Man is a social being. Language, or speech, is one of the most valuable gifts of the Creator to him. By this means thoughts are expressed and communicated with ease. If the tongue is the glory of the human system (see Ps. 16: 9; Acts 2: 26), with what a jealous care should it be guarded; for a right use of it may greatly increase the pleasure and happiness of social life, multiplying joys and scattering sorrows, or it may send grief and anguish of soul wherever its influence is felt.
It portrays the dying love of the crucified Saviour; it tells the joy and peace of pardoned sins. In strains of most lofty praise to Him who died to save us, it will join in redemption’s triumphant song, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”
So important is the proper use of this member that James says: “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that man’s religion is vain.” And again, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”
With this instruction before us, and much more from the same writer on the use and abuse of the tongue, it certainly is to be feared that the religion of many whose pretensions are high is branded in Heaven as “vain.” The grace of God can bridle and control the tongue. Health and life may take the place of poison and death lurking in the ungoverned tongue.
But in the Judgment of the great day, how will those meet their account, who have used the tongue in uttering harsh words, idle words, jesting, fault-finding, slander, back-biting, reproaches, blasphemies, &c.? And how will they meet the subjects of their abuse there? How will they meet those whom they have wounded to the very depths of the soul with misrepresentations, false reports, and shameful reproaches? How meet those who have been kept from receiving the truth, from joining hands with commandment-keepers, by an injudicious use of the busy tongue?
“But I say unto you,” says Christ, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12: 36, 37.
In answer to the questions in the 15th, psalm: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” the reply of inspiration contains the following instruction: “He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.”
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Backbiting and reproach have brought anguish and agony, shame and disgrace, to many an innocent heart. In distress David cried unto the Lord: “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?” Ps. 120: 2, 3.
There is a remedy for this evil disease, for this cancerous poison. 1. Let the fountain be cleansed, let the heart be purified; “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things.”
2. Receive the instruction: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Col. 4: 6. “If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” Prov. 30: 32.
3. Resolve: “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue.” Ps. 39: 1. “I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”
4. Pray fervently unto Him in whom there is help: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Ps. 141: 3. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” Ps. 19: 14.
5. Let confession be made of past wrongs; lift off the mantle of sorrow and grief, which lies like the pall of death upon the wounded. “Undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free.” Honor God and his cause by great humility of heart, and contrition of spirit. Cultivate the spirit of love. “LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE.” And then join in the cheerful song:—
“Oh for a thousand tongues, to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise!”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
The Value of a Religious Newspaper.
THE Weekly Review, in soliciting the assistance of its readers for promoting its circulation, makes some very suggestive remarks concerning the value of a religious newspaper. Take the newspaper now in your hand, which costs eighteen shillings per annum [the price of the REVIEW is $2], and see if there be not a standard of value which will show up the amazing cheapness of the article. There are forty columns on an average filled up with reading matter after deducting the necessary space for advertising. About one-half of this reading matter consists of carefully made selections from what is already in print somewhere, but not generally accessible. We mention this as an item in its value. The very selection of a paragraph, an article, or an item of news is a guarantee that it is at least worth reading. Some reason must exist for its being chosen by the editor in preference to others that have been passed by. However perfunctorily this department may be managed, every selected article has at least to be read and pronounced upon. In fact the selections in any judicious paper embrace the richest thoughts of the ripest minds in all ages, and the experience of the best men. Those little paragraphs, which seem to have been chosen only to fill just so many inches of space, often condense the most important facts and truths.
Let the reader examine the successive issues of his newspaper, and he will wonder at the range which it takes over the whole domain of productive thought. Here will be a brief exposition of some important principle; there some archaeological discovery; here a happy contribution on some great truth; now a strong polemic against infidelity and error; then an encouraging article on the progress and triumph of our faith. But it is useless to particularize, since the largest enumeration would fail to be exhaustive. We are amazed to discover how the newspaper brings the whole world of science and philosophy under contribution, to advance the knowledge and promote the interests of the reader.
We admit that much of this is hastily written. Grant in all its paths the melancholy complaint of poor Hugh Miller about “the shavings of his mind rolling off dry and crisp upon the floor.” After we have made the largest reduction which even a captious criticism may propose, there is a priceless value in the matter in the newspaper which we cannot estimate. We shall often find the best thoughts of living men, carefully considered, and used by them in other and larger forms, but all the better for being compressed into the terse expressions which a newspaper demands. Often there are discussed those profound principles which underlie all the activity and life of the age to which we belong, and we are thus brought into sympathy with the ideas which are ruling the world.
We make a great mistake if we throw aside our paper after a hurried glance at its contents. That family which receives not its weekly newspaper misses the cheapest and most efficient educational instrument that can be found. Our deep conviction is that a good newspaper is the cheapest and best vehicle for disseminating truth that human wisdom has devised. We are only beginning to discover in this country the power for good or evil possessed by the press. It has a distinct function from that exercised by the pulpit, and might be used as a mighty power for good.
Result of Time-Setting.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
A FIRST-DAY Adventist minister, writing in a late number of the Crisis gives this doleful picture of the condition of their churches :—
“But what is the difficulty? Seemingly this. Among Adventists are exceedingly few pastorates. There is little of an element of quiet and cemented pastoral union between people and preacher. Many churches are divided and broken. There is much that is unsettled, and is it too much to say—semi-chaotic? The mournful proclivity to attempted time definitions and determinations is a more or less constant source of division and weakness.”
“I speak of what I might mention in an unstudied way as the positive attempted horology of Adventism, where failure brings heart-breaking—and speak tenderly too, since experience of error in any direction should give the sufferer charity and inspire moderation. Yet the writer, in a recollection of mistake for the time being, would most fervently pray and study to learn from one miss a permanent lesson of care, and never, if God will, repeat a prophetic misconjecture. The repeated precipitations and disasters of day-defining for our Saviour to come in person to earth seems to be a cause for destructive divisions.”
Yes; that is the effect it has among themselves, besides disgusting the world with the very name of Adventism. Would to God they could see the truth which would save them from such folly.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
A Frank Acknowledgment on the Mode of Baptism.
By D. T. BOURDEAU
BEFORE me is a French Catholic translation of the New Testament with notes and the literal commentary “du Père des Carrières” in the text, approved by the archbishop of Quebec, in which I find a very candid acknowledgment on the ancient mode of baptism. In this version Rom. 6: 4, with commentary, reads thus:—
“For we have been buried with him in baptism to die to sin, that as Jesus Christ was raised from among the dead by the glory of his Father, to enter into a glorious and immortal life, so we, having emerged out of the waters of baptism, should lead a new and incorruptible life.”
The notes on this verse are as follows:—
“The death, burial, and resurrection, of Jesus Christ are the principal and model of our death to sin and our resurrection to grace and righteousness. Baptism is to our souls what the cross and sepulchre were to Jesus Christ. . . . The baptismal water in which, according to the ancient usage, the candidate was entirely plunged, is as the tomb in which we are buried, and from which we come forth with a new life, that is to say, the life of grace and righteousness which is given by Jesus Christ.”
It is indeed better to acknowledge the truth than to cover it to uphold error.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Your Paper.
By William C. White
READ it. With great care it is published week by week, and no labor is spared to make it what you wish it to be, interesting and instructive. Invaluable time is taken by our ministers in different parts of the field to write for it, and those who do not peruse it carefully may lose the most precious truths.
Circulate it. Do not destroy it as soon as read, nor stack it away in an old cupboard, nor put it on the pantry shelves, but circulate it. Hand it to a neighbor or friend, calling his especial attention to some article that will interest him.
Write for it. If you can write, and feel that you have something to say that will benefit your brethren, send in to the Office short articles explaining the march of prophecy, reporting progress, and relating, for the encouragement of others, how the Lord has prospered you. If items of interest fall under your notice in your daily or weekly paper, clip them out and send them to the Office. All, of course, cannot appear at once in the paper, but it will be used as needed.
Pray for it. Pray for its spiritual and financial success; and as you pray that it may find its way to all parts of our country, scattering truth and shedding light wherever it goes, have a hand in the answering of your own prayer by sending it abroad to those who may read it.—W. C. WHITE, in Signs of the Times.
Why not Found out Before?
If the doctrines taught by Seventh-day Adventists are true, why have not our learned men found them out before?
From the time of the Reformation under Martin Luther until now, every advance step in reform has been opposed by those who were under the influence of fables and traditions of men. The famous Roman Catholic, Dr. Eck, spoke against Luther as follows:—
“I am surprised at the humility and modesty with which the reverend doctor undertakes to oppose, alone, so many illustrious fathers, and pretends to know more than the sovereign pontiff, the councils, the doctors, and the universities! It would be surprising, no doubt, if God had hidden the truth from so many saints and martyrs until the advent of the reverend father?”—D’Aubigne’s Hist. Ref., vol. ii, p. 59.
Sebastian Myer gives the following refutation of the above:—
“To have been a thousand years wrong, will not make us right for one single hour! or else the pagans should have kept to their creed.”—Id., vol. ii, p. 427.
The pagan emperor of Rome, Diocletian, in a law against Christians, A. D. 296, said:—
“The immortal gods have, by their providence, ordained and established that which is true and good. Many wise and good men are united in the opinion that this must be maintained without alteration. These we dare not oppose, and no new religion ought to venture to blame the old; for it is an enormous crime to pull down that which our forefathers established and which has dominion in the State.”—Rose’s Neander, vol. i, p. 84.
John Locke, the great Christian philosopher, says:—
“An error is not better for being common, nor the truth, for having lain neglected; and, if it were put to vote anywhere in the world, I doubt, as things are managed, whether truth would have the majority, at least while the authority of men, and not the examination of things, must be its measure.”—Essay on Human Understanding, book iv, chap. 3, sec. 6, note.
Storm Destruction in Hungary
LONDON, July 8.—A letter from Buda Pesth confirms the report of the destructive character of the recent storms in Hungary, and says that twenty-eight bodies have already been found, while over one hundred people are missing. The destruction of property on the mountain slopes was fearful. No villas on the upper ground entirely escaped. Hundreds of people are destitute and homeless. Subscriptions have been opened and relief is being liberally given.—Battle Creek Daily.
Earthquake.
NEW YORK, July 4.—Mail advices from Barranquilla, United States of Columbia, bring additional accounts of the destructive earthquake at Cucuta. The story of the catastrophe is confirmed in all its horrible details. A private letter dated Salazar, May 25, says that the number of dead is calculated at three-quarters of the entire population. The few families that are saved are now on the outskirts of what was the city, living on what they can procure; but they will soon be obliged to retire, as the putrefaction of the dead bodies will not allow them to remain. It is heart-rending to see the wounded, who can have no care, and who cannot remain long alive in their present condition. Four hundred mules were killed in the streets, and as there is no one to remove them the stench is becoming frightful. The villages destroyed are San Cristobal, Tarina, Quasimo, Capacho, San Antonio, Labatera, San Juan de Ureña, Rosario, and San Cajetaro. The storehouse of Puerto de Los Cachos was sacked and burned by bandits.
Another letter says that such was the violence of the shock that not a single house remained standing, and the monuments in the cemetery were thrown down, and many of them removed a considerable distance from their original sites. In thirty seconds, the city of Cucuta was converted into a mountain of ruins. This horrible blow resulted in the death of more than ten thousand persons, in addition to another thousand who were seriously wounded and bruised. Great numbers of haciendas have been destroyed and hundreds of houses in the country overthrown, leaving the people homeless and consigned to poverty. Many of the trees were torn up from the roots, and small hills were opened like a melon. The cause of the catastrophe is of course unknown, or the precise place of its first manifestation. Some suppose that the volcano of Sahatera, which was in eruption in 1840, is again breaking out, while others say that a new volcano has appeared in the hills of Giracha. It is thought the government will appoint a scientific commission to investigate the nature of the catastrophe.
A private letter from Bucaramanga of May 25th says: “In Piedecuesta the town hall is destroyed, and in Pampeluna the cathedral is in ruins.”
A telegram from Hon. A. Guilee Parra, to President Perez, dated Bucaramanga, May 24th, says: “Earthquakes continue. Last night the cathedral in Pampeluna fell. Great alarm and great devastation throughout the valley of Cucuta.”
A dispatch from Locarro, dated May 24th, says: “The situation is assuming a grave aspect, and sickness and starvation in Pampeluna are increasing.” A telegram from Chiquinquira, of May 22d, says: “The shocks are repeated. Two last night, one to-day. Great alarm exists among the people, and appeals for help were being circulated through all cities of Columbia, and most liberal responses were being made.”—Detroit Tribune of July 8.
Flint, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson; E. R. Jones
Our tent-meetings commenced here Friday evening, June 11, and have continued without intermission till the present time, nearly four weeks. The attendance has been good all the time, and we think a healthy interest is awakened. The attendance has sometimes reached many hundreds. Some, however, have ceased to come since the Sabbath has been introduced. We have had two Sabbath meetings, both of which were largely attended. At the last one, a class was formed, consisting of twenty-three members. This is a nucleus around which we hope to gather many more. We do not think we shall be able to leave the city this summer, but shall be under the necessity of moving the tent probably twice, so that all the people may hear. We have as yet seen but few from the country; and we find it costs extra effort to arrest the attention in so large a place, this being a city of about 10,000 inhabitants. We have sold about twenty-five dollars' worth of books.
We hope to be remembered in the prayers of God's people, that his work may prosper in our hands. We shall be happy to see any of the friends of the truth from the surrounding churches at our Sabbath meetings, as long as the tent remains here. We have thus far been much cheered by their presence.
D. H. LAMSON,
E. R. JONES.
July 6, 1875.
Report of Meetings in Vermont.
By L. Bean
Left home June 9, to attend the T. & M. quarterly meeting at Jamaica, which was held June 12–13, according to appointment. There met Bro. and sister Hutchins, and joined them in their earnest effort to get the church into working order, and where a greater degree of union might prevail among the members. Our hearts were made glad to hear some confessions that were made, and we felt that the power of the enemy was being weakened. When a call was made for those who had lost their first love, and for backsliders and those that had never made any profession of religion, who desired the prayers of God's people, to come forward, almost the entire audience responded. Among them were two young men that, to our knowledge, had never manifested any seriousness before, and if we could judge by their appearance, the Spirit of God was operating on them in a powerful manner. By rising upon their feet they expressed their determination that henceforth they would keep the Sabbath of the Lord.
On Monday, the 14th, at a meeting appointed at 4 P. M., we attended to the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper. We felt that our work for this church was done for the present. I wish to notice one fact that was a matter of encouragement to me, and also to the church. As I arose to address the church, I saw before me eight individuals who thirteen months ago, when I was holding meetings there, offered themselves as willing candidates to follow their Master in the ordinance of baptism. Five of the candidates were sisters, their ages ranging from 11 to 22 years. All remain steadfast, their interest increasing. If an older sister could be brought to feel the claims which God has upon her, the parents might well say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
The 17th, at 10 o'clock, met with the little church at Andover, at the house of Bro. and sister Pierce. Bro. P. has been brought near death's door, yet God has prolonged his days. We were glad to find them striving for victory. We tried to speak encouraging words to them. We hope God will add to this church such as shall be saved.
Sabbath morning, the 19th, met with the church at Bristol. Our hearts were made glad by finding the house nearly filled with brethren and sisters from Granville, South Huntington, Starksborough, and adjoining towns, and some that had embraced the truth since we were there in February last. The Lord has been working for this church. While I was speaking, Bro. and sister Hutchins arrived, and, though not feeling usually well, Bro. H. spoke in the afternoon.
June 20, after a prayer and social meeting, we attended to the business of the T. & M. Society for this district, also of the general quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society. After a discourse by Bro. H., we repaired to the water where five followed their Lord in the solemn rite of baptism. We returned to our home with a glad heart, thanking the Lord for his goodness and willingness to help those that try to seek him with all their hearts.
L. BEAN.
My First Adventist Meeting.
By J. R. Purinton
THROUGH the kind providence of our dear Lord, I have been permitted, for the first time, to look upon the countenances of a few of those whom I believe to be the chosen people of God.
Through an invitation from Bro. Wm. Cottrell, elder of the little company of Seventh-day Adventists at Bowersville, I attended their quarterly meeting, held Sabbath and first-day, June 26 and 27. Such a profitable season I never before enjoyed; but through the help of Jesus, I expect to increase in love, knowledge, and pure, heart-felt religion. I expect to become more like the people of God, and that my past joys will seem as nothing; for as God, who is all love, fills our hearts with love from on high, we can love our brother as ourselves. God always opens his store-house for those who love him and keep his commandments, and supplies them with a joy and peace that commandment-breakers know nothing of, neither can they know until they respect the commandments of God more than the traditions of man.
There was a people once who all cried out saying, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” Those people will cry, in the last day, for the rocks and mountains to fall upon them, to hide them from the wrath of Him whom they condemned.
To-day we have people all around us who are by their actions, saying louder than the Jews of old, Away, away, with the commandments of God, and release unto us the sweet traditions from the honeyed lips of the man of sin. These also will cry in the last day, Rocks and mountains, fall upon us. But let me tell you, my friends, before it is too late, your cries will be all in vain. It will be impossible to flee the wrath of our soon-coming Lord. Oh! that my friends would understand that in order to gain a home in the earth made new they must keep both the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!
I shall never forget what I have learned by meeting with the dear brethren and sisters at Bowersville. I have learned that those who keep the commandments of God, and love his appearing, think it no trouble to take their families over one hundred miles in a wagon to spend a Sabbath with their brethren and sisters in prayer and praise to God. I have learned that it is possible to love God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves. I have learned that the people of God can forsake father or mother, sister or brother, for the love of Him who died to save them from the agonies of the second death. Their faith is my faith, their God is my God.
Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters at Bowersville, pray for the lonely stranger, who loves you with love deep and unchangeable. J. R. Purinton.
Minnesota Conference.
By Harrison Grant; H. F. Phelps
The fourteenth annual Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists of Minnesota was held as appointed in REVIEW, at Eagle Lake Station, Blue Earth Co., Minn., June 24–29, 1875. Eld. Grant in the chair. Opening prayer by Eld. Curtis. Delegates called, and 27 responded, representing 23 churches. One church not represented.
Churches and delegates as follows: Stewartsville, O. W. Pierce and Wm. Harper; Greenwood Prairie, Daniel McAlpine; Pine Island, H. F. Phelps; Medford, F. Duglas; Wells, C. Kelsey, D. P. Curtis; Riceland, Hans Rasmussen; Maiden Rock, A. M. Howard; Concord, A. H. Van Kirk; Otranto, L. E. Millne; Hutchinson, J. M. Comer, John Estas; Mankato, H. C. Bullus; Golden Gate, Jens Mortenson; Kenyon, J. W. Ellis; Tanhassen, R. S. Johnson; Chicago Lake and Cambridge, Charles Lee; State Center, C. Nelson; River Falls, John Olive; Lake City, Peter Lindblad; Grove Lake, R. Richardson and John Emmerson; Litchfield, Nels Swanson; West Union, T. S. McDonald; Sibley, Alfred King; Blue Earth City, Geo. M. Dimmick; (new churches) Kingston, North Kingston, W. H. Hall; Koronus, C. Black.
The church at Corinna was taken under the watchcare of the Conference.
Voted, That all brethren in good standing be invited to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.23
The minutes of last Conference being next in order they were read. No objections being offered, they stood approved.
Voted, That the President appoint the committees.
The committees appointed were as follows:— Auditing Committee, John Emmerson, John Olive, Peter E. Hanson, T. S. McDonald, Jos. House, and Hans Rasmussen. Committee on Credentials and Licenses: D. P. Curtis, W. I. Gibson, Thomas Harlow. On Resolutions: A. H. VanKirk, H. F. Phelps, Chas. Lee. On Nominations: W. B. Hill, O. W. Pierce, R. S. Johnson.
Voted, To adjourn to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Report of Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented. It was accepted and the committee discharged. By motion, each was considered separately. The credentials of Brn. Stephen Pierce, Harrison Grant, and D. P. Curtis, were renewed.
Voted, That Brn. W. B. Hill, L. H. Ellis, and Geo. M. Dimmick, be ordained and receive credentials.
Voted, That the following receive licenses: F. W. Morse, C. Nelson, John T. Collins, H. F. Phelps, Daniel Call, Peter Lindblad, J. F. Butterfield and C. Larson. The names of Peter Errb, and L. H. Decker, referred to the Conference Committee.
It was suggested by Bro. Lee that Bro. Lindblad be ordained. Referred to Conference Committee.
After some remarks by Bro. White, he moved that Bro. Lee’s credentials be renewed. Carried. Bro. White also moved that Sister Julia Lee receive license. Carried. Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Prayer by Bro. Lee.
Report of the standing of the Conference was then read, showing the following: No. of churches, 28; No. of members, 700; No. of ministers, 6; No. of licentiates, 9; amount of s. b., $2600.00. This report is not definite on membership and s. b., all reports from churches not being complete.
Report of Treasurer showed the amount of money received during the year to be, $2396.91
Pd. out, 1605.56
———
On hand, $791.35
Report of Nominating Committee was received, and committee discharged. They reported as follows: For President, H. Grant; Executive Committee, H. Grant, I. Z. Lamb and Nels Swanson; Secretary, D. P. Curtis; Treasurer, W. I. Gibson. Thinking that our ministers should not be cumbered with the office, and that the secretary really ought to be one who was at home most of the time, Eld. Curtis thought he should be excused. It was moved to amend the report of the Committee by substituting the name of O. W. Pierce. Carried. The report was then adopted with the amendment, and the persons named elected to their respective offices.
Report of Committee on Resolutions was next in order. They submitted the following, which was adopted unanimously:—
Whereas, The resolutions passed at the Iowa Camp-meeting are in the main applicable to us, therefore,
Resolved, That we adopt them with such amendments only as will make them suitable to our situation.
Resolved, That, notwithstanding the very unfavorable circumstances under which we have labored on account of the inclement weather, we esteem it a privilege to express in this manner our gratitude to God for his great blessing bestowed upon us at this camp-meeting.
Resolved, That we thankfully recognize the fact that never before was there such evidence of the truthfulness of our position in reference to the fulfillment of prophecy as exists at the present time, the lapse of years adding elements of strength instead of weakness to the theory of present truth.
Resolved, That we see in the manner in which the truth is making its way among the people of foreign tongues, the unmistakable evidence of the hand of God which is carrying the message, in fulfillment of the prophecy, to nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples.
Resolved, That we hail with joy the evidences of the prosperity of our cause upon the Pacific Coast, as manifested especially in the organization of the Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association, and the establishment of The Signs of the Times in Oakland, California; and we recommend to our brethren, who are able, to take stock in that enterprise, and thus aid it to reach at once a self-supporting position.
Resolved, That we express our appreciation of the cheering reports received from Eld. J. N. Andrews, missionary to Europe, of the wonderful work of God in preserving and bringing to light the ancient Sabbath of the Lord in that part of the world; and we hereby extend our fraternal greeting to the Sabbath-keepers of Europe.
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the General Conference for the help furnished us at this camp-meeting; to the Camp-meeting Committee for their efficient services during the meeting; and to the people of Eagle Lake for the candid hearing and the courtesy manifested toward us on this occasion.
Voted, That the Mankato church be allowed to retain their s. b. the coming year to assist in paying for their church.
By order of the Conference, the President appointed as Camp-meeting Committee, Peter E. Hanson, W. H. Hall, and Allen Moon.
Voted, That the East Hutchinson church be dropped from the records of the Conference. This was because of the Hutchinson and East Hutchinson churches being united.
The subject of Bro. Grant’s having some help in his labors came up, and it was voted to let him select such help as he desired and needed.
Bro. Wm. Hill, of Grove Lake, L. H. Ellis, of Medford, and Geo. M. Dimmick, of Blue Earth City, were set apart to the solemn work of the ministry.
Voted, That the doings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW.
Adjourned sine die.
Harrison Grant, Pres.
H. F. Phelps, Sec.
CONFERENCE DIRECTORY FOR MINNESOTA
THE PRESENT CONFERENCE YEAR.
PRESIDENT.
Harrison Grant, Medford, Minn.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
H. Grant, Medford, Minn.
I. Z. Lamb, Pleasant Grove, Minn.
Nels Swanson, Litchfield, Meeker Co., Minn.
TREASURER.
W. I. Gibson, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minn.
SECRETARY.
O. W. Pierce, Stewartsville, Olm. Co., Minn.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
P. E. Hanson, Litchfield, Meeker Co., Minn.
W. H. Hall, Kingston, Minn.
Allen Moon, Eagle Lake, Minn.
“LOVEST THOU ME?”
By James C. Clemens
How oft this question to my heart do I propound:
Lovest thou the Lord supremely? doth this love abound
As well when care and sorrow weigh thy spirit down
As when thy joyous eyes almost behold the crown?
True love ’twixt friend and friend by grief is purified,
Its once impetuous waves by trial pacified;
A placid stream it flows, but far more deep and strong
Than when its current swept so recklessly along.
So God, with wisdom that we cannot fathom now,
Ofttimes requires us beneath his rod to bow,
That we a deeper, holier love for him may feel,
And, grateful, kiss the hand that only smites to heal.
Would we the test endure, and prove our love sincere,
We may not fold our hands and sit down idly here;
The charge to Peter given his love to manifest
To each regenerate heart in some form is addressed.
Feed thou my sheep. How blest the charge thus given; O God,
Well may we humbly bow and meekly kiss the rod,
If by its scourging we at length may fitted be
To feed thy scattered flock, and lead them home to thee.
Not those alone who stand as teachers of the word
May have their names enrolled as shepherds of the Lord;
The humblest child to God some straying soul may lead,
And thus each day may help the Master’s flock to feed.
JAMES C. CLEMENS.
Allegan, Mich.
Coles Co. Ill.,
By C. H. Bliss
I PITCHED the tent in this place June 25. Have been here ten days, and spoken twelve times. The congregations range from one to two hundred. Some have already signified their determination to keep the Sabbath; among them is a young man preparing for the ministry, who is a member of the Methodist church.
The weather has been so very bad that but few have come in yet from the country, but the interest is gradually deepening and widening. This town has about one thousand inhabitants.
Brethren pray for the work here.
C. H. BLISS.
Oakland, Coles Co., Ill., July 5, 1875.
S. H. LANE
By S. H. Lane
Indiana.
CLOSED tent labors at Ligonier, Noble Co., July 4. The interest continued good until the close. The congregations were large from the first. Each Sunday night the tent has been filled, and often all could not be seated.
We have met with some open opposition, but it has only served to increase the interest. The tent remained nearly six weeks. Have given about fifty-five discourses. The last two Sabbath meetings were excellent. The social meetings were very cheering. Many testified of their determination to obey the truth.
The last Sabbath, we took a vote to ascertain who had determined to observe the truth as presented; we were much encouraged to see forty-three rise up. Thirty-two signed the covenant. The town hall has been engaged, and Sabbath meetings appointed. Sold forty dollars' worth of books, and obtained twenty-seven trial subscribers for REVIEW.
On account of the sickness of Bro. Kenyon's family he has been called away, so I have labored alone for the last three weeks. The tent is now pitched at La Grange, La Grange Co. We hope, through the blessing of the Lord, a good work will be accomplished.
S. H. LANE
Todd Co., Minnesota.
By F. W. MORSE
Have been with Bro. W. B. Hill at Burnhamville and Greenwood for about three weeks. Some twenty-five, the heads of families, have taken a firm stand to obey the truth. Sabbath-school and prayer-meeting have been established at each point. The brethren here seem very earnest and faithful in the tract and missionary work, and the result is a good interest to hear in the community around. We expect to pitch the tent at Round Prairie in this county immediately after camp-meeting.
Pray for us. F. W. MORSE.
MARY A. REMLEY
By Mary A. Remley
Tennessee.
BRO. E. B. LANE organized a church of thirteen members here four years ago this spring. All are still in this State except Bro. McCune, who moved with his family to Wisconsin. We are very anxious that he should return. We believe he could do much good here, as he was the first to introduce the truth in our vicinity. Seventeen Sabbath-keepers are the result of his work (with the assistance of Bro. E. B. Lane, who has made us two visits). A great many more are interested. We have Sabbath-keepers in East, West, and Middle Tennessee. Is not that some inducement for a preacher to come to this State? We have a little company of six church members and ten Sabbath-keepers, who meet every Sabbath afternoon. We have good meetings. Six of us take part in prayer, and I believe the Lord is with us. Could you hear the anxious, heart-felt prayers that are offered up to God for help, and see the tears that are shed, you certainly would remember us.
What a source of happiness it is that we are permitted to pray; and how soon our sorrows will all be turned into joy, and God will wipe away our tears. What a happy privilege to work for a crown in Christ's kingdom! Who shall get it? I am at times so anxious to see Christ and be with him that I grow impatient, yet I must wait. He is waiting for all the faithful to be gathered. Who can sound the depths of God's love for those who serve him in truth—according to his truth which he has given us? And how the precious truth spreads! The honest-hearted are receiving it daily. It bursts up here and there, like springs of pure water, inviting the passer-by to take a sup. I long for the time to come that the water of life shall be given to those who love God.
MARY A. REMLEY
Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
By Henry Youngs
We have just returned from our good camp-meeting at Eagle Lake, Minnesota; and I can say truly it was the best camp-meeting I ever attended. The straight testimonies from our beloved Bro. and sister White, and the stirring sermons from Bro. Smith and others, all accompanied with the Spirit of the living God, made it truly a feast of fat things. The testimonies from the brethren and sisters generally, and the spirit of humility and promptness that was manifested, were truly encouraging to me. I feel more than ever that the work of the Lord is onward, and I want to dedicate myself fully to the Lord and his work, that I may be prepared when the Lifegiver shall come to stand with the remnant people of God on Mount Zion.
HENRY YOUNGS.
Delavan, Minnesota.
Stockton and San Francisco.
By John Norton Loughborough
The meetings in the above places were held as appointed. At Stockton, our two evenings were spent in speaking to the few who assembled at the house of sister Schrack. Several of those who were keeping the Sabbath have moved away. Some who said they would keep the Sabbath have given it up. Still, a few, all sisters, resolve to keep up their meetings together. Sister Schrack was appointed for the present to take the lead of their meetings. It was the testimony of all that the tent was there in a very unfavorable time. Matters over which our brethren with the tent had no control, called the attention of the people in other directions. The people in Stockton have not yet had a fair chance to know our views. If the few who are there prove faithful, they may yet see others added to their number.
We had a good attendance on the preaching of the word in San Francisco, both Sabbath morning and first-day evening. The Lord gave liberty in speaking. We were pleased to see new and interested countenances in our congregation, as well as to see the older ones feasting on the truth. The meeting of the legal church society held first-day morning moved off harmoniously, and it was voted first to accept the lot on Laguna St., San Francisco, between Tyler and McAllister Sts., purchased by a committee of three as a building lot for the church.
They also voted to build a church upon the lot. Voted to invite Bro. O. B. Jones to prepare and submit to the society on Tuesday evening, July 6, plans and specifications for a church 40x70, with an unfinished basement. The brethren are fully aroused to the importance of the enterprise. Our daily prayer is that God will give us all wisdom in this matter to move calmly in his opening providence.
J. N. L.