When we left Battle Creek in May last, we designed to attend the several camp-meetings, West and East, closing up for the season with one in California, the last of September. But we became satisfied at the close of the Iowa Camp-meeting that our health and strength was not sufficient to endure the toil and care of these meetings, however favorable the brethren might make the circumstances. We therefore decided that after a few days’ rest we would immediately start for California. But as our health and strength gradually failed, we waited still longer in hope that by rest and careful hygienic treatment, we might be better able to journey.
While waiting and resting, we received a letter from Bro. J. H. Mallory, Civil Bend, Mo., pertaining to the state of the cause there, which seemed to make it necessary that we should visit that place on our way to California. Mrs. W., fearing the result of labor upon us, should we go to Missouri, was in favor of taking the northern branch of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific line, direct by way of Omaha. But our convictions were so very strong in favor of the southern branch to Missouri and Kansas, and onward by the way of Denver, Colorado, that she yielded the point, and in company with sister Hall and Willie, we left Washington, Iowa, to meet our friends in Missouri. The result of that good meeting we have given.
We had arranged to spend two days only with Mrs. W.’s sister near Ottawa, and the Sabbath with friends near Oswego, Kansas, and the following week to make our journey to California, to reach San Francisco about the middle of July. But at the close of our good meeting in Missouri, we could not harmonize our feelings with the plan of making so rapid a trip. And while conversing upon the subject at the home of Bro. and sister Evans at Hamilton, Mo., we stated our impressions, under a most distinct sense of duty, in these familiar words:— “I do not see California yet for several weeks. My spirit rests in prospect along the way in Kansas and Colorado.” Our impressions were so very strong that we felt certain that they were made by the Holy Spirit.
The next morning we took the train for Ottawa, and before night were at the good home of brother and sister Clough. We were made so very welcome that we tarried with them thirteen days. Mrs. Clough went on horseback and gave appointments, and the last first-day we were there, Mrs. W. spoke three times in three different parts of the county, and traveled a distance93of eighteen miles the same day. The interest to hear was very great.
Brother and sister Clough informed us that they had four children in Colorado Territory, and expressed a strong desire that we should visit them. We decided to stop at Denver and spend a day or two with their daughter, Mrs. Walling. But as we reached Wamego Station, Kansas, we saw the daughter of Mrs. Dr. Chamberlain of our Health Institute looking for us. She had come with Capt. Mitchel, her sister’s husband, to take us to their good home about three miles from the station. This was unexpected, and it required activity to gather up all our hand baggage, containing four days’ hygienic rations for our journey to San Francisco, outer garments, etc., etc., and get off the train in season.
With Mr. Mitchel and family we spent two days, enjoying their hospitality and care, and what was most to be prized, their cheerful and intellectual conversation. It is no marvel that Dr. Chamberlain enjoyed a happy last winter with these her children at their Kansas home. They were from old Connecticut, and we shall call their ample home the New England House.
Our journey to Denver was fatiguing. We were very feeble. Symptoms were alarming. For some time we were not able to stand. In this condition, while lying up on the station house floor, with our shawl for a mattress, and traveling bag for a pillow, we were very glad to see Willie, who had been in search for Mr. Walling, and a gentleman riding up to the depot in a carriage. Willie introduced him to us as Mr. Walling. He took us to his home, where we met Mrs. W.’s two nieces, Mrs. Walling and Miss Mary L. Clough.
Here again, poor health and the urgent invitation of kind friends induced us to remain in Denver a few days, and finally to come to the mountains, about forty miles, to a retired, healthful place called Walling’s Mills. Mr. Walling does a large business in the mountains; but has located his family in Denver to educate his children.
We have now been in the mountains about five weeks, enjoying the most favorable circumstances for health, with the exception of receiving and answering too many business letters, and doing too much writing generally. In this, we feel that we have not done justice to friends here who have felt a deep interest for our rapid restoration to health, and have done all for us that kindness and respect could dictate.
The mountain air here is delightful. What if it be light at this altitude? take more of it, and let the lungs expand. Water here is the purest of the pure. Coming down from those mountain heights, where lie the eternal snows, it is cool and pure. The scenery is grand beyond description. We have Indian ponies at our command for the saddle, to climb the passable mountains, and horses and carriage to go where we please. We are now making preparations for a company of seven of us to go over the Snowy Range to the Middle Park. We take tents, blankets, provisions, &c., on horseback, as transportation on wheels is next to impossible, and tardy. It will require an “outfit,” to use a Colorado expression, of nine horses to take seven and necessary baggage. This trip will occupy twelve or fifteen days.
Provisions in this Territory are high. But we find the best wheat and vegetables here we have ever seen. Fruit is scarce. Besides natural strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries, we have only that which is brought from California and States east. Pears are twenty-five cents per pound, and apples, fifteen. Potatoes are three cents per pound, and other vegetables in proportion.
Here are invalids from all parts in search of health. They usually travel in plain covered wagons, and camp out in tents. And thus they move slowly among the mountains, viewing the ever-changing scenery as they pass through this natural hospital of America, stopping at villages and cities for supplies. This manner of life is generally attended with great expense, especially to those who come by railroad from other States, and hire their teams in the Territory. But that which is more unpleasant to invalids, is to feel that they are in a land of strangers, who have no interest in their cases.
Not so with us. God in his providence had made things ready for us, and then, contrary to all our plans, led us here. And since we came here we have laid our plans to leave several times, and go direct to San Francisco; but it has seemed to us that the hand of Providence has held us, and we have so often disappointed our friends in California.
And, notwithstanding our feebleness, we have not spent a summer so pleasantly for twenty years, as we have with friends in Kansas and Colorado. We have attended but few meetings, in fact, have seen but few people excepting our relatives. If it be asked, Were you not lonesome? Blessed lonesome! To be comparatively free from care and to enjoy a feeling of freedom from responsibility, has been to us the very next thing to Heaven. We have enjoyed a peaceful rest of spirit, sweetened with fresh evidences of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the guiding hand of Providence which has almost every waking hour reminded us of our exercises of mind at Bro. and sister Evans, of Hamilton, Mo., when we gave utterance to our feelings and views in words which we will again repeat:— “I do not see California yet for several weeks. My spirit rests in prospect along the way in Kansas and Colorado.” What seems very remarkable, and has been to us evidence that the special providence of God has been leading, is the fact that at this time we had no intimation that we had a relative, or especial friend, in the territory of Colorado.
We shall probably spend six months, or more, in California, covering the period of cold weather here in the mountains. This is a delightful summer resort; but cold, stormy, and disagreeable in winter. While our friends east, and the secular papers, report intense heat in Michigan, and farther east, and many cases of sunstroke, we have not witnessed forty-eight hours for the past six weeks too warm for winter clothing.
We now design to spend our summers here, and our winters in a more favorable climate, until health shall be confirmed, and the General Conference Committee get the right men at Battle Creek to bear the burdens. Then, if our services are wanted there as a counselor, while others, competent to execute, and willing to do the work, will stand by our side, then, God willing, we will make Battle Creek our headquarters.
Our interest in, and hope for, the speedy and glorious triumph of the cause, is increasing. The REVIEW AND HERALD is improving. It is received each week with joy, and read with the deepest interest. And the intelligence from the tent companies, in the several States, of the victories of the truth, is wonderful. God is raising up an army of young men valiant for the truth, and earnest in the fight. And it is a fact, ever encouraging, and soul-sustaining, that our people are ready to sustain the cause in all its branches where faithfulness is maintained by those who manage. We take our position with the people, and pledge faithfulness to those who have been true to the cause, and to us in our efforts to advance it, from the beginning.
JAMES WHITE.
Black Hawk, Col., Aug. 27, 1872.
Men and Things.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
John Locke thus briefly states the obstacles which always oppose any reformation.
Every religious and political innovation is opposed by the timidity of some, the obstinacy and pride of others, and the ignorance of the bulk of mankind. All improvement, therefore, in religion and politics, must be gradual.
Another eminent man says, truly too,
Doctrines are of use only as they are practiced. Men may go to perdition with their heads full of truth. To hold the truth and fight for it is one thing. To be sanctified through it is another.
Let us look out, friends, while we are pulling others out of the fire that we do not slip in ourselves.
Here is another rich truth which selfish men should learn by heart.
It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.—C. D. Warner.
CLERICAL DRINKING IN SCOTLAND.
An American gentleman, one month abroad, writes from Edinburgh to a friend in this city:
“Saturday night, Cork and Dublin seem to be given over to one huge drunk—Glasgow the same. I don’t know how it may be here to-night, but if the Presbyterian ministers who are attending the Grand Presbyterian Council here are a fair sample, Edinburgh must be the ‘drunkenest’ place in the world. I saw a number of them at dinner at our hotel yesterday take enough sherry, champagne, claret, brandy, and hot Scotch, to send a great many Yankees under the table.”
One would hardly suppose this possible, but there is too much proof of it to be doubted. This is a sign of the last days. See Matt. 24: 48-51; Isa. 56: 9-12.
Bad men can say some good things as witness the following:
Mohammed once said, “When a man dies, men inquire what he has left behind him; angels inquire what he has sent before him.”
THE CHURCH’S POWER.
The following words most clearly and forcibly point out where our strength as a church must chiefly be found. If we are wanting here, we are but a dead carcass, a sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal. We ask our lay brethren and sisters to give this a careful reading.
“There is one thing better than being seen. It is good for a church to be visible, but it would be much better that it should be felt; for, after all, it is not the size of the church, it is not even the power of its preachers, or the excellence of its administration, or the emphasis with which it can use its voice on public questions, social or political. It is not in that the true power of a Christian Church consists. It is in the spiritual force by which it propagates the Gospel of Christ. This is a thing which cannot be measured by the multitude of the congregation, the size of its Assembly, or the eloquence of its debates. It consists in the quiet, solitary, and secret working of its ministers and members, by the purity of its teachings from the pulpit, in their enlightened zeal for every good and honorable cause.”
Numbers are to be greatly desired, talent to be coveted, means to be wished for, influence to be sought, learning to be cultivated,—all these and much more, are not to be despised; but they are only the hands and feet with which we are to work. There must be a warm heart, a full soul, and a melting spirit back of all these to give them life and power. We want the power of the Holy Ghost welling up in the heart, running over in our prayers, and watering all in every word we say. D. M. Canright.
Climbing up Another Way.
By R. F. Cottrell
SOME speak of climbing up to Heaven some other way than that appointed by the word of God. There is no harm in this figure; but this is not the figure employed by the Saviour. He is the good Shepherd and his people are his sheep. When he made his advent to earth, he came to the sheepfold by the gate, the proper entrance—the way pointed out in prophecy by which the Christ should come. Hence it was the first business of those who wrote the history of his life on earth, to show that he came of the proper lineage and in the very way that the prophets had predicted.
On the contrary false christs could present no such credentials. Instead of coming to the sheep by the door of prophecy, they were like the thief that comes in the dark and climbs over the fence. Jesus declares all these to be thieves and robbers. “The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life.”
The figure is somewhat changed when he says, “I am the door of the sheep.” This alludes to the fact that there is no other way into the fold of God, but by him. There is no other name by which we may be saved.
The good Shepherd knows his sheep, and they hear his voice and follow him. The Jews that would not hear his voice were not of his sheep. He also had other sheep, of the Gentiles, and not of the Jewish fold. These were brought in when the middle wall was broken down; and there is one fold and one Shepherd.
The sheep have been scattered in the dark and cloudy day of apostasy; Eze. 34:12; and have been cooped up in different pens; but the gathering call is sounding, and they will hear the voice of the good Shepherd, and be brought together to the one fold. R. F. COTTRELL.
Way-Marks.
By C. O. Taylor
MILE-STONES along the highway, and light-houses on the rock-bound coast, are very important to the weary traveler and weather-beaten mariner. They serve several purposes. They tell the traveler how far he has come, how much farther he has to go. In addition, the light-house points out the dangers to the sailor. He has long been separated from loved ones. He would reach the harbor. He would not shipwreck now. He strains his vision forward until he catches a glimpse of light. Though dim at first, he does not lose sight of it. His safety depends on keeping it in view and sailing by it. He is coming nearer to it. It affords him ample light. He is safe while by it. It is now at his side. He has passed it. It is in the rear, now far in the distance. He still steers by it. He watches it till nearly lost to sight.
He casts his eye forward, and beholds another. He now directs his course by it, as he did by the first. He continues to see light after light. He governs by each as by the first. He keeps his course by these lights till the last is passed, and he drops anchor in the safe harbor, or rounds the pier and is safe from every storm and danger. His safety and that of others depends on his watching. He knows it. Though his eye is heavy at times, still he watches. Though the night be long and dark, he watches.
What the mile-stones are to the traveler, and the light-houses to the sailor, the prophetic word of God is to the church of Christ. As the former is in great danger without these, so is the latter. These lights are placed by the government. The great Governor of all worlds has placed lights and way-marks all along the stream of time, to warn the church of dangers, and to bring her safe to the rest that remains for her. He has increased these lights, as the church gets nearer home, or comes into the perils of the last days. Of the many, we have only time to mention one, “The angry nations.” Rev. 11: 18. By looking, we can but see that this light-house to the church is far down the coast of time; what follows is the wrath of God, the Judgment, the giving reward to the good and bad. Look where you will, north, south, east, or west, where there is a nation, and this light-house has been in sight for the last fifteen or twenty years. We need not go from our own nation to see a clear fulfillment of this prophecy. I copy a part of a correspondence written from Albany, N. Y., to the Jefferson County Journal, which utters the feelings of thousands in every nation:
“Arriving in Albany, I found that a good deal was being said about the Alabama claim, and the prospects of a war with England. Not a man have I heard say, ‘Let us have peace,’ even if it must be bought by a little backing down on the part of the American people. The word of our President has gone forth, and there is not a man in the country that will not fight, if need be, to back it up.”
The talk of fighting shows the pent-up feelings that will have vent when the church has passed another light, now in sight. Rev. 7:1. We see the red torch of war, when nations will have fighting to their full, and will wipe each other out on the bloody plains of Armageddon. Jer. 25:15–33. C. O. TAYLOR.
Roman Catholic Internationals.
The following article from the Watchman and Reflector speaks for itself; but it speaks of new elements of strife and swiftly-coming trouble which the world would do well to heed. Ponder well the testimony and prepare for the coming storm. The Watchman says:—
The Internationals, of whom we have heard so much of late years, would exalt human brotherhood above the accidental distinctions of race and the factitious distinctions of rank. But, however good their end, they aim at it by the worst of means. They would succeed, not by a universal diffusion of the idea and spirit of brotherhood, but by the extirpation of the classes above themselves and the abrogation of all law. They would establish anarchy, and call it peace. They would repeat the reign of terror and the deeds of the Communists all over the world, only they would push both to a bloody success.
But a new and worse class of Internationals are springing up. The name of the organization is “The Catholic Militant Union of the Cross.” It was first suggested by the pope, and the thing is being pushed by the bishops. It proposes to include within it all male Catholics fifteen years old and upward throughout the world. Females eighteen years old and upward form themselves into auxiliary societies. Children who have had their first communion become Aspirant Members, and children from their birth up to their first communion are enrolled as “Co-operative Members.” Each member avows his belief in the pope’s infallibility. Its object is to defend the church and the pontifical chair; i. e., to labor for the restoration of the pope’s temporal rule, and the universal recognition of his infallible authority. Its means are prayers, instructions, sermons, and EVERY ACT APPROVED BY THE POPE. Its name, “Militant Union,” suggests what some of these acts will be, whenever the pope issues his infallible order as “Commander-in-Chief” of all the papal hordes throughout the world. We may as well look this thing in the face. It means fight. It means war to the knife with carnal weapons of the latest and most effective patterns, and with ample material, whenever the right moment shall come. It means the plunging of all Europe into war, so soon as the necessary combinations can be effected, and its support by contributions from all lands.
Some may ridicule all this, but it is only in keeping with the whole past history of popery; and this history, with all its holy wars, and inquisitions, and auto da fe, and unprincipled strategy, is now fully accepted, from pope to priest, as involving the true ideal of church. It boldly rejects all the current ideas respecting the spirit of the age, human progress and civilization. The pope claims to be, as God’s vicegerent, not only head of the universal church, but the supreme ruler of the nations; and every Roman Catholic bishop is pledged by oath to do his utmost to securing the recognition, and when the time is right for it, the assertion of these claims by force. Hence, the pope calls on all Catholics to lay aside all national and personal views, and to enter heart and soul into the work of the Militant Union.
We regard both classes of Internationals, with all their lofty professions, as equally enemies of the human race,—the latter, however, as vastly the worse of the two.
West Bolton, Vt.
By A. S. Hutchins
The Sabbath preceding our camp-meeting, I spent with the church here. After a meeting, in which all seemed refreshed and strengthened to prosecute the heavenly journey, we repaired to the water side, where I baptized two. Dark, heavy clouds hung over us in the heavens above. The lightnings flashed and leaped from cloud to cloud, and the thunders rolled, reminding us of the great day of God's wrath, so soon to burst upon the ungodly in the seven last plagues. But there was peace, calm, sweet, and sacred, in the hearts of the believers.
The two baptized were women somewhat advanced in life. They have heard much preaching, and passed through many reformations, but not till our tent-meetings here one year ago did they fully resolve to enlist in the army of the Lord. May much of the blessing of the Lord rest upon them. Two others also were united to the church.
We have been favored with an excellent camp-meeting in this vicinity, which, it is evident, has left a deep and lasting impression upon the minds of many, for good. The servants of God spoke with power, yet affectionately, the most solemn and pointed truths. To the word spoken, we most ardently pray that the Lord may give increase. If we are not all the better for this meeting, who attended it, we certainly sustain a great, and it is to be feared, an irreparable loss.
Many of us were disappointed that Bro. and sister White could not attend the meeting. But these worn servants of God cannot be at all places, where many hearts would welcome them with joy. We must learn that it consists not so much in whom we see, or who speaks the truth to us, as in our devotion to this cause and faithfulness on our part, that secures the blessing we need.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Aug. 22, 1872.
Michigan Tent Meetings and Spiritualist Excitement at Almont
By E. Brackett, Jr.
Michigan.
JULY 28, I left home to join Bro. Kenyon in the tent at Holly in the absence of Bro. E. B. Lane. I remained there one week. The interest seemed to be good and increasing.
August 7, left for Almont, where Bro. Lamson still remained after moving the tent from there. Here I found many warm friends to the cause of truth, and have enjoyed much of the blessing of the Lord while with them, in visiting and conversing with them at their homes.
There is a great excitement in this place at present over spiritualism. A lady and gentleman arrived here last week claiming to be sent by the spirits. They have held one meeting in the hall, at which they performed some wonders. The rest of their time has been employed in receiving communications from the supposed spirits of the dead, and while influenced by these spirits, drawing pictures to represent the family of the one who desires such a picture. These drawings, in the form of a bouquet or wreath, contain as many flowers as there are members of the family both dead and living. They are painted with a brush, while the medium is securely blind-folded and is giving a history of each member of the family, or describing any person that may be passing on the street.
I have seen several of these pictures, and think that they cannot be surpassed in execution and design.
These representations are executed in open daylight and in the presence of as many as choose to be witnesses. How fast is this delusion spreading. If it were possible, they would deceive the very elect.
We have prayer-meetings two evenings in the week, besides speaking in the hall Sabbath and Sunday, and twice a week four miles north, in a school-house. The prayer-meetings are well attended, nearly all taking part, and are characterized by the deepest of feelings and spirituality. The interest in the country demands a full course of lectures, which I trust can be given after the camp-meeting. Souls are famishing for want of the bread of life. Calls are coming up from all parts of the land for help, but where are the men that have the cause of God at heart, who can carry the words of life to perishing souls? Let every one ask the question, Have n't I a work to do? Is there no burden of souls resting upon me? Let us all quicken our pace and take a stand at the head of the ranks, equipped with the armor of God, prepared for the battle that is before us. The cause of God should lie near our hearts and then we would be ready to make any sacrifice for its advancement.
E. Brackett, Jr.
Almont, Aug. 22, 1872.
Nebraska Church Holds Experience Meetings and Sabbath School
Nebraska.
Bro. D. M. McWILLIAMS writes from Harrison Co., Nebraska: We continue to hold our experience meetings and Sabbath-school every Sabbath. Our meetings are attended with much interest. All that have taken hold of the good work, and have resolved to keep the Sabbath and all the commandments of God, are proving themselves faithful. We think that the Lord’s blessing attends us. We are striving to become better acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. We hope some brother approved by the church will call this way soon and fully organize a church. We are determined to seek after glory, immortality, and eternal life.
J. ERTZENBERGER
By J. Ertzenberger
Switzerland.
ALTHOUGH my reports are becoming less frequent, the work of God is not stopping in Switzerland. And although we cannot report the conversion of thousands, or of hundreds, nor even of ten at once we are happy to tell of the determination of two more to keep the commandments of God. And as there is joy in Heaven over one sinner that repents more than over ninety and nine just persons, who have no need of repentance, shall we not rejoice over two who turn to the Lord.
And as our dear brethren of America are enjoying special seasons of blessing, so did we, July 26 to 28.
Baptism being desired by most of those who accepted the truth last winter and spring, it was decided to accept the cordial invitation of the Church at Tramelan to go there for baptism. This took place July 26. And I shall never forget the hearty welcome of the dear ones there as we arrived, their pleasure to lodge those whom they never saw before, and the good spirit which prevailed in our several meetings.
July 27, twelve candidates were buried with Christ in baptism, and in the evening of the same day the Lord's supper was celebrated. It was a solemn and blessed season to all. And as we bowed down before the Lord in prayer before the parting hand was shaken, which took place in the afternoon of July 28, we could feel the sweet presence of God and the truth of his holy word, as written in Psalm 133:1. To the Lord be all the praise.
J. ERTZENBERGER
Bienne, July 12, 1872.
THE LAST GATHERING MESSAGE.
By Rebekah Smith
To say we want to overcome,
And hope to be forgiven,
Will not effect the work we need,
In fitting us for Heaven.
For those who have not living faith
Implanted in the heart,
Will from the holy “little flock,”
Soon falter and depart.
The church from all dead weights will rise,
The Achans be purged out;
And those who stand each trying test,
The victory soon will shout.
The truly honest ones will come,
The last loud cry will heed,
Till there will be a company
Of Israelites indeed.
What is the pure cementing truth
That binds us with a cord,
That takes us from all others? ’Tis
The Sabbath of the Lord.
REBEKAH SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H. July 1, 1872.
Industry Improves Talent, Indolence Wastes It
The noblest talents rust in indolence; and the most moderate, by industry, may be astonishingly improved.
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
THOUGH the work here moves slowly, yet it moves. The quarterly meeting at East Otto, just past, was the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever convened in this county. Over forty, I think, were present; some of whom have recently embraced the truth. Bro. Phillips of Allegany County met with us, and Bro. and sister Truesdell of Wyoming County. Our meetings were interesting. One was baptized. Some friends were present from a few miles distance who manifested an earnest desire to hear, and some near neighbors still come out, even on the Sabbath, to attend these meetings.
R. F. COTTRELL.
East Otto, N. Y., Aug. 19.
Dimensions of the Great New York and Brooklyn Bridge
THE following are the dimensions of the great bridge now being erected between New York and Brooklyn: Total length, 5,862 feet; length of central span, 1,600 feet; elevation above high water, 130 feet; width of bridge floor, 80 feet; height of towers above high water, 268 feet; base of towers at water line, 134 by 56 feet.—New York Tribune.
Flushing, Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn; Sands H. Lane
WE closed our meetings in this place and vicinity for the present on Sunday evening, Aug. 25. The whole country for miles around has been aroused. The Bible and the points of present truth proclaimed at the tent have become the principal theme of conversation. To say the least, the majority of the people who have heard us are convinced of the truth, and many are convicted of their duty. Sabbath, Aug. 17, was a good day for the cause with us. We had no meeting at the tent, but we all assembled in general meeting at Flushing village. One hundred or more were present, the greater part of whom had recently begun to keep all the commandments of God. After a short discourse, we had a good social meeting in which between thirty and forty testimonies were given. Arrangements were also made for future meetings here after the tent should be taken down, and Bro. Hiram Fenner was appointed leader.
On Sunday, the 18th, we had three meetings in the tent, all of which were well attended. We introduced the subject of Spiritual Gifts, which made quite a stir among the people, but finally resulted favorably. During the week following we spent nearly all our time in the day visiting from house to house, while evenings we had meeting at the tent. The weather was good and the congregations ranged from one hundred to two hundred each evening. The people seemed to drink down the truth as they would cold water in a sultry day.
On Sabbath, the 24th, we had meeting in the tent. About one hundred were out, and we had a most excellent meeting. We gave a short discourse, and then followed a social meeting in which thirty-one spoke of the goodness of God in giving them the opportunity to hear the truth, and of their determination to keep the Sabbath. There not being time for all to speak, we called on all that had not spoken, who wished to bear testimony to the truth and had made up their minds to keep the commandments of God, to manifest it by rising up. Over thirty arose. Thus, between sixty and seventy testified in favor of the truth. This was cheering to our hearts, and we felt to say, To God be all the praise.
The following day was pleasant, in which we had three meetings, and the attendance was large, especially in the evening when about four hundred were present. We counted sixty-one teams, most of them with lumber wagons, hitched along the road by the tent. A good, and we hope lasting, impression was made upon the people by the truths presented to them to-day. Invitations for us to preach in school-houses were given us from as many as half a dozen places. A large field is open for the truth, and the people seem very anxious to hear. We shall return to them soon and carry on the work.
The result of the effort made with the tent in this place may be summed up as follows:
There are seventy-five or eighty now keeping the Sabbath. We have sold $45.00 worth or more of books, besides giving away many tracts. We have obtained twelve subscribers for the REVIEW, three for the Instructor, and one for the Reformer. We had to pay $10.00 rent for the ground on which our tent stood in Flushing, but the ladies who became interested in our meetings, unknown to us, made up the sum of $11.10, which they handed to us to meet that expense. Our board bill at the hotel was $14.00, and the brethren wishing to make this up handed us $14.35, which they had raised without our knowledge. May it be the privilege of all these friends to live the truth, enjoy the rich blessing of God, and at last reach the home of the saints.
As a tent-company, we have labored together in perfect harmony, and our association with each other has been pleasant. God has condescended to bless us in our labors, and we will praise him; for it is his work.
I. D. VAN HORN,
SANDS H. LANE.
The Northern Illinois Tent.
By T. M. Steward; R. F. Andrews
The interest has been deepening and widening since our last report. The 11th inst., Dr. Scott made an effort to prove the immortality of the soul, and the 18th inst., Prof. Doig endeavored to prove a change of time for the observance of the Sabbath. Both of these men belong to the Faculty of the United Presbyterian College in Monmouth.
After a labored effort to prove the change of time for the observance of the Sabbath, the learned Professor made the following frank admission: “I am aware that there is no direct command for a change of time in the word of God.” Thus he squarely disagrees with the “Westminster Assembly.” See answer to question 59 of their shorter catechism.
His discourse was reviewed in the evening, after which we took an expression to see how many believed that the commandments of God were now binding just as God spoke and wrote them. About one hundred testified that they so believed by arising to their feet. Then we asked all to arise to their feet that believed the first-day of the week was now binding upon us, and could give one text of Scripture to sustain it. Of course no one arose.
About twenty have commenced to keep the Lord’s Sabbath, and we hope for a good many more. We struck our tent the 20th inst., and at the request of quite a number of friends and after prayerful consideration have pitched it in the City of Monmouth, Warren Co., Ill. We commence meetings this evening. Brethren, pray for us.
T. M. STEWARD,
R. F. ANDREWS.
Monmouth, Ill., Aug. 22, 1872.
South-West Missouri.
By L. D. Santee; J. G. Wood
MEETINGS commenced in Milford, Mo., Aug. 1, under the labors of Bro. Blanchard, who, after preaching a few times, was taken down with a fever, and the meetings closed. When we arrived on the 9th, it was decided at first to close the meeting the evening of the 10th, for want of efficient laborers; but after more mature reflections and much prayer we concluded to comply with the request of the brethren present, trusting in God to water the word and give the increase.
Since the first evening the attendance has been good. The people are interested in the truths we present. All are reading their Bibles. About a dozen have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Many others are convinced, and the interest seems to be on the increase. Yesterday, we reviewed a manuscript against the Sabbath and in favor of first-day observance with good effect. To-morrow evening we expect the Methodist preacher of the place to present his views of the Sabbath question in the tent with the understanding that it will be reviewed. Pray for us, that we may in meekness and humility present the truth.
L. D. SANTEE,
J. G. WOOD.
Davidson Co., Tenn
By R. K. McCUNE
Tennessee.
We are still holding on to the faith, are maintaining a weekly prayer-meeting and Sabbath-school, and looking and longing for a preacher.
But we praise God that we have the light that we enjoy, and have such an excellent weekly visitor as the REVIEW.