ONE important object of our tract societies has ever been to so systematize our efforts that, as a people, we could unitedly make a strike throughout the country, at the same time. Our position requires this. If there is necessity for discipline in an army, that successful moves may be made on the enemy, it is as much more so in the cause of Christ as the importance of the work is greater. We have a special work to do. It does not consist, merely, in a belief of the truth, performing every-day Christian duties, sustaining the cause financially, etc.; but it is aggressive in its nature. It consists in making charges upon the enemy, or repelling those made by him, ridding the cause of reproach, and thus saving precious souls for whom Christ died. There are circumstances which call for instant and simultaneous action in every part of the field.
The Pocasset affair illustrates this. This was a scheme planned and well executed by Satan, to destroy the favor and influence which S. D. Adventists are gaining in every part of the field. The press nearly everywhere in this country has spoken favorably of our people and their work; and now, this horrible murder has been published no less extensively under the name of Adventism. Thousands of people know no difference between S. D. Adventists and other Adventists, and not a few are eager to have it appear that in some way the doctrines advocated by S. D. Adventists tend to such horrible atrocities.
Now, were all of our tract societies fully awake to these things, within three weeks from the time a carefully prepared tract in explanation of the matter leaves the Publishing House, it might, through our ten thousand tract workers, reach one hundred thousand people outside of our denomination. By this means it would be distinctly understood, first, that as a denomination we are distinct from other bodies of Adventists; and second, that the doctrines held by S. D. Adventists are in no way calculated to develop such fanatical and inconsistent ideas as underlie crimes of this nature. As a people, we are not sufficiently on the alert, prepared to meet these attacks of Satan on our cause.
We appeal to our brethren and sisters everywhere, to be alive to the interests of the cause of present truth, and to carry into effect this systematic action which will turn these attacks of Satan into glorious victories in behalf of the cause of Christ. Shall we not arise and gird ourselves anew for the conflict, and have hearts that are quick to feel for the interests of the work of God? S. N. HASKELL.
HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE.
By R. F. Cottrell
Light upon the laws of life and health reveals to us duties which cannot be disregarded with impunity. Light disregarded and duties neglected tend to sear the conscience and blunt the moral sensibilities, so that the distinction between right and wrong is less and less discerned until it fades entirely away.
As a people we have been receiving greater light on the word of God and religious duty than any other people living. We are accountable to God for the use we make of this light. If not lived out, it will be turned in us to darkness; and as Jesus said, “How great is that darkness!”
We have talked much of health and temperance reform; and have thus advertised ourselves to the world as reformers. We take the highest ground in this reform, as well as on Bible truth; therefore we ought to be reformers in the highest sense of the word; and we should use every good and efficient means to spread true temperance principles and save souls.
We have reason to rejoice and thank Heaven that a movement has been inaugurated among us to extend our influence in the cause of temperance. While we have good reasons to decline uniting with the secret organizations of our times who hold the banner of temperance; yet we need not seem to them as favoring the other side and giving our influence against the good work, and in favor of the enormous evil of intemperance. We can say that we belong to the temperance army—that we have an association, and have signed a pledge which covers the same ground as theirs, and more.
But I find by canvassing with the pledge that this step is actually needed for the benefit of our own people, health reformers as we are. One would think that all of us who have learned of the properties of tea and coffee, as set forth in our tract on the subject, and also of the poisonous ingredients used in their preparation, and besides this the testimony of the Spirit, which is always in harmony with all true science, would have abandoned their use altogether. Those who have been ten, fifteen, or twenty years in the truth should certainly be free from these hurtful habits. But I find to my sorrow that some who could have left these habits with ease years ago, have continued to sip against light, until now these are their masters.
Every one of us who has had the light on these subjects for so many years, ought to be ready to sign the teetotal pledge and keep it. It will be for our spiritual good. I think I may safely say that those who have walked nearest to the light we have had on these principles, enjoy the most of the Spirit and blessing of God, and consequently are the most zealous workers in the cause of God. As I said at first, neglect of known duty and indulgence in a wrong course harden the heart, sear the conscience, blunt the sensibilities to right and wrong, and leave us in the dark.
Now let us begin anew to live out the faith, and walk in the light that God in great mercy has given us. It is a matter of great rejoicing to hear of the noble stand our people have been taking in this reform in our Western camp-meetings. Let the good work go on. It will prove successful. Every advance step which our leading brethren have taken in this cause has proved a success. Not a step has to be retraced. The work is onward. Drawing back is toward perdition; but believing and acting is for the salvation of the soul. If we press forward in the work, and walk up to the light, we shall see cause of devout thanksgiving to God for this movement in the health and temperance cause. Let us as one man press into the work, and thus benefit others all in our power, while we prepare ourselves for the finishing touch of immortality soon to be received by all the faithful. R. F. COTTRELL.
THE OHIO CAMP-MEETING.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
As the time appointed for this meeting is drawing very near, we wish to call the attention of our brethren to their duties concerning it.
First, every church organized since last Conference, a year ago, should pass a vote requesting to be admitted into the Conference. They should elect a delegate and send him to this meeting. If he is not able to pay his expenses, let the brethren assist him somewhat. No church should fail to be represented.
Secondly, every church in the Conference should send at least one delegate. It will be a shame if there is one church so poor and spiritless in all the Conference that it cannot send at least one delegate to the annual meeting.
Thirdly, as far as possible the missionary officers should be there and bring their books, that they may be corrected and the officers receive instructions. All the books and tracts in the Conference will be at the camp-meeting, and thus librarians can see what they want, and can take home a full supply with them to save freight. Let each one bring a good trunk.
Fourthly, every Sabbath-school in the State should be represented. We shall have a grand Sabbath-school convention, and thorough instruction in the Sabbath-school work. Bro. Reavis will have charge of this. Most of you have become acquainted with him already in the Sabbath-school work. Bro. W. C. White will also be present, and aid in this department of the work. No other man can help us more in this department than he. Let us not fail to give him a good chance to do it.
Fifthly, our brethren and sisters very much need the benefit of this camp-meeting. Make a strong effort to attend it. Begin to prepare now. If you have no tent, you can easily make one. Probably we shall have tents on the ground to rent if any want them.
Sixthly, come Wednesday, and prepare to stay until Tuesday morning. If any come who cannot furnish themselves with tents, we will find a place for them.
Seventhly, remember there will be no collections on the ground for camp-meeting expenses, but each one above sixteen years old who camps on the ground will be expected to pay fifty cents. Lay that up now.
Eighthly, the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. on all its branches will sell us tickets at two cents a mile to and from the camp-meeting. The Great Western sells tickets at full rates to the camp-meeting, and return tickets at one cent a mile, which amounts to the same thing. These two roads will accommodate nearly all the brethren in the State. The other roads give us no reduction as yet.
I with several others, will be on the camp-ground on Tuesday, Aug 12, and remain until after the meeting. Let as many as choose come as early as that, and we will have some good meetings. D. M. CANRIGHT.
A DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER.
By A. S. Hutchins; L. Bean; H. Peebles
WITH the testimony of Scripture and the instructions of our Saviour on the subject of fasting and prayer, as a people we believe in the utility of special seasons devoted to this object when the providences of God, or the state of our own hearts and lives, demand this humiliation. We have the last solemn message to bear to the world. The coming of our Lord and Saviour hasteth greatly; and as professed commandment-keepers there is reason to fear that we do not stand in the light, and walk in communion with God, as we should.
In view of the foregoing facts and other considerations resting with serious weight upon our minds, it seems highly appropriate that we unitedly and reverently bow ourselves before the Most High with that humiliation of heart and prostration of soul which our sins and ingratitude demand.
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that he cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that he cannot hear.”
We do therefore recommend our brethren and sisters throughout our State Conference to observe Sabbath, the 9th of August next, as a day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation of heart before God.
Let us on this day not only abstain from food as far as circumstances will allow, but let us examine our hearts and humbly confess our sins to God, with contrition of heart for them, and dedicate our lives anew to him.
The following may properly be special subjects of prayer: 1. That our ministers may continually walk in the fear of God, and that their labors may be crowned with success.
2. That the grace and power of the religion of Jesus may be experienced by us as churches and individuals, arousing us to a sense of our obligation as missionary laborers, who are rapidly closing our work for the world.
3. That our soon-coming camp-meeting may prove a source of encouragement to the hearts of God’s servants who come to labor with us; that it may be of lasting benefit to our churches, and a means of bringing men and women to a knowledge of the truth.
A. S. HUTCHINS, } Conf.
L. BEAN, } Com.
H. PEEBLES.
THE CLOSING CONFERENCE YEAR.
By A. S. Hutchins
THE present Conference year in our State will soon be past; and what will be our record in financial matters? Some of our brethren are in debt on S. B., some to the T. and M. society, while others owe on pledges to the cause in different branches.
We kindly call the attention of our brethren to these things, and invite them to pay up these dues if possible as early as our next camp-meeting, if not earlier. I greatly fear some are becoming negligent in payment of pledges and dues to the cause of God. Why must these obligations be the last to be paid, if paid at all?
“Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.”
Many who have a commendable regard for the integrity of their word with men, seem to lose a sense of their obligation to God. “Will a man rob God?” An excellent proverb is: “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” And here is another: “Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give: when thou hast it by thee.”
Some have had it by them to pay what they honestly owed the treasury of the Lord, but have failed to do it when they could, and have brought upon themselves the displeasure of the Lord. God gives men means, that they may use them, as the pilgrim uses his staff, to help them on in their heavenly journey. Says Christ: “Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
IN DAKOTA.
The New Era, published at Swan Lake, Dakota, in its issue of July 19, 1879, contains the following notice of the visit of Bro. and Sr. White at that place:—
Eld. James White and his wife (Ellen G. White) and their daughter (Mary K. White), and Eld. J. F. Hanson, a Danish minister, arrived at Mr. W. W. Aurner’s on Wednesday. They attended the Seventh-day Advent camp-meeting, held on Judge Brookings’ island, Sioux Falls, July 9-14. Eld. White informs us that there were fully two hundred of the denomination at the meetings. Besides the large church tent, seated for the crowd, there were fifteen family tents, and as many covered wagons, used for sleeping-rooms. On Sabbath (Saturday), one hundred came forward for prayers, at the close of Mrs. White’s sermon, and appeal. On Sunday, there were not less than one thousand souls present. The organization of what is called the Dakota Conference of S. D. Adventists was completed at this meeting. Elder S. B. Whitney, president, D. T. Biggs and Jorgen Paulson compose a Conference committee of three: Mr. Dawson of Elk Point, secretary; Peter Nelson, treasurer; and Elder White, as president of the General Conference, took the supervision of the organization. This is the sixth camp-meeting Elder and Mrs. White, whose home is in Battle Creek, Mich., have attended the present season. In consequence of the land-slide on the Dakota Southern, they are not able to meet their appointments at Boulder, Colorado, the 19th and 20th, and they will spend the time with their friends at Swan Lake. They will spend a few weeks in the Rocky mountains, and then return to hold camp-meetings in the Eastern, Middle and Southern States.
In the same paper Sr. White appointed to speak Friday evening the 18th, in Swan Lake, and Bro. White, Sunday the 20th.
MINNESOTA
Mankato.—We are still at work here. The interest is rising somewhat. The papers notice us favorably, and the people are beginning to talk of our doctrines all over the town. One doctor has declared for the Sabbath, and others are interested. Some of the best men in the city attend our meetings. We hope for good to result from our labors here. Brethren, pray for us.
W. B. HILL.
L. H. ELLS.
Mapleton, July 21.—I came to this place July 12, to look after a few Sabbath-keepers who embraced the truth as the result of the labors of Bro. John Hackett and myself last winter. Found them all holding on, and have succeeded in organizing a company of eleven members. There are others that we think will accept the truth soon.
D. C. BURCH.
Tent Meetings and Sabbath Debate in Indiana
Indiana
Warrington, July 21, Tent No. 2.—The interest seems to be on a constant increase. About fifty were present at our meeting last Sabbath. Some are keeping the day. Last Wednesday evening a Baptist minister spoke on the subject of the “Christian Sabbath.” He took the position that Christ came to keep the law for us; but before he concluded his remarks he affirmed that Christ broke the law in many instances, and commanded others to do the same. The friends of Sunday are dissatisfied with his attempt. We reviewed the discourse Thursday evening, before a large audience. Books sell freely, and quite liberal donations are made. We ask the prayers of God’s people, that much good may be done here.
J. M. Rees.
J. S. Shrock.
V. Thompson.
Arcadia, Tent No. 3, July 21.—Sixteen have signed the covenant, and others are yet undecided. A victory has just been gained for the truth over one Eld. Frazier, a Christian (Campbellite) minister, who was imported for the occasion. He first organized opposition meetings; then gave out for a review of our Sabbath position, which we attended. I reviewed at the tent, the Elder being present. At the close of the discourse, he, in presence of our large audience, challenged us for debate. The audience voted in favor of this, and no alternative was left us but to meet the same.
Two propositions were agreed upon; one on the Sabbath, the other on the Sunday question. Three sessions were held of two hours each, excepting the last one, when the Elder found twenty-five minutes sufficient to introduce all his arguments in favor of Sunday. Bro. Covert made good use of all the time allowed him, and gained a complete victory for the truth. To God be all the praise.
J. P. Henderson.
Sabbath and first-day, July 12, 13, we held a grove meeting at Wolf Lake, Noble Co. There was quite a general turnout of the Sabbath-keepers in the county. The meetings all day on the Sabbath were especially good. Nearly all took part in the social meetings. On first-day, from three hundred to five hundred were present. Some came from ten to fifteen miles with teams. The best of attention was given to the word spoken. During the short intermissions two or three young sisters canvassed the congregation, and obtained several subscribers for our papers. In the afternoon the large congregation repaired to the banks of Wolf Lake, where four were baptized.
The church at Wolf Lake have just erected the foundation for their meeting-house, 32x44. The building will be rapidly pushed forward. There will be two meeting-houses in this Conference ready to be dedicated the coming fall.
Held meetings at Ligonier, July 14, 15. These meetings seemed to do much good. Celebrated the ordinances the evening of July 15. Bro. Sanford Rogers, of La Fayette, was with me at all these meetings, and aided much in speaking, and in the business and social meetings.
Our labors with tent No. 1, at Warsaw, closed July 6. The interest from the first was not good. We met much prejudice and secret opposition. Only a few embraced the truth. One subscribed for the REVIEW, and we sold $5.00 worth of books. The donations were more than our running expenses. Held a meeting with them last Sabbath, July 20. Had a good meeting.
We are now with the tent at Silver Lake, twelve miles south of Warsaw. The interest is the best of the season. The people are very friendly. We have many invitations to visit. The Sabbath question has made a stir. The end is not yet.
S. H. Lane.
WISCONSIN
Fox Lake, July 23.—We closed our labors on the county-line road last Sunday night. No one could be persuaded to obey. Eze. 33: 30-32 is a full statement of the case. We go to Richland Center, Richland Co., which will be our address until further notice.
S. S. SMITH.
ELI OSBORN.
On returning from the Minnesota camp-meeting, I went to Door Co. It had been thought well to have a general gathering of our people, especially of the young, on the 4th of July. We thought that appropriate exercises could be held, and the day spent in a manner to meet the approbation of God; and we were not disappointed. The three churches in the county were well represented. The exercises of the day were pleasant and profitable, and we felt indeed that the Lord was with us.
At the close of the day, we all went to welcome the commencement of the Sabbath. After a few remarks on the nature of the Sabbath, we engaged in prayer. It was a precious season. The Lord of the Sabbath came very near, and our souls were blessed. Our meetings throughout the Sabbath were greatly blessed of the Lord. The occasion as a whole will long be remembered. We intend to pitch the tent here, and commence meetings July 25.
July 12 met with the church at home, and celebrated the ordinances with them. The 16th I went to Pulcifer and remained over the Sabbath. They were much encouraged. I now go to Sturgeon Bay, to hold a tent-meeting. My brother Edward will be with me. Pray for us.
Our post-office address will be Sturgeon Bay, Door Co., Wis.
O. A. OLSEN.
July 21.
IOWA
Wyoming.—We commenced meetings here July 11, and have had a very good hearing so far. Am now alone, Bro. Morrison having gone home sick. We have some warm friends already, who remember us kindly.
J. D. PEGG.
Mount Ayr and Conway.—We closed our tent-meetings at Mt. Ayr July 13, after continuing a little over two weeks. One aged gentleman, who had heard the first message prior to 1844, in New Bedford, Mass., acknowledged the obligation of the Sabbath, and expressed a determination to keep it. A sister and her daughter, living a few miles from this place, who have been keeping the Sabbath for about a year, did what they could to help us in our work. Some are reading our tracts and papers. One of the wealthy citizens invited us to the hotel, free of charge, during the most of the time we were there. He is convinced that we have the truth; and may he open his heart to receive it. Bitter prejudice and false reports, no doubt, kept some away from the tent. Some would have it that we were “time setters,” and that the second Adventists of the “Pocasset tragedy” and our people were the same. Bro. G. V. Kilgore went home from this place; but we hope he may be with us again soon.
Our tent is now in Conway, Taylor Co., Iowa. We have given five discourses, with a good attendance. We invite all Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity to meet with us on the Sabbath, at 2:30 P. M. Bro. A. W. H. Millard is with me now. Brethren, pray for us.
C. A. WASHBURN.
July 20.
OHIO
Appleton, July 20.—We are in the midst of the Sabbath question, with an average congregation of two hundred. Last evening about six hundred were in attendance. This is where the field has been burned over, and nearly all said, “It is of no use to try here;” but a change is taking place. Bro. N. J. Bowers, who embraced the truth at Bellville last winter, is with me, and is rendering good service. A. O. BURRILL.
Van Wert and Round Head.—Met with the brethren at their district quarterly meeting in Van Wert, July 12, 13. Quite a number from the church at Mendon and Paulding were47present. The Van Wert church quarterly meeting was held at this time. One member was disfellowshipped. The rest all seem to be strong in the truth. Ten copies of the Youth’s Instructor were taken. Bro. Wm. F. Crouse will preach to the Van Wert church once in four weeks. The total increase of Sabbath-keepers in this district since last camp-meeting is between fifty and sixty.
We have a beautiful location here for the tent. Commenced meetings July 19, at the beginning of the Sabbath. Have held six meetings. The interest thus far is all we could expect. I feel encouraged in the work of giving the warning message. G. G. RUPERT.
New Antioch.—Though the brethren were very busy threshing, most of them attended our meetings every evening. All came on the Sabbath, and we had a good school.
Bro. Gates resuscitated and re-organized this school three weeks ago. Before his visit the interest in the school was gone. Many of the promising youth had left, and were attending the Sunday schools instead. They were getting ready to give up the Sabbath. To-day these young people, with their fathers, mothers, and the little ones, are wide awake in the Sabbath-school work.
We found the youth and children using the Instructor. The Bible-classes were reciting in the old-fashioned way,—reading and asking questions upon certain chapters. They will use the Supplement hereafter. The little ones will recite their lesson in story form. The children, the youth, and the Bible-classes will recite by synopsis. They voted to take twelve copies of the Song Anchor. The superintendent is loaded up with Sabbath-school interest, and the secretary, in her report for this week, says, “From this date our motto shall be, Good, better, best.” D. W. REAVIS.
Bowling Green.—I spent Sabbath and Sunday, July 19 and 20, with the church at Bowling Green. It was our State quarterly meeting. Being right in the midst of harvest and very near our camp-meeting, we did not invite any of the brethren from abroad to attend the meetings, but we had full reports from the field except two or three churches who failed to receive blanks. The T. and M. society did not do quite as much work this quarter as last, yet about as much as we expected considering the time of year. Our brethren are doing nobly on the tithing system. Both Sabbath and Sunday our meeting-house was filled with Sabbath-keepers. Their Sabbath-school is now in a splendid condition. Indeed, it is about the best conducted of any I have seen in the State, and is by far the largest. The church have paid up their tithes, with a few exceptions, promptly and honestly. From the word of God we preached to them that the Lord would bless them in temporal things if they would bring in their tithes. Malachi 3:8-11. It is worthy of remark that they have scarcely ever had such bountiful crops as they have this year. The fields literally groan under their burden. We are glad that the Lord is blessing them.
But we are sorry that there are still a few cases of old chronic difficulties here in this church, which enjoys the unenviable position of being the only one in the State which is now in any degree of trial. The Lord gave us freedom in preaching plainly to them on this subject. Hearty responses were made and good positions were taken, and I believe that we shall soon see these things rooted out. There are a few miserable complainers in the church, who are always in trouble and always will be. The peace of the society will probably demand their expulsion very soon from the church, unless there is a radical change. But there are many noble souls here who are working faithfully. I spent most of my time with Bro. Gregory, the State secretary and treasurer, in arranging and preparing our business pertaining to the work in Ohio. D. M. CANRIGHT.
ILLINOIS
Norway, La Salle Co., July 23.—Our meetings continue with some interest, though the attendance is not large. Expect to meet an “apostle” of the Latter Day Saints in defense of the truth. If so, hope for much help from the Lord. We have received in cash $12.25. We hope that those who have been so thoughtful in providing for our wants will be loyal to God, and “have right to the tree of life.” We are of good cheer, and still trust in God.
Lewis Johnson.
A. A. John.
Belvidere and Bloomington.—We closed our effort in the tent at Belvidere, July 9, continuing meetings in the Universalist church till the 13th. Four embraced the truth. The brethren all seem greatly encouraged. Twelve were baptized, two of whom were from Rockford. The Sabbath-school is in a flourishing condition. These dear friends of the truth have a warm place in our hearts. May the Lord bless them, and ever help them to be faithful.
We came to Bloomington July 16. Were successful in securing a fine site for our tent, in a good part of the city. We have pitched the tent to-day, and shall hold our first meeting this evening. We ask the prayers of God’s people.
R. F. Andrews.
R. Vickery.
Pittwood.—We closed our effort with the tent near Pittwood, Sunday, July 20. Last Sabbath ten more persons were baptized. These were mostly children and youth. It was a blessed season. Among those who were baptized was a young Frenchman with whom I first became acquainted in France, where I took great delight in teaching him the truth. He soon came to America, not having yet embraced the truth, but still searching for it, and desiring to become associated with French Sabbath-keepers. But he happened to meet with a bitter opposer of the truth, the first French preacher who attacked our views in Illinois. This preacher made every possible effort to prejudice him against us; yet, having independence and sterling integrity, by the patient effort of French brethren and sisters in Illinois, who had come from his village in France, he was led to fully commit himself on the truth. His testimony before his baptism was touching, and evinced intelligence. He will now prepare for the ministry. This was his object before embracing the truth. He will be with us at least till the Illinois camp-meeting.
We have given twenty-five discourses here since July 4, have baptized sixteen persons, obtained eleven subscribers for the Review, one for the Signs, and three for the College Record. We left forty-one members in the new church. We are now in search of another place to pitch the tent.
July 22. We have pitched our tent two and a half miles east of Clifton, between Clifton and Chabanse. Until further notice, my P. O. address will be Clifton, Iroquois Co., Ill.
D. T. Bourdeau.
NEW YORK.
Frewsburg, Tent No. 4.—Have given ten discourses here. Commence the Sabbath question to-night. The interest is growing. Three ministers are using the stay-away argument. One noble young man, who had just commenced to preach for the Methodists, has decided to keep the commandments. He will, no doubt, be a power in the hands of God for good. To Him who hath called us be all the praise.
July 22. Two more, a man and his wife, have decided for the truth. The interest is increasing. F. PEABODY. D. BALL.
South Rutland, Tent No. 3, July 22.—Notwithstanding the busy time of haying, which we feared would decrease the attendance and injure the interest, both have increased since our last report. An opposition discourse is announced for next Saturday evening, and we review it at the tent the following evening. Some are deciding to obey, and many are in the valley of decision. The leading papers in the county, those printed at Watertown, are publishing excellent and quite full reports of our meetings. The county is thus becoming acquainted with us and our work, and the way is being prepared for entering other fields. Prejudice is giving way, and the Lord is preparing hearts for the truth. Pray for us, that the Lord may guide us in all our labors. M. H. BROWN. C. C. LEWIS.
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE.
Ellicottsville, N. Y., July 22.—We pitched our tent here June 26. Have given in all twenty-three discourses, on the prophecies, second advent, and Sabbath. There is a deep interest manifest. At the close of our meeting last Sabbath, eighteen expressed their determination to keep the commandments, the Sabbath precept included. All these may not prove reliable, but we look for a goodly number to obey the truth.
We have had an opposition sermon on the Sabbath from “Rt. Rev. A. C. Coxe, bishop of western New York.” We also have the influence of Dr. Morin of Boston against us. He is teaching “science,” falsely so-called. This, together with the opposition of the local ministers, makes a strong current to meet. But so far the Lord has graciously sustained his work, and in him alone we humbly trust for its success. Praise his name.
D. T. Fero.
D. B. Oviatt.
Potter Brook, Pa., Tent No. 2, July 21.—We have held in all thirty meetings. The interest has kept up, and we have had an increasing attendance. We have presented the subject of the law, and last evening took up the Sabbath question. After the discourse, a vote was taken to see how many were willing to indorse the Seventh-day Sabbath as the only Sabbath binding. Fifteen or more voted in favor of the Bible Sabbath. Most of these are heads of families, many of whom were never converted. The prejudice has wonderfully subsided since our coming here. Brethren, pray for us, that God will give us a harvest of souls for the heavenly garner.
J. G. Saunders.
P. Kent.
DAKOTA
By S. B. Whitney
Sioux Falls, July 22.—Immediately after my last report, a series of heavy rain storms, and the excitement of the fourth of July, injured our interest very much, so that up to the time of our camp-meeting the attendance was small. But that meeting, which was a good one, served to bring the interest up somewhat, and since moving back to our old ground the attendance has been better, though not what it was at first. Our congregations are steady, however, and the interest deep, several already acknowledging the truth, and one family having decided to obey.
Our camp-meeting was a great encouragement to the brethren in the Territory, and the organization of a Conference, a Sabbath-school and health and temperance associations, in addition to our T. and M. society, gives a permanence to the work which will infuse new life into the cause. It seemed almost too much to expect that Bro. and Sr. White could visit Dakota; but their presence was very highly appreciated by us all, and their words of admonition and encouragement will not soon be forgotten. Bro. Hansen’s labors were a great help to our Scandinavian brethren. The attendance exceeded our most sanguine expectations. Our meetings were characterized by a good degree of freedom. Several sought and found the Lord. On Monday eleven were baptized. Most of the brethren remained to the close, our last meeting being one of the best; and we all felt that our first camp-meeting in Dakota was a decided success.
S. B. WHITNEY.
EXTREMITIES
By Alice Cary
When the mildew's blight we see
Over all the harvest spread,
Humbly, Lord, we cry to thee,
Give, oh, give us, daily bread!
But the full and plenteous ears
Many a time we reap with tears.
When the whirlwind rocks the land,
When the gathering clouds alarm,
Lord, within thy sheltering hand,
Hide, oh, hide us from the storm!
So with trembling souls we cry,
Till the cloud and noise pass by.
When our pleasures fade away,
When our hopes delusive prove,
Prostrate at thy feet we pray,
Shield, oh, shield us with thy love!
But, our anxious plea allowed,
We grow petulant and proud.
When life's little day turns dull,
When the avenging shades begin,
Save us, O Most Merciful,
Save us, save us from our sin!
So, the last dread foe being near,
We entreat thee, through our fear.
Ere the dark our light efface,
Ere our pleasure fleet far,
Make us worthier of thy grace,
Stubborn rebels that we are;
While our good days round us shine,
O our Father, make us thine!
—Alice Cary.
MISSOURI
By J. H. Rogers; N. W. Allen
Kingston, July 21.—We pitched the tent for northern Missouri at this place, and commenced meetings the 18th inst. The interest is increasing. Last evening our tent was well filled. To-night we begin speaking on the prophecies. Brethren, pray for us. We earnestly desire that some good may result from our labor here.
J. H. ROGERS.
N. W. ALLEN.
MAINE
By Samuel J. Hersum; P. B. Osborn
Blaine, Aroostook Co., July 21.— We took down our tent at Ashland, Monday, July 14, after holding meetings for more than two weeks. We left seven there keeping the Sabbath.
We pitched our tent here Friday, July 18. We have held four meetings, and have good congregations considering the busy season of the year among the farmers. We expect to stay here as long as the interest demands.
SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
P. B. OSBORN.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
Zion.—The quarterly meeting at this place was good, although we were obliged to drop the names of four. The interest outside is still good, and we hope for some who are almost persuaded to yield to the truth. The brethren and sisters pay their tithes, and have some interest in the Sabbath-school work, which we hope will be greatly increased.
I now design to spend some time in Rockingham Co., laboring in new fields. Pray for the mission in Virginia. I. SANBORN.
KANSAS
By Geo. H. Smith; M. Enoch; H. Enoch
Rooks Center, July 21.—We have just pitched the tent in a beautiful grove at the mouth of Big Medicine. The surrounding country is well settled, and the place bids fair to be a good field of labor. Brethren and sisters, pray for us and the work here.
GEO. H. SMITH.
M. AND H. ENOCH.
THE TABLES TURNED.
A TRAMP, passing through Battle Creek last week, fell into a conversation with Clem Wilson, a colored man, and it soon transpired that he was Clem's old master, in Tennessee. Clem took him to a hotel, gave him a good dinner and a dollar in money, and the old man—once a master, now a tramp—having accepted the hospitality of his former slave, marched on.—Battle Creek Journal.
—He didn't think, when sowing those wild oats in his youth, how uncomfortable this gritty oat-meal would prove for his aged teeth.—Congregationalist.
MICHIGAN
Mt. Pleasant, July 20.—Commenced meetings here the 13th inst. The outside attendance has not been large, owing to the busy season of harvest. A steady increase in attendance, however, shows an increase in interest, which is manifested as we visit and converse with those who attend. We are hopeful that good may be accomplished with the blessing of the Lord.
E. Van Deusen.
L. A. Kellogg.
Since our last report we have labored principally among the churches. Have visited Wright, Wayland, and Gaines twice each, and have also labored at Blendon, Casnovia, Ravenna, Monterey, Otsego, and Fremont Center.
The church at Wright are doing well. They have a large and successful Sabbath-school, in which old and young take an active part. At their quarterly meeting they renewed their interest in the T. and M. work, raising their subscription on the Signs from 30 to 102 copies.
The church at Ravenna are also in a prosperous condition. They have an excellent Sabbath-school, and seem of good courage. Two who took their stand for the truth during our labors at Coopersville last fall, have recently united with the church.
At Blendon and Casnovia the outside attendance was large, and we think there are good openings for future labor at these places. The brethren were encouraged, and we trust some good was accomplished.
At Gaines we enjoyed some excellent meetings. Two were baptized and united with the church. All are of good courage. The Gaines church have a Sabbath-school worthy of commendation, and it is accomplishing much good.
Our meetings at Wayland were well attended. At our first visit some who were backslidden took a new start, and the Spirit of God moved sensibly in our midst, outsiders being affected in a remarkable manner. Bro. M. S. Burnham was present and assisted in these meetings. At our second visit the meeting was one long to be remembered. Several attended from Monterey; and one brother from that place who we were informed had been in a discouraged condition, and had not borne testimony for three years, spoke feelingly. This church have a good Sabbath-school.
We met a large gathering of our brethren at Monterey. Some came from Otsego, Allegan, and Douglas. Their house of worship was well filled, and I trust our meetings with them were profitable. The weather was stormy, yet all our appointments were well attended. We did not arrive in time to attend their Sabbath-school.
At Otsego, although our meetings were in the midst of harvest, yet we had an uncommon attendance. On Sabbath their house of worship was well filled. Brethren came from Monterey, Allegan, Douglas, Plainwell, and Cooper. We enjoyed excellent meetings.
On Sunday our congregations were only moderate, but in the evening the church was filled, and quite a crowd collected without. This demonstration, with the good meetings we enjoyed, gave the brethren much courage, and we think, with them, that this is an excellent field for labor. Otsego has what we regard a model Sabbath-school.
Since July 5, we have been holding a tent-meeting at Fremont Center with only ordinary encouragement. With one exception our congregations have been small. This may be owing to lack of interest, or to the busy season. We design to labor on, hoping for the best. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Bro. Burnham is with us. The people kindly provide for our wants. We are of good courage. E. B., & E. S. Lane.