Earlier text: Second Coming of ChristHatred of Sin, a Characteristic of True Religion.
By George I. Butler
THERE IS a phase of sentiment connected with the religion of this age which should be regarded as not only wrong in tendency, but actually dangerous in its results, and which threatens to affect all classes of professed Christians. It calls itself by the holy name of charity, but is very far from being the genuine article. It is rather an excusing of sin, easy, good-natured toleration of iniquity, as something inherent in poor humanity that is rather to be excused as a thing not so very bad after all, seeing it is so common, rather than to be confessed, repented of, and hated, and finally overcome. There is everywhere to be seen, in this age, a confounding of good and evil, a placing of them on a sort of equality. Commencing with the spiritualistic philosophy, that evil is but undeveloped good, which, no doubt, Satan hopes to see generally accepted, for then there will be no limit to wickedness, it runs through many forms and manifestations, till the close observer may see modifications of the sentiment in those who frequent the house of God and claim to be disciples of the Prince of Peace. There is great danger that we have in our minds a wrong conception of the nature of sin. The transgression of God's law, which sin is defined to be, is evil and only evil. It makes no one better, but worse. It is not productive of real happiness, however much it may seem to be, but only of misery, in the end. All the wretchedness, sorrow, and agony, the world has ever seen, or ever will see, has come from this one root. Evil puts on many seductive airs, and may appear, for the time being, as the very angel of peace, but it is only delusive. The sting of disappointment is sure to pain us in the end. And one reason why sin is such a terrible thing to be dreaded is, because it is so seductive and deceptive. This makes it no better, but much worse. An enemy that we could always recognize as such, would not be so much to be dreaded as one who seemed to be a friend, but who would inflict upon us a mortal stroke when we were least expecting it. So of sin. Of the millions who will go down to endless death, there will be but few who have not been deceived by sin in some of its forms; and yet there were times when every one of them knew they were following sin instead of righteousness. But sin brings blindness with it as a sure result. God, who sees all things with perfect clearness, and perceives the least variation from the path of strict rectitude, knows the nature and consequences of sin in all its transformations, and in all its dire results, ever recognizes it as an enemy to his government, destructive of the best interests of his creatures, and the primal cause of all woe and wretchedness. The goodness of his nature abhors it. He cannot look upon it with allowance, as a thing to be tolerated or excused. Upon its first appearance in Heaven, in Satan's revolt, he hesitated not to cast him and his followers out of that holy abode, though in so doing, associations of long standing were broken up, and a third part of the angels of God were cast down to regions of darkness, to be held in chains, and then destroyed. What an illustration this is of God's abhorrence of sin! Satan, the “anointed cherub that covereth,” next in rank to the Son of God; one who dwelt in the special presence of the Creator of the universe, a most glorious, beautiful, and exalted personage, endowed with corresponding excellence of mind, sinned, without excuse. Owing to his influence, and the regard in which he was held, a large number of the angelic host united with him. Their high exaltation did not make their sin better, but rather made it more aggravated. They had enjoyed great light, being God's special agents, and being familiar with the principles of his government. Therefore they were without excuse. God could not tolerate sin in such beings, and permit them to continue in his special presence, in his chosen abode. The moment of separation approaches. Who knows the ages of association which had previously existed in the “family of God?” The love and esteem the angels had had for each other, where there had been no sin to mar,45 or curse to imbitter, their existence, must have been inconceivably higher than anything which selfish, earthly beings have ever experienced. High Heaven had resounded with their united praises to the great King. Ministrations of duty they had lovingly fulfilled together. No suspicion, jealousy, envy, hatred, or any of these baleful fruits of sin, had ever been among them to destroy confidence and union. Love was the ruling principle, ever present in its sweetness and fullness, in all hearts. God had made these beings to fill their exalted positions. They were his ministers, to do his pleasure. They had faithfully executed his high commands, who knows for how many ages? From the love of God to the fallen, rebellious race of man, sunk in degradation, we have a right to argue his love for these higher and more exalted beings, created to dwell in his special presence. If he has so loved the world as to give his only Son to die, and borne with their rebellions so many weary ages, would he not love these exalted beings who had dwelt so long in his own presence? Most assuredly. They had manifested traits of character, previous to their fall, infinitely more worthy of regard than man has shown. But sin enters, and Satan and his followers are forced to leave that abode, never more to enter it, never more to enjoy peace, never more to work in union with their former loving associates, but to suffer pangs and anguish, and finally utter destruction. Who can estimate the feelings of that heavenly host as that separation took place? Did it not occasion pain and intense sorrow in the hearts of the good and faithful, who retained their allegiance to God? And the fact that a third part of these angels followed Satan, instead of being faithful to God, shows the hold that Satan had upon his associates, which must have been felt by those who remained, as well as by those who left. It shows the power of false sympathy also, a power which will be the cause of the destruction of myriads of men, as well as these angels. Did God make a mistake in this step, in driving out the rebellious host? Would it have been better for them to have remained in Heaven? Who dares to say it? No, the God of the universe does right. He could not consistently give them another probation; their light and knowledge were too great to give them any right to it. Far different was their case, in this respect, from that of our first parents. They had entirely forfeited their rights and blessings, because of sin committed while enjoying such light. But that God should break up such associations, under such circumstances, when such consequences would follow, shows most forcibly his hatred of sin. Better that the inmates of Heaven should be driven out and utterly destroyed, than that sin should reign there. Peace would come at last, through the former course, while it never could through the latter. No real peace can ever come where sin is tolerated. Religion of the genuine kind is but the carrying out of the principles of Heaven. Every person who truly exemplifies true religion will look at sin as God does. The law of God will be his rule of action; the transgression of it he will abhor. Sin is such transgression; therefore he will abhor it. It is because of this that the minister of Christ is called upon to reprove and rebuke sin. “Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” “Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others may fear.” These duties are much neglected in this age. The men are few who dare to call sin by its right name, lest it hurt somebody's feelings. It is far more pleasant to let damning sins pass along unnoticed, or to speak of them to third parties, than to take them up, and speak of them as they deserve. This might hurt some one's feelings, and the individual thus taking up these things would be very apt to lose the good opinion of the parties sinning, and of their friends, as well as of that large class of easy, good-natured, kind-hearted, peace-loving souls, who would far rather see sin tolerated, even if it grieves the Spirit of God away, and souls are ruined eternally, than to have some one's feelings hurt. But what seems most to be deplored is, that this toleration of sin goes under the name of holy Christian charity, and honest souls are misled by this perversion of terms. And what is gospel charity? One prominent characteristic of it is that it “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” The “wisdom that cometh from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated,” &c. This wisdom and this charity no more excuses sin or shields it, than God did when it was seen in the third part of Heaven's sons. It has no fellowship with it. It sets it forth in its true deformity. It denounces it in righteous terms of holy indignation. These apologists for sin are very apt to quote our loving Saviour as their example in this course. They are very apt to take their quotations from words of his addressed to the weary, sorrowing, despised, or suffering. They make a wrong application entirely. Of all who have ever lived, none can be found who have dealt out such terrible denunciations of sin and sinners as this same loving Jesus, the friend of the poor and needy. Hear his address to the Pharisees, the proudest and most popular religionists of that age: “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness. Even so ye outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within, ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Fill ye up the measures of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers: how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” He spoke thus because it was the truth. He did it when he knew that hatred and bitterness toward him would be the result, which would bring about his own death. This loving Saviour took a scourge of small cords and drove them out of the temple, because they had no business there. He denounced the fearful doom of unquenchable fire and the undying worm, where weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, would be experienced, upon every one who did not turn from sin. He said to his foremost apostle, “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men,” because he had misconceived the object of the Lord's mission. This conception of our Saviour as a sort of lax, easy apologist and tolerator of sin, who would overlook iniquity and pass along about as much in harmony with pride and wrong as with righteousness and humility, carrying the idea that good, bad, and indifferent, would come about alike, plastering over wickedness with a little goody-talk, is utterly wrong, an entire misconception of our divine Lord. His was none of your lax, easy-going, milk-and-water characters. He called things by their right names, whatever feelings might be engendered, or if death was to be the consequence. And so of his most intimate followers, when filled with his Spirit. Peter could tell the Jews and their rulers to their faces, regardless of consequences, that they had murdered the Son of God. He stripped the covering of hypocrisy and deceit from Ananias and Sapphira, though it caused a fearful scene, and both of them were taken out of the room dead corpses. Paul could tell Elymas to his face, “O, full of all subtility and all mischief; thou child of the devil; thou enemy of all righteousness; wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” And he could rebuke Peter, the first of the apostles, because he did wrong. This spirit of directness has always characterized true religion. Human feelings may be wounded, but right will be vindicated. No doubt somebody's feelings were hurt, when one third of the angels were cast out of Heaven. They have not been healed yet, and will not be till Satan and all his host are buried in the burning lake. The great lack with nominal religion, to-day, the world over, is that there is no faithfulness in reproving sin. Should things be called by their right names with the directness of Jesus and his apostles, by the professed representatives of Christ in the pulpit, what would become of the fashionable audiences who gather to listen to our modern pulpit oratory? We should expect to see a “fearful scattering.” Ministers dare not risk their reputations and salaries by telling the whole truth. They preach against drunkenness, and many of the grosser sins; but pride, love of the world, the indulgence of the appetite, and especially personal sins, known to exist plentifully among their members, are not touched. A compromise is made with sin for the sake of personal feelings. A very pretty state of things exists on the outside; but it may well be believed that the inside of the cup and platter needs cleansing as really as it did in the Saviour's time. We, as a people, are in great danger on this very point. The straight testimony against sin is not in vogue as it should be. To tell the truth, those who have borne it in the past, most pointedly, have had a grievously hard time of it, worn themselves out prematurely, and got distrust and even hatred, instead of thanks, for their faithfulness; while those who would let iniquity pass along unnoticed, have won golden opinions as being the finest representatives of the Spirit of Christ. A spirit of compromise with sin has been manifested by many of our people in the past, which, had Heaven been their theater of action when Satan's great revolt took place, and they been filling the chair of Deity, they would have divided the universe with the devil, and perpetuated sin to all eternity, or even surrendered the throne of Heaven, rather than to hurt the feelings of him and his associates. And this spirit goes under the name of goodness and Christian charity. It has been seen in our public institutions till the cause has been threatened with moral leprosy. It is an easy-going spirit. Abuses are tolerated. Wrongs and unfaithfulness go unreproved. The Lord's money, given for sacred purposes, has been in some cases uselessly expended; and the salvation of precious souls has been hazarded, not to say destroyed, by it. Our experience, for years in the past, ought to teach us a lesson in regard to these things which should last us through to the end. The Scripture points those living in the last days back to ancient Israel in the wilderness, as the example and warning most proper to consider. This spirit of toleration of sin is seen to a great extent in our churches. There are very few of these where the Bible standard of discipline is carried out, or where real, faithful admonitions and reproofs are given. Things generally run at loose ends. Any way to get along without having a fuss. Anything to preserve a sort of patched-up peace, and save people's feelings. For my part, I had rather see a storm raised that may threaten to burst things all to pieces, now and then, for the purpose of supporting principles of righteousness, than this dead calm of lifelessness, brought about by tolerating wrong, till the Spirit of God takes its flight. As the thunder-storm clears the natural heavens, so a moral storm gives a better atmosphere. I confess, I should feel a sense of relief if something would come along and shake us, as a people, out of our placid, do-nothing condition, which seems to be closing around so many. It will come, I feel sure. But I tremble for many, lest their sympathies will be found on the side of easy-going toleration of wrong, instead of with those who stand up squarely for righteousness. The present age is sadly in need of square-edged men and women, who love righteousness and hate iniquity. We have reached the time when God's servants should “cry aloud and spare not, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” We need more backbone, more nerve. We are in terrible danger of drifting along, like a helpless stick, with the current. The current of this world is surely going downward to ruin. “Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you.” Who is going to do it? There is a terrible lack in the families of Sabbath-keepers. But few families are seen, now-a-days, where there is any real family government. The spirit of Eli is abroad in the land. He said to his children, “Why do ye so wickedly?” but did not take hold and decidedly restrain them. There might have been some trouble, perhaps, if he had—somebody's feelings might have been hurt. There might have been a family scene. So he, a priest of the most high God, could let his children bring the worship of the sanctuary into contempt, and cast an influence which would ruin souls eternally. And no doubt Eli passed for a very good, tender-spirited man. He felt bad to see such work going on. He expostulated; he plead. He did more than a great many professors of religion do in these days, who do not even say anything, when they see iniquity in their own households, lest there shall be trouble. But God held him to an account for not doing more. “Because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not, therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever.” Israel fled from their enemies; these sons died under the hand of God's judgments; Eli himself fell dead, and the ark of God went into captivity, because of this weakness in passing over sin. God is the same to-day. Sin is just as hateful in the family relation as ever it was. And there are plenty of Elis in our churches, who pass over sin as easily as he did. But we may depend upon it, we shall have to give account for these things in the day of Judgment. In my soul, I believe there is more real injury done to the cause of truth by this weak excusing of sin, passing over it for fear some body will get hurt, if we do anything about it, and thus perpetuating it in the church and family, than there is by all the bitter opposition the truth has to meet from every quarter. God's Spirit is grieved away. The standard is lowered down. We purchase a deceptive peace by this goody kind of a spirit which passes for Christian charity but which is any thing but that; and as the result, a sort of moral leprosy clings to us, life and zeal die out, and we find ourselves drifting largely with the worldly current around us; and we wonder why we have no more religion. Everything takes a kind of a low tone. To be sure, the world looks upon us more favorably. And why should they not; we grow more and more like them. Our course is not a rebuke to them. There will be a different spirit seen before this work moves with power. We must not put sin on a level with righteousness, and we must guard our sympathies from upholding, by our influence, those plainly in the wrong. We must cultivate moral principle, love righteousness, and hate iniquity wherever it is seen, and, most of all, when it is in our own midst. Then, it is not only an evil thing in itself, but its influence hinders the progress of God's work. Let us then be faithful to reprove sin, and cast our influence against it, wherever it is seen. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, July 10, 1873. [The following we find in The World's Crisis of July 2, 1873. It will be of interest to all our readers.—Ed. Rev.] It having been repeatedly and publicly stated that no minister of this State dare to meet the definite time argument for the Lord's return in 1873, I beg leave to submit the following proposition:— If suitable preliminaries, such as time and place of meeting, can be satisfactorily arranged, I will meet any Christian gentleman who may be chosen to represent and support the affirmative of the following question: Is the definite time of the second advent revealed in the Holy Scriptures.? This seems to be the fundamental question to be settled. It is plain that everything depends upon this. If it can be shown that it was the intention of the Holy Spirit to reveal the definite time of the second advent, then it is equally plain that it is our duty no less than our privilege to know it. I also submit, as a condition precedent to the proposed discussion, that each party shall be responsible for one-half of the necessary expenses of said meeting, and that a stenographer be employed to report the discussion to the end that it may be published. Thousands of people in various parts of the country will be interested in learning the arguments pro and con, who could not possibly attend the discussion itself. If light be needed—and I think it is—I know of no better way of letting it shine on this question than in the way proposed. It is of course understood that, if the discussion be held, it shall be governed by the usual parliamentary rules, and that the courtesies and amenities usual among gentlemen shall be observed. The sole object of both parties should be to elicit truth on this great and important question. J. H. WHITMORE. Sons of God.
By A. S. Hutchins
“BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. The distinguished honor conferred upon the fallen race of becoming the sons of God, should awaken in us the most profound admiration of his amazing love and goodness, and lead to unceasing gratitude and continued praise of his worthy name. A just appreciation of our unworthiness, and of the inconceivable pity and compassion of the Father in the gift of his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life, would constrain us to yield our hearts and lives in the sweetest submission to do his divine will, and to rejoice in his delightful service. The blood-bought, exalted privilege of becoming sons of God is not bestowed upon any by reason alone of a correct theory of the plan of salvation. The transforming power of God’s grace must be experienced in the heart: it must be cleansed from sin: it must be made conformable to his will in all things, rendering cheerful obedience to his sacred word, and to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Christ came unto his own, and his own received him not. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12, 13. Here we learn that those who understandingly received Christ at his first advent, and believed upon his name, receiving that adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father, were born of the will of God. They passed from death unto life. How great the change! And how unspeakably great the consequent blessings—recognized in Heaven and upon earth as sons of God! Again, if we retain the relationship of the sons of God, by adoption, we have a work to do in overcoming the world, the inclinations of fallen nature, and the powers of darkness. Says Jesus: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:43-48. Reader, as you desire an inheritance with all the redeemed saints, as you desire a right in the kingdom of God, there forever to be recognized as his son, and share in the felicity and joy of an endless life, free from sin, be in earnest to overcome. “He that overcometh, shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Rev. 21:7. A. S. HUTCHINS. Is Willful Ignorance of God's Requirements Safe?
It is believed that the sins of ignorance of truly pious people will be blotted out and they be saved. Therefore some resolve to be piously ignorant of God's requirements and thus trust that they will be saved even as others. It would seem, then, that we may choose either of two ways; to seek for truth and duty and obey; or close our eyes and be saved in disobedience, because we are ignorant. Which is the safer way? Every Temptation an Opportunity to Draw Nearer God
EVERY temptation is an opportunity of getting nearer to God. Minnesota Conference.
By H. Grant; H. F. Phelps
The thirteenth annual Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists of Minnesota was held at Medford, Steele Co., June 26 to June 30. First session opened by prayer by Eld. Butler. Delegates being called for, twelve responded, representing nine churches. Delegate from Riceland church not being present, Bro. John Hanson, by vote of the Conference, took his place. New churches being next in order, Hutchinson, East Hutchinson, and Golden Gate, responded through their delegates and were admitted to the Conference. The Sabbath-keepers at Kenyon, represented by their delegate, were taken under the watchcare of the Conference. Moved that Elds. G. I. Butler, D. M. Canright, John Matteson, and all brethren in good standing, be invited to participate in the deliberations of this Conference. Minutes of the last Conference read and accepted. The President appointed the following committees:— On Credentials and Licenses, Eld. D. M. Canright, C. Kelsey, and W. I. Gibson. On Nominations, I. B. Edwards, D. McAlpine, and Wm. Hill. On Resolutions, D. M. Canright, John McMiller, and D. Alway. Auditing Committee, J. L. House, D. McAlpine, E. L. Rouse, Hans Rasmussen, H. Schram, and S. A. Halleck. Reports of ministers and licentiates: Eld. D. M. Canright, John Hanson, H. F. Phelps, L. H. Ellis, and George Dimmock, responded. Adjourned to call of President. Delegates from Otranto and Riceland churches being present, were admitted to the Conference. Report of Treasurer read and accepted, showing receipts of $1691.17
Payments, 1046.81
Remaining in the Treasury, $644.36. Secretary then read a report concerning the standing of the Conference. The report showed: No. of churches, 16; members, 429; gain, 142; s. B., $2124.04; gain, $1012.04. Report was accepted. The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:— Resolved, That it is with regret that we learn of the slack and unbusiness-like manner in which the church records in the different churches of this Conference have been kept, and that we recommend the different clerks to inform themselves of the duties of their office, and then carefully attend to them. Whereas, Our s. B. Fund is a sacred and important one, and every cent should be carefully accounted for, and every pledge paid as made to God, and, Whereas, Its prosperity depends much upon the proper interest and action of the s. B. Treasurers, Therefore, Resolved, That the persons most suitable for the office should be chosen, and that they be instructed to properly and carefully attend to the duties of that important office. SCATTERED SABBATH-KEEPERS.
Resolved, That we earnestly invite all the Sabbath-keepers in our State to help in sustaining the cause. All such pledges and money to be sent to W. I. Gibson, Rochester, Minn. Resolved, That no money should be paid from the s. B. Funds, either from churches or the Conference Treasury, except by an order from the Executive Committee. Resolved, That we appoint a State Auditor, whose duty it shall be to audit the accounts of each s. B. Treasurer at the close of each Conference year. Resolved, That we again remind our brethren that it is the duty of absent church members to report themselves by letter to the church once in three months, said report to be sent to the clerk, and by him, or her, read to the church; and that the clerk shall write to such as fail to report. TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
Resolved, That in view of the scarcity of preachers among us, the shortness of time, the increasing calls for the truth, and the efficiency of our publications, we regard the rise of the T. and M. Society as in the special providence of God as an efficient means of maintaining and spreading the truth; and that we earnestly recommend all of our churches to immediately enter into this work. Resolved, That we are heartily in favor of the establishment of a denominational school for our people at Battle Creek, Mich., and that we recommend all who are able, to assist by their means in the raising of necessary funds for a suitable building for said school. Resolved, That each year's experience increases our interest and faith in the health reform, as being an important part of the message, and that we recommend all to adopt it in a consistent manner. Resolved, That, with regret, we learn that the state of Bro. White's health would not permit him and sister White to be with us on this occasion, and that we earnestly pray that God will restore him to health again, that he may have part in the closing message of mercy. Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to the General Conference for the help they have given us the past year, and at this Conference, and pray that they will remember us in the future. This was passed by a rising vote of all present. Adjourned to call of President. The President being absent, D. M. Canright was elected Pres. pro tem. Prayer by D. M. Canright. The Nominating Committee then reported. The following brethren were nominated and elected to their respective offices. President, H. Grant; Secretary, H. F. Phelps; Treasurer, W. I. Gibson; Executive Committee, C. Kelsey and D. McAlpine. By request of the Conference, the President nominated, as State Auditor, O. W. Pierce, who was elected. The following resolution was then adopted: Resolved, That this Conference direct the Secretary to furnish the blanks which are necessary for church and s. B. Treasurer's reports, just before the time when such reports should be sent to the Secretary, that those having such reports to make, may be reminded of their duty to report immediately. Report of Committee on Credentials and Licenses was then submitted, recommending that the credentials of Elds. Pierce and Ingraham be renewed, and that Brn. H. Grant and J. Hanson be ordained and receive credentials; also, that H. F. Phelps, L. H. Ellis, Geo. Dimmock, Charles Lee, Wm. Hill, and J. Fulton, receive licenses. The name of Brush Creek church was changed to that of Wells, the church of Joe Davies, to that of Blue Earth City, and that of Pleasant Grove, to that of High Forest. Adjourned to call of President. The question of licenses being again called, Bro. Peter Erb received license. Voted, That we donate to the General Conference the sum of $500.00. Bro. Butler then made remarks on the necessity of a proper person's removing from this Conference to Battle Creek to assist in the work at that place, and then submitted the following resolution, which was passed unanimously. Resolved, That we, as a Conference, appreciating the importance of having the right influence at the head of the work at Battle Creek, and desiring to do our duty with our brethren of other Conferences in supplying this want, hereby direct the President of this Conference to correspond with those who are competent to select proper persons, and when such selection is made, we earnestly recommend such persons to remove there immediately. On motion, the President appointed Brn. I. Z. Lamb, A. H. Van Kirk, and John Fulton, to act as Camp-meeting Committee. By request, the name of the church of Deerfield was changed to that of Medford. The Secretary then presented the following resolution, which was passed by a rising vote of all present: Resolved, That we regret that we are compelled to part with Bro. Canright, thus being deprived of his labors, on account of his failing health, and earnestly solicit his return if Providence should direct; and we pray God to bless him with health and strength to labor on in this good cause. Moved, That the doings of this Conference be sent to the REVIEW for publication. Carried. H. Grant, Pres.
H. F. Phelps, Sec. California Church Work and Planned Camp-Meeting
By John Norton Loughborough
Our last report was made by Bro. Cornell, about one week since. In that, he stated the vote on the Sabbath question. Since then, we have passed through another week. Last Sabbath, we had two interesting meetings, well attended forenoon and afternoon. In the afternoon, there was a good, spirited social meeting, and some good, stirring testimonies were given. We have formed acquaintance with at least forty persons who have decided and commenced to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. There are about fifty in all who have already taken their stand by vote, at least, for the whole truth. We shall continue a few days, to follow up the work. It is our design now, to spend the summer in this valley, and to follow the labors of the summer with a camp-meeting, to be held not far from Napa. Our brethren in this State are already arousing to the subject of the camp-meeting, and I wish here to make some suggestions relative to it. 1. We would like to commence this camp-meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 17, and continue until Tuesday morning, Sept. 23d. From encouragement received from our churches in this State as to time, we will announce the above as the definite time of the meeting. 2. We wish each church to take immediate action relative to the matter, and decide how many will go, at least, so far as to decide the number of tents they will need, and then make them of domestic, or secure their tents at once, so that the last days before the meeting shall not be crowded with these cares. Let your tents be made, or secured, and that care will be out of the way. 3. Remember that last year was our first experience in camp-meetings in this State. Our notice was short; our preparations were necessarily hurried; we were many of us wearied. I hope all will overlook any confusion that may have been there, owing to lack of preparations, or hurry in consequence of short notice. Let us all begin in season, this year, that we may not be thus hurried again. 4. We recommend that all make their arrangements to camp on the ground Tuesday evening, Sept. 16. We can then have the forenoon of the 17th to arrange tables, etc., and the opening address be given at 2 p. m., the 17th. 5. Let each church send their tents and bed-ticks, and one or two men (according to the size of the church) one day in advance. Let these men with tents arrive on the grounds Monday night. They can camp in the large tent, which we will have erected. Tuesday, they can assist in seating the grounds, erect the small tents, and fill the ticks, so that when families arrive Tuesday evening they will find their tents all ready to enter and occupy, without any confusion. 6. We will arrange for a victualing stand, as last year, so that bread, fruit, etc., can be furnished upon the ground. There is a living stream of pure, spring water running by the ground we expect to occupy. And our hay is already secured, to be delivered upon the grounds. These two items will avoid two of our greatest perplexities of last year. 7. I learn by letter from Bro. Canright, received last evening, that he expects to be with us at our camp-meeting, if the Lord will, to enter upon the work in the California Conference. The camp-meeting will probably close Bro. Cornell’s labors in this State, for the present. He expects to start, immediately after the camp-meeting, to Washington Territory and Oregon to establish a mission there. 8. We all need the influence of the camp-meeting. It will be agreeable to old believers to become acquainted with those who have newly embraced the truth, and it will also be a matter of great encouragement to young believers to see and hear from older hands in the work. Association in this work, if rightly conducted, tends to cement hearts, and give strength and permanency to the work. 9. We request all to make the camp-meeting a subject of special prayer, that God may guide in relation to it, and that we may all come up to it in a frame of mind to share the rich blessing of God. Especially should the last days before the camp-meeting be devoted to seeking God. Do not come to the meeting merely for a season of recreation from worldly pursuits. That, the meeting will be of itself. But let the prominent thought in our minds be the spiritual benefit of ourselves, and our friends who may come to the meeting. We will give a more definite statement in our next of the place where the meeting will be held, so that all who wish may readily find it. Let us all be active and earnest in spreading the truth by every lawful means. Napa, Cal., July 8, 1873. Report from R. F. Cottrell, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
Since last report, held a series of meetings in West Valley, Cattaraugus Co., assisted by Bro. Stebbins. This is a field entirely new. Met with opposition, bold and uncivil, to say nothing of Christian courteousness, from one who has obtained an undue controlling influence, for the brief present, over the minds of a large, and doubtless well-meaning, portion of the religious community. The result was that without anything offensive to any Christian being presented on our part, they drew off and left our meetings very small. Still, some of the most candid, intelligent, and conscientious, heard us, and entertained us with Christian hospitality. Some expressed their convictions of the truth of what they heard. We hope the effort will not be lost. The conversion of one family, of whom we have reason to hope, would be a valuable accession to the cause. A man who, though not so religiously popular, because in advance of others in Bible truth, stands high in the community still, because of moral worth and stability of character, is such a one as ought to be among the first to receive and embrace this message. We hope that this may be the case at West Valley. Had an interesting quarterly meeting at Randolph. Besides the brethren from Cottage and East Otto, who usually attend these meetings, there were three brethren from the vicinity of Corydon, Pa., who, scattered and alone, are seeking47 and walking in the way of the truth. This added to the interest of the occasion. Spent one Sabbath with the friends at East Elma, Erie Co., on my way home, where I arrived July 8, after an absence of two months. Intend to visit the brethren in Cattaraugus County again, when I shall learn that they are ready to organize and engage more fully in this work of the Lord, feeling their responsibility to consecrate themselves to it and push it forward. If this cause is of any value to us, it is worth everything; it demands our all without reserve.