Review and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 9.
THE DIFFICULTIES WITH WHICH THE POPULAR VIEWS OF THE MILLENNIUM ARE EMBARRASSEDPage 1
Earlier text: A WORD FOR THE TRUTHINDIANA CAMP-MEETING.
By Ellen G. White
This meeting has been one of the largest and most successful ever held by our people in this State. Twenty-six tents were on the ground, and three hundred of the brethren and sisters were assembled together. The camp was well located in a beech grove, quite open on the ground, but canopied by interlacing branches that formed a natural roof of leaves, so dense that during a slight shower, scarcely a drop of rain sifted through, and not a parasol or umbrella was raised while the sun was shining. The weather was generally favorable, excepting on the Sabbath, when a heavy rain storm interrupted the sermon of Eld. S. H. Lane, in the forenoon, and broke up the meeting for the time. In the afternoon, the people assembled under the large tent, and we spoke to them on the subject of Peter’s ladder of sanctification, making temperance a prominent point in the discourse. We had the very best attention throughout. The tent was crowded, quite a large representation being from the city of Kokomo. As we looked upon the people assembled in camp, and then remembered the first camp-meeting we ever attended in Indiana, we could not forbear saying, “What hath the Lord wrought?” It was a very small company that were then gathered together, not numbering more than fifty believers; and the appearance was not at all encouraging for missionary labor in that field. But we were now rejoiced to see over three hundred believers encamped upon the ground; and we have not met at any of our camp-meetings a more intelligent, earnest, and truth-loving people than in Indiana. Many of them are persons of education and influence. The truth has been handled successfully here, demonstrating what can be done, through divine help, by earnest and persistent effort. The refining influence that the truth has upon the life and character of those who receive it, was exemplified very strongly here. While speaking, we asked those to arise who had been addicted to the use of tobacco, but had entirely discontinued its use because of the light they had received through the truth. In response, between thirty-five and forty arose to their feet, ten or twelve of whom were women. We then invited those to rise who had been told by physicians that it would be fatal for them to stop the use of tobacco, because they had become so accustomed to its false stimulus that they would not be able to live without it. In reply, eight persons, whose countenances indicated health of mind and body, arose to their feet. How wonderful is the sanctifying influence which this truth has upon the human life, making staunch temperance men of those who have indulged in tobacco, wine, and other fashionable dissipation. We here saw young men giving their hearts to God and becoming acquainted with the truths revealed in his Word. Many young men in this Conference will be workers in the cause of God. We formed a pleasant acquaintance with Dr. Hill and his wife. The latter has been an active worker in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Rochester. They have both accepted the truth, and were at the camp-meeting—the first one which he had attended for eighteen years. The Conference meetings were excellent. Brethren and sisters were prompt in occupying the time. There was no necessity for urging faithfulness in bearing testimony. Frequently from two to four were on their feet at the same time. There was no shade of complaining, but nearly all expressed gratitude and joy that they had been privileged to hear and accept the truth. The testimonies were brief, full of life, and cheerful hope, and edifying to all who heard them. The influence of the Spirit of God was present, and the tearful eyes, and broken utterances of many indicated its softening effect upon their hearts. The editor of the Kokomo Dispatch was on the ground upon the Sabbath. He afterward issued notices to the effect that we were to address the people on the subject of Christian Temperance, at the camp ground on Sunday afternoon. The day was pleasant, and the ground free from dust, because of the rain on the preceding day. Eld. Waggoner spoke with great freedom in the forenoon to a good congregation, on the subject of the Sabbath. Three excursion trains poured their living freight upon the grounds. The people here are very enthusiastic on the Temperance question. At 2:30 P. M. we spoke to about 8,000 people on the subject of Temperance, taken from a moral and Christian stand-point. We were blessed with remarkable clearness and liberty, and were heard with the best attention from the large audience present. We left the beaten track of the popular lecturer, and traced the origin of the prevailing intemperance to the home, the family board, and the indulgence of appetite in the child. Stimulating food creates a desire for still stronger stimulants. The boy whose taste is thus vitiated, and who is not taught self-control, is the drunkard, or tobacco slave of later years. The subject was taken up upon this wide basis; and the duty of parents was pointed out in training their children to right views of life and its responsibilities, and in laying the foundation for their upright Christian characters. The great work of Temperance Reform, to be thoroughly successful, must begin in the home. In the evening Eld. Waggoner spoke upon the Signs of the Times, to a large and attentive audience. Many remarked that this discourse, and his sermon upon the Sabbath, had awakened new thoughts in their minds, and that they were determined to investigate these subjects. On Monday the meetings were of deep interest. We were suffering from congestion of the lungs, as the result of a severe cold, and feared the exercise of speaking would be injurious, but while addressing the people upon the trials and difficulties endured by the apostles in establishing the Christian Church, our weariness, and pain were forgotten, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and upon many of our hearers. After speaking one hour and a half, we invited sinners and backsliders—all those who had not the evidence that they were connected with Heaven—to come forward and join their prayers with those of God’s people. Fifty responded to the invitation, fifteen of whom there made their first start in the Christian life. An unusual solemnity rested upon the congregation, while persuasive appeals were being made to seek salvation. The seasons of prayer were earnest. The Saviour of sinners seemed to be in our midst, compassionately inviting: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” Those who came forward were given opportunity to speak if they desired to do so. Many bore testimonies that they were for the first time seeking the Saviour. Two young ladies, who were sisters, lifted the cross, and expressed a determination to commence a new life. It was indeed an interesting sight. Christ says, “There is more joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance.” With quivering lips and tearful eyes many confessed their backslidings, and their firm resolve to return to the Lord, that he might return unto them, and heal all their backslidings. An appointment was then made for those who were seeking the Saviour to meet in one of the tents for special labor in their behalf. This meeting was one of the best of its kind that we ever witnessed. The seekers all sought the Lord for themselves, presenting their petitions to the pitying, sin-pardoning Saviour. A most interesting feature of this meeting was the case of a daughter of Bro. and Sister Hill, a mute of sixteen years of age. She united with the supplicating ones, and prayed by signs; it was a most solemn and impressive sight. Fifteen were baptized, among them Dr. and Mrs. Hill, and their mute daughter. Quite a number in addition will be baptized upon their return home. Tuesday morning Bro. Bartlett was ordained to the ministry. The meeting upon the occasion was a very precious season. The Lord placed his signet upon the work, and blessed Bro. Bartlett, and Brn. Waggoner and Lane, who officiated at his ordination. S. SALTUM, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
We have held meetings this week in S. Saltum, Alstrup, Bunken, and N. Saltum—all neighboring cities. We have held thirty-seven meetings in all since we came to this vicinity, and from six to seven hundred people have heard about the present truth. Most of them receive it with joy and are thankful for it. Many are awakened to a knowledge of their sins, and are concerned in regard to their salvation; but it takes time for them to overcome their old habits, and begin to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Last Sunday the priest in Alstrup church spoke against false prophets before an audience of six; while our audiences during the week have numbered from one hundred to one hundred and fifty. The priest in Saltum also warned his people against attending meetings outside of the church; but Sunday afternoon about three hundred persons listened intently to our lecture on the life and death question. This lecture will be printed in the ADVENT TIDENDE. It was an answer to some points brought up against us by two school-teachers on behalf of the church. They had invited me to answer, but neither of them were present when the answer came. If the priest and the school-teachers had thought that they could prove from the word of God that our lectures or a part of them were not in harmony with the Scriptures, then they certainly would have done their duty, and would have come to enlighten the people in regard to this fact. The majority of our hearers would then, of course, stay away from our meetings. But if we do not teach the people anything but what clearly harmonizes with the Bible, nor anything but what they very much need to learn and lay to heart, then it is better that these teachers stay away, inasmuch as they only try to hinder the work of God. We have received four subscribers to the TIDENDE, and sold some tracts. The Lord mercifully strengthens us; and we will by his help continue to labor on in hope. HOW TO COME TO CAMP-MEETING.
The P. and O. road is now open, connecting Portland and Ogdensburgh by rail. Free return checks will be furnished to all passing over this road to the meeting, east of Swanton, if they pay full fare coming. On purchasing tickets at the stations, please call for camp-meeting tickets. The cars will leave you just below the Morrisville station, where the road for the camp-ground crosses the R. R. track; and if you give directions about your baggage that will probably be left at the crossing. Teams will be in readiness here to take all to the grounds. The B. and L. road, connecting with the P. and O. at Cambridge Junction, takes passengers through from Burlington to Morrisville without change of cars. But to make this connection, those coming from the south via Rutland must be on the train which passes through Rutland about 5 o’clock A. M. Those taking cars south of Burlington should bear this in mind, as trains running up the valley from Burlington do not connect at the junction in the P. M. with eastward bound trains over the P. and O. road. In purchasing tickets at Burlington, also call for camp-meeting tickets. Yet possibly they may be sent to the camp-ground for distribution. For those passing over the Vt. Central and all roads under its control, also over the S. E. and C. and P. roads, via St. Johnsbury, we shall have free return checks on the ground. Those coming by stage from Waterbury and returning by the same, will receive a reduction of one-third of the fare on the round trip. But it is better for those coming thus, not to bring tent poles. Vt. Conf. Com. Ministers Who Only Swing on the Gate
Some one compares a text to “a gate opening into the Lord’s garden,” and says that many ministers, “instead of unlatching the gate and leading their hearers in to ‘pluck the fruit and flowers,’ content themselves by getting upon it and swinging to and fro.” Trust in Divine Assistance Brings Patience and Hope
A FIRM trust in the assistance of an Almighty Being naturally produces patience, hope, cheerfulness, and all other dispositions of mind that alleviate those calamities which we are not able to remove. SOUTHERN FRANCE.
By D. T. Bourdeau
INTERESTING accessions have been made to the cause in this city since I reported last. Bro. Gabert’s two daughters, who are first-class teachers, have been at home on a vacation, and, after close and serious examination at our meetings and in private interviews, have decided to cast their lot with this people. One of these persons has taught seven years in a high school in Southern Switzerland, and the other, a poetess whose productions are highly prized in France and Switzerland, is connected with a high school in Germany, and is a friend of a daughter of the emperor of Germany. No pains will be spared to turn these persons away from the truth; but they seem to have counted the cost. Let us pray for them. They both speak and write French and English, and have a partial knowledge of the German tongue. The political contest in this country is waxing hotter and hotter. Evidently a crisis is coming, which, we hope, will result in our favor. God’s eye is on France, as well as on other countries. There are many honest souls to be saved in France; and God will thwart the purposes of the rulers of the powers of darkness, if he has to humble the nation a second time. Deliverance will come to the honest. The extreme aggressions and injustice of the clericals must be followed by a favorable reaction. The noblest sons of France, her greatest scholars, are Republicans. Such men as Thiers, Victor Hugo, Gambetta, Jules Simon, and a host of others, will not be easily put in the shade. Their influence will be felt in favor of freedom. Who among us can read their able speeches before the dissolution of the House without being impressed with the thought that they are God’s chosen agents to open the way for the spread of the truth in France? God bless Jules Simon, the former Minister of the Interior, who was heartlessly and shamefully excluded from his office while pleading for the liberty of the press, to meet our case in connection with that of others. But in view of the present excitement, and the aggressive measures of the clerical party to gain the ascendancy, depriving the people even of the meager privileges the laws allow in matters of religion, I think it will be proper for me to labor in Switzerland for a season. I have been gradually preparing the minds of our friends on this point. I have made a trip with Bro. Gabert in the mountains of Ardèche, away from the influence of the clericals and their emissaries, and have spoken a few times, and scattered tracts. It was our privilege to receive a profitable visit from Bro. Andrews on his way to Italy. I expect to see him again shortly, as he returns to Switzerland. Rue du Parc 10, Valence, France, July 31. The interest still continues good. On Wednesday evening, when we spoke on spiritualism, we had an audience of six hundred, and the attendance has been good throughout the week. The Methodist minister of the place has commenced to preach against us. Last evening he spoke on the millennium, taking the position that the thousand years of Rev. 20 are prophetic years, and that therefore there will be a universal reign of peace and righteousness on this earth before the second advent of Christ. The resurrection to take place at the commencement of this period is a “moral resurrection” (here is a new term for our theologians to define), and has already taken place, and the millennium commenced. He has announced that he will prove the immortality of the soul next Sunday. We have advertised to speak on the millennium Tuesday evening. Eld. A. H. Hall has joined us to assist for a time in the work. We still request the prayers of our brethren for the work here. B. L. Whitney.
M. H. Brown. We closed our labors here in the tent Sunday evening. Had meetings all day Sabbath and Sunday, and about four hundred were out to our last service, although there was a union temperance meeting with a speaker from abroad at the same time. Baptized seven more after the forenoon meeting Sunday, making nine in all. We cannot tell the exact number that have fully decided to keep the Sabbath; but we have a good Bible-class formed, arrangements made for weekly prayer and Sabbath meetings, and have taken preliminary steps for the building of a house of worship. We have obtained fourteen subscribers for the REVIEW, and may still get more. Our tent is shipped to Mannsville, where we expect to hold meetings until camp-meeting week, and devote what time and attention we can to the interest here. I would say to the brethren in this vicinity, that the future success of the cause here will largely depend upon the interest they manifest in the work, and the course they take. It is due to Bro. Robinson and family, and the rest of our tent company, that I express my obligation to them for their interest and assistance, to which the success we have enjoyed is largely indebted. Attractions at Fair Point, and the “stay-away” arguments of the ministers, decreased the attendance at the tent, which was at no time very large. Sabbath, Aug. 11, nineteen adults pledged to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Not one of these had ever heard of present truth or the third angel’s message before the tent was pitched here. In view of the shortness of the time till our State Conference, we deemed it advisable to remove to Blockville, Cattaraugus Co., to commence meetings on Wednesday next. Shall meet with the friends here on Sabbaths. Meetings are appointed at a private house. Among those who have embraced the truth is a young man who desires to attend a Biblical Institute. He has been for some time past preparing for the ministry; but his way seemed blocked up. May God bless him with a life of usefulness in proclaiming the whole truth. With grateful hearts to God, we go to our third stand, more needy than ever of the prayers of God’s dear children; but full of hope, and of faith that as our day, so shall our strength be. Pray for the dear friends in Jamestown. I attended the monthly meeting at Silver Hill, July 14. The brethren were out from Fine. Had a good attendance, and freedom in speaking. I spoke to them three times. Some things that had made discord seemed to be removed. Two rose for baptism. They, with others, will be baptized soon. Sunday afternoon I went twelve miles to Hermon, and spoke once there. All the friends took part in the social meeting. This church celebrated the ordinances for the first time on this occasion. Virginia Tent No. 2: Meetings in Pendleton County
By E. B. Lane
My last course of lectures was at Dayton, Rockingham Co., where my family are now located. But two embraced the Sabbath, Bro. J. W. S. Miller and wife. Bro.71 M. is a leading merchant there, and also carries on a store in Pendleton Co., W. Va. He took a decided stand, closing both stores on the Sabbath, which has its influence in favor of the Sabbath cause. Present truth had never been preached in Pendleton Co., and Bro. Miller’s closing his store there on Sabbath excited an interest to hear on that subject, and in compliance with urgent requests, we consented to pitch the tent there. We have had large congregations and excellent interest. Have just reached the Sabbath question, and are unable to say what the results will be. Bro. R. Sawyer, who has arranged to devote all his time to the work, is with me; and we are also holding meetings in different vicinities about the tent. We are of good hope and courage. The brethren in Virginia are yet few, and S. B. is small, so we are obliged to work for a livelihood, as well as preach. For Va. Tent No. 2, which is 30x50 feet, I have run in debt, expecting to earn money to pay for it. With the blessing of God, we hope to succeed, and see the precious truths of the third angel’s message prosper here in this new field. E. B. LANE. The battle is waxing very warm here. The ministers are very much excited over the fact that so many are accepting as the truth the doctrines preached at the tent. Yesterday morning, Aug. 12, Rev. I. N. Elwood, pastor of the M. E. Church, delivered a sermon on the Sabbath question. I was invited to a seat with him, and assisted in the opening services. His argument was a strange mixture of “Fuller’s Two Sabbaths,” and the ordinary view of a change. To the Bible student, there was absolutely nothing convincing about it. Frequent allusions were made to the supposed lack of learning and ability on the part of those who are the representatives of the seventh day; and the widest possible contrast was drawn between them and the host of the holy doctors of the church who have lived during the past eighteen centuries. It was freely admitted that there was no positive proof from the Scriptures either for the abrogation of the ancient Sabbath, or for a change to another day. The sermon was closed with the usual appeal to the fathers, to make, as he said, what were really facts of Scripture, though by the Scriptures involved in obscurity, bright and luminous! Then followed an earnest prayer that the Lord would lead me out of so dangerous an error, and that I might cease to sow dissension in the Christian church. His manifest discourtesy, though vailed by his invitation to a seat in the desk, was seriously felt by many of his congregation, and men of strong minds made decisions that cannot be reversed. The most bitter prejudices are aroused, principally in the minds of those who have never been to the tent; but counter to this the most ardent friends are being raised up on every hand. But two discourses have as yet been preached against us, one of which did not demand a review. Mr. Elwood’s discourse was reviewed last evening before a vast audience, and judging from the hearty responses, the radiant faces, and the fervent greetings at the close, as well as the fervor with which the closing hymn was sung, the argument was, to the majority, conclusive. The ministers are going about from house to house, entreating, and even commanding, the people to stay away from the tent. Five more were baptized last Sabbath, and more are to go forward in a week. Many are deciding. No stopping place is apparent; in our hearts we feel to say, “The end is not yet.” During the past week the truth has been gaining new friends, partly as the result of opposition. Eld. Bowers, on Sunday, gave another sermon against the law of God. After service we repaired to the lake a few rods from the tent, where several hundred people were waiting to witness the administration of baptism. In the evening, we reviewed the Elder, showing the absurdity of his position. Last Sabbath, we organized a class of thirty-one members, and when all come in, there will be not far from sixty, including children, about half of whom have been won to the truth since we came here. We have been agitating the subject of building a church, and have had the best of success. We commenced canvassing to-day, and already we have enough, lacking $350, to build a good house. Mr. French, a prominent citizen, has given a lot to build it on, and there is now a good prospect that we shall have a house of worship in Lakeview. To-day, we met the pastor of the Baptist church at Howard City, who kindly offered us the use of their building if we would hold meetings there. One Eld. Sly, of Olivet, has sent a request to speak in the tent and expose our errors. We complied, offering the tent one-half the time. Judging from a tract which he has written and circulated here, his efforts will be a help to the cause of truth. A. O. BURRILL. WILL ELLSWORTH. Williamstown and Fowlerville.
We closed our meetings at Williamstown, Sunday evening, Aug. 5. The general interest here was never great, but a few thorough, candid individuals took a firm stand on the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. We now have our tent pitched in a good location in Fowlerville, Livingston Co., a thriving village of about twelve hundred inhabitants. The people treat us with the greatest cordiality. At the very first, they commenced to inquire after and assist in supplying our temporal wants, and to invite us to their homes. But the best of all is, they take a lively interest in the meetings, giving us their undivided attention as we present the truth to them. Wet weather does not keep them away, and they have patiently listened while the rain roared over their heads. The temperance reform movement is creating much excitement here. With our consent, they have appointed a mass meeting to be held in the tent. They expect us to address them on the occasion. Out of this whitened harvest field we shall labor to gather some sheaves for the garner of Heaven. H. M. KENTON. M. B. MILLER. I cannot see, with my small, human sight,
Why God should lead this way or that for me;
I only know He saith, “Child, follow me;”
But I can trust. I know not why my path should be at times
So straitly hedged, so strangely barred before;
I only know God could keep wide the door;
But I can trust. I find no answer, often, when beset
With questions fierce and subtle on my way,
And often have but strength to faintly pray;
But I can trust. I often wonder, as with trembling hand
I cast the seed along the furrowed ground,
If ripened fruit for God will there be found;
But I can trust. I cannot know why suddenly the storm
Should rage so fiercely round me in its wrath;
But this I know, God watches all my path,
And I can trust. I may not draw aside the mystic veil
That hides the unknown future from my sight,
Nor know if for me waits the dark or light;
But I can trust. I have no power to look across the tide,
To see, while here, the land beyond the river;
But this I know, I shall be God’s forever,
So I can trust. SALTUM, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
SALTUM is a small country place about two miles west of Alstrup. We have had four meetings here this week, two in Alstrup, one in Tise, and one in Vrensted. The friends in each place have generously opened their barns to us, so that we have had spacious meeting-houses. From sixty to one hundred and fifty persons have been present. We have had good order, and all have paid attention to the word spoken. The good Spirit of the Lord has moved upon hearts. Many have been moved, and awakened from their sleep, and have begun to inquire what they shall do to be saved. Some have commenced to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. The law of the land is very lenient in regard to Sunday. It forbids labor from 9 A. M. till 4 P. M., but adds, “The preceding provisions shall not be a hindrance to the performance of labor in the fields, when public worship is not disturbed thereby.”—Laws and Regulations for 1876. Public meetings may be held anywhere where they do not disturb the peace. But they must not be held on the holidays of the State church, while there is public worship in the churches. We have received four subscribers to Advent Tidende, and sold books for $1.-35. We have made as many visits as possible, and find many hearts ready to receive the truth. A school-teacher by the name of Jansen arose Friday evening in N. Saltum after the meeting was closed, and made a speech against me. The people, however, did not favor it, and before long they began to leave the house. Among other things, he said, “It is evident that this man does not stand on the foundation of the church. Every one can see that he has the Bible as his foundation; but the Bible is a dead letter.” I have promised to answer his remarks next Sunday. Alstrup, pr. Bronderslev, Den., Europe, July 24. DANVERS, MASS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We have now been here two weeks. If possible, the interest is growing larger every day. The past week, our audience has run from six hundred to a thousand—generally about seven hundred. They come in from every direction for miles and miles around. The whole country is stirred. All the papers report our meetings. In Danvers, they are the whole subject of conversation. In stores, in shops, and on the streets, people talk about them. All classes come, and the very best people of the city are attending constantly. We have one continual stream of visitors from morning till night. Vases of flowers, and fruit and food of all kinds, are brought in in abundance. We have received $35 in money—donations, have sold fifty-six dollars’ worth of books, and have distributed several thousand copies of our little tent tracts. We have spent nearly a week on the life and death question, canvassing it thoroughly. It has taken wonderfully. Many profess themselves thoroughly converted to that view. Yesterday, the Congregational minister preached against us on the prophecies. Everybody says it has hurt him badly. I review him to-morrow night. We feel sure that God will give us some fruits of this wonderful interest, though of course a thousand things may occur to hinder the work. But even thus far, this meeting shows that as good an interest can be had in New England as anywhere else. We have just closed our tent-meetings at Oskaloosa, and removed the tent to Indianola, Warren Co., Iowa, Elds. Farnsworth and Morrison accompanying it. As a part of the results of the effort at Oskaloosa thirty-five persons have decided to obey God. Our Disciple friends challenged us for a discussion, but when we publicly stated that we stood ready to affirm what we preach, and should expect them to do the same, and that we were ready to meet them, they failed to come to time. I remain to complete a work commenced at Beacon, two miles from Oskaloosa, where we have a good interest. Shall we have the prayers of God's people that we may move in his counsel? The interest here is good. This is a small place, but the country people turn out well. Our tent is full almost every evening. Last Sunday evening the M. E. minister spoke against us. He called us infidels, and said we believe that the spirit of man is nothing but breath. He quoted the scripture that says God's Spirit bears witness with ours that we are his children, and said God's wind bears witness with our wind that we are his children. We had not spoken on the subject, and he thought to take the advantage of us by misrepresentation. I had good liberty in replying on Monday evening. The tent was full. His discourse has done more for the truth than any two of ours. He has injured himself with the people, and some of the members of his church say that they will not go to hear him any more. The Lord is at work here. Some of the most prominent citizens have decided to keep the Sabbath. Marquette Co., Tent No. 5.
WE have held twelve meetings at Westfield, with an average attendance of about one hundred and seventy-five, who have listened attentively. The interest is good. People come in from country places eight miles away, evening after evening. Our tracts are eagerly taken. To-night, Aug. 14, we speak upon the subject, “Who Changed the Sabbath?” N. M. JORDON. A. D. OLSEN. WE have taken down the tent, and now hold meetings in the M. E. church, which has been kindly granted us for that purpose. The interest here has been good from the first. The citizens have treated us kindly, and a goodly number have professed a determination to keep all the commandments of God. We expect to form a class of at least twenty-five adults in this and the adjoining neighborhood of Beldenville. Our Sabbath-school and Bible-class are in a flourishing condition. To the Lord be praise for the measure of success he has given his truth in this place. Door, Trempealeau, and Racine Counties.
Soon after camp-meeting, I went to Door Co., and held meetings over two Sabbaths with the church at Fish Creek. The blessing of the Lord was with us. Five were baptized, and six united with the church. Three of these were Swedes living near Ephraim, at which place I held four meetings. They received the light on present truth from reading the HAROLD and other publications. I then went to Trempealeau Co., and labored with the churches at Whitehall and Hixton. All were revived and strengthened. At the first, the truth met strong opposition in these places; but the tide is turning, and many that have been most bitterly opposed to the truth are now favorable. June 26, I went to Racine, and the next week to Raymond. We were blessed in our labors in these places. These churches have been in a state of discouragement for a time, but light has broken in, and the true friends of the cause feel strengthened and encouraged. If they will heed the admonition of Paul to walk “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4: 2, 3), prosperity, and the blessing of the Lord will surely be with them. While at Raymond, I was invited to speak in the Danish Baptist church at Union Grove. I spoke to them four evenings, giving three discourses in the English and one in the Danish language. The word was well received. May the Lord lead them to see the whole truth. Rolling Prairie and Pardeeville.
OUR last report was from Rolling Prairie, July 15. We continued our meetings there till the 31st, laboring to the best of our ability in preaching, and in visiting from house to house. Many acknowledged the truth, but not one publicly confessed it. They were very kind in providing for our temporal wants; but this did not satisfy us when they slighted the warning voice of Jesus. We shall hope our labor was not in vain, and we still remember them in our prayers. August 1, we came to Pardeeville, Columbia Co., and commenced meeting the 3d. This is a village of about two hundred inhabitants. From the first, our tent has been full nearly every evening. Have had seventeen meetings, and have the subjects of the Judgment, the advent, and the Sabbath well before the people. Aug. 11, we held our first Sabbath meeting; twenty were out; a number bore a good testimony in favor of the truth. The oldest inhabitants say the people were never so interested in the religion of the Bible as now. As we visit the people, they quite generally confess the Sabbath, and their duty to keep it. We have four invitations to labor in adjoining neighborhoods when we close here. The M. E. preacher has spoken against the Sabbath, but made such a failure as to do the truth no harm. The Methodists have a camp-meeting here next week. We shall probably not hold meetings, but shall remain on the ground. Our tent is pitched near the Presbyterian meeting-house; they receive us kindly, and ring their bell for our meetings, which helps much in getting the people out on time. Nearly every evening the tent is full at the commencement of the service. Our prayer is for wisdom not to mar the work. Remember us. C. W. OLDS. S. S. SMITH. We commenced meetings here, June 21, and continued until Aug. 5. We had a good interest, and gave, in all, sixty-one lectures. There were no Sabbath-keepers here when we came; now there are about twenty-five who have embraced our views, and many others who are yet undecided. Those who have taken their stand in favor of the truth are most of them heads of families, and we think they are such persons as may be expected to prove firm. They seem to be settled, and satisfied that we have the truth. We wish to acknowledge to the glory of God, the presence and aid of his good Spirit in these meetings. We held a short discussion with Eld. Barrow, the State evangelist of the Christian Church, on the following questions: “Are the dead conscious? Will the wicked suffer in eternal torment? and are Christians required to keep the Sabbath?” This discussion was attended by large crowds of attentive listeners, and we believe the influence was decidedly in favor of the truth as we accept it. Eld. Barrow is well-informed, and has considerable natural ability. He is, no doubt, as well able to defend their position as any man they have in the West; and we trust his failure to prove his points will be of practical importance to our cause. Mr. Johnson, pastor of the M. E. Church, not being satisfied with the effort of Eld. B., tried to prove the abolition of the seventh-day Sabbath, and the substitution of the first-day Sabbath. We replied to him the next night. In the end, we think it was an advantage to us. We are now at Hebron, the county seat of Thayer Co., a small town of about four hundred inhabitants. We have as good an interest as could be expected. There is much sickness in town, which keeps many from attending who are desirous to know the truth. We have given seven lectures. May the blessing of our Heavenly Father rest upon the work here. I have labored for about a month near Dannebrog, Howard Co., under very unfavorable circumstances; but hope some good has been done. I found one brother who takes the REVIEW, and has kept the Sabbath alone for over a year. Two more have lately commenced keeping the Sabbath from reading this brother’s REVIEW. These are all Americans. There are a few among the Danes here for whom I have strong hopes. I have done what I could, under the circumstances, to bring the present truth before the people. I have sold and given away about five dollars’ worth of books and tracts, have obtained ten subscribers for the ADVENT TIDENDE, and one for the INSTRUCTOR; and now may the God of all truth bless the seed sown. I leave to-morrow, Aug. 16, for a new field of labor near by. IND. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By S. H. Lane; J. W. Covert
The Indiana Tract and Missionary Society held its fifth annual session at Kokomo, Ind., Aug. 13, 1877. Opened at 6 P. M., with singing, and prayer by Eld. Wm. Covert. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. The following report of labor for the past year was then read:— No. of families visited, 301; No. of letters written, 154. No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 31; INSTRUCTOR, 87; REFORMER, 10; SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 117. Distribution of reading matter: periodicals, 1,601; almanacs, 191; tracts and pamphlets, pp., 209; 318. Received on memberships, $20.00
By donations, $48.25
From book sales, $22.86
On new subscribers, $23.75
Total, $114.86 On motion of Eld. Wm. Covert to elect the officers direct, the following persons were elected for the ensuing year: For president, Eld. S. H. Lane; vice-president, J. M. Rees, Kokomo, Howard Co.; secretary, J. W. Covert, Alto, Howard Co.; treasurer, Florence J. Grantham, Kokomo. Directors: Dist. No. 1, J. D. Shilling, Grovertown, Stark Co.; No. 2, Wm. Covert, New London, Howard Co.; No. 3, Isaac Zirkle, Mechanicsburg, Henry Co.; No. 4, Noah Carahoof, Patricksburg, Owen Co.; No. 5, Daniel Minier, Ligonier, Noble Co. Adjourned.
S. H. LANE, Pres.
J. W. COVERT, Sec.