, “all books and publications.” After discussion by Elds. McCoy, Whitney, Ostrander, Butler, Corliss, Stone, Jones, White and Lane, the question was by vote postponed to the next meeting. Moved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three on the subject of tithing.—Carried. Geo. I. Butler, B. L. Whitney and U. Smith were appointed as such committee. SIXTH MEETING, Sunday 9:30 A. M.—The question postponed being taken up, the vote was taken on the amendment to the amendment on resolution No. 2, which was carried. The question then recurring on the amendment as amended, it was discussed by Elds. Corliss, Jones, White, Butler, Lane (S. H.), Lane (E. B.), Whitney, Stone, and Andrews, and laid on the table. Further regular business of the Conference was then postponed to 2:30 P. M., and the meeting resolved itself into a Bible-class, conducted by Bro. White, on the subject of tithes. A season was then spent in a profitable and interesting investigation of that question. SEVENTH MEETING, 2:30 P. M., March 14.—The Committee on Tent-labor presented the following report:— Your Committee on Tent-labor would present the following as their report:— Whereas, Our past experience has shown that many of our churches have suffered greatly for want of ministerial labor, till they have become enfeebled, and some are threatened with extinction; and Whereas, In many of these places judicious labor would save to the cause those who are in danger of giving up the truth, and bring in others to unite with them, and thus build up such churches; therefore Resolved, That we recommend to our State Conference committees, and ministers throughout the field, that these weak churches be looked after; that ministers of experience labor among them where there are reasonable prospects of success; and that efforts be made with tents and otherwise to strengthen the things which remain by the preaching of practical godliness, and to bring others to the truth. Resolved, That we consider it important that our tents which go forth into the harvest field should be properly manned with efficient help, such as will correctly represent this important work; that under ordinary circumstances, in places of moderate size, two laborers well mated, using a forty or fifty-foot tent, would not need a tent-master; but when one laborer is strong enough to do all the preaching, he should have an efficient tent-master, who will assist him in visiting, singing, and active labor for souls. Resolved, That in the matter of music, while it may be advisable in large places, under special circumstances, to obtain an organ, and be at some expense to furnish music to attract the people, we would not, under ordinary circumstances, recommend our tent companies to be at any expense in this direction. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to all who labor with tents that they thoroughly develop every interest they raise, and that they do not leave the place of their labor until those who have listened shall have come to a full decision, and till those who have taken a stand for the truth shall have been fully instructed, not only in the theory of the truth, but in the great principles of practical religion taught by our blessed Saviour. These resolutions, after remarks by Elds. Butler, White, Corliss, Burrill, Tenney and Andrews, were adopted. EIGHTH MEETING, 7 P. M., March 14.—The question laid upon the table in the morning session, was taken up. The question being on the pending amendment, namely, that ministers should act as agents of the T. and M. society in the sale of “all books and publications,” the amendment was adopted. The resolution, as amended, was then adopted without further debate. The following resolution was then introduced by Eld. B. L. Whitney:— Resolved, That in consideration of the foregoing action, (that ministers be agents for the T. and M. societies,) we would also recommend to the tract societies to furnish our ministers with such tracts as they may need for judicious distribution. The following, relative to the situation in Battle Creek, was then submitted to the Conference and adopted:— Whereas, Battle Creek is an important center of our work, where our public institutions are located, creating the necessity of large gatherings, and thus bringing heavy burdens upon the church, therefore Resolved, That this Conference considers it the duty of the several State Conferences to prevent, so far as possible, the poor from among them, and the unconsecrated, from moving to Battle Creek, and that it is the duty of the State Conferences to either induce their poor to move from Battle Creek, or to support them where they are. NINTH MEETING, 10 A. M., March 15.—The Committee on church elders and deacons were called upon for a report; but as they had not had opportunity to prepare a report, at their request the subject was informally discussed by the Conference. Some time having been spent in this manner, the following resolution was presented and adopted:— Resolved, That the local elders and deacons in our churches should be elected annually, such election to occur in each church at a time set by each State Conference, except in churches where dissatisfaction with the incumbent has been expressed by at least a respectable minority of the church. In such cases it shall be the duty of the church clerk to notify the Conference committee of such fact; and elections in such churches shall be deferred till proper help is provided by the committee. The following on the compensation of the ministry was also adopted:— Whereas, We recognize the propriety as well as the duty of the Christian ministry to be an example to the flock in liberality and self-sacrifice, as well as in all other good works; and Whereas, The Scriptures plainly teach that the laborer is worthy of his hire, and that the faithful minister is entitled to a liberal and generous support at the hands of his brethren; therefore Resolved, That it be hereby expressed as the sense of this Conference, that faithful and efficient ministers should receive a liberal compensation for their labor, that they may be fully sustained in their work, and have the means wherewith to donate to the cause, as their sense of duty thereto may dictate. Resolved, That we recommend to the auditing committees of our Conferences to make a plain distinction between those who are thorough and efficient in their labor, and those who manifest no proper burden of responsibility in the work, and who, either from lack of consecration or devotion to the cause, fail to show such fruit of their labor as ought to be expected, and to make their award accordingly. In reference to desirable places in which to labor without incurring unnecessary expense, the following was adopted as the sense of the Conference:— Whereas, The calls for labor and the offer of suitable places in which to hold meetings, and to board ministers free are numerous in most of the States, therefore Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Conference that in those States, where these offers are made, our ministers should not labor in fields where they will have to hire places for meetings, or pay for their board, only on the recommendation of the Conference Committee. TENTH MEETING, 2:30 P. M., March 15.—The only new subject for action introduced at this meeting was embodied in the following motion, which was unanimously carried. Moved, That the matter of distribution of labor with respect to the Pacific coast States and territories be left in the hands of the General Conference Committee, to be acted upon at their pleasure. ELEVENTH MEETING, 7 P. M., March 15. Moved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three on the subject of lessons for Sabbath-schools and Bible-classes, the proper subjects to be presented, and the time that should be devoted to each subject, and present, through the REVIEW, an address on this question.—Carried. C. W. Stone, S. Brownsberger and W. C. Gage were thereupon appointed as said committee. Moved, That the vote passed at the last session of the General Conference recommending that Eld. A. O. Burrill labor in Vermont, commencing with the next tent season, be hereby rescinded, on account of the pressing need of his labors in Michigan.—Carried. This action not arising from any lack of interest for the cause in Vermont, or any indifference to the propriety of claims for help from a State which has furnished so many men for important fields and posts of labor, it was further Moved, That the matter of the wants of Vermont in respect to laborers be left with the General Conference Committee, to be supplied as soon and as fully as practicable.—Carried. All the meetings were opened by singing and prayer. At each meeting the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved. Subjects were more freely discussed, pro and con, than at any previous Conference, yet with the utmost cordiality of feeling, and with unanimity of action at the last in every case. It was throughout a most pleasant as well as important and profitable meeting. ORDER
By Roswell F. Cottrell
How beautiful, how pleasant a thing is order! I do delight in it. And I have heard that there is order in Heaven, and that is one reason why I want to go there. How pleasant to see a family where order prevails. They rise in the morning, and each one, parents and children, knows what is to be done before the morning meal. Each goes about his allotted work without confusion, and when it is done, quietly seats himself to attend to the reading of the word of God, and prayer. The breakfast eaten, they go about the business of the day, some to this and some to that, till the time of doing the evening chores. Each having done his portion of these, as the twilight comes on, they are again quietly seated, ready, without any special effort, for evening worship. A song of praise is sung, thanksgiving and prayer are offered, each taking a part; and then about an hour is occupied in family reading, different members by turns reading, while the rest listen, having no work on hand that will distract the attention of any. When this is finished, useful employments are taken up, hand labor or studies, till time for retiring for the night, the young children, if there are any, dropping away at an early hour. This is no fancy sketch. Thank God that I have seen it nearly in perfection. Blessed are the eyes that witness it! It causes one to think of the future world as a most blessed home. MOTHER SHIPTON'S PROPHECY.
WE have already noticed in the REVIEW the fact that this pretended prophecy is a gross imposition; but we find in the February number of Our Rest a letter from Prof. Piazzi Smyth, giving facts in reference to this fraud, which will be of interest to our readers. He says:— Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, Dec. 15 1879. DEAR MR. WILSON: I have just sent your December Rest to my friend, Mr. Sydney Hall, asking him to write to you, having at my request three years ago made extensive inquiries at the British Museum, and found that the mischievous pretended prophecy of Mother Shipton, which you have unfortunately printed therein, is a gross falsehood of the last ten years; and it is to be regretted that its author, a man living near, at Brighton, cannot be put into the pillory for it. Real prophecy belongs to God alone. . . . Yours very truly,
PIAZZI SMYTH. He also quotes from Lincoln Rayner, in the Leeds Mercury, as follows:— “Mother Shipton’s Prophecies.”—Mr. Charles Hindley, of Brighton, in a letter to us has made a clean breast of having fabricated the prophecy quoted at p. 450 of our last volume, with some ten others, included in his reprint of a cheap-book version published in 1862. Wheelersburg.—We have just closed a two-weeks’ meeting here. This town is on the Ohio River, in the extreme southern part of the State. Bro. McNeal, Eld. S. Osborn’s brother-in-law, embraced the truth by reading, and invited Bro. Gates to hold meetings here, which he did, with a fair interest. About a dozen, in all, embraced the Sabbath. Eld. Gates and myself went back there, and found a good interest still. The school-house was well filled most of the time. Three more decided to keep the Sabbath, new ones came in to hear, and others were almost persuaded. They have Sabbath meetings and a Sabbath-school. Bro. Gates will watch this new church, and labor some in this vicinity. D. M. CANRIGHT. Union Church.—Held meetings some over two weeks in a union church in New London township. The attendance was small in consequence of extremely bad weather and roads. Five or six good souls will observe the Sabbath, and have a Sabbath-school. Have been able to get about through my district but little, because of poor health and very bad roads. Have held meetings with the Camden and Wakeman churches, and have visited some. Have sold about $25 worth of books since the Corsica meeting, and have obtained several subscribers. Am now on my way to Battle Creek, to attend the General Conference. H. A. ST. JOHN. Leesburg, March 9.—We have just closed a five-days’ meeting here. On account of rain, the outside attendance was small. On the Sabbath nearly all the members of the church were present, besides two or three brethren from other States. Bro. Canright did most of the preaching, which was largely of a practical nature. Nearly all the brethren were supplied with Testimony No. 29. On Sunday Bro. Canright spoke to a good audience on the subject of temperance, after which fifteen signed the teetotal pledge. The outside interest was small; but a few are investigating. All the brethren felt encouraged, and will enter upon the T. and M. work with renewed zeal. E. H. GATES. Round Head.—Since our T. and M. Institute at Corsica, I have been visiting churches and families, giving instruction in keeping T. and M. books, selling our publications, and obtaining subscribers for our periodicals. The brethren in this district are willing to take hold of the work. I have been at this place the past week. Some books were sold, and twenty copies of the Signs were taken. I visited one family that became interested while the tent was here, and subscribed for the REVIEW on trial. They now take the REVIEW, Signs, Good Health, the weekly Instructor, and the College Record; besides they purchased a good supply of bound books, and Testimony No. 29. They expect to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I go to Vansville to-day to meet a few brethren in that place. The T. and M. Institute held at Corsica is proving a blessing to the cause in Ohio. G. G. RUPERT. Aroma, March 7.—A church of eight members was organized here yesterday, with the usual officers. Two were kept away from the meeting by sickness. The Sabbath-school now has twenty members, and more will join it. The name of the church is Aroma. One week ago last Sabbath a brother was baptized, and united with the Kankakee church. D. T. BOURDEAU. West Salem, March 11.—In my last report I mentioned that Bro. Foster was to have a discussion with a Disciple elder. It commenced Feb. 25. Two propositions were debated, in regard to the seventh and first day Sabbaths. They were stated in the usual manner. Five sessions were held, one each day; three were devoted to the first proposition, and two to the last. The truth gained a complete victory. Some of the brethren of the opposing party admit his defeat. One has decided for the truth since the debate. We commence a course of lectures at Noble, the 15th. G. F. SHONK. Nora, Jo Daviess Co.—At our monthly meeting in this place, which is just closed, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:— Resolved, (1.) That the scattered Sabbath-keepers of Nora, Apple River, Greenvale, Lena, and Winslow should be organized into one church, and sustain regular monthly meetings. Resolved, (2.) That in order to bring this about, the name of the Greenvale church be changed, by permission of the Conference, to the Nora Union church. Resolved, (3.) That the brethren of Winslow, and all other scattered brethren in this vicinity, be invited to connect themselves with this church. Resolved, (4.) That the organization of this church be perfected by the election of officers. A clerk and treasurer was chosen, but the election of a deacon and elder was deferred until the quarterly meeting in April. Let there be a general turnout to this meeting. We must have a tent for this section. Only $100 has been subscribed. We must have over $100 more to purchase even a fifty-foot tent. Come, brethren, send in your freewill offerings. Send all money, whether pledged or not, to J. J. Carlock, Watseka, Iroquois Co., Ill., and state that it is to pay for the tent in Section No. 1. The Lord “loveth a cheerful giver.” C. H. BLISS. Oskaloosa and Monroe.—Since our State quarterly meeting, I have visited the above-named churches, and have had some excellent meetings. The brethren at Monroe were very much encouraged. They had had no preaching for about two years; but all remained firm. Some others have now taken a stand on the Sabbath, and will identify themselves with the church soon. There was a good outside interest, and I shall be disappointed if others do not come out on the truth. The brethren here are taking steps to purchase a meeting-house. Milo, Feb. 25. J. H. MORRISON. Elk Horn and Des Moines.—Since my last report, I have had some good and I trust profitable meetings with the Elk Horn church. Feb. 27, I came to Des Moines to labor among the Scandinavians of this city; but although Bro. Perry, who has been very zealous in his endeavors to spread the truth by canvassing and visiting, had obtained a very convenient house of worship, the attendance was too small to justify holding a series of meetings. Meanwhile, I endeavored to obtain subscribers, and found five readers for our periodicals who had never seen anything on present truth. I had a very pleasant interview with a German family who were members of the Evangelical church. They called in two of their preachers, that they might converse with me in their presence. This family is now reading our German paper and tracts. I believe the Lord is at work here, and hope to see fruit from the labor put forth in this city. JOHN F. HANSON. Linneus, Aroostook Co., March 5.—After my report of Feb. 20, I continued to hold meetings with Bro. Goodrich in Washburn and Maysville, until Feb. 27, when I left Bro. G. at Washburn, and went to fill an appointment for a meeting in a lumbermen’s camp in Township No. 7, Aroostook Co., about fifty miles from Washburn. Sr. Dunbar, who lives about one and a half miles from this camp, had circulated among the men some reading matter on different subjects of present truth, and had become anxious that they might hear more upon the subject of the Sabbath and the law. I held three meetings. Between fifty and sixty were present at our Sunday-afternoon meeting, and between forty and fifty at each evening meeting. The men were mostly from the Province of New Brunswick. I never had a more attentive audience. I received a donation of $6, and a strong invitation from the head man of the camp to visit him at Frederickton, N. B. As I stood in front of the stand which the men had prepared for the occasion, with a large camp-fire burning before me, I felt that the Spirit of God was present; and the thought that this might be the last time I should ever speak to these men, and the only privilege that some of them would ever have of listening to the truth, was a solemn one; my soul was moved for them. Some wanted to hear further,—wanted to hear on the Judgment and other truths connected with this message. May these men obey the truth, and be saved in the everlasting kingdom. SAMUEL J. HERSUM. Labor among the Churches.—We have been laboring among the churches in Clinton, Essex, and Hamilton Counties, and have had some profitable meetings. I have found Bro. Jacob Wilbur to be an efficient laborer among the brethren; he is much esteemed, and many189 regret that he is intending to leave this Conference and move to Michigan. A temperance meeting was held at Bro. David Carr’s, in North Creek, Warren Co., Feb. 15. A club was organized, to be known as the Chester Health and Temperance club. Held four good meetings with the Chester church. Obtained one subscriber for the REVIEW, and a club of twenty-five Signs; sold some books, and every family in the church took the Testimonies. A. H. HALL. It is the evening hour,
And thankfully,
Father, thy weary child
Has come to thee.
I lean my aching head
Upon thy breast,
And there, and only there,
I am at rest.
Thou knowest all my life,
Each petty sin;
Nothing is hid from thee,
Without, within;
All that I have or am
Is wholly thine;
So is my soul at peace,
For thou art mine.
To-morrow's dawn may find
Me here, or there;
What matter, since thy love
Is everywhere! Grenola, March 8.—From Feb. 28 to March 4, we were with the church at this place. Held from two to three meetings a day. The brethren generally laid aside their secular business, and entered heartily into the work of seeking the Lord. By a rising vote, all expressed their determination to covenant anew with God, and to wholly consecrate themselves to him. He accepted their efforts. It was truly refreshing to hear their testimonies, coming as they did from hearts full of gratitude to God for the new spiritual life they felt themselves in possession of. We have been much encouraged in these meetings, as we have witnessed the manifestations of the good Spirit of the Lord, where an earnest effort has been made to seek him with the whole heart. Truly God is good to those who put their trust in him. Litchfield, Grayson Co., March 8.—Commenced meetings in the Hanging Rock (Baptist) church, Sabbath, Feb. 27, and have given twelve discourses on the prophecies and the Sabbath. The attendance has been good considering the weather and the roads. Six have commenced to keep the Sabbath; others are convinced. There are several preachers near, but they will not come out to hear, but do what they can to keep others away. Have appointments out to next Sabbath. The Lord is precious to me. R. G. GARRETT. Hutchinson, March 10.—Feb. 11, we commenced a series of meetings in the township of Collins, about ten miles southwest of Hutchinson. Our congregations have been small, but the attendance has been quite regular. We believe that the Lord has blessed his feeble servants in presenting the solemn truths for this time. We have held, up to the present date, twenty-five meetings. Prejudice has been removed, and friends gained to the cause. One precious soul has fully decided to obey God, and we hope for several others. We have some future appointments. Brethren, pray for the work here.
E. A. CURTIS.
L. A. CURTIS. Steele Center, Steele Co., March 8.—By the advice of Eld. O. A. Olsen and other brethren, I have come to Minnesota to labor among the Scandinavians. I left Chicago Feb. 3, and have held meetings with the Riceland and Steele Center churches, and also in a new field in Aurora township, where five embraced the truth. We re-organized the Sabbath-school at Riceland, and ten joined the T. and M. society. The interest was good, and some commenced keeping the Sabbath. At Steele Center we also re-organized the Sabbath-school, and nine joined the T. and M. society. Yesterday two were baptized and taken into the church. I have spoken fifty-one times, and we have had the blessing of the Lord in all our meetings. I have sold ten Bibles. The brethren all seem willing to work, and have promised to live up to the truth. My health and courage are good. While I have labored for others, the Lord has blessed my own soul in a large measure. Bro. Nelson was with me awhile, but has now gone to another field; Bro. Jacobson has been with me the past week. I shall stay here a few days longer. We expect Eld. Grant here soon. Will the children of God please remember us in their prayers?
L. JOHNSON. Waco.—The first Sabbath and first-day in March, I spent here. Bro. Shultz was with me. This church has been in a very low condition. Three were disfellowshiped, and three united with the church. Officers were elected; an elder and deacon were set apart by the laying on of hands. Several others have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I trust better days are before this church. CHAS. L. BOYD. Richmond and Lynden.—Since last report I have visited these churches. At Richmond one young man, a Sabbath-school scholar, was added by baptism. Steps were taken toward the organization of a health and temperance club, and 35 signed the teetotal pledge, 21 voting to become full members. The outside interest here is good, and already they find their new house too small. At Lynden, three were added, two by baptism. The Lord gave us to enjoy some of his blessing, and hearts were more closely knit together. We were glad to have the company of Bro. Wm. F. Crous, of Ohio, at these meetings. My address, until further notice, will be Grand View, Harlin Co., Neb. GEO. B. STARR. Kelly Hill, Warren Co., March 8.—I have been doing missionary work here and in the vicinity, and have also held nine or ten meetings. As the result, fourteen have fully decided to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; others are keeping the Sabbath. This can be a strong company, if they will always remember where their strength is, and be often in prayer. One of their number lost his hearing when very young, so he did not learn to speak except with his hands. What a comfort we find in such cases; for the time is coming when “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” Isa. 35:5, 6. I expect to remain here a short time, and help organize a Sabbath-school, and get them interested in the tract work. S. THURSTON. Fleetwood, Berks Co.—I have just closed some very interesting meetings in this place. Bro. Snyder, having learned the truth in California, came home and began to talk it among his friends; and as they became interested, he tried to get some Seventh-day Adventist minister to come and preach to them. Seeing from my report in the REVIEW that I was to be in Camden, N. J., he wrote to me, asking me to spend a few days with them; and as it was but a few miles out of my way home, I decided to do so. I spent one week there, and had a very interesting time. Held eight meetings, and there was a rapid increase of interest all the time. But for a hoarseness which I had contracted at Camden, I should have stayed another week. I expect to visit them again on my return South, and baptize those who wish to be baptized at that time. Four were keeping the Sabbath when I went there; when I left, others had decided to keep it, and many were thoroughly convinced of their duty to obey God. The people are all of German descent, and understand that language the best. Nearly all in the county belong to that class of people. I. SANBORN.