In accordance with notice published in the REVIEW, the Conference convened on the camp-ground in Wolcott, Vt., Aug. 14, 1873. Called to order at 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. D. T. Bourdeau. Credentials being called for, nineteen delegates responded, representing thirteen churches. On motion,
Voted, That the body of believers in Westmore, Vt., be received into this Conference.
Voted, That Elds. G. I. Butler and S. N. Haskell, and all others present who are in good standing, be invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. Report of the tenth annual session called for, and read by the Secretary.
After some remarks by Eld. G. I. Butler upon the appointment of a committee on credentials and licenses, it was voted that such a committee be appointed to consist of three members. On motion,
Voted, That the Chairman appoint the several committees, whereupon R. Loveland, H. N. Austin, and T. H. Purdon, were appointed Committee on Credentials; T. H. Purdon, C. P. Whitford, and D. Wilcox, Committee on Nominations; Eld. A. C. Bourdeau, T. H. Purdon, and E. W. Stone, Committee on Resolutions. Auditing Committee, S. H. Peck, D. Wilcox, M. N. Cross, T. H. Purdon, W. I. Cross, and H. W. Pierce.
Adjourned to call of President.111
SECOND SESSION.
Aug. 18, 5½ A. M. Prayer by Eld. G. I. Butler. Secretary’s report called for, and presented as follows:—
No. of ministers, 5; Licentiates, 5; No. of churches, 14; membership, 344. Amount of S. B., $15.28.
The Nominating Committee reported the names of L. Bean for President; C. W. Stone, Secretary; M. N. Cross, Treasurer; H. N. Austin and W. I. Cross, Executive Committee, who were elected to fill the several offices designated.
The Committee on Credentials recommend that the credentials of Elds. D. T. Bourdeau, A. C. Bourdeau, A. S. Hutchins, A. Stone, and N. Orcutt be renewed, and that licenses be given to Brn. L. Bean, D. T. Evans, C. W. Stone, and E. Kellogg. Adopted.
Report of Auditing Committee called for and presented.
On motion of Eld. A. C. Bourdeau, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted.
Whereas, In order to carry out this plan of Systematic Benevolence successfully, much depends on the proper interest and action of the S. B. Treasurers, Therefore,
Resolved, That those who are appointed to this office be instructed to properly and carefully attend to the duties of that important office; also,
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to furnish the blanks which are necessary for church and S. B. Treasurers’ reports, with instructions how to fill them, etc., just before the time when such reports should be sent to the Secretary; also to furnish the Conference Treasurer with a copy of each quarterly report received from S. B. Treasurers, on the reception thereof.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Aug. 18, 7 P. M. Prayer by Eld. A. C. Bourdeau. On motion,
Voted, To donate $75.00 of Conference Fund to General Conference.
Eld. A. C. Bourdeau, chairman of Committee on Resolutions, presented the following, which were adopted:—
Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks for the labor furnished us by the General Conference the past year, and during these meetings.
Resolved, That we would again express our unlimited confidence that this is the work of God, to which he has set his prospering hand; and our gratitude for the prosperity that has attended our institutions at Battle Creek.
Resolved, That as we feel a deep interest in the prosperity of the several institutions at Battle Creek, we hereby request the Executive Committee of the Vermont Conference to advise with the General Conference Committee, in the selection of a suitable person or persons to represent this Conference at Battle Creek in guarding the interests of those institutions, and in inducing them to remove there for that purpose.
Voted, Thanks to the brethren of the Wolcott church for the use of the ground and fitting up of the same for the use of the camp-meeting and Conference now being held.
Report of Treasurer called for and presented as follows:—
Recd during the year, $1,423.81
Paid out, $1,308.83
On hand, $114.98
———
$1,423.81
Report accepted.
Voted, That the minutes of this Conference be forwarded to the REVIEW for publication. Adjourned sine die.
L. BEAN, Pres.
N. ORCUTT, Sec.
THE RIGHT WAY.
I would not leave the path untrod,
Though rough the way and long;
I would the beaten track pursue,
Nor shrink from dangers others knew;
Would meet the foes that others met,
When Zionward their face they set;
Would learn the victor’s song.
I would not leave the work undone
Which God lays to my hand;
Although it seem to others small,
I undertook it at his call,
So small no fellow-workers see,
But yet it is the work for me,
No more does God demand.
I want to fill my little place
With loving word and deed;
To whisper kind in sorrow’s ear,
And with the weeping drop a tear;
For others to be ever living,
To know the deep, deep joy of giving,
This joy my only meed.
To be a ray, however faint,
Where all around is dark;
To be a smile where all is gloom,
To be a blossom on a tomb,
To be a voice where all is still,
To be a spark where all is chill,
A little, tiny spark.
To give my all to him who gave
So much in love to me:
To yield to thy supreme control;
To give my mind, my strength, my soul,
For thee alone to work—to live—
Yet feel that I can never give
Enough, my God, to thee.
—Christian Treasury.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Delavan, Minn., July 18, 1873, Sarah Jane, youngest daughter of Mark and Jane Young, aged one year, seven months, and eight days. May the parents so live that they may meet their dear one on the other shore.
A few words of comfort were spoken by the writer from 1 Thess. 4:17, 18. W. B. Hill.
Fell asleep near Dayton, Washington Co., Iowa, Aug. 17, 1873, of flux, after an illness of one week, Mary Alice, daughter of John and Ellen V. Riesman, aged four years, ten months, and four days. Eliza Rousseau.
Died, in Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1873, Bro. Henry Crosbie, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. Bro. C. commenced his Christian experience in 1842, on hearing the Advent message. He commenced keeping the Sabbath and embraced the other truths connected with the third angel’s message in 1852, all of which he believed and obeyed till his death. He left good evidence that his work was done and that his peace was made with God.
Words of instruction and comfort were spoken on the day of his burial from Rev. 14:13. C. O. Taylor.
Fell asleep in Jesus on the morning of Aug. 27, 1873, Bro. Carpus Redway, aged nearly eighty-two years.
Father Redway was born at Lanesburg, Mass., Dec. 9, 1791. He was converted at the early age of seven years, and was during his whole life a consistent Christian. He will be missed by his fellow-citizens, by his family, and the church with whom he had been for some years connected (Baptist), as well as by the poor to whom his hand was always open. He was, while able, a constant attendant of the meetings in the tent at Armada, and had fully indorsed the views there presented. We often heard his testimony in the meeting, and he had learned to love the Sabbath of the Lord. God grant that we as brethren may meet in the kingdom of our Lord. He leaves a companion who cheered him in his declining years, a daughter an only child, and a numerous circle of relatives and friends, who mourn their loss.
Funeral services by the pastor of the Baptist church, from Rev. 14:13. D. H. Lamson.
Health Reform Institute—Seventh Annual Meeting.
By Ira Abbey; Wm. Ings
According to the call made through the REVIEW, the stock-holders of the Health Reform Institute met on the camp ground of the Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 5, 1873.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
On calling the roll, it was ascertained that a majority of the stock was represented either by person or proxy.
The Auditor’s report was presented, and is as follows:—
AUDITOR’S REPORT,
Showing the financial working of the Health Reform Institute, commencing Sept. 1, 1872, and ending August 28, 1873.
RECEIVED,
From Patients, $16,154.63
On Incidental Sales, 3,566.39
On Shares, 375.00
On Donations, 164.78
Due from Patients, 1,713.85
$21,974.65.
EXPENDITURES,
Invoice of Sept. 1, 1872, $966.25
For Labor, 4,872.62 On Stock Refunded, 650.50
On Real Estate, 800.00
Provisions, Furniture, &c., 9,549.27
Due help, 1,245.85
Ten per cent on $6,526.28 worth of furniture for wear, 652.62
Making, 18,737.11
Less Invoice of Provisions and Goods on hand, 1,924.35
Total, $16,812.76
Leaving excess of receipts, $5,161.89
There have been reductions made to the poor amounting to $1,022.46 and there is due the Institute on outstanding accounts, 1,326.48 and the liabilities amount to 1,666.00
Value of Real Estate made August, 1873, 23,500.00
Value of Personal property, 8,450.63
Cash on hand, 3,275.70
Total Valuation of all Property after deducting the liabilities, $35,954.81
This is to certify that I have carefully examined the books of the Health Reform Institute, and find that the above statement of accounts is correct so far as I am able to determine. Wm. Ings, Auditor.
This report was accepted.
On motion, the Chair appointed Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, and I. D. Van Horn as a Nominating Committee, who presented the following names as candidates for Directors:—
James White, Ira Abbey, Harmon Lindsay, E. B. Gaskill, Chas. Comings, Benn Auten, and M. S. Merriam. These persons were elected by a unanimous vote. Adjourned sine die. Ira Abbey, Pres. Wm. Ings, Sec.
Minnesota Church Organized Through Norwegian Settlement Meetings
By Charles Lee
Minnesota.
I WENT with Bro. Matteson to this county, in the latter part of July, where I have remained since. During the month of August I could not accomplish much good on account of the busy season. It was in this county that I first started to proclaim the present truth, now nearly two years ago. A few came out at that time and embraced the Sabbath of the Lord; and they have continued ever since to observe the commandments of God. There are only a few, but they are upright and true-hearted. My prayer to God has been that a few more would come out and join the pilgrim band, that there could be a church organized. God has heard my prayer. About two weeks ago I began to hold meetings in a Norwegian settlement about three miles south-west of Litchfield. To start with, a few came out for curiosity. At every meeting the hearers have increased in number and in thoughtfulness. The curiosity of some has turned into a solemn seeking for God's mercy, that they may escape the impending danger. Nine or ten have resolved to keep God's holy Sabbath. The tender Spirit of God has been realized in all our meetings, and has melted the hearts of strong men and women down to tenderness before their Creator. The audience is still increasing in numbers. The deacons of the Lutheran church have tried to the uttermost to get their priest to attend our meetings. They say that he is very bold to oppose us so long as he keeps himself at a respectable distance from us; but he is not daring enough to face us. This seems, however, to be a common practice with priests and ministers in our day.
The time I spent in company with Bro. Matteson was very precious to me. His tender sympathy, his humble walk with God, his much good advice, and his instructions encouraged me greatly, and enables me to present the truth of the living God in a more effective way to my fellow-beings. May God bless the dear brother.
The favor received from the General Conference I will always remember with great gratitude of heart. Be the brethren blessed by God! The brethren of the Minnesota Conference have done me more good than they are aware of. I have unceasingly asked my Heavenly Father that he would enable me to help my dear old mother (who still lives in Sweden), who has been dependent upon my help; and I have encouraged her time and again that I would soon help her, though I have had no one to look to or depend upon but God. The means received from my dear brethren is by this time received by her with joy and thankfulness in the time of need. I have had to dispose of my watch and other articles to keep up my traveling expenses. With joy have I done so, knowing that God would consider what little I could do for his cause, and that he would care for me. When I now find that the brethren here and there begin to take some notice of me in my struggles, I feel that my heart is warmed up, and with cheerfulness will I renew my efforts to seek for the strayed sheep of the fold of Jesus, and try to bring them home. I cherish no hard feelings toward any one. Remember me before God.
Your sincere brother in Christ,
CHARLES LEE.
Marshfield, Vt., Sept., 1873
By N. Orcutt
Vermont.
The Sabbath and first-day after the close of the Vermont Camp-meeting, I met Bro. A. Stone at East Richford, where we enjoyed good liberty in preaching the word. Evening after the Sabbath, enjoyed a precious season while we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. After the afternoon service on first-day, three were buried with Christ in baptism.
The church at East Richford have cause to take courage, and should, by these tokens of the divine favor, be incited to faithfulness and more earnest efforts to advance the interests of the best of causes.
N. Orcutt.
Marshfield, Vt., Sept., 1873
Golden City, Colorado.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Having decided not to go to the Pacific coast at present, I came down to Golden City, which is about twelve miles west of Denver, and at the foot of the mountains, a city of about twelve or fifteen hundred inhabitants. Sr. Shaw and her husband kindly made a home for us with them. We also find a good stopping place with Mrs. Burns and Mr. Stewart.
I began meetings Aug. 30, in a hall. Have spoken four times. A fair interest is manifested, though not great, the congregation ranging from fifty to two hundred. I only speak five times a week, and very moderately at that. My throat still troubles me some, and I may yet have to stop and go to work with my hands for a few months.
Our friends will please address us at this place. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Golden City, Colorado, Sept. 4, 1873.
Second Annual Meeting of the Mich. T. & M. Society.
By E. H. Root; A. M. Driscall
The Mich. T. and M. Society held its second annual meeting in connection with the camp-meeting at Battle Creek, Sept. 5, 1873.
Meeting called to order by the Chair. Prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell. Minutes of the previous meeting read and accepted.
The Secretary's report, with the financial reports of the various districts showing the amount of money raised in each district was presented which showed the workings of the Society for the year as follows:—
The No. of members received during the year, 103; whole No. of members, 830; No. of families visited, 403; No. of letters written, 233.
No. of REVIEWS distributed, 213; No. of Reformers, 107; No. of Instructors, 47; No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets, 76,722; No. of new subscribers for Review, 81; Reformer, 178; Instructor, 233; Danish Monthly, 34.
Money rec'd for membership, $103.00
“ “ by Donations, 255.53
“ “ on Book Sales, 60.04
“ “ Delinquent Fund, 1,221.15
“ “ Widow & Orphan's Fund, 6.00
Total, $1,645.72
As but little work was done during the first part of the year, this, in reality, was a report for the last quarter only, and incomplete at that, as full reports from all the districts could not be obtained. Following the reading of this report, interesting and stirring remarks pertaining to the interest of the Tract and Missionary Society were made by Elds. Haskell and Butler, showing the nature of the work and the necessity of individual action.
On motion, it was voted that the President be empowered to appoint a Nominating Committee. H. M. Kenyon, A. N. Fisher, and M. B. Miller, were appointed.
Meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Sept. 7. After the opening exercises, the report of the Nominating Committee being called for, H. M. Kenyon gave the following report:—
President, E. H. Root; Vice President, J. F. Carman; Secretary, A. M. Driscall; Treasurer, Addie Merriam.
Directors: Dist. No. 3, W. B. Castle; No. 4, J. F. Carman; No. 5, I. A. Olmstead; No. 6, J. L. Rumery; No. 7, J. S. Wick; No. 8, J. Fargo; No. 9, Wm Nelson; No. 10, John McGregor; No. 11, John L. Miller; No. 12, Robert McConnell; No. 13, Alex. Carpenter.
The report of the Committee being accepted, the above officers were declared unanimously elected.
In view of the fact that districts No. 1 and 2 have united with their own Conference (Indiana) which was recently organized, it was moved and carried that the districts be renumbered. It was also moved and supported that the revised constitution be adopted.
At a Directors' meeting held Sept. 8, it was voted that there be a district formed composed of Antrim and Grand Traverse Counties, and that John Trotman act as Director of that district. Adjourned sine die.
E. H. Root, Pres.
A. M. Driscall, Sec.
Springport, Mich.
By R. Sawyer
The quarterly meeting of district No. 4 was held at the house of sister Betsey Landon, in Springport, the 23d and 24th of August. Bro. A. S. Hutchins was present, and gave a timely and stirring discourse on Sabbath from 1 Peter 4: 7: “But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer,” after which a social meeting was held.
Met again at 2 P. M., and because some could not remain till first-day, the object of the T. and M. Society was set forth by the Director, followed by remarks from Bro. Hutchins and testimonies from nearly all present. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and truly we had a good season in waiting upon the Lord. There were forty-two present, ten of whom embraced the truth by reading.
August 24, the report of the T. and M. Society meeting held at Potterville, July 6, was read and accepted. Pledges were received to the amount of $20.57, which, with the former pledge at Potterville, brings it up to $427.32. There have been paid on this, $223.07. Several shares have been taken in the school fund.
The T. and M. Society in this district reports as follows:—
No. of families visited, 34; No. of letters written, 49.
Received for Memberships, $33.00
“ by Donations, 14.13
“ from Book Sales, 23.77
“ on Delinquent Fund, 223.07
Total, $293.97
New subscribers for REVIEW, 8; Instructor, 16; Reformer, 21.
Tracts and pamphlets loaned,
pages, 1,888, $3.07
Tracts and pamphlets given away,
pages, 3,637, 4.78
Total, pages, 5,525, $7.85
Books loaned, 31; pages, 7,006.
Distribution of reading matter, Reviews, 35; Instructors, 26; Reformers, 37.
R. SAWYER, Sec.
Potterville, Mich.
Wisconsin Quarterly Meeting at Fish Lake and Plainfield
By P. S. Thurston; Wm. B. Palmer
Wisconsin.
QUARTERLY meeting of the Fish Lake and Plainfield churches was held at the brick school-house, Aug. 30 and 31. Preaching at 11 o’clock, after which the ordinances were administered. Preaching again at 4 P. M.
Sunday, preaching in the morning, after which reports were called for in the T. and M. cause.
No. of families visited, 52.
Monies received for membership, $20.84
From book sales, 10
Books given away, pages, 2,945; loaned, pages, 1,143.
No. of subscribers for REVIEW, 1.
Meeting was then dismissed, when we repaired to the lake and one sister was baptized by Eld. Thurston.