Earlier text: Brief Reply to a Few ObjectionsSeventh-Day Baptists and Seventh-Day Adventists.
By W M. Jones
[We copy the following from the Sabbath Recorder of May 28, 1874, written by Eld. W M. Jones, of London, England.] It is only thirty years since a Seventh-day Baptist sister of Verona, New York, conversed with and gave our Sabbath tracts to Advent ministers and people in Washington, New Hampshire, who received joyfully the blessed Sabbath of the Lord our God. They are now found from Maine to California. They have home missions among the Swedes, the Norwegians, the Danes, and the French, and soon will have them among the Germans. They have representatives in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The queen of Denmark reads the REVIEW AND HERALD OF THE SABBATH. Eld. J. N. Andrews is about to join the mission in Switzerland, and from thence he will help forward the work in Central Europe. At Battle Creek, Michigan, these Sabbath people have a Health Institute, a Classical School, three power presses and three buildings for printing, and fifty persons at work in the publishing business, and also many cotton chapels and an itinerant ministry moving all over the land. They are said to be orthodox in their belief in salvation only through Christ; they practice believer’s baptism, and keep the seventh-day Sabbath; they reject the use of tobacco and alcoholic drinks, and give largely and constantly of their substance to send forth to every creature their views of the gospel, and the doctrine of the Bible Sabbath. They are reputed to be industrious, virtuous, and honest, and are certainly very earnest in their work. Verily they are entitled to the front rank in the work of the restoration of the Sabbath of the Lord. Seventh-day Baptists appeared in England about 300 years ago, at least as early as 1585. For more than a hundred years they were subjected to fines, imprisonment, and martyrdom. Two hundred and ten years ago, Stephen Mumford carried the Sabbath doctrine with him to Newport, Rhode Island. It took seven years to form a church of seven members. Persecution through human law and custom hindered the observance of the Sabbath, but the American Sabbath-keepers were not idlers in the Lord’s vineyard; they lived for Christ, and their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Thirty years ago our people may have numbered 6,000. There may have been a gain in this time of 2,500. Education has had a large share of our attention and financial strength. The schools do a good and noble work for the churches and for the country. Sabbath truth has through them been preached in Hayti, Lower Canada, Palestine, and China. Their tracts have gone into North Africa, France, Germany, Russia, and Great Britain. The home work is well known. During the past seven years the Tract Society has taken a fresh start, and seems really to have made a new lease of its life. The home missionaries, chiefly veterans, are hard at work in regions beyond the churches. Still our progress is vexatiously slow, though sure, so cautiously sure that others are getting ahead of us. We have homes and lands. Most of us have done well at the beginning of life, that is, we left all the world for Christ, but it is to be feared that many of us are ending our days by leaving Christ for our children; and where are thousands of them? Gone from the Sabbath! It has been said at our conventions, that in forty or fifty years, more children have been lost to the denomination than have been saved to it. In view of what ought to be done and might be done, who can blame us for a hurried anxiety to see rapid strides made by our people? Let me propose a few things:— 1. Daily prayer. The other night I heard a returned missionary from the Santals, India, say in Exeter Hall, that prayer is agony. Let us know what this means. May we know that God hears the fervent prayers of his people. 2. Let each church send her pastor out into the world for one, two, or three months of the year, pay his traveling expenses, and continue his salary, and bid him go where the true Sabbath is not named, and there preach it. 3. Two brethren have joined to support a missionary in the field. There are farmers and others who could do the same. Suppose that twenty-four brethren unite in pairs to support twelve missionaries in the open field and choose their own men. Where there is a will there is a way, which way is so simple in practice that a fool need not err therein. 4. If the Recorder is to be kept at its present size, ought there not to be published a small weekly sheet containing the trenchant editorials of the former, and other matter relating to the progress of the work? We need such a paper by the ten thousand copies to be sent broadcast all over the land. Thousands would read it who would not look at a tract; and, besides, there is now needed a large number for gratuitous distribution. 5. Let every member of the denomination mail a tract every week to somebody in some part of the country, and give one in person to some friend or stranger. If 8,000 members were to send weekly 8,000 Sabbath tracts into distant parts, and accompany the deed with the prayer of faith, what might we not expect within a twelvemonth? 6. God has given our youth great advantages. Knowledge and culture are theirs. May they learn to take up the cross and bear it after Jesus. It is to be hoped that those who are studying for the ministry will look forward to the work of gathering churches rather than to expect to find a comfortable pasture at the end of their theological course. 7. I have referred to the Advent brethren. Praises be to God that Seventh-day Baptists gave to them the truth of the Sabbath. Let not the latter be jealous of the work of the former; nor let us shake the head and shrug the shoulder at some of the odds and ends which our dignified moderation and respectability do not quite approve. “What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.” Imperfections and mistakes are common to all, and God blesses faithful laborers who are not yet made perfect. They say, “We are not doing one-twentieth of what we might do.” If this be true of Seventh-day Adventists, what shall be said of our lack and ability? Shall it be said that Seventh-day Baptists are not doing one-fortieth of what they might do? In a letter just received from a dear brother who is in a position to know, he says, “The Adventists are compassing the world; so might we if we were more devoted.” What is herein pleaded for is a general uprising of our people to go up and possess the land. To monopolize the Sabbath we cannot; but we can begin immediately to double the labor, and then to go on increasing it till the Sabbath has been made known in all the earth. If we do so, “the God of Heaven will prosper us.” May “we, his servants, arise and build.” JOS. CLARKE
By Jos. Clarke
Is not a new idea, but is the grand leading idea in most of the prophetic symbols and prophecies. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, was a true Adventist; and since his time, all intelligent, devoted, and godly persons, have had some vague notion at least, of the great event looming up in the future. In every age this subject has been discussed with great interest, and many have desired to look into these subjects which have been reserved for the last generation. All along in the stream of time, our race have observed festivals and rejoiced in them. Some of these are good, some of heathen character; but now we await the great festival day of God and his dear Son, when all the family of God on earth shall be raised from their long slumber and shall be united above; when at the call of God all the righteous dead shall awake, and shall arise joyfully from the earth and the sea, and, clad in immortal beauty, shall raise the song of triumph as they ascend to the cloudy chariot which is to convey them afar to the home of their Father on high. Who shall describe the splendor of that scene when all the angelic host shall visit the earth and witness the resurrection. Then for the first time Heaven shall be silent, see Rev. 8:1, as all the flaming, dazzling host will claim the privilege of being present at the grand and sublime opening of the seventh seal. Rev. 8:1. As the mariner when he first descries the land sees only the dim outline, so in the past, devout students of prophecy have had only a vague and obscure idea of the great day of God: but as we come nearer to this event, and prophecy has been more fully and literally fulfilled, we discern, with greater and more distinct clearness, the scenery on and near the land ahead. Great Actions Are for Us All
Great men and great institutions may be beyond the most of us, but great actions are for us all. Since my last report have labored at several points. Through the blessing of the Lord success in a measure has attended the efforts. April 10-21, labored in Steuben and Henry Counties, visiting the churches of Salem Center and Mechanicsburg. At Salem Center we enjoyed the blessing of the Lord in our meetings. The friends of the cause were much encouraged. The friends and neighbors turned out well and an interest to hear was awakened. Found the members of the newly organized church at Mechanicsburg all firm in the truth, and an interest in the place to hear still further. The word spoken took effect. The social meeting on the Sabbath was a most refreshing season, nearly all present taking a part. Quite a number who are not fully identified with us as a people gave in their testimonies. The citizens have erected one of the finest of country churches. It is nicely seated and carpeted, and with its finely printed cards prohibiting the use of tobacco, presents a beautiful appearance. It is so arranged in reference to holding meetings that any organized body of Christians can have access to it. The truth presented there last winter did a good work, and a church was organized. The use of the house was freely offered to them, and each Sabbath since then the bell has called them together to enjoy a social meeting and Sabbath-school. To the Lord be all the praise. From April 22 to May 14 labored in Clinton Co. The present truth was first introduced into this county a few months since. It met the most determined opposition. A few embraced it. Disposed of about $50.00 worth of publications. They have accomplished a good work. Many minds are impressed with the truth. Since my last visit in November five have begun the observance of the Sabbath. While in that new field was joined in labor by Bro. J. H. Waggoner. Our efforts were blessed, and the friends of the cause strengthened. May 15-19, we spent with the church at Mechanicsburg. Again we enjoyed a precious season with this church. Three were baptized and united with the church. The ordinances were celebrated for the first by this church. Notwithstanding they were celebrated at a private house, fully one hundred friends and neighbors were present. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us and many were moved to tears. We have shipped the tent to Rochester, the county seat of Fulton Co., and expect to commence meetings at that point soon. Hope by the aid of the Lord to accomplish a good work. Rochester, Fulton Co., Ind. French Discussion at St. Anne, Illinois, on the Sabbath Question.
By D. T. BOURDEAU.
This discussion was held between myself and Eld. Paradis, a Presbyterian preacher of Kankakee, Ill. It embraced four sessions of two hours each, and closed last Friday evening. It was held in the Baptist house, which was filled to overflowing. I had not solicited this discussion, but was obliged to engage in it by a challenge. I had labored up to the very day of the discussion in meeting opposition from two other preachers, and was extremely feeble. But I found God a present help, and can report, to his praise, a glorious victory of truth over error. Knowing that a large proportion of the people here were but a small step from the Catholic church, and would be governed by worldly and selfish principles, I was not willing to leave the order and regulations of the discussion to the congregation, therefore labored three hours to get my opponent to sign written rules. I was glad I had succeeded in this; for at the very first session he showed himself to be very lawless and ungentlemanly in two important particulars. First, as I was on my feet to open in the affirmative of the question: “Does the Bible teach that the obligation to keep the seventh-day Sabbath exists in this dispensation?” he arose to say a few words of apology, and took especial pains to prejudice the people against us by introducing points on which the people had not heard, and presenting them in a wrong light. I appealed to the chairman, and told my opponent that he might speak when his turn came, that we were going to discuss the Sabbath question. Secondly, in his closing speech for the first session, he quoted largely from history, although firmly held to the question by my moderator. But he was determined to carry out his point regardless of the question and of the rights of the moderators. Some who were determined to crush us and put down our views exulted over this, and manifested their approbation by clapping their hands and stamping with their feet. Others were dissatisfied and censured him. The next evening before my opening speech, he acknowledged that he should have pursued a different course. I replied to his last speech. God helped; and even those who were partial to him boasted very modestly afterward. BENEFITS OF THE DISCUSSION.
1. Some have heard who would not have been induced to attend our common meetings. 2. Many who, for a want of knowledge, are not prepared to decide to keep the Sabbath, yet lean toward the truth. 3. Even our enemies see that our views are hard to be met. 4. Our friends are all strengthened by the discussion. Eleven arose for the Sabbath yesterday (Sabbath). Among these is the man who served as my moderator in the discussion, a man of refinement, principle, and influence, one of the leaders of the Reformed Presbyterian church. Another is an able France French Baptist. In short, we have material enough to start a good church. CONCLUSIONS AFTER SERIOUS REFLECTIONS.
1. I am satisfied that the time has fully come when we should make vigorous, prudent, and well-organized effort to push forward the work among the French. 2. There are fields where a preacher can work to good advantage alone. But there are other fields which furnish labor that no one man should undertake alone. First, because he would endanger his life by overdoing. Secondly, after doing all that he could do, all would not be accomplished that might have been had there been sufficient help. Some will say, Do only what you can do. This is very good advice. But all who have had any experience in laboring know that there are times when just so much must be done if anything is accomplished. And then if a man has the work of two men on his hands, he must do the work of two men or the cause will sustain a loss. Hence the wisdom of Christ in sending the disciples two by two. 3. If two French laborers cannot be had to labor together in important fields, why should there not be an American minister provided to help in cases of discussion, and to speak in English at least half of the time? Such a course would give influence to the work in both languages, and more could be accomplished. What harm would there be in pitching a tent in a city or village whose population is equally divided between French and Americans? Would not such a course increase a missionary spirit in our American brethren for those of other tongues? This is what I plead for. We would have enough to sacrifice even if such a plan were adopted, without neglecting the other wants of the cause in the Conference. On account of not being able to speak in English at times, the Americans, not knowing what our arguments are, will work against us, while they would help us, could they hear for themselves. If the Wisconsin and Illinois Conferences can help me on these points, Mrs. B. and myself prefer to remain West the coming season. St. Anne, Ill., June 1, 1874. Camp-Meeting at Lee’s Summit, Mo.
By George Ide Butler
This meeting has just closed, and we call it a success. It was by far the largest meeting ever held by S. D. Adventists in the Missouri and Kansas Conference. The large preaching tent was erected, and another large tent some forty feet by eighteen, in which many were accommodated, and twelve other family and church tents, and many covered wagons in which families lived. There were upwards of two hundred Sabbath-keepers, I should judge, in constant attendance. They were nearly all on the ground Thursday morning and continued till the close. Our grove was a pretty one, and the weather most delightful. We had but one little shower and that disturbed no meeting. We were much pleased to see many new faces among those in attendance who have come into the truth the past year. There is no Conference in the whole field where the people take so much trouble to get out to meetings as they have in Missouri and Kansas. Many of them came from one hundred to three hundred miles. From Elk Falls, Kansas, four wagon loads came over two hundred miles. The trip will take them about three weeks. Some may think this a terrible waste of effort. We will show them results before we get through this report directly traceable to just such sacrifices as these. They made them last year. The fruits are beginning to be seen this year. We may depend upon it when people get earnest enough in the cause of God to make such efforts, that earnestness will produce results. People can travel, for pleasure or business, much further, and no one thinks there is anything wrong about it. But let it be done for our sacred religion and it looks to many as though it was thrown away. So we show where our hearts are placed. Our attendance from the outside world was not large. It is reported that a very bitter spirit has prevailed against the present truth in this community in the past. Still there were no manifestations of it during the meeting, and all things passed off pleasantly. The editor of the local paper gave us a very friendly notice in his paper. He thought our zeal very commendable. The business meetings of the Conference were most encouraging. Last year many were very much depressed to think the General Conference did not send them any laborers from other States. But the young, inexperienced licentiates took hold with those who had preached before, and labored earnestly. God has blessed these efforts abundantly; and as a result, twelve new churches, organized and partially organized, were presented and admitted to the Conference. There were only ten belonging to it before. These new churches increased the membership 148, and the S. B. $663.49, making a total membership of 343, and S. B. $1540.17. This result is truly wonderful; and though there will doubtless be some discount to be made on these results, as usual, yet I think there are many valuable additions among these to the strength of the cause there. There are many openings for labor in all directions and a real spirit of labor exists among the people. In the Conference sessions there was some anxiety manifested to buy a new forty-foot tent, and a wish expressed that they might have two. These would cost nearly $500. A subscription was started, and when the pledges were counted up, they were found to amount to upwards of $800. The additional $300 were voted to the new paper in California, the Oregon, Swedish, and Danish Missions. So there will be four tents running the present season in the Missouri and Kansas Conference. Tract and Missionary Societies were organized for the first time in this Conference. The people entered into this work with real interest. About $500 were subscribed to start this enterprise properly. There is a very marked contrast in the state of things from what there was two years ago or more. It seemed to be one of the hardest fields then anywhere in the United States. It seemed as if little could be accomplished there. But good angels have been stirring the hearts of the people, and we have no doubt it was because the people last year possessed a genuine spirit of sacrifice. The people have been taking hold of the whole truth, at least, it has been preached more fully than in some cases in the past. There is much to be done to help those who have embraced the truth to stand complete in all its parts. But we are encouraged to think the importance of this is realized as never before. Our religious meetings were good and solemn, and the spirit of true religion seems to have a deep hold of many hearts. Bro. J. H. Rogers was ordained to the ministry. Eighteen went forward in the ordinance of baptism. The people seemed to go home with a new sense of the importance of the work of God, and a new determination to be earnest in their efforts to bring the truth before the people. There are some young men growing into the work as laborers who give promise of future usefulness. We can but hope for good results the coming season. This meeting has encouraged those who bestowed most of the labor during its progress. For myself, I never commenced a series of meetings feeling weaker in body or mind than at the commencement of this. The burden of the camp-meetings in the absence of Bro. and sister White seemed very great. It is no small thing to have those who take such great pains to come such long distances to the meeting go home increased in courage and hope and have the work move right forward. The burden has seemed to me exceeding great for the season before us, and I have felt to say, Who is sufficient for these things? This meeting has left me feeling more than one hundred per cent better in health and courage. Brethren and sisters, God lives, and is ready to bless and help us if we enter into his work with true courage and hope and sacrifice. When sacrifices cease, the cause languishes. When our people are contented to sink down into a do-nothing state, the Lord leaves them to languish. Activity, earnestness, sacrifice, and strong efforts in spite of discouragements or difficulties, are the things we must have if this be God’s work. Brethren, let us arouse and do our duty. GEO. I. BUTLER. Newton, Iowa, June 4, 1874. There are hearts that never falter
In the battle for the right ;
There are ranks which never alter
Watching through the darkest night.
And the agony of sharing
In the fiercest of the strife,
Only gives a nobler daring,
Only makes a grander life. There are those who never weary,
Bearing suffering and wrong ;
Though the way is long and dreary,
It is vocal with their song ;
While their spirits in God's furnace,
Bending to his gracious will,
Are fashioned in a purer mold,
By his loving, matchless skill. There are those whose loving mission
'Tis to bind the bleeding heart ;
And to teach the calm submission
Where the pain and sorrow smart.
They are angels, bearing to us
Love's rich ministry of peace ;
While the night is nearing to us,
And life's bitter trials cease. There are those who battle slander,
Envy, jealousy, and hate ;
Who would rather die than pander
To the passions of earth's great ;
And no earthly power can crush them,
They dread not the tyrant's frown ;
Neither fear, nor favor hush them,
Never bind their spirits down. These, these alone are truly great ;
These are the conquerors of fate ;
These truly live, they never die ;
But, clothed with immortality,
When they shall lay their armor down,
Shall enter and obtain the crown. Victor, Iowa.
By R. M. Kilgore
MAY 1-10 spent with the friends of the cause in this vicinity. On the day of my arrival I was called to the bedside of sister Cary, who was suffering with consumption. On Monday we followed her fifteen miles to her resting place, where I spoke, in an adjoining school-house, words to the living, from Job 14:14. Our meeting on the Sabbath was truly encouraging. Two months had elapsed since we left this company of believers, yet every one was in his place ready to act, strong in the truth and walking in it. Six months previous to this we came here and found all of them strangers to the truth of the third angel's message, and many of them strangers to God and without hope. Family altars in each house are now erected which previously did not exist. The reforms were readily received, and tobacco does not exist among them, though many of them were slaves to it. Tea, coffee, and pork are being abandoned; and with many of them these luxuries are not seen on their tables. And as we labored to set before them more practical duties, we were rejoiced to see a willingness on their part to take hold of them with their whole heart. Twenty-five united in church fellowship, and but one of these by letter. Nineteen were baptized. Systematic Benevolence was pledged for the ensuing year, amounting to $111.28. Sabbath-school and Bible-class were also organized. Steps were taken to build a house of worship, and $655 were pledged on the spot to be paid Oct. 1, 1874, and labor sufficient to build it. A building committee was chosen, with instructions to proceed to its erection immediately. We were thankful for the assistance rendered by Brn. Nicola and Boyd during this meeting. Bro. N. and self are now holding meetings at this place, preparatory to the camp-meeting. There is seemingly but little interest at the present, but we hope for better prospects. Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa, May 18, 1874. Mt. Morris and Flushing, Mich.
By A. S. Hutchins
With these churches I held nine meetings. Several circumstances contributed to prevent the brethren from getting together as I expected they would. I reached Mt. Morris on Thursday P. M., at which time my letters had not been received, though one was written some seventeen days previously, nor had the Review containing the appointment reached them. The Sabbath I was at Flushing the rain prevented a general attendance, also hindered the St. Charles brethren from meeting with us. Very good meetings at Mt. Morris last Sabbath and first-day. The truth has certainly done a good work for a goodly number in this place. The principles of health reform find a welcome in several families, and still they are seeking light and duty with reference to both moral and physical laws. It is the privilege of all these dear friends who have so recently received the third angel's message to “grow in grace.” It is the intention of quite a number from this place to attend the next camp-meeting, even though they do so at a sacrifice. I have of late been holding meetings at Somerset Mills. Some have come out and taken their position on the truth. Last Sabbath, May 23, four were baptized, and on first-day one more came out and confessed the truth, and decided to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have established a Bible-class and Sabbath meetings, and some have united with the T. & M. Society. Truly I feel that the Lord has been at work among the people. To him be all the praise. J. B. GOODRICH.
Somerset Mills, May 25, 1874. North Pacific Mission.
By Editor
There have been in the Walla Walla Valley, which extends through south-east Washington and north-east Oregon, a few Seventh-day Adventists for several years. Bro. Maxon, a Seventh-day Baptist, moved to this Valley several years since, and has raised his family in the observance of the Bible Sabbath. But he did not succeed in bringing others over to the true Sabbath until his son-in-law, Bro. Wood, heard Eld. Loughborough in California, and returned to Walla Walla, not only a convert to the Sabbath, but to the doctrines of the S. D. Adventists. Bro. Wood, by the aid of our publications, soon brought Bro. Maxon and family over to the Second Advent views, and Bro. Costin, another son-in-law of Bro. Maxon, embraced the faith. At this state of the cause, strong appeals were made for a missionary to visit the Valley, and set forth our views before the people. But such men as the General Conference Committee could recommend to so important a field were scarce, and not one could be spared. Our brethren continued to call for help; but did not sit down and wait for help. They went to work themselves with our publications, and as the result they had a body of Sabbath-keepers in the Walla Walla Valley, at the time Bro. and sister Van Horn reached them in April last, of more than thirty souls. By reason of the failing health of sister Van Horn, the General Conference decided to send Bro. and sister Van Horn to the Pacific Coast. They reached California in December, 1873. And at a council of the officers of the California Conference, and several ministers present, it was decided that they should go to the Walla Walla Valley, and that they take a sixty-foot tent with them. These missionaries reached their new field of labors April 8, 1874, and in a few weeks had their tent erected in Walla Walla city with a good interest on the part of the people to hear. Bro. Van Horn writes from Walla Walla, May 4:— “Our tent-meeting in this place is the absorbing theme of conversation. The interest is good. Some of the most influential citizens are interested.”
Again, Bro. Van Horn writes, May 12:— “Our meetings have now been in progress nineteen days. We have gone over the prophecies and given the Sabbath and law question quite a thorough investigation. The congregation still holds good, and the interest also. Last Sunday evening, the 10th, after giving a discourse on the restoration of the Bible Sabbath, we called upon all those who were convinced that the seventh day was the Bible Sabbath, to manifest it by rising to their feet. Between fifty and seventy-five immediately got up. We then called for all who still believed that Sunday was the Sabbath by divine authority for this dispensation to arise, and not one responded. There were about three hundred and fifty present at the meeting, and you can judge something of the interest.”
The editor of the Signs of the Times has become responsible for the sum of one thousand dollars to start the North Pacific Mission, the amount to be given in the tent already in the field and in books. Three hundred dollars’ worth of books have already been shipped, and more will be as soon as they shall be needed. We have invited our friends everywhere to share this blessed stock in the Lord’s cause on the Pacific Coast with us, and there have been already a goodly number of cheerful responses. And yet there is room: It will be seen that the stock is not all taken yet. Should more be received than needed for the N. P. Mission, it will be used in the publication of The Signs of the Times. Please remit in drafts on New York, or Money Order. Address Elder James White, Oakland, Cal. And as you send forward your liberalities for the North Pacific Mission, send up your fervent prayers that God will give the missionaries great success. The following is a list of those who have already contributed to this mission:—
$20.00. Mrs L M Hall,
$10.00 each. James White, Mrs E G White, J N Loughborough, Mrs Lucy Bush, R M Kilgore, E Lobdell, L Yarrve, C P Whitford & L R Whitford, R Stickney, Jane Rowland, A W Maynard, W J Boynton & wife, Daniel Andre, Kanfman, Frederick, Ohio, Geo Drew, Bro L—e, Bro F—e, E H Root, A Brother, Charles W Cummings, Sherman Kenedy, S A McPherson, D R Palmer, S N Haskell, M Wood, H B Stratton, J L Kilgore.
$5.00 each. Mary A Kilgore, Geo V Kilgore, Isaac Zirkle, A Brown, Sr Stickney, A V Deyburg, Lottie Chittenden, G C Martin, R D Benham, A J Richmond, John T Tay, Richard Godsmark, A H Clenent, H Hilliard, E Zykoskee, Thos Alderson, A S Hutchins & wife, M A Wheelock, R B Wheeler, A A Bradford, A P Green, P C Rodman, J C Tucker, B F Wilkinson.
$2.00 each. Alice Canfield, E. A. Disher, D. W. Bartholomew, E. Van Deusen, George E. Fisher, Perry Holloway, James B. Green, Mary Bradford, L. Martin, Josiah Webber, Francis Gould, M. L. Huntley, L. G. Huntley.
$1.00 each. R. E. Tefft, M. E. Haskell, C. E. Palmer, Albert C. Groen, Noah Holloway, James A. Tefft, Samuel Green, H. S. Groen, E. P. Holloway, N. M. Green, Sally Healey, L. Gardner, C. W. Reed, M. C. Hastings, L. Tarbell, Lewis Martin, A. W. Gould, Sarah Brown, Amarinth Green, J. A. Sullivan, J. B. Green and wife.
50 cents each. G. A. Holland, Hattie Smith, Lydia Sullivan, Mary L. Holly, L. Martin, Betsey Martin, L. Wilkinson.
Miscellaneous. J. Pulle $8.00, J H Disher, 2.50, J D Bundy 3.00, Mary E Haskell $1.50, H E Haskell 1.50, E Slocum 25c, Lucia Philbrick 10c. J. W. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. ** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 289 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago are invited to attend. Some of the brethren from Battle Creek will, Providence permitting, meet with the brethren at Athens, Mich., Sabbath, June 13. The Minnesota Conference will hold its next annual session in connection with the camp-meeting which is to be held at Medford, June 25-30, 1874. Let all the churches and companies of brethren where S. D. is organized send their delegates to this Conference. The camp-meeting will be on the same ground where we held it last year. The Camp-meeting Committee are doing all they can for the wants of those who may attend this meeting. There will be plenty of hay, oats, and straw, on the ground. The provision stand will be well supplied, so that all can be provided for. We hope to see a large gathering at this meeting. Come, brethren and sisters, leave your farms and shops and homes, and come up to this meeting. Bring your children with you. Bring your neighbors with you. Come with a determination to act your part. Then we may expect one of the best camp-meetings we ever enjoyed.
HARRIS N. GRANT, Minn.
CALVIN KELSEY, Conf.
D. McALPINE, Com. There will be a quarterly meeting of the churches of Alaiedon, Locke, Genoa, and Bunkerhill, Sabbath and first-day, June 13 and 14. In connection with the same, there will be a meeting of the T. and M. Society district No. 11. We hope there will be a large attendance. The meeting will be held with the church at Bunkerhill. Can Bro. Root attend? ALEX. CARPENTER, Director. Quarterly meeting with the church at Maiden Rock, Wis., June 13 and 14, 1874.
HARRISON GRANT. General quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of Vt., will be held at East Richford, June 20 and 21, in their new house of worship, which will be dedicated at that time. We hope to see all the directors and as many of the brethren and friends of the cause as can make it convenient to come. L. BEAN, Pres. T. & M. S. Quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 3, Ohio, will be held June 20, 21. All the scattered friends of the cause are invited to attend. C. H. WOLCOTT, Director. Lapeer, Lapeer Co., Sabbath and first-day, June 13 and 14. There will be an opportunity for baptism. A. S. HUTCHINS. General quarterly meeting of the New England Tract Society at Amherst, N. H., June 20 & 21. It is necessary that the various directors in the Conference hold their meetings previous to this date, so a report may be sent to the secretary or carried to this meeting in season for a report to be read at this meeting from each district. Blank reports will be furnished to each member of the Tract Society that they may be properly filled out and returned. A general attendance is expected. The vice-president will attend the meeting. S. N. HASKELL. The Wisconsin Conference will hold its next annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Lodi, commencing June 18, 1874. Delegates should be on the ground the first day of the meeting. Come prepared to stay until the close. It will be necessary to have a fund to pay the expenses of the camp-meeting. The brethren are invited to send one dollar each, for this purpose, to the Conference treasurer, Wm. Kerr, Monroe, Green Co., Wis. Let all the friends of the cause make an especial effort to attend this meeting. Come up to this feast of the Lord the day previous, prepared to spend the entire time in seeking God. Systematic Benevolence should be reorganized by each church and delegates elected, that there may be uniformity throughout the Conference.
P. S. THURSTON, } Executive
E. O. HAMMOND, } Committee.
O. A. OLSON, } General quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of Minn., at Medford, in connection with the camp-meeting, June 25-30. As this will be our annual meeting I hope the brethren will come feeling the burden of the work. We find with the experience of the past year that our districts are too large and cover too much territory. Instead of three directors doing all the work in our Conference, we need six or seven districts. Come, brethren and sisters, let us work in earnest. The reward is just before us. HARRISON GRANT. Monthly meeting for Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., will be held at Randolph, the third Sabbath and first-day in June, 20 and 21, 1874. We hope to see a general attendance. There will be teams at the station for any that may come on the cars.
S. THURSTON. Quarterly meeting for Sand Prairie church, Wis., June 27 and 28, 1874. Sister churches invited. THOS. DEMMON, Clerk. The T. and M. Society of Wisconsin will hold its annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Lodi. We hope the district secretaries will send their reports to Mattie Babcock, Monroe, Green Co., at least one week before the camp-meeting.
P. S. THURSTON, Pres. T. and M. Society. To the Friends in Minnesota.
By I. Z. Lamb
Dear brethren and sisters and friends of Minnesota: The time of our general Camp-meeting at Medford, Minnesota, June 25 to 30, is drawing near, and as the time draws near, the necessity of our drawing near to the Lord presses upon us. Wrongs must be made right, our hearts softened, warmed and refreshed by the grace of God, and there is certainly a blessing in store for us. The President of our Conference and the Camp-meeting Committee are doing all in their power to make the meeting a success. We have secured efficient assistance in our victualing stand, to look after the wants of those who shall come on the ground not fully provided with provisions. Oats, hay, and straw, will be furnished on the ground. Let none stay away for fear there will not be room. The large tent will be on the ground for the use of those that are not otherwise provided for. Let each church send their tents and bed ticks, and one or two men one day in advance. They can camp in the large tent which we will have erected in time for them to occupy until they get theirs up. They can fill ticks, make tables, &c., so when the families arrive they will find their tents ready to enter and occupy without any confusion. Come, brethren, sisters, and friends, to the camp-meeting. We all need the influence of the 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 if rightly conducted tends to cement hearts and give strength in the work. 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. I. Z. LAMB, One of the Committee.