NOTHING is more common than to turn the Scriptures from their true meaning, for the varied purposes of controversy and debate, or for sport and ridicule, or to prop up old, decayed causes, sects, and popular doctrines. But of all misrepresentations, none are more dangerous than the effort to oppose reform among the people of God at this time, by attempting to break the force of such scriptures as call for attention, study, and obedience, and the attempt to turn from their true sense such passages as seem to be capable of being bent and twisted out of shape.
Thus, when the attention is called to the claims of the fourth precept of the decalogue, many say that the Old Testament is of no force in this dispensation, and to prove this, they quote, thus: “Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The objector cannot tell where this is to be found but is confident that it is truly Scripture. Now turn to 2 Cor. 5: 17, and read as follows: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This text is introduced by the word “therefore,” and is connected with remarks in the preceding verses which refer to acceptance with God (verse 9), appearing at the judgment seat (verse 10), persuading men, while knowing the fear of the Lord (verse 11), of sincere labors (verses 12, 13), of the love of Christ and his death (verses 14, 15), and of the necessity of a knowledge of Christ’s office and work (verse 16); and in no one of these texts is there any especial allusion to any particular part of the Bible, but they teach the necessity of a living faith in Christ, and show the great change it produces in the character of men (verses 1–8).
In making the application of the text: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature,” Paul proceeds, in verses 18–21, to speak of the necessity of being reconciled to God by the death of his Son; and in an outburst of love, he exclaims in verse 20: “We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” In verses 18 and 19 he speaks distinctly of God’s reconciling men to himself by Jesus Christ. All of this chapter (2 Cor. 5), is closely connected, by the words, therefore, and, now, then, for, therefore, if, and similar connectives, showing beyond any doubt that it is a connected whole.
Where, then, is the evidence that this expression, “old things are passed away,” means that the Old Testament is an obsolete affair? Ah! it is a base wresting of Paul’s words to say so; for Paul here speaks of putting on the new man at conversion, and putting away the works of the carnal heart.
This new man is spoken of again in Galatians 6: 15: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” The character which a new creature would develop is made clear by reference to 1 Cor. 7: 19: “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God”—the commandments written by the finger of God upon tables of stone.
Now with such evidence as this, who would be so foolish and wicked as to quote the text, “old things are passed away,” &c., as applying to the good old Bible which was the Bible in Paul’s day, the only Bible, as the New Testament was yet unwritten.
The above is only a single instance among many, and is cited as an illustration of the many shifts made by people to ward off the claims of God’s law, for which purpose many passages are wrested from their real meaning.
JOS. CLARKE.
The School
By S. Brownsberger
The fall term of Battle Creek College opens its session Aug. 30, and continues 16 weeks. For a detailed description of the location, building and grounds, of this College, we refer the reader to the first annual Catalogue, which is now ready for general distribution; adding only this, that for eligibility, substantialness, and beauty, they are not surpassed by those of any similar institution in the land.
It is the cherished design of those who have the welfare of this College in hand, not only to afford the very best advantages that can be secured for the thorough education of its students, but also to throw around them such associations and influences as shall best tend to develop a sound religious experience. Furthermore, it is the design of the Trustees to spare no pains in making the corps of teachers the most accomplished and efficient.
The assurance the parents have that they are sending their sons and daughters to substantial buildings, to beautiful grounds, and teachers competent to educate them, we believe is not sufficient to warrant them in giving up a parent's watchcare over their children. This assurance may be given by a thousand schools in the land and yet parents revolt at the thought of resigning their trusts to them.
But the questions, Under what influences, in the sphere of what associations, under what discipline, are our children to be? are questions which come very impressively to the heart of every true parent. We would state, in brief, something relative to these most important considerations:—
First, we have the utmost confidence in those who first proposed the establishment of this school. The way was clear before them. There was no doubt in their minds of the necessity and the feasibility of the project. They clearly saw the danger to which our youth were exposed in the public schools of our land. They saw just as clearly the possibility of establishing the right kind of a school as they saw the necessity for it. With the necessity clearly before them, God opened the way and led them to act. We recognize the hand of God in the results before us. There need be no failure in what God disposes his servants to undertake.
Though the project may not be now in all respects as God would have it, yet we trust in him, and we have the assurance that he will not forsake us. He would not have us stop short of perfecting the work that he has begun. In short, it is the fixed purpose of those who bear the responsibilities of the school to carry out the plans that have been undertaken in the fear of God, and carried forward as his providence opened the way before them. In view of these facts, what part does it behoove our friends and brethren to act in this enterprise? Not only does the cause of education among us demand your earnest co-operation, but your duty to your children should constrain you to make some sacrifices to give them an education under favorable circumstances. It is true the Lord is soon coming. Why, then, should you hesitate to give culture, strength, and form to the expanding intellects of your youth? You will be rewarded not for what you might have done, but for what you have done. These responsibilities resting upon us are of no trivial character. Your children will not only receive good, but will strengthen themselves for efficient labor in the cause of God. Let us see a general coming up on the part of our brethren in support of the school. Those wishing a copy of the catalogue, will please enclose stamp, and address,
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE,
Battle Creek, Mich.
S. BROWNSBERGER.
General Conference Summary.
By Uriah Smith
We are happy to be able to give so full a report as is presented from the different State Conferences, in our General Conference statistics. But the returns are far from complete. From two Conferences, we have received no report, but take the figures of previous years, which we are certain have since been increased. And in those Conferences which have sent in their figures, many churches failed to report, so that the figures must fall considerably short of the reality. When will church clerks and other officers come up to their duty? We are confident that full returns would show at least ten thousand communicants, and not less than forty thousand dollars of Conference funds.
U. S.
Lost Trunk and Bed-Quilt
Notice.
A LARGE, black trunk, fastened with a padlock, was left upon the camp-ground at Battle Creek; also a pieced bed-quilt. They are held by the Committee, subject to the order of the owners. Address, J. G. Whipple, Battle Creek, Mich.
Eastern Camp-Meetings.
By S. N. Haskell
We have read with interest the cheering reports from the Western Camp-meetings. The annual Michigan Camp-meeting has also been a success, as will be seen by the report. We look forward with the deepest interest to these annual gatherings in the East. The brethren in New York and the New England States have for a number of years been deprived of the labors of Bro. and sister White at our camp-meetings, with the exception of sister White's tour last summer. The health and courage of these servants of the Lord are good, and God is with them in power.
There are advantages to be obtained at these annual gatherings over all other meetings. Bro. and sister White come to our Eastern Camp-meetings accompanied by Eld. D. M. Canright, who is just from the Pacific Coast. We hope that none of our brethren will be deprived of the privilege of seeing them, and of sharing in the out-pouring of God's Spirit by remaining at their homes. There should be an extra effort made by our brethren and sisters not only to come to these meetings themselves, but to bring with them their children, neighbors, and friends, that they too may come under the especial influence of God's Spirit, and be led to give their hearts to him.
We look for a larger gathering of our friends than at any previous meeting of the kind. We hope that no ordinary difficulty will hinder the coming of any. If you are backslidden, come. If you have lost your hope and courage in God, come. If you are enjoying the presence of God, come. Whatever may be your spiritual condition, come to the camp-meeting; come, praying for God's blessing, and he will meet with you.
S. N. HASKELL.
The Work in Africa.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO. JOSEPH EERNHARDT, a French ex-soldier, aged 22 years, who served through the Franco-Prussian war, received the Sabbath in St. Louis, Senegal, Africa, about two years ago. He reports that there are six families keeping the Sabbath in that place, and from the account he gives I think this must be the result of Sr. Hannah More’s faithful labors. I baptized this young man four weeks ago.
I think the providence of God has brought him among us to stir up our minds on the importance of extending the work in foreign lands. He is a good German scholar, has quite a good knowledge of the French and Spanish languages, and speaks the Italian some. He now wishes to learn the English, and to become more familiar with our views and ways, that he may return to Africa as a missionary. He wishes to find employment as a clock repairer or farmer with a substantial Sabbath-keeping family in a good church in or near Battle Creek, that he may learn the English language, and attend one or more terms of our school and a course of Biblical lectures. If any know of, or can make, any such opening for him, let them address, in regard to it, Uriah Smith, Battle Creek, Mich.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Close of the Conference.
The Detroit Evening News of Aug. 21, published the following notice of the closing exercise of our recent meeting in this place:—
At an adjourned meeting of the General Conference of the United States of the Seventh-day Adventists, which was held on their campground, near Battle Creek, Monday, statistics were read showing that the denomination has 13 districts in this State, while throughout the United States it has 339 churches, 145 ministers, and believers numbering about 18,000.
Various resolutions were passed, commending in high terms the workings of the “Health Reform,” recognizing the hand of God in the establishment of a school at Battle Creek, its establishment being unmistakable evidence that God would shield the youth of Seventh-day Adventists from the evils current in other schools, recognizing in the fulfillment of the message in Rev. 14 : 9, the nearness of the end of the world, recommending that a printing office be established in Europe, and that the truth be printed in the German and French tongues, and the openings now presenting themselves in Great Britain, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Hungary, Africa, and Australia be filled, and rejoicing in the prosperity of the cause on the Pacific Coast, as evidenced in the gathering of one thousand souls in the territory between Mexico and British Columbia.
About half as much time was occupied by the camp-meeting this year as last, which necessitated the use of more of the time for business purposes. Nevertheless, a deep religious feeling prevailed, and, at the close of the meeting on Monday, 48 converts were baptized.
At 5:30 A. M., Tuesday, the Conference held a social and farewell meeting; at 8 o’clock some remarks on topics of interest to the denomination were made by Mrs. White, and at 9 o’clock the closing session of the Conference was held.
On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees of the Educational Society met and elected the following officers: President, Eld. James White; Secretary, Eld. Uriah Smith; Treasurer, James Sawyer.
The Board of Directors of the Health Reform Institute also met and elected the following officers: President, Dr. J. H. Kellogg; Secretary, Prof. S. Brownsberger.
Wanted: A Home for a Boy
Wanted!
A HOME for a boy between two and three years of age. For particulars, inquire of C. E. Cole, Marshall, Mich.
J. BYINGTON
By John Byington
Michigan.
JULY 31. and Aug. 1, I was for the first time with the church at Eaton Rapids. This church was raised up one year ago by Brn. Jones and Corliss. Bro. Lewis, their elder, has built a convenient room adjoining his house in which meetings are held every Sabbath. There was freedom in all our meetings. Two united with the church.
August 7, I was with the church in Colon. This church has passed through severe trials, but has of late increased in numbers, and the members have grown in grace. The Baptists have again permitted them to use their house of worship for meetings. Bro. Schellhouse, who is eighty-two years of age, is their elder, and has been from the beginning. This dear brother is greatly encouraged to see the good work revive once more.
J. BYINGTON
Central Iowa Tent.
By R. M. Kilgore; L. McCoy
We have been laboring here with the tent for the past six weeks, and have given sixty discourses. Notwithstanding the excessive rains and muddy roads for the first three weeks, and the busy harvest season for the past three weeks, we have had a good attendance, and a deep interest has been manifested.
Our congregations have averaged about one hundred and fifty, frequently numbering three hundred. At our last meeting there were three hundred and fifty present. We have had but little public opposition, but ministers have visited their members, forbidding their attendance at our meetings.
Twenty persons, mostly heads of families, and some of them persons who have never made a profession of religion before, have covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and we hope for quite a number more. Have obtained twenty-three subscribers for the Voice of Truth, and six for the Instructor. Shall remain here one week, and then remove to Nevada, Story County.
We have felt our weakness and inability to proclaim these mighty truths, yet God has been pleased to bless the word spoken, and the truth has gained a precious victory. To the Lord be all the praise. Brethren, pray for us, that we may be guided by the Lord, and that the work may prosper in our hands.
Our address now is Nevada, Iowa.
R. M. KILGORE,
L. McCOY.
Iowa Center, Iowa, Aug. 9, 1875.
Oakland, Coles Co., Ill.
By C. H. Bliss
Took down the tent in this place July 27, having held in all forty-five meetings in thirty-two days. I spoke thirty-seven times, the remainder being prayer and social meetings. As a result of these meetings, some sinners were converted and the backsliders reclaimed, and we leave in all about thirty-five new converts keeping the Sabbath.
We have organized a Sabbath-school numbering forty or fifty scholars, and have also established a Sabbath meeting and two weekly prayer meetings. Bro. Kurtz was appointed leader and Sabbath-school superintendent.
Among the converts to the truth, there are persons from five or six different denominations. It is said by outsiders that we have taken the cream of the Methodist church. It is quite evident that those who have embraced the Sabbath from among the Methodists are workers.
The enemy left no means untried to draw the attention of the people from hearing the truth. One evening while we spoke on the subject of the Judgment, a festival was held in the M. E. church, only about three rods from the tent. While they were eating, and drinking, and making merry, and the brass band, engaged for the special occasion, was keeping up its music, many of the older members of the church were sitting in the tent weeping. Truly, thought I, “Babylon is fallen.”
When all other means for suppressing the truth had failed, Eld. Davies, of Paris, Ill., was sent for. He used but little Scripture in his discourse, only quoting five texts. The Lord gave freedom in reviewing, and the event proved as it previously has done, that every effort against this cause only adds strength to it. The Lord has been at work here, and to him be all the praise.
Bro. Shank rendered much assistance during these meetings as tent master, and also in opening and closing services. Bro. Bitner also aided much, financially, by meeting all the expenses of the meeting here.
The friends of this place earnestly request that a camp-meeting may be held at this point, this fall or as early as is convenient. C. H. BLISS.
Aug. 2, 1875.
The North Pacific Mission.
From Bro. Van Horn's report to our late General Conference, we take the following interesting account of the North Pacific Mission:—
Sixteen months ago, I, in company with my companion, left San Francisco, California, to labor in this Mission. During this time, we have labored according to our best judgment, and God has blessed that labor to the salvation of a few who have been willing to obey the truth.
When we arrived at the Walla Walla Valley, we found about thirty keeping the Sabbath, and a church of eighteen members partially organized. They had adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence, with a pledge of about one hundred dollars per year. Our first meeting with them was held in a small school-house on the Walla Walla River, in Oregon, about ten miles from the city of Walla Walla. About twenty Sabbath-keepers were present, and S. B. was re-organized, and increased to $185.00 for the year 1874.
Since that first meeting, we have pitched the tent in five places with some believers as the result in each place. The number of Sabbath-keepers has been increased to about one hundred. Seventy-five are enrolled on the church record at Walla Walla as members of the church. At the beginning of the year 1875, at the quarterly meeting held Jan. 2, 3, 4, S. B. was pledged to the amount of $270.00. A meeting-house has been built in Walla Walla, costing $3000, $2000 of which has been paid, and provision has been made for the payment of the balance. Considering the hard times for money, and that wheat is only 40c per bushel, our people have showed a zeal for the truth in building their house of worship which has astonished the people, and which has been a subject of remark even in the newspapers.
This Valley, or upper country as it is called, has now been canvassed as far as the use of the tent is concerned. School-houses and neighborhoods might be entered with profit. The tent is packed, ready for shipping to the Willamette Valley. We planned to commence the work at Oregon City, but have been prevented by the sickness of my wife. With her present poor health, I could not carry on a tent-meeting alone and do justice to the work. This is a very unfavorable country for persons with weak lungs.
There are several Sabbath-keepers living in the Willamette Valley, who report to me that the way is open in several places, and that the people are waiting and anxious to hear the truth. This is a large and promising field for labor, and there should be sufficient help here to carry on the work without interruption.
There are two men here who have proved themselves of sufficient ability to present the truth in an acceptable manner before the people. One of them, Bro. J. F. Wood, had labored with success before I came here, but his family, debts, and other hinderances, prevent his engaging in the work at present. The other, Bro. A. T. Jones, is a young man, a soldier in the United States service, who is here with the garrison stationed in Fort Walla Walla. He came out clear and decided on the truth about one year ago. Having but little duty to do as a soldier, he has employed the greater portion of the time in study, with the idea that as soon as he was released from the army he would immediately enter into the service of the Lord by preaching the truth. He has already preached a number of times to the entire satisfaction of those who heard him. His term of service in the U. S. army will close the 3d of November next.
At our last quarterly meeting, held July 3, 4, the church passed the following resolution respecting this young man by a unanimous vote:—
Resolved, That this church petition the General Conference to grant Bro. Alonzo T. Jones a license to improve his gift in preaching this truth to the people of this North Pacific Mission. By order of the church,
J. F. Wood, Clerk.
I would hereby add my recommend to the above resolution, and say that I believe him every way worthy of your favorable action.
We have full confidence in the truth, and in the different institutions established by our people to carry it on. Our courage is good to labor in this cause. I do not ask you to send any one to help me, though with my wife's present health I am unable to do much, and a good, efficient laborer, would be of great service to the cause here. Should my wife become a confirmed consumptive, and of this there are some indications already, it may be duty for me to return home, that she may be among her friends. We shall hope and pray that this may not be necessary; and we believe that we have the prayers of all our brethren. My wife especially desires you to pray for her.
May the Lord aid you by his Spirit in all your deliberations and decisions; and may the mighty work move on until all the world shall hear the last note of warning; and may we all, though weary and worn, be gathered home, with all the faithful, to rest.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Business Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Session of the Michigan State Conference.
By E. H. Root; J. W. Bacheller
The fifteenth annual session of the Michigan State Conference of the S. D. Adventists was held on the camp-ground at Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 11, 1875, at 9 o’clock A. M. The meeting was called to order by the President. Prayer was offered by Eld. H. A. St. John.
Credentials for delegates being called for, it was found that thirty-nine churches were represented by sixty-one delegates. Delegates were by vote appointed to represent their churches as follows:—
Bro. Lewis, from Leighton; sister Smith, from Blendon; Bro. R. Griggs, from Owosso; Bro. A. Hamilton, from Parkville; Bro. E. A. Collard, from Deerfield.
On motion, the following churches were admitted into the Conference: Saranac, Carson City, North Shade, Northern Eaton Rapids, Marshall, Eaton Rapids, Jefferson, and Dryden.
The company of Sabbath-keepers at Mattawan requested organization, and admission into the Conference, which was by vote promised them.
On motion, all brethren present, in good standing, including ministers from other Conferences, were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was called for, and was read.
For the Conference year beginning Aug. 7, 1874, and ending Aug. 10, 1875, the Treasurer reports as follows:—
Amount on hand at
last report, $4028.12
Received to date, 5351.89
Total, $9380.01
Paid out during
the year, $4737.44
Balance in treasury, 4642.57
Total, $9380.01
Rec’d on tent fund, $54.80
ADDIE MERRIAM, Treas.
On motion, the report was referred to the Auditing Committee.
On motion, the President was authorized63to appoint the usual committees. The following were then announced:—
On Resolutions, U. Smith, S. Brownsberger, and J. H. Kellogg.
On Nominations, J. S. Day, J. H. Kellogg, and Alex Carpenter.
On Credentials and Licenses, E. R. Jones, J. F. Carman and I. A. Olmstead.
On Auditing, S. H. King, A. H. Hilliard, Francis Neilson, E. P. Giles, Franklin Howe, and J. Rumery.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Second Session.
The second session was called to order by the President, Aug. 11, at 5 o’clock P. M. Prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
Minutes of last session read and approved.
Reports of committees being called for, the Committee on Nominations presented the following: For President, E. H. Root; Secretary, S. Brownsberger; Treasurer, Miss Freddie House; State Conference Committee, J. S. Day, J. Fargo.
On motion, the report was accepted, and voted upon collectively, resulting in the unanimous election of the ticket.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following report:—
Whereas, Michigan has sent forth able men to labor in other States, to the great detriment of the work in our own Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That in our judgment the condition of the cause in this State at the present time demands the labor of experienced brethren; and we therefore invite Eld. S. N. Haskell to labor for a time in the Tract and Missionary work in this Conference; and we invite Eld. J. N. Loughborough to visit all our churches, and set things in order among them.
Resolved, That we deplore the course of some whose services the cause greatly needs, who by their actions seem to interpret the Saviour’s language in this manner: Seek ye first your farms, or other worldly occupations, instead of the kingdom of God, and all things needful shall be added unto you.
Resolved, That the success of some of our young men who have recently entered the ministry, is a sufficient evidence that scores of others might make themselves efficient in the cause if they would take hold of the work with a spirit of consecration and reliance upon God; and we see not how they can longer bear the responsibility of delaying to take hold of the work.
On motion, the report was accepted. The Resolutions were then read separately, a few remarks made upon them by Eld. James White, and by vote adopted.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented the following report, recommending that the credentials of the following ministers be renewed: James White, Mrs. E. G. White, J. H. Waggoner, John Byington, E. B. Lane, D. H. Lamson, S. H. Lane, R. J. Lawrence, I. D. Van Horn, H. M. Kenyon, C. Stoddard, U. Smith, E. H. Root, J. O. Corliss, J. B. Frisbie, and E. R. Jones.
Voted, That the credentials of these ministers be renewed.
The committee also recommended that the following persons receive licenses, M. B. Miller, D. W. Milk, I. A. Olmstead, E. Van Deusen, J. Fargo, Wm. Potter, H. S. Guilford, John Sisley, R. T. Sisley, Delphus Wellman, Delmar Wellman, sister E. S. Lane, and sister Roby Tuttle.
Voted, That licenses be granted to these persons.
Voted, That Bro. A. O. Burrill receive ordination at the hands of this Conference at the first opportunity.
Voted, That the Chair appoint a camp-meeting committee for the ensuing year.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Third Session.
Meeting called to order by the President, Aug. 15, at 4 o’clock P. M. Prayer by Eld. John Byington.
Voted, That Bro. E. S. Griggs receive a license.
On motion, one thousand dollars were pledged to the General Conference.
Delegate from Oakland requested that their church be released from their pledge to the Conference for the ensuing year, that they may remove their church building from Oakland to Rochester. On motion, their request was granted.
Delegate from Burlington requested that their church be released from their pledge for the ensuing year, in order to enable them to complete their church building, now in the process of erection. Their request was granted.
Voted, That the minutes of this meeting be published in the Review and Herald. On motion, the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.
E. H. ROOT, Pres.
J. W. BACHELLER, Sec.
CONTENTMENT
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that will surely come
I do not fear to see;
I ask thee for a patient mind,
Intent on pleasing thee.
I ask thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smile,
And wipe the weeping eyes,
And a heart, at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.
I would not have the restless way
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.
Wherever in this world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate,
And a work of lowly love to do,
For the Lord on whom I wait.
So I ask thee for the daily strength—
To none that ask denied—
And a heart to blend with outward life,
While keeping at thy side,
Content to fill a little space,
If thou be glorified.
There are briers besetting every path,
Which call for constant care;
There is a cross in every lot,
And an earnest need for prayer;
But a lowly heart that leans on thee
Is happy everywhere.
In a service which thy love appoints,
There are no bonds for me,
For my secret heart, has learned the truth
Which makes thy children free,
And a life of self-renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.
Nebraska.
By CHAS. L. BOYD; G. V. KILGORE
OUR meetings at Seward closed last Sunday, August 1. We cannot tell what the exact result will be. A few have fully decided to obey God rather than man, and some are in the valley of decision. A greater number still are convinced, but seem to desire to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
We are now at Milford. The prospects are favorable for good to be done. We desire the people of God to pray earnestly that the truth may go with power, and be attended by the melting influence of the Spirit of God. Our address is Milford, Seward Co., Neb.
CHAS. L. BOYD,
G. V. KILGORE.
Leominster, Mass.
By Wm. C. Gage; D. A. Robinson
THE tent was pitched in this place and meetings commenced Aug. 6, with a fair attendance and apparently a good interest. Last night, at our fifth meeting, the crowd could not all be accommodated in the tent, and more than one hundred people were compelled to stand outside.
This place is large and flourishing, and we regard it as a very important post. The people who attend are as intelligent a class as we ever met, and seem very friendly. We earnestly desire that they may see the truth. Pray for us, that our labor may not be in vain.
Wm. C. Gage,
D. A. Robinson.
D. T. SHIREMAN
By D. T. Shireman
Iowa.
The church at Marion was favored with a visit from Bro. J. T. Mitchell, Sabbath, August 7. He gave two discourses. After the first sermon, we repaired to the bank of Indian Creek, where six persons were buried with Christ by baptism. May these dear souls feel the importance of daily living for their Saviour, and of being ready to meet him when he comes.
D. T. SHIREMAN
Marion, Iowa, Aug. 9, 1875.
Morgan, Vt.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
SPENT last Sabbath and first-day here. Following the meeting on first-day, four were baptized, who desired membership with the Frasburgh and Charleston churches. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Aug. 13, 1875.
Round Grove, Minn., Aug. 9, 1875
By D. P. Curtis
Minnesota.
WE (Bro. Ells and myself) have now been at Round Grove five weeks, and have given thirty-eight discourses, besides holding three social meetings. Eighteen have signed the covenant, all heads of families except two widowed sisters, who are upwards of seventy years of age. Some of these had been connected with the Baptist church, some with the Methodist, and several had never made any profession before. Others are investigating, and we think they will yet come to see and embrace the truth of God. To-day we went to a beautiful lake, where three sisters followed their Lord in baptism. Yesterday a Sabbath-school was organized, with eighteen adults and thirteen children. We have sold about twelve dollars' worth of books, and have obtained seven subscribers for our papers.
Some of the brethren and sisters from Hutchinson have met with us every week till last Sabbath, when their monthly meeting occurred. We are thankful for the help and encouragement which they afforded us. We believe the Lord has been with us and has greatly blessed our feeble efforts, and we feel to thank him and take courage. Home duties demand my attention for a time, and I leave the field to-morrow. Bro. Ells will remain another week, when he will go home to rest for a short time. We intend, the Lord willing, to return here after harvest and renew the work. Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. D. P. CURTIS.