I do not know that circumstances are ever accepted as an excuse for not writing to the REVIEW, but I can assure its readers that my pen has done all that my time and labors would possibly permit for the last few months. Since my sickness of last winter in Maine, which so affected my head, my eyes have been steadily failing, so that it is far more taxing to write than it was before that, but I have not suffered this to interfere with my labor or writing as yet.
After the New York Camp-meeting, I remained at Kirkville over the following Sabbath, but a very heavy storm prevented such a meeting as we anticipated. I trust it was a season of benefit to the church. My stay there gave me an opportunity to learn of the influence of the camp-meeting on the community, and reports from every direction were most cheering. Such quietness and order, and freedom from all fanatical excitement, were so unusual for a camp-meeting, that it won the respect and admiration of all. Prejudice was removed, and especially was this the case in regard to Sr. White. Many who had never seen her, had heard the foolish falsehoods circulated against her, and came with the full effect of them on their minds; but when they heard the plain, practical truths of the Bible, the pure principles of Christianity presented in the earnest and powerful manner in which she was aided of the Lord to speak them there, all these feelings were swept away. A great responsibility now rests on many who heard the truth at that meeting. The brethren and sisters are greatly encouraged; the only regret I heard expressed was this, that it was necessary to have a business conference at the time of Camp-meeting; as it seemed desirable to have more meetings of a devotional character.
On the way returning to Boston, we found a bridge burned, and had to tarry all night in the mountains, about 20 miles east of Pittsfield. This added to the severe cold from which I was suffering, and I arrived in Boston in a worn condition. Here I found Bro. Cornell feeling quite unwell, and I preached at the Hall in Chelsea four times on Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 2 and 3. On the 5th, we left Boston for the Maine Conference. Our journey was pleasant and prosperous, till we passed Augusta; about five miles below Waterville, we found the railroad track destroyed by the flood in the Kennebec. The train backed down, but we feared there might be no travel on the road for several days, so we took our hand baggage and took the wagon road for Waterville. There we found the bridge gone, and we had to cross the railroad bridge. It was dark, and the bridge being covered, made it very dark inside; while the waters raged and foamed like a cataract beneath our feet. I must confess to having my nerves severely tested. But we went on to Kendall's Mills, and soon forgot our toils in the cheerful, hospitable home of Bro. Warren Clark.
I was much pleased to visit the friends in Maine, whose interest in the cause of God had so endeared them to me. “The field is the world”—the cause is one; and there are souls in Maine who have the spirit of the present truth, who rejoice in its prosperity, and mourn when it declines. May the Lord give them joy in its revival in that State. The state of the cause there is hopeful, and there has never been so good opportunity to labor to effect since I have known that field as now. May the Lord of the harvest “send by whom he will send.”
I made a short visit at Richmond, and found the believers all firm in the faith, working for themselves and others. I wish that every church in Maine had the same zeal and spirit of labor.
“Oh! that each in the day of his coming may say,
I have fought my way through;
I have finished the work thou didst give me to do.”
J. H. WAGGONER.
Boston, Oct. 29.
OUR CAMP-MEETING.
By George Ide Butler
According to appointment, our brethren assembled at Pilot Grove, Oct. 6, to our annual gathering. We judge it was the largest gathering of Seventh-day Adventists ever convened in the State. Over twenty tents were on the ground besides the large tent for holding meetings. We were favored for the most part with good weather, though rather cool nights, owing to the lateness of the season. Meetings commenced Wednesday, and broke up the following Tuesday.
Our ministering brethren from abroad did not get to the meeting till Friday afternoon, which was quite a disappointment to some. But Bro. Canright, whose gift was new to most of the brethren, spoke several times with good acceptance, and the time was profitably spent. Those who came from abroad to labor with us, were much worn. Sr. White especially, being hardly able to attend meeting at first; but after resting, she was able to speak several times.
We were all strengthened by seeing the courage of the servants of the Lord who have labored so long and faithfully in this cause. If they can go forward with courage through the opposition and trial to which they have been so long exposed, feeling an increasing zeal and interest, certainly those of us who have not borne a tithe of their burdens, ought not to be cast down.
Bro. White's case is especially encouraging, having come up from an apparent bed of death to his present health and strength, where it seems he is able to accomplish as much labor as he ever was in his life. Considering all the circumstances, and the nature of his disease, it seems like an absolute miracle. Truly God's hand is to be seen in preserving the life of his servant. The Seventh-day Adventists in Iowa will ever feel a special interest in these servants of the Lord, because they were a special means in his providence of rescuing many from great danger in one of the darkest days of our history.
Bro. Andrews spoke to us with his usual acceptance and clearness. We were happy to see and make the acquaintance of Bro. Brambberger, who represents the Sabbath-keepers of Switzerland. We could but admit that his zeal and devotion, and simple earnestness and love for Christ's cause, put us to shame who have been much longer in the truth. How much more good we could do if we could get into the simplicity of the work.
Four new churches came into the conference at this meeting. Our business sessions passed off harmoniously. Nearly one hundred new members have been added during the last conference year. This is an encouraging item to us. Many of the brethren brought their children to the meeting, hoping to see them become interested in the truth, and many of them were not disappointed. On Monday afternoon, there was a season of prayer for the unconverted, and backsliders; and the Spirit of the Lord was powerfully present, and souls there took a start whom we hope to meet in the kingdom.
On the ground, we had quiet and order, and things passed off very pleasantly. Altogether, it was one of the most pleasant and profitable meetings we ever attended. Our next meeting will probably be held further north, about the first of next June, when we trust the weather will be more pleasant and comfortable.
We go from this meeting with good courage to labor on till our next annual gathering in the Master's cause. May the Lord bless his cause, and advance it in the earth. GEO. I. BUTLER.
REPORT FROM OHIO.
By I. D. Van Horn
From October 14 to 25, I was with the church in Bellville. During this time we held twenty meetings. The Lord gave his blessing, and we enjoyed good freedom in speaking. But this was a season of great labor for the church, on account of some difficulties that existed, caused by the wicked course of Jonathan Iden. We gave his case a fair and thorough investigation, which resulted in the church’s withdrawing fellowship from him. From what I know of his course, I wish to say for the benefit of all who love the cause of truth, that he is entirely unworthy of the confidence of any body of Christians, until he shall show by a thorough and heartfelt confession, deep humility, and works of righteousness, that he has repented of his evil ways and found favor with God.
After the church had taken this step, we succeeded in bringing them into a good degree of union and love with each other again. We left them much encouraged, and we hope they will profit by their past experience, and grow in grace and the love of the truth unto the end. Four were added to the church, and one was baptized.
The week following the meeting at Bellville, I held two meetings with the church in Clyde, three in Melmore, and one in Fremont. I found most of those who had accepted the truth as the result of the tent-meetings in Clyde and Melmore, still holding on, and making some progress in the truth. Most of the church in Clyde met with the church in Fremont, Sunday morning, Oct. 31. At the close of the services, six expressed their wish to unite with the Clyde church. They were all admitted, and we all went to the river, where five of them followed their Lord in baptism. May they truly walk in newness of life, and at last have a home among the saved.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 3, 1869.
STRANGE TEACHING.
By W. S. Foote
A SHORT time since, I sent Bro. Canright's tract entitled, "The End of the Wicked," to an eastern friend, and a Congregational preacher got hold of it, reviewed it, and filled out three sheets of foolscap with a reply. He says, "The soul is an emanation of the Deity, a spark struck off from the great source of spiritual existence. It was created a pure, uncompounded substance, a simple, thinking, immaterial, and immortal substance."
Query: What is an immaterial substance, and if created, as the writer says, who created it?
He says further: "The Scriptures, when rightly interpreted, nowhere assert that God will exert his power to annihilate the soul. Being an emanation from himself, an uncompounded substance like his own spiritual nature, its existence must continue commensurate with his own."
If such is the case, or the "immortal soul" is "a spark struck off from the great source of spiritual existence," then the wicked when suffering eternally in the lake of fire, which the writer teaches, will not suffer alone, but a part of the "Deity" will be there to suffer with them!
W. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, O.
HOW WE KNOW!
By H. C. MILLER
“How do you know whether Saturday is the right day to keep holy?” “How do you know that it is the one that the commandment requires to be kept?” are questions often asked by those who observe Sunday, the first day of the week. They will admit that Saturday is the seventh day as we now reckon, but seem to doubt that it has always been so. Ask them if they believe that Christ arose from the dead on the first day as we now reckon? “Oh, yes! most certainly,” they reply. Very well, so do we believe, and having got established on this point, the other is easily settled by the inspired word of the apostle Luke, who declares the day before the one on which Christ rose, to be “the Sabbath according to the commandment.” Luke xxiii, 56. All plain and easy. H. C. MILLER.
Evil Thoughts
EVIL THOUGHTS.—“We cannot keep the crows from flying over our heads, but we can keep them from building nests in our hair.”—Martin Luther.
Obituary Notices.
By W. C. G.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Walton, Mich., Oct. 29, 1869, of consumption, Bro. George Case, aged 57 years. Funeral discourse on Sunday, Oct. 31, in the Congregational Meeting-house in Olivet, to a large and attentive congregation. W. C. G.
Preach a Crucified Saviour
PHILIP HENRY'S counsel was, “Preach a crucified Saviour in a crucified style.”
Learning
The learned man who despises the wisdom of the untutored wise man, is brother to the unlearned and foolish man who unwisely despises learning.
A Note.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
We left Boston October 5, for Maine, leaving directions to have letters forwarded. We left Skowhegan the 20th, at which time we had received none. There were ten or twelve letters forwarded from Boston, but we have not been able to find any of them up to this time, and it appears that not one of them ever went to the offices we designated. Those who wrote letters to us between September 20 and October 20, will know why they have not received attention. Matters of importance should be written again.
I expect to leave Boston November 15. No more letters should be directed here to me.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Boston, Mass., Nov. 4, 1869.
A Mistake.
By James White
SEVERAL brethren have recently sent to this Office the names and addresses of certain poor persons who should have the REVIEW. This is right. No mistake thus far. But the mistake was in not sending pay at half price, or $1.00 per year. The Association will give half, and these benevolent brethren, who take such an interest in the poor, can pay the other half. Look up the worthy poor, brethren, and send us their names and addresses, and pay for the REVIEW at half price.
JAMES WHITE.
The Revivalist.—
By James White
A collection of choice revival Hymns and Tunes, original and selected, by Joseph Hillman. This is a well-bound book of 264 pp. We first saw it at the Kirkville, N. Y., Camp-meeting, where we heard the Olcott brethren sing that charming piece, “The Celestial Army.” The book can be had of Joseph Hillman, Troy, N. Y., or at this Office. Price $1.00, postage 12 cents. JAMES WHITE.
Note from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
I AM holding meetings here principally for the good of the few brethren in this vicinity. They were in perishing need of help. Have been sick the last two weeks with colds from exposure and sudden changes in the atmosphere. Am better now. Feel good courage to labor on in the glorious cause of truth. Trust that I learn submission by the things I suffer. There are some indications that good is being done here. Trust that I shall find plenty of openings to present the truth and gain souls. Pray for me, that the Lord may direct. JOHN MATTESON.
Mount City, Kan., (Box 1) Oct. 29, 1869.
Note to the Churches in Wisconsin.
By Isaac Sanborn
THE Waterloo church has pledged $50.00, and the Hundred Mile Grove church $95.00, to buy a new tent for this Conference; all to be paid by the first of January. Bro. Robert F. Andrews told me that the brethren in Illinois were also intending to buy a tent. Therefore our brethren of Wisconsin will be liberal in their donations, as we have to raise and pay about $550 for a tent, which sum we can easily raise if we take hold of it in love for the glory of God. Let all the churches send their money in drafts on Chicago, to Bro. C. W. Olds, Little Prairie, Walworth Co., Wis., by the first of January. Let all the churches report the amount they will give to Bro. Olds immediately, so that he can report through the REVIEW by the middle of December the whole amount pledged. Now, brethren, let the work of the Lord be done promptly.
ISAAC SANBORN.
Note from Bro. Byington.
By John Byington
OCTOBER 15 to 19, I was with the church in Owosso. I spoke three times to them. Our social meetings were good, and all seemed encouraged.
The 19th, Bro. A. Avery took me to Locke, where, with the church, I had three meetings, and celebrated the ordinances.
The 22d, Bro. M. Avery and wife, with their team, brought me to Alaiedon, where we spent the Sabbath, and remained till the 27th. I had six meetings with them, and the ordinances. The greater part here are holding fast the faith. They are not rich, but have spent nearly two thousand dollars in erecting a house of worship which will be ready for use in a few weeks. They request Bro. and Sr. White to attend the dedication some time between the 20th of December and the first week in January. If Bro. Matteson should be at liberty from other labors, and would attend, they will pay his expenses. If either or both can attend, they wish it noted in the REVIEW soon. We spent all our time here visiting from house to house, and praying with families. At our last meeting we had the ordinances.
The 27th, Bro. Briggs brought me to Leslie, where, at 2 o'clock P. M., we had a business meeting for the Jackson church; also social meeting in the evening. Six were added to the church. I leave this morning for Gratiot Co. J. BYINGTON.
Leslie, Oct. 28.
“Because Ye Belong to Christ.”
By Dudley Marvin Canright
MANY noble actions are done which will never be rewarded, because they are not done with the right motive. Many give of their means, and sacrifice their time, to help God’s servants and his cause, who will receive no reward for it in Heaven. They do it to please men, or for a show, and not for the Lord’s sake. Christ says, “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink, in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” Mark ix, 41. Thus we see that the simplest act of benevolence performed towards God’s children, because they belong to Christ, will receive its reward. The Lord notices and remembers even the slightest tokens of affection for him. But if we do these things, not for Christ’s sake, but for man’s sake, we must look to man for our reward. D. M. CANRIGHT.
THE ROUND OF LIFE.
From Aphorisms and Opinions of Dr. Geo. Horne, late Lord Bishop of Norwich.
Some are serving—some commanding;
Some are sitting—some are standing;
Some rejoicing—some are grieving;
Some entreating—some relieving;
Some are weeping—some are laughing;
Some are thirsting—some are quaffing;
Some accepting—some refusing;
Some are thrifty—some abusing;
Some compelling—some persuading;
Some are flattering—some degrading;
Some are patient—some are fuming;
Some are modest—some presuming;
Some are leasing—some are farming;
Some are helping—some are harming;
Some are running—some are riding;
Some departing—some abiding;
Some are sending—some are bringing;
Some are crying—some are singing;
Some are hearing—some are preaching;
Some are learning—some are teaching;
Some disdaining—some affecting;
Some assiduous—some neglecting;
Some are feasting—some are fasting;
Some are saving—some are wasting;
Some are losing—some are winning;
Some repenting—some are sinning;
Some professing—some adoring;
Some are silent—some are roaring;
Some are restive—some are willing;
Some preserving—some are killing;
Some are bounteous—some are grinding;
Some are seeking—some are finding;
Some are thieving—some receiving;
Some are hiding—some revealing;
Some commending—some are blaming;
Some dismembering—some new framing;
Some are quiet—some disputing;
Some confuted—some confuting;
Some are marching—some retiring;
Some are resting—some aspiring;
Some enduring—some deriding;
Some are falling—some are rising.
These are sufficient to recite,
Since all men's deeds are infinite;
Some end their parts when some begin;
Some go out—and some go in.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will attend the Monthly Meeting at Newton, Mich., Sabbath, Nov. 13. J. & E. G. WHITE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church in Hillsdale, Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 13 and 14; with the church at Ransom Center, Nov. 20 and 21. J. BATES.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. M J Clarke 34-15, J Smith Jr 34-15, J Weaver 34-15, H Shaffer 36-1, S Anderson 34-15, J Stillman 36-18, H K Goss 36-17, L Kellogg 35-1.
$2.00 each. Belle Wright 36-16, Mary Holton 36-13, J Phillips 36-13, J Dittwiler 35-1, W D Shary 37-1, A Bigsbee 36-17, H J Holt 35-13, E C Chipman 36-10, J M Gainard 38-13, H G Washburn 37-1, E O Underhill 36-17, D Strout 35-1, R Covell 36-6, J L Lewis 35-1, Howard 36-24, C Jerome 36-17, J Young 36-10, S D Salisbury 36-12, J M Osborn 36-17, F H Morrison 36-17, H A Whittaker 36-1, Eliza Gardner 36-1, H Gardner 36-20, S M Bickford 36-20, B Turwilleger 36-19, T Butcher 36-19, A C Woodbury 36-1.
Miscellaneous. J G Smith $5.00 38-1, Sarah Green 4.00 36-8, J Lamson 5.00 39-1, Mrs Jas Hoxie 0.60 37-1, S Berry 50c 36-13, F Crandall 1.50 32-1, A Sellers 1.50 36-1, I Carpenter 1.50 34-21, J T Collicott 4.00 35-14.
Books Sent by Mail.
S O Winslow 25c, O F Guilford 30c, S A Chamberlin 20c, J F Wood $25.00, Geo W Barker 1.25, H G Washburn 1.65, S D Heady 12c, S A Smith 25c, J A Palmer 25c, Joel Crandall 50c, A H Osborn 10c, A Morehouse 6.00, A Cornell 30c, S B Gowell 46c, Jas Hackett 1.00, S D Heady 70c, S C Gove 10c, E Sedgwick 25c, J N Loughborough 27.13.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Greenville $25.00, Church at Orleans 36.57, Church at Gaines 7.00, Church at Greenbush 23.00, Church at Bushnell 30.00, Church at Leighton 14.50, Church at Jackson 40.00.
Michigan Tent and Ceresco Camp-meeting Expenses.
D R Palmer $40.00.
Foreign Missionary Fund.
Nellie E Sisley $5.00, M M Sisley 5.00, A friend 50c, I Sanborn 5.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
H G Washburn $1.35, J H Jaquith 10.00, Jas Hackett 2.00.
Cash Received on Account.
A H Clymer $5.00, S B Gowell 5.00, A O Olson 10.00.
Benevolent Fund.
A Sorens $10.00.
Books Sent by Express.
S H King, Ionia, Mich., $5.00, B F Merritt, Chillicothe, Peoria Co., Ill. 10.00.
The Christian
This is the title of a monthly sheet published by H. L. Hastings, 19 Lindall street, Boston, Mass. Terms, sixty cents per year. This paper contains very little which we cannot sincerely commend. It furnishes many articles of great value. The article in a recent Review on the Resurrection of the Unjust, and the article in last week's Review, entitled, The Age of Murder, are instances to the point. The Christian is well calculated to interest the general reader. It is also very acceptable to youth and children. And we must add to the foregoing the fact that The Christian never makes personal assaults upon the character or reputation of others.
Book and Tract Enterprise
By Editor
We open, this week, a new department in the REVIEW, under the special charge of Bro. White. The book and tract enterprise has, chiefly under his management, become a very important part of our work, and the friends of the cause everywhere feel the deepest interest in its success. This department will, therefore, be read with interest by all who have the cause at heart.