THIS is a subject of which I have thought much, and would have written on ere this, had it not been that I considered that as there are a host of brethren in the work who are much older in the truth than I, who as yet have said nothing, it would not therefore be becoming in me to speak until they had. But I fear if I wait till then, I shall not speak at all.
I have attentively read Bro. White's communication on this subject, and must say that I heartily believe every word he says. That there is need of more strict and systematic organization, none who are alive to the interests and wants of the cause can deny. God's people, above all others, need the strictest organization. This, too, he has provided them with. Then why should we not avail ourselves of it?
Behold the armies of earth collecting and rallying for war. What think you would they think of the man who would there declare against organization and military drill? They would certainly think him unworthy to be in the army. What could they do without organization? Naught but fall into confusion and be destroyed by the enemy.
So we think that it is now high time for the army of the Lord of hosts to be getting into good order, and nothing but strict organization will bring this result. And those brethren who are so ready to cry, Babylon! Babylon! when organization is named, I fear have not yet got outside of the smoky walls of that old city. Good organization is an effectual shield against confusion, while disorganization is the very means which engenders it.
Dear brethren, let us be a unit on this great and important question. It is one on which the success of the cause much depends; and it seems to me that an action in this direction should be made immediately. Then let us not stand back and throw all this burden upon Bro. White as we have done too much heretofore. I feel that if I can do anything, I am willing to and wish to do all I can. O Lord, stir up thy slumbering people, and direct in all things as seemeth good to thee. Amen.
B. F. SNOOK.
Richmond, Iowa.
CONFERENCE AT AVON, WIS.
By John Norton Loughborough
THIS was the largest gathering of Advent Sabbath-keepers ever known in Wis. There was a goodly number present from southern Wis. and northern Ills., and delegates from most of the churches in Wis. The good Spirit of the Lord was with us, and pointed testimonies were given concerning the signs of the times and importance of taking hold anew in the cause of truth. Brn. Ingraham and Sanborn were present to assist in preaching the word. Bro. Goodenough was also with us in this meeting. Seven discourses were given, two social meetings were held, the first on Sabbath morning, and the second, Sunday night at the close of the133conference. This meeting lasted till eleven o'clock, in which over one hundred testimonies were given. Our business meetings moved off in harmony, and the resolutions, on organization especially, were heartily adopted. The brethren seem to prize order, and wish soon to see the day dawn when it shall be established. We were pleased to see at this meeting Bro. Lewis, of Milton, a teacher and minister of the Seventh-day Baptist society, who has embraced the life and death question, and is much interested in the present truth. At this meeting we parted with Bro. Sanborn, with whom we have labored in sweet harmony the past season. He will toil on still in the West, and I return to my home.
On my way home I was obliged to wait in Janesville, Wis., about five hours for the cars, and spent that time at the house of Bro. James Loudon, who lives up the track a few rods from the North-western railway depot, just opposite the freight depot. He would be glad to have brethren passing through Janesville call on him. There are four Sabbath-keepers in Janesville. We had but little time to speak to them. Some of them never heard a sermon on present truth. We left Janesville at 3 o'clock P. M., and arrived safely at home at 3 o'clock, A. M., Sept. 17.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, Sept. 19, 1861.
THE ASSOCIATION.
By Editor
THE friends of the Publishing Association have doubtless read our remarks in last week's issue relative to the wants of the Association, and we trust are preparing to supply its wants.
The donation to the Association from the Battle Creek church (s. B.) of $100, is liberal It will be a pleasure to other churches in Michigan, and out of the State to do likewise according to their ability. Help the Association now, and the Association will very soon be able to help our preachers with donations of our publications. Then let the sums now in, or due the S. B. treasuries, come right along to help keep the good work moving.
CAMPBELLITE TRADITION EXPOSED.
By James Harvey Waggoner
RECENTLY while taking down the tent a Disciple preacher came on the ground, and while we were conversing on different points he remarked that it was the practice of the early church to meet on the first day of the week to break bread.
"By what authority," I asked, "do you say it was their practice?"
He replied: "Because the record says they did. Has it not been your practice to hold meetings on this ground?"
"Yes, for we have continued to hold meetings here from day to day, and from week to week. But has it been your practice to come here and talk to me?"
(That was the first time he had been there.)
"No," he replied.
"But you have done it."
"Yes; but I have done it only once, and this does not make it my practice."
"Well, the record only says they did it once. We have but two instances of breaking bread specified in the Scriptures, and these were on different evenings. Therefore to affirm that it was their practice to break bread on the first day is both unwarranted and unreasonable."
Here the point was dropped; but I was told that he afterward said he should preach that there was no warrant for breaking bread every first-day. Every one that reasons on the scripture must come to the same conclusion.
J. H. WAGGONER.
TENT MEETING AT DAVIS, ILLS.
By John Norton Loughborough
THIS meeting continued until Sept. 9, and although the excitement occasioned by war near the south line of the State was great, and strong efforts were being made to raise volunteers in Davis, yet on the whole we had an interesting time, and succeeded in awakening many to a sense of the time in which we are living, and the importance of Bible truth. The Methodists labored very hard to keep the people away, telling them we were polished infidels; but all to no purpose: they had got a taste of the truth and were determined to hear the end of the matter.
At our last meeting in the tent there, we took a vote to see how many were convinced of the truth, and nearly one hundred voted in favor of the Sabbath. Several have decided to keep the Sabbath, but we do not know how many. Bro. Sanborn was to return after the Avon conference and labor more in the place We expect quite a number will come out and obey the truth.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, Sept. 19, 1861.
REPORT FROM BRO. HULL.
By Moses Hull
I ARRIVED at Mannsville, Aug. 28, and commenced preaching the night of the 30th. Owing to a camp-meeting in the neighborhood, which was creating great excitement, our congregations were small. The Lord gave some freedom in preaching to those who were present, and the brethren were much revived.
On sixth-day, Sept. 6, the church met for business, when it was resolved to come into church order. After which the following church covenant was signed:
"We, the undersigned, do unite in church capacity, taking the name, Seventh-day Adventists, as our church name, pledging ourselves to strive to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, to meet together from Sabbath to Sabbath (and oftener if necessary) to worship God in singing and prayer, and in exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching."
Eld. Turner came on according to appointment, but came determined not to have a discussion.
1. He would not have it commence at the time we had expected and appointed.
2. He would not agree to any proposition we could make.
I offered to affirm that the law spoken by the voice of God on mount Sinai, and written upon tables of stone, is binding through the gospel dispensation.
He objected, that there was no issue there—that he believed in the perpetuity of nine of the ten commandments. I then proposed to affirm that each one of the ten commandments is binding throughout the gospel dispensation. This would give him a chance to show the repeal of the Sabbath, or any other one of the ten commandments, and thus overthrow me. But to the great surprise of many who were present, he refused this.
I then proposed to affirm that the seventh-day Sabbath was made at creation, and the precept to observe it extends through this age; but he would not debate this. I asked him to affirm the repeal of the ten commandments; but his reply was that he did not believe it. I then asked him to affirm the repeal of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; but this did not meet his approbation. He said that he kept the first day of the week; but I could not prevail upon him to defend his practice on this point. He would not affirm anything. Nor would he permit me to affirm, unless I would permit him to make a proposition for me (a thing entirely unprecedented), which did not embrace more than half the issue, and shut me out of my best proof texts. He presented, and asked me to affirm the following:
Resolved, That the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is binding throughout the gospel dispensation. This proposition is fair as far as it goes; but it does not cover the whole issue. My brethren sent for me to discuss the whole ground of difference between us, so they decided not to have me discuss such a proposition. So with this we parted.
But instead of sleeping that night the following reflections were passing through my mind. Have I done my duty? Should I refuse to defend a part of the truth on the law question because I cannot have the privilege of defending it all? His proposition is fair as far as it goes. I will accept it. So the next morning I sent word to him that I would accept his proposition, and if I had not known that he was determined not to debate, I should have expected the discussion to have commenced that evening. But he arose in the congregation and said that he declined debating with Eld. Hull, as he was not a gentleman. Wonder if Christ stopped to inquire whether the Devil was a gentleman before entering into a forty days' combat. But it happened that he told Eld. Summerbell, a Seventh-day Baptist minister, only a few moments before that there could be no discussion, as Eld. Hull had backed out. Eld. S. replied that it could not be possible that Bro. H. had backed out. Yes he has, says T. He has backed out. Well, says Eld. S., if he has backed out, I will back in, and we will have the question debated. This took the wind out of T.'s sails, and caused him to seek some one else as a more appropriate subject of his deception.
Now the reader is ready to ask the reason why Eld. T. was afraid to debate. Well, there are two reasons. One was that the report of the discussions with Elds. Smith and Sweet had reached him. Elder Smith had written a letter informing him of the probable consequences if he debated with me. Another is, a want of ability. I heard him preach two discourses on the law, and such a display of ignorance as was manifested in his first discourse is hard to be found this side of the Aborigines of the far west. I would here give specimens of his display of ignorance, but I have mercy on him. More anon.
MOSES HULL.
REPORT FROM BRO. SNOOK.
By B. F. Snook
AUGUST 26 I left the Northern Iowa tent, and started home to meet Bro. Shortridge, who, according to arrangement, was to come on and take my place in the tent. I arrived home and rested till Friday, and as Bro. S. had not come I went to Lisbon to strengthen and encourage the brethren at that place. We had an agreeable and happy meeting. However, I was made very sorry to learn that very grievous difficulties existed among them, on account of which much of their peace and joy has been destroyed. "Offences will come; but woe to him by whom they come." We hope and pray that these brethren may soon emerge from their present troubles into the joys which attend well-doing.
Tuesday evening following, I preached at home to the brethren, and we enjoyed a truly happy time in the Lord.
Wednesday, I left home in company with my family, and started for Southern Iowa. Thursday, Sept. 5, I arrived at Bro. Osborne's in Dayton. We began our meetings the next evening; had a good attendance and good freedom in speaking. Sabbath, I preached on the signs of the times, and our duties as the people of God. There was a good impression made. Our social meeting in the afternoon was very interesting. The good Spirit was there, and our hearts greatly rejoiced in the Lord. First-day, I preached on the new birth, and showed, 1. That the birth of water is identical with Christian baptism. 2. That the birth of the Spirit will be consummated in the resurrection of the saints to immortality. After preaching we went to a place where there was much water, and seven were buried with their Lord in baptism, and arose to walk in newness of life. The scene was truly solemn and impressive. May God bless all his dear children and help them to be faithful unto the end that they may receive a crown of life.
B. F. SNOOK.
TENT MEETINGS AT WATERLOO, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
SINCE my last report a lecturer on Spiritualism, a Mr. Todd, from Illinois, came to the tent and gave notice that he would lecture on the immortality of the soul. I heard one of his lectures, in which he had frequent reference to our views, and challenged any one to meet him. The people looked to me to meet him, which I had to do or appear to be afraid of him. The following propositions were agreed upon for discussion.
1. Resolved, That modern Spiritualism is a system of moral and religious reform.
2. Resolved, That this so-called philosophy and phenomena has been introduced and carried forward by the aid of the spirits of our departed fellow-beings.
These questions were discussed two evenings and then referred by the judges to the audience. Those who thought Mr. Todd had sustained his propositions were to rise up. For about two minutes no one moved except to look back to see if any were up, then the spell was broken by a noted pro-slavery lawyer, who had been threatened for his secession sentiments. A minute more and one or two other men and three or four women stood up. But when the negative was called for, it appeared as if the entire audience were up in an instant, and a general cheering followed.
Mr. Todd ridiculed the Bible, and denied that there ever was any Devil or actual evil, and argued that if God had power to extinguish evil and did not, he was guilty of the evil himself. In reply we proved that both moral and physical evil does exist, and hence that according to his position, either, first, there is no God, or, second, he has not power to abolish evil, or third, he is guilty of the evil himself.
Mr. Todd admitted that P. B. Randolph renounced Spiritualism and had written against it, but stated that he had been compelled to return again and write in favor of Spiritualism. The spirits took possession of him and compelled him to write on their side, thus admitting that Mr. Randolph is not a free agent, but is "led captive" by spirits.
Mr. Todd claimed that according to Uriah Clarke's Register there are now five millions of Spiritualists in this country. He showed that their wonders were multiplying rapidly.
Bro. Shortridge arrived on the last evening of the discussion, and did most of the preaching from that to the close. The interest increased, and the meetings closed well. Twenty-two subscribed for the Review, and four for the Instructor. About twenty-five dollars' worth of books were taken, and a brisk investigation was going on to the last.
The Disciple preacher in town was convinced of the truth, and at our last meeting gave out an appointment to express his views of the matter.
Our brethren have engaged the hall used by the Disciples in which to hold their future meetings, and they earnestly request that they be remembered by our preaching brethren who may travel that way.
The weather is so bad we have concluded to hold a few meetings in the churches, and not try to hold another tent meeting. We pitched the tent again at LaPorte City and had a two days' meeting, and seven more were baptized. They have taken hold of the work of the meeting-house in earnest, and desire Bro. and sister White to come and dedicate it when done.
M. E. CORNELL.
Vinton, Iowa, Sept. 16, 1861.
COMMUNICATION FROM BRO. CARVER.
By H. E. Carver
DEAR BRO. WHITE : In behalf of the brethren and sisters in this vicinity I wish to give this public expression of our gratitude to our Father in heaven for the rich feast of heavenly things we have recently enjoyed from his bountiful hand.
Some three weeks ago the Lord put it into the hearts of about twenty brethren and sisters from Richmond, Dayton and vicinity, to visit us in our loneliness; and truly it was a welcome visit to us, for we were all made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We had no regular preaching, but the Lord gave liberty in bearing testimony in behalf of present truth, in which all, or nearly all, participated. Our cup of joy was filled to overflowing by the rich blessing of God, the memory of which is yet sweet to my soul. Praise God! that in the midst of all the cares of life, its temptations, distress and afflictions, as well as the troubles that now afflict our once happy land, the child of God that loves his law and keeps all his commandments, has a sure source of refuge, and one that will never fail, even the blood-bought mercy-seat. Again I say, Praise God!
We had a precious and solemn time in uniting to commemorate the sufferings and death of him who came, and, by his death, not only opened up a way whereby repenting sinners might be saved, but also magnified and made honorable that holy, just and pure law that is now guarded by the heavenly cherubim who hover over the mercy-seat and ark, before which our great High Priest officiates in heaven in our behalf.
We also enjoyed the privilege of following the example and obeying the precept of our Lord in washing one another's feet; and we proved to ourselves how happy it makes a child of God to do what Jesus commands, and to do it for the reason that we love him who gives the command, "If ye love me keep my commandments."
We were also encouraged by the expressed decision of one more soul to walk with the commandment-keepers. May God give strength, and courage, and wisdom to that dear brother to persevere to the end of the race, is my prayer.
We are also encouraged to hope that the seeds of present truth that seem to have lodged in another investigating and honest mind were so watered by the influence of the good Spirit that fruit will be borne to the honor and glory of God.
In conclusion I would say that last Sabbath four of us enjoyed another precious privilege in meeting with the church at Richmond. Satan at first tried to deprive us of a blessing, but the Spirit of God gave us the victory; and the dark influence of our enemy was scattered to the winds, and we had a precious season in waiting on the Lord. To God be all the praise!
And now, brethren and sisters, those who know me and those who do not, I want you to pray for me. By the removal of Bro. and sister Curtis I shall soon be left almost alone in this region, there being no brother within twelve or fifteen miles to counsel with. I feel very weak, having no strength of my own; yet I know where there is strength, blessed be God! and for that reason I want the prayers of the remnant.
When I commenced, three years ago, to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, I made it my aim to glorify God in so doing, and I can say that this is still my aim. I love the law of my God, and feel no inclination to violate in letter or spirit one of those holy precepts, and for this I feel truly thankful to God. But, my brethren, the weakest child of God exerts some influence in the community around, and how careful we should be that that influence should be such as God can approve and bless. It is not enough that we merely save our own souls. We are placed here as beacon-lights to direct the sons of earth to the haven of rest. A glorious privilege, surely! but accompanied with great responsibility. Where there are a number of believers in a community, this responsibility is to some extent diffused, and strength can be gained by counsel; but not so with the lonely ones who have taken hold on the Lord's covenant. The attention of the community is directed to that one; and all his or her actions, and words, and manners, are closely watched. It is in view of this fact that I ask all the church to pray not only for me, but for all the lonely ones, that we may walk in all the counsel of the Lord blameless; that we may indeed be as lights in the world, and not as stumbling-blocks in the way of the wicked. Pray that God may give us a quick, discerning eye, that we may see the path of the just through this wilderness of sin and sorrow, and have grace and strength given to walk therein, cheered on by the assurance that if we are faithful to him who hath chosen us, we shall at last have a home in the glorious, everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hoping and expecting to have my portion with all the saints of God through the redemption that is in Jesus our Lord, I remain
Your brother in the love of present truth.
H. E. CARVER.
Iowa City, Iowa.
COMMUNICATION FROM BRO. INGRAHAM.
By Wm. S. Ingraham
DEAR BRO. WHITE: Perhaps duty calls for a word from me at this point of time. I am trying to make straight paths for my feet lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. I believe the time has come when something must be done to secure the unity of the church. I am with the church in relation to legal organization. The position taken by Bro. Phelps and some others would annihilate every note, bond and deed, and make a perfect Babylon of our business transactions. Bro. P. has bought a nice 40 of land, and nothing but a good, lawful deed, signed and sealed, would answer his purpose. We should be anxious to secure the same blessings to the church that we secure to ourselves. Come, Bro. P., step back into our ranks again.
Bro. White, there seems to be a little discrepancy among us respecting the appointment of church officers. Some in organizing a church ordain a deacon, and some a deacon and elder—an elder to see to the spiritual wants of the church, and a deacon to attend to the business affairs connected with the church. I think the last position is scriptural. It is important for us to understand each other perfectly on this point. I hope some one will write on this question that we may act in harmony.
I am in favor of everything in the shape of order calculated to secure the unity of the church, and not opposed to the Bible. We have seen Babylon enough, and now we hope to be delivered. Bro. White says, Let our preachers carry the papers. This I understand to be in harmony with the word. I wish to notice another point. How shall we prevent improper persons from joining the church. Let none be received into the church we are not acquainted with, until they are recommended by letter or some other way. Members moving from one church to another, if in good standing, should have a letter of recommendation from the church to which they belong. I have learned one thing to my satisfaction, and that is, there is but little use to raise up churches unless we can take care of them. And in order to take care of them more strict discipline must be enforced. Let the standard be raised. I think I see the necessity of having perfect order. If we expect to enter a perfect heaven we must be drilled here. Let the truth be proclaimed by our preachers in such a manner that when people come out they will come out straight. There are many who profess to embrace the truth that are not more than half converted. Let us have good evidence that converts are dead before we bury them.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.
Monroe, Wis.
P. S. I wish to correct a wrong idea. Some have thought that I influenced the church in Pennsylvania to strike against organization. Not one word have I said, not one line have I written, to my knowledge, to influence them in that direction. If anything from me has affected them, it was my silence. If so, I regret it.
W. S. I.
REMARKS.
By Editor
We have waited for Bro. Waggoner to present the form of organization of churches, and church officers, in an address through the REVIEW. The delay is partly occasioned by Bro. W. losing his baggage from the stage, containing his portfolio, writings, references, &c. We hope the subject will soon be presented. We think, however, that in our larger churches, where so many officers are needed, there should be a local elder and two deacons. In our smallest churches one deacon may be all that is necessary.
Bro. I. is doubtless correct in his postscript. His and others' silence, and their hesitancy to act have left the cause to suffer. This is well illustrated in the following which we take from the report of the business proceedings of the Battle Creek conference, held October 1, 1860, REVIEW Vol. xvi, No. 23.
"Resolved, That we call ourselves Seventh-day Adventists."
"After a somewhat lengthy discussion, the question was called for, and the resolution adopted, Bro. Butler dissenting, and Brn. Lawrence, Sperry, Andrews and Ingraham not voting."
It was this that stung our spirit nearly one year since, and the arrow has been festering ever since. We knew the influence of these brethren holding back would be dreadful on the cause. Bro. Butler and Phelps have been strengthened to secede, and others have felt justified in holding back.
Bro. Andrews was all right on the organization question as early as January, 1860, when he revised his work on the three messages. This we learned by conversation with him on the subject at that time. Bro. Ingraham wrote to us from St. Charles, Minn., June 25th, 1861, as follows:—
"The loss of our tent wall has given me much trouble, but good may come out of it yet. I have ascertained that it was shipped from La Crosse on board the steamer Northern Belle. I searched the clerk's books, and found that the Northern Belle was responsible. I went to see a lawyer to see what I could do about it. He wanted to know who the tent belonged to. I told him, to the church in Wisconsin and Ill-135nois. He then wanted to know if we were an organized church and recognized by law as such. I told him we were not. This being the case, he said everything was doubtful. We shall have to depend on the honesty of the captain. I suppose, he says, he will do the right thing.
"I do believe the Lord is not pleased with our letting our business go at loose ends as in the past. As our numbers increase, business will increase, and the first we know we shall be in perfect confusion in our business matters. We shall yet see the necessity of doing business lawfully. If the church had been recognized by law, I should have tied the Northern Belle to the dock until the thing was adjusted. This I think would have been right, for the captain tried every way to get away from justice."
Feeling that the cause needed a decided testimony from Bro. I., we took the responsibility to urge him to come to the Conference, and then made an appeal to the Conference to raise means to pay his and others' expenses, which was liberally done. But judge of our feelings as important decisions were made without the vote of several brethren, as shown by the above extract from Conference report. We have since deeply regretted that we did not there leave the publishing department, at least till our preachers were ready to frankly defend and help carry forward what they believed relative to organization.
As to the form of organizing churches we have felt that we had nothing to say until our preachers were united that organization was necessary. And we suggest that the brethren wait till the ministers are all united upon the subject.—ED.
NOTE TO BRO. WAGGONER.
By Editor
We have seen your inquiry relative to our visiting Iowa, and wish to say in reply that there are serious objections to our taking a western tour this fall.
1. Our second son is very sick, which demands our attention at home at present.
2. As we have put all the means we could collect into the Publishing Association that the work of building and publishing might move forward, we could not well take such a tour unless the brethren met all our expenses.
3. Until our ministers take hold of the organization question unitedly and in earnest, or show that it is wrong, we much prefer to stay at home, as under the present state of things we could be of little benefit to any one.—ED.
CIGARS.
By Editor
E. E. TAYLOR. The Review has spoken too plainly on the subject of tobacco to be misunderstood. We cannot enter into local matters when unacquainted with the parties. However, if brethren feel that they must peddle cigars, and smoke them to exhibit their qualities, we beg of them to keep away from the churches, and go among those who prefer the fumes of tobacco to the Spirit and truth of God.—Ed.
Battle Creek School Enterprise Abandoned
By Editor
Wm. Russell: We have had a thorough trial of a school at Battle Creek, under most favorable circumstances, and have given it up, as it failed to meet the expectations of those interested. We therefore wish to be excused from acting any part in reference to your enterprise.—Ed.
Church Organization in Green Bush
FROM THE CHURCH IN GREEN BUSH,
MICH.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: The church here met May 22, 1861, and organized. They were unanimous in taking the name, Seventh-day Adventists. The subject of organization seems so plain, and the step so very necessary, that we do not see how any of God's people can have any objection to it whatever. We are few in number, but we feel the necessity of striving to overcome all our besetting sins, and to do our whole duty in the fear of the Lord. We have adopted the plan of systematic benevolence as laid down in the Good Samaritan, No. 5, and it works well.
BUSINESS REPORT OF THE N. Y. CONFERENCE.
On first-day, Sept. 15, 1861, at 9 o'clock A. M., the brethren assembled under the tent at Lyndonville, N. Y., for the purpose of transacting the business of the conference. Bro. E. B. Saunders was called to the chair, and J. M. Aldrich appointed secretary. Financial report being called for, Bro. M. Hull reported as follows:
Received during the season for tent operations, $428,38. Paid out for tent expenses (exclusive of his traveling expenses) $183,32. Leaving balance to be accounted for by him, $295,06. The conference then voted to allow Bro. Hull $225,00, which left remaining in the treasury, $70,06.
Brn. J. T. Orton, J. Lamson and J. M. Lindsey were appointed as a committee to appropriate the balance of the tent fund.
On motion it was resolved that we will do what we can to run the tent and sustain it in new fields in this State the next year. Brn. E. O. Fish, L. R. Chapel, Ira Abbey, J. M. Lindsey and J. T. Orton were appointed to act as tent committee for the next season.
On motion it was unanimously resolved that Bro. M. Hull be invited to labor with the tent in this State the next season, and also that he be requested and authorized to invite and secure if possible a yoke-fellow to labor with him. J. M. Aldrich was appointed as corresponding committee with reference to the matter contained in the foregoing resolution.
The following resolution, being presented for the consideration of the conference, was moved and adopted without opposition:
Whereas, We have witnessed with pain the distracting influence of anti-organization among us, and,
Whereas, We now see the necessity of church organization, therefore
Resolved, That we sympathize with those who have labored against opposition in setting the subject before us.
In response to a call for pledges for the support of the tent next season, the amount of $363,00 was immediately subscribed.
Brethren, the list is still open. Let us take hold of this matter with willing hands. Let not the proclamation of the third angel be retarded for want of means. If we are to operate with but one tent the next season in this State, there is no reason why that tent, and those laboring with it, should not be liberally sustained. Let us then, in accordance with the spirit of the resolution of this conference, do what we can, and all we can, to further the cause of present truth, and to proclaim the last warning message among those who are yet ignorant concerning it. Let us not say, "There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest," for truly the fields "are white already to harvest." And may we realize that "he that reapeth, receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal."
E. B. SAUNDERS, Chairman.
J. M. ALDRICH, Secretary.
P. S. The next monthly meeting of the brethren in Western N. Y. will be held on the second Sabbath in October, at J. M. Aldrich's hall, in Somerset.
J. M. A.
BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE AT AVON, WIS.
By John Norton Loughborough
This meeting was held at Avon Sunday afternoon, Sept. 15, at which the following resolutions were passed:
1. To run the Wis. and Ills. tent another season, probably in southern Ills.
2. To raise $400 by pledges of individuals to run the tent.
3. To apportion it to each church in proportion to their ability (judging according to their pledges last year), if they are free thus to do. The apportionment to be as follows:
Mackford, Mauston, Marquette and vicinity, Wis., — $110,00
Crane's Grove, Ills., — 70,00
Green Vale, Ills., — 25,00
Round Grove, Ills., — 60,00
Little Prairie, Wis., — 30,00
Lodi, & Hundred Mile Grove, Wis., — 50,00
Rubicon, Wis., — 12,00
Avon, Wis., — 13,00
Princeville, Ills., — 30,00
$400,00
4. Brn. Sanborn and Ingraham to see to raising the subscriptions as they travel from place to place.
5. One-half of the subscription of each church to be paid by the first of May, and one-half the first of September.
6. Brn. Sanborn and Ingraham to correspond for foreign aid, should a messenger be needed to join them in the tent enterprise.
7. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted on the subject of organization, after the reading of the conference address on that subject in Review, Vol. xviii, No. 3:
Whereas, We have by sad experience learned the result of no order in the church, especially in what we have seen of its practical workings in Wisconsin for a few years past, and,
Whereas, We deem it highly important for the Seventh-day Adventists in this perilous time to avail themselves of every lawful means whereby the church may be prospered, and the interests of the cause of present truth advanced, and,
Whereas, We consider the plan of order proposed in Review, Vol. xviii, No. 3, for the organization of the churches, and the organization of churches and ministers into conferences will tend to guard us against evils under which we have suffered in the past, and place us as a people where we can better advance the interests of present truth, and labor without distraction. Therefore we, the conference assembled in Avon, Wis., Sept. 15, 1861,
Resolve, That we endorse the sentiments of the said article published in Review, Vol. xviii, No. 13.
Resolved, That we deem it highly important for us to enter into such organization, and we are willing and anxious so to do.
Resolved, That we recommend to our brethren, especially in the East, to consider carefully this matter, remembering that our great trials in Wisconsin have grown out of the no-order delusion, and as they consider it, to lend us aid in this matter by entering heartily with us into more permanent organization.
8. A resolution was then passed by the Avon church to grant letters of recommendation to Bro. and sister Jones, who were leaving that church for northern Wisconsin; after which, the meeting adjourned sine die.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Chairman,
WM. S. INGRAHAM, Secretary.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister S. Sargent writes from Haverhill, Mass. : "In my former letter I neglected to say that the little church in Haverhill are growing in grace and in the knowledge of God and his truths. We have blessed privileges of meeting together on God's holy day, and his good Spirit is with us to comfort and strengthen. There is a prospect that several more who love God will make it manifest by obedience to all his commandments."
Bro. A. F. Wilkinson writes from St. Charles, Mich. : "I was brought to a knowledge of the truth one year ago last February, during a course of lectures delivered by Bro. Loughborough at Owasso. Highly do I prize the precious truths which are being brought out in these last days; and my heart swells with love and gratitude to God that I had a heart to receive these truths. How thankful we should all be that God has deigned to speak through one of his servants to show us the true state of things as they now exist. Knowing the great power and wrath now exercised by Satan to deceive God's elect, how important that we take heed to what God has told us, by coming out from the world and Babylon, and no longer follow its vain and wicked fashions and practices, and by so doing become a peculiar people zealous of good works. What matter if we do meet the scoffs and frowns of a wicked, heartless world? What if we are falsely accused and spoken evil of, by those who are crying peace and safety, and seeking after worldly pleasure? We can bear all this by the grace of God. How can we envy them their enjoyment, when we consider how very soon it will all cease; when their joy shall be turned into mourning; and our mourning be turned into joy? Let us continue patiently in the way of well-doing, and we shall soon receive the great and glorious reward of eternal life amidst the pure and blessed society of the heavenly host."
Sister S. Philo writes from Bunker Hill, Mich. : "I love the Review for the truth it contains. It has been a welcome messenger to me in opening my mind to the truths of the Bible. It is cheering to hear from brethren and sisters scattered abroad over the land whom we have never seen. I feel that we are made nigh by the blood of Christ. I think it cannot be long before the earth will be fully ripe and ready for harvest. May I be prepared and rest with you all in that kingdom which God has prepared for them that love him. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised. There is a sister here going to keep the Sabbath with me. I feel to rejoice to think there is one to go with me."
Sister P. L. Cornell writes from North Brownville, Kent Co., Mich. : "I have read the Review occasionally for more than three years, but have recently become more interested in it, and I am also more deeply interested in the study of the Bible; and a heavenly light, I humbly trust, dawns upon my heart as I read the pages of inspiration.
The Bible has been mine from the time I learned to read; but I love it more than ever before, and it is with heartfelt gratitude that I would acknowledge the long-suffering and tender forbearance of my kind heavenly Father in following me by his holy Spirit until his love has conquered my rebellious heart, and I feel at last that I had rather have a name and take the humblest place with those who are trying to obey God and keep his commandments, than to possess and enjoy for a season the honors and pleasures of the world. My prayer is to be led by the Spirit of God into all truth."