The seventh annual meeting of the Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened at Clinton, Ill., Aug. 23, 1877, at 4 o’clock P. M.
Prayer by Eld. J. R. Whitham, followed by singing, after which an invitation was extended to all S. D. Adventists in good standing to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
Nineteen churches were represented by twenty delegates.
Voted, That Bro. J. L. Merritt represent the Gridley church.
Voted, That Eld. J. R. Whitham represent the Aledo church.
Report of the last meeting read and accepted.
Voted, That the Onarga church be received into the Conference, and in this meeting be represented by Eld. R. F. Andrews.
Voted, That the bands at Rockford, Leroy, Mackinaw, Watseka, and Rutland be taken under the watch-care of the Conference; and that the band at Rockford be represented by Dr. A. K. Atteberry, Leroy and Mackinaw by Eld. C. H. Bliss, and Watseka by Bro. J. Carlock.
Voted, To drop the Beaver and Wedron churches from the Conference.
Voted, To change the name of the Rockton church to Roscoe, that of Clark Center to Martinville, and that of the church at Clyde to Coleta.
Voted, That the President appoint the committees, which were as follows:— On Nominations: Brn. J. L. Merritt, Geo. Knight, and Wm. Doyal. On Resolutions: Eld. J. H. Waggoner, R. F. Andrews, and Dr. A. K. Atteberry. On Credentials and Licenses: Brn. Alfred Nettleingham, Jared Mallernee, and James King. On Auditing: J. H. Bates, S. Glascock, A. P. Ritchey, Robt. Vickery, A. A. John, and Thomas Brown.
It was decided that the Conference would feel some of the burden of an individual’s “call” to preach, and that the person would not carry the weight alone.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
The second session was held sixth-day, at 8 o’clock A. M. Opened by singing. Prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
Voted, To disband the Pontiac church and to recommend its members to join some other church as soon as practicable.
The treasurer’s report was as follows:—
Cash on hand at beginning of Conference year, $661 61
Received during the year, 2170 55
$2832 16
Paid out during year, $2375 36
Cash on hand, 456 80
$2832 16
The church membership of Illinois was found to be about 500.
All lonely Sabbath-keepers in the State are urgently requested to join the nearest church, no matter if so far away that they cannot meet with its members; however, churches are cautioned against receiving members without due examination.
Ministers are requested to keep a strict account of labors, and in tent work to accept money if offered; but not to make collections unless they are positive it will be agreeable to the people to whom they are speaking.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD SESSION, AUG. 25.
Convened at 4 o’clock P. M.
After prayer by Eld. C. H. Bliss, the minutes of the preceding session were read.
Report of Committee on Credentials and Licenses was as follows:—
For credentials: Elds. G. W. Colcord, R. F. Andrews, T. M. Steward, J. R. Whitham, C. H. Bliss, and B. F. Merritt. For licenses: Brn. J. F. Ballinger, J. B. Logan, Geo. Shonk, D. Morrison, Dr. A. K. Atteberry, I. G. Colcord, A. A. John, Alfred Dennis, John L. Merritt, J. N. Foster, J. C. Wright, E. O. Hammond, and Geo. White. Each was separately considered, and received a unanimous vote.
Voted, To pay the fare of the Camp-meeting Committee.
Voted, To pay the Conference Secretary, sister F. M. T. Simonson, the sum of $50 as a token of appreciation for her valuable services during the past Conference year.
Voted, That we have a camp-meeting next year.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
FOURTH SESSION.
The fourth session convened Aug. 27, at 9 A. M. Opened, as usual, by singing and prayer, followed by reading of minutes of preceding session.
The Auditor certified to the correctness of the treasurer’s report.
The following officers were elected:—
President, G. W. Colcord; secretary, Nettie Smith; treasurer, J. F. Trovillo; auditor, G. W. Colcord; Executive Committee, John Carlock, Robert Vickery, Geo. Foreman.
The President accepted the office only on condition of the membership of the State throwing all their energies into the work.
The Conference passed the following resolution:—
Resolved, That we deprecate the action of any church treasurer who may have used Conference funds for private purposes, even though he hope to return the money at some given time.
No minister shall receive money from the churches while visiting them.
Voted, To send Eld. G. W. Colcord as delegate to the General Conference.
Voted, That next year each church send one or two members to camp-meeting before the time of opening, to help the Camp-meeting Committee until close of meeting.
Adjourned to call of president.
FIFTH SESSION.
Convened at 6 o’clock P. M., August 27. Opened by singing. Minutes of last session read and approved.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions was read and accepted, and the resolutions adopted, as follows:—
Resolved, That while we hail with pleasure the news of the progress of the truth, both in this and foreign lands, which is evidence to us of the near approach of the end of our labor in this cause, we realize the great responsibility which it throws upon us to labor with greater zeal and energy than ever before.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with our beloved brother, Eld. White, in his arduous labors, and his present affliction, and hereby express to him a pledge of our intention to be co-workers in the full sense of the expression, from this time forward, and that our prayers shall be continued in his behalf.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to the General Conference for the efficient help sent us at this camp-meeting and Conference, in the person of Eld. Waggoner.
Resolved, That we express our appreciation of the excellent order maintained on the camp-ground, and the interest to hear the truth manifested by the citizens of Clinton and vicinity.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to the owner of the camp-ground, Mr. Lewis Campbell, for the kindness he has extended to us beyond the bounds of the contract.
Resolved, That the minutes of this meeting be published in the REVIEW.
Voted, To donate $100 to the General Conference.
Adjourned to call of president.
G. W. Colcord, Pres.
S. Nettie Smith, Sec.
A LETTER.
By J. T. Alverson
J. T. ALVERSON writes from Franklin Co., Ohio:—
In the spring of 1877, a worn paper, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, of Feb. 8, 1877, was put into my hands. I read and re-read the article, “Make It Plain,” until it seemed to break up the fallow ground of my heart. I read the Bible, and searched for Bible proof on the true Sabbath. It was indeed made very plain, and on the 23d of June I commenced to keep the seventh day. This will affect me in my business relations, and call forth some opposition, but I must keep the whole law.
At the Newark, Ohio, camp-meeting, the sermons were practical and convincing. The harvest of the world is drawing near, and individuals as well as nations are being warned. Political parties are trying to gather strength and to secure influence from the church which tried to subvert the law of God, forgetting that righteousness exalteth a nation. On the financial tide persons are rocked to and fro. Secret societies are adopting some religious code, and are crying, Charity. This will decoy some of the thoughtless. The truth bears record of a coming day which will dissolve all things earthly. But those who keep the whole law of God will have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Enduring the Misfortunes of Others
We have all of us sufficient strength of mind to endure the misfortunes of other people.
The Surest Mark of True Piety
THE surest mark of true piety is to fill up the duties of our own station with the utmost fidelity.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, at Newark, Ohio, Aug. 13, Llewellyn Monroe, son of L. W. and M. E. Richardson, aged 3 years, 3 months, and 11 days. Llewellyn was a lovely, intelligent little boy. He rests till the Lifegiver comes, to give life to his people. Discourse on the occasion from Job 14: 14. Wm. Cottrell.
Died, in Richford, Waushara Co., Wis., Aug. 19, 1877, of ulcer of the liver, our beloved brother, W. Farar, aged 70 years, 5 months, and 5 days. He died in full hope of a part in the first resurrection. He will be greatly missed in the church where he lived, as he was always at his post, both in works and with his means. Discourse by the writer. Text, Isa. 3: 10, 11. John Atkinson.
Died, near Smethport, McKean Co., Pa., Aug. 13, 1877, our beloved sister, Louisa F., wife of Bro. Philip Kent, and daughter of J. H. and Elizabeth Bedford, of Catlin, Chemung Co., N. Y. Sister Kent was married last March, and moved to Potter Co., Pa., where she united with the Port Allegany church of S. D. Adventists. She was indeed an ornament to the church—a live member. She went to Smethport with her melodeon to assist us in conducting the singing in the tent, and afforded great help. After being there one week, she was taken with a sick headache, and soon the typhoid fever set in in its most malignant form. After eight days’ illness she died. She was prepared. Death had lost its terror. She leaves a large circle of mourning friends, and a bereaved husband. Funeral services by the writer. Text, 1 Thess. 4: 13. J. G. Saunders.
IOWA
By G. V. Kilgore
Sac City.
Tent-meetings began here one week ago to-day, Aug. 22. The interest is good. We have an average of two hundred hearers. Our time is occupied the closest it ever was. We have callers at the tent nearly all the time, and invitations to visit. Hotel keepers take us in free of charge. Bro. J. D. Pegg is with me, and is good help. He takes charge of the singing.
Bro. Hart has been near Storm Lake holding meetings since we left there two weeks ago; but he came to us last night. Our meeting at Storm Lake was not as well attended as we desired; yet some good was done; four began to keep the Sabbath.
After leaving that place, Bro. Pegg and I held five meetings with the company at Cherokee, and organized a church of nine members. Bro. Samuel Berven was chosen leader; and S. S. was organized.
We came to Fonda, and held five meetings with good interest. New ones came out who had just begun to keep the Sabbath. They are leaving off tobacco and drinks that are not good. May God bless them.
We desire the prayers of God’s people. We hope that good will be done at our present meeting.
Sac City, Sac Co., Iowa is our address. G. V. Kilgore.
PACIFIC COAST.
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
Napa County, Cal.
Bro. J. N. Loughborough reports interesting meetings at Napa, St. Helena, and Middletown. Not only did these meetings have a good influence on the church, but there was a good outside attendance at each place.
Dixon and Sacramento, Cal.
At a recent meeting in Dixon two signed the covenant.
Bro. W. M. Healey says they have now twenty-six names on the covenant at Sacramento; others are keeping the Sabbath, and the interest in the meetings is still good.
Grangeville, Cal.
About twenty-five attended the first Sabbath meeting held here. Their hearts seemed affected by the truth, and some have commenced to obey. Bro. J. L. Wood has sold ten dollars’ worth of books here, and obtained four subscribers for the SIGNS.
Martinez, Cal.
This is an irreligious town, given to pleasure-seeking; but Bro. Rice and Brorsen find some interested hearers, some of whom will probably take a stand on the truth.
Marshalltown Church Begins Regular Sabbath Worship
By O. M. Olds
Marshalltown.
Twenty, including children, met for worship on Sabbath, Aug. 25. The Lord met with us. It being impracticable for us to meet regularly with the church six miles distant, we arranged for regular Sabbath worship at the residence of Bro. Haines. Bro. H. was selected to lead our meetings. There are fourteen here to sustain these meetings, mostly the fruit of the late camp-meetings, and many more are interested. Ten of our number have pledged to make a weekly effort to sell and lend tracts. O. M. OLDS.
The Health Reform Institute.
The stockholders of the Health Reform Institute will hold their eleventh annual meeting at Lansing, Mich., in connection with the camp-meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 1877, at 9 o'clock A. M., for the election of officers, and for the transaction of any other business that may come before the meeting.
Stockholders who cannot attend will please see that their stock is represented by proxy if they have not already made provision of this kind.
JAMES WHITE,
S. N. HASKELL,
S. BROWNSBERGER,
W. J. FAIRFIELD,
W. C. WHITE,
W. B. SPRAGUE,
D. M. CARRIGHT,
Directors.
The Educational Society.
The Seventh-day Adventist Educational Society will hold its Third Annual Meeting on the camp-ground at Lansing, Mich., Monday, Sept. 24, 1877, at 9 o'clock, A. M., for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees for the ensuing year, and transacting any other business that may come before the meeting.
JAMES WHITE,
U. SMITH,
S. BROWNSBERGER,
J. H. KELLOGG,
S. N. HASKELL,
W. J. FAIRFIELD,
W. C. WHITE,
Trustees.
Annual Meetings.
General Conference.
The sixteenth Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Lansing, Mich., Thursday, Sept. 20, 1877, at 9 o’clock A. M., for the purpose of considering such matters pertaining to the general prosperity of the cause as may properly come before this body.
James White, S. N. Haskell, D. M. Canright, Gen. Conf. Com.
S. D. A. P. Association.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association will hold its eighteenth annual session on the camp-ground at Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Sept. 25, 1877, at 9 o’clock A. M., for the election of officers, and for the transaction of any other business that may come before the meeting.
James White, S. N. Haskell, M. J. Chapman, James Sawyer, C. W. Stone, U. Smith, J. H. Kellogg, Trustees.
The Michigan Conference.
The Michigan Conference will hold its next annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 1877, at 2 o’clock P. M. Delegates should be on the ground on Tuesday, the 18th. Let the church officers make their reports in season; and let the S. B. treasurers make an effort to meet their pledges. We hope the friends of the cause will make an especial effort to attend this meeting, prepared to work for the Lord.
S. N. Haskell, Mich. Conf. Com.; E. H. Root; J. Fargo.
Mich. T. and M. Society.
The Sixth Annual Meeting of the Michigan T. and M. Society will be held some time during the camp-meeting at Lansing, which commences Sept. 18. J. Fargo, Pres.
Northern N. Y. Camp-Meeting.
This meeting will be held at Jefferson Park, one and a half miles from Carthage, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 11–17, 1877.
Jefferson Park is located on the Utica and Black River R. R., one and one-half miles from Carthage toward Watertown. All trains stop at the ground. Those coming from the central and eastern part of the State will take this road at Utica, and reach the ground without change. Those coming from west of Syracuse can, if they prefer, take the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg R. R. (Syracuse Northern Division) at Syracuse for Watertown, where they will change for Carthage. Those coming from the north on the R., W. and O. R. R. will change for Carthage at Philadelphia. The R., W. and O. R. R. will sell camp-meeting tickets at reduced rates from stations south of Watertown, to Watertown, and return, and from stations north of Philadelphia to Philadelphia, and return. The Utica and Black River R. R. will sell camp-meeting tickets from all stations to Jefferson Park, and return.
Straw and provisions will be furnished on the ground. Conf. Com.
To those attending the N. Y. Camp-Meeting.
By B. L. Whitney
We request those who have copies of the SIGNS or REVIEW to spare, to bring them to the camp-ground for distribution. Hundreds of copies can be used in this way to good advantage. Let each individual who reads this bring what he can, and we shall have a good supply.
Those living east of Syracuse will find it the best route to go via Utica. Those west of Syracuse will find it cheaper to change at Syracuse for Watertown, and at Watertown for Carthage. All should call for tickets for camp-meeting. Those living on the line of the Lake Ontario Shore road can have reduced fare by that route also.
Mail directed Carthage, Jeff. Co., N. Y., and marked Jefferson Park, will be delivered on the ground.
Lastly, we say to those who may be hesitating about attending the meeting, or who have decided that they cannot afford to come this year, Look this matter over again carefully, and be sure you are not neglecting duty in depriving yourselves of the privileges and benefits of this meeting. Let all come who can, and come prepared to do all they can to make the meeting a success. We have received encouragement that excursion trains will be run on Sunday. Be sure to be on the ground at the commencement of the meeting to stay till the meeting is through. We confidently expect that Bro. and Sr. White will attend the meeting. B. L. WHITNEY.
Appointments: Fasting, Quarterly Meetings, and Church Gatherings
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Appointment.
For reasons given in another column next Sabbath, Sept. 8, is hereby appointed a special season of fasting and prayer in behalf of Bro. White, to be observed in all the churches. Trustees S. D. A. Pub. Association.
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 3, Mich. T. and M. Society, will be held at Lansing in connection with the camp-meeting which opens Sept. 18. The time will be given at that place. Will the librarians bring their reports to the camp-meeting, where we hope to meet all the officers of the T. and M. Society of this district? I. A. Olmstead, Director.
General gathering at the tent in Bellevue, Mich., Sabbath, Sept. 8, at 10:30 A. M. and 2:30 P. M. All the brethren and sisters within a reasonable distance are invited to attend. E. R. Jones.
Two days’ meeting at Valley, Greenwood Co., Kan., Sept. 15, 16, 1877. All the Sabbath-keepers in Dists. Nos. 9, 10, 13, Kansas T. and M. Society, are requested to attend. Meetings begin Friday night. J. Lamont.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the churches of Missouri as follows:— Index, Cass Co., Sabbath and Sunday, Sept. 15, 16. Rockville, Bates Co., Sept. 22, 23. Nevada City, Vernon Co., Sept. 29, 30. Meetings will commence at Nevada City earlier in the week if the brethren choose to appoint. Let us have a general turnout. Geo. I. Butler.
Meetings in Nebraska as follows:— In Dist. No. 13, where Bro. Solomon Myer may appoint, Sept. 8 and 9. Nebraska City, Sept. 15 and 16. Dist. No. 12, where Bro. E. D. Hulbert may appoint, Sept. 22 and 23. There will be opportunity for baptism at each of these meetings, and the interests of the missionary work will be considered. We hope to meet as many of the friends of the cause at these meetings as possible. H. Nicola.
Remaining Camp-Meetings for 1877.
VERMONT, Morrisville, Sept. 6-11.
NEW YORK, Carthage, “ 11-17.
MICHIGAN, Lansing, “ 18—.
A Day of Fasting and Prayer.
No doubt the hearts of our brethren and sisters everywhere were saddened by the note which appeared in the REVIEW of Aug. 9, by which they learned that Bro. White was in so poor a state of health as to be unable to attend the camp-meetings. Since that time there has been no improvement in his condition, and a few days since his family were greatly startled at the appearance of many of the old symptoms from which he suffered when stricken down with paralysis several years ago.
The press of cares upon Bro. White has been so great in consequence of the increasing magnitude of the work that he has continued to labor arduously, notwithstanding the numerous admonitions of failing health which he has received by frequent temporary indispositions. Two weeks ago this morning his conditions became so serious that the most energetic measures were necessary to prevent an apoplectic attack. He rallied sufficiently to be able to travel by Thursday of the same week, and in response to a very urgent call to attend the New England camp-meeting, he took the cars, in company with his wife, for Massachusetts, trusting in the Lord to give him strength for the journey. He arrived safely at his journey’s end, and has since improved a little, but is still in a very feeble condition. In a letter received this morning, he expresses himself as enjoying great freedom of spirit, notwithstanding his physical weakness and suffering. He sees the numerous wants of the cause, and feels anxious to be engaged in the work to which his life has been devoted, and which the Lord has prospered in his hands. The cause demands his labors now more than at any previous period. Feeling deeply the urgent calls of duty which press upon him from all directions, Bro. White expresses in the letter referred to a request that his case may be made the subject of special prayer by the people for whom he has so long labored, that God will give him health and strength.
In view of the foregoing it has been decided to appoint next Sabbath, Sept. 8, as a day of fasting and prayer in behalf of Bro. White, that he may be fully and speedily restored to health, and to the position in this cause to which the Lord has called him, and which he has so nobly filled for many years. All our brethren and sisters will undoubtedly feel it a great privilege to join unitedly in this effort by humbling themselves before the Lord and pleading earnestly for his blessing upon this dear servant of God, who has spent his energies in the cause which he still desires to serve, and which is in suffering need of his aid.
TRUSTEES S. D. A. PUB. ASSOCIATION.
Michigan Camp-Meeting.
By W. C. W.
It will be noticed that the important business meetings of the General and Michigan Conferences are appointed on the first days of the camp-meeting, and that the annual meetings of the College, Publishing House, and Health Institute, are to be held during the first week.
This will make the first, the most important week of the meeting, and although it may be difficult for some to come at this time on account of seeding, it is hoped that none will fail to be in season on this account.
All who attend the first week of the meeting should be on the ground Tuesday, and the tents should all be up by Wednesday noon.
W. C. W.
College Year Opens With Large Attendance
By S. B.
The college year has opened pleasantly and with great promise of a successful term's work. The number of students present has far surpassed our highest expectation. Upon the fourth day of the session there are two hundred and twenty-five present, and still more are coming. Peace and the most complete harmony prevail. The Lord is mercifully blessing the school. S. B.
A Testimony for the Truth.
Dr. Adams, of Lakeview, Mich., gives the following good testimony to the power of the truth. Bro. Burrill tells us that the doctor's wife has embraced the truth, also his sister, who is preceptress of the public school in Lakeview. He says:—
“Since the coming of friend Burrill among us, there has been a general stirring up. Men who have never kept Sunday or showed any regard for religion, but have ridiculed religion and its teachings, are keeping the Sabbath, and attending religious services nightly; and in places where one would not expect to find a Bible, I find men reading it. They have become like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so.”
“I met a man this evening who said to me, ‘Doctor, I have served the devil all my life, and I am going from this time forward to serve God as well as I have served the devil.’ So you can see that the seed has not all fallen upon the rocks or among brambles.”
“In the stores or shops, in the streets or on the sidewalk, if I see a group of men talking, I am sure to hear ‘old law,’ ‘new law,’ ‘covenant,’ or ‘ten commandments,’ as a part of their conversation; or they are telling what Eld. Bowers said, or what Eld. Burrill said, or what Sly said, on some portion of the Bible. And instead of meeting a half dozen men drunk and riotous, as you would a few years since, men are going to church or reading the Bible at home; and I must say, although a man outside of the church, that his coming among us is resulting in good to society, and I earnestly hope to the good cause. Yours,
“CHARLES O. ADAMS.”
Take Notice!
WILL all the lonely Sabbath-keepers of Illinois not connected with any church please send their addresses immediately to the Conference secretary, Miss S. Nettie Smith, Woodburn, Macoupin Co., Illinois.
N. Y. and Pa. State Conference.
By B. L. Whitney; Asa M. Green; A. H. Hall
The fifteenth annual session of the N. Y. and Pa. State Conference of S. D. Adventists will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Carthage, Sept. 11-17, 1877.
Every church in the Conference should be represented, if possible by delegate, or by letter in case they cannot send delegates. Let every church clerk see that the delegate is furnished with the proper church and financial reports, the blanks for which have been furnished by the secretary of the Conference. Let all church clerks also bring or send their S. B. books and records for examination by the Conference.
There have been quite a number of new churches organized during the past year. Especially let these churches represent themselves by delegate if possible. We hope all S. B. treasurers will see that every dollar of S. B. due from their respective churches to July 1 is sent to the Conference treasurer before this session of Conference, as it will be needed.
B. L. WHITNEY, } N. Y. & Pa.
ASA M. GREEN, } Conference
A. H. HALL, } Committee.