Review and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 14.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATIONPage 1
Earlier text: SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATIONSIXTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE MICHIGAN STATE CONFERENCE.
By E. H. Root; S. Brownsberger
The sixteenth annual session of the Michigan State Conference of the S. D. Adventists was held on the camp-ground at Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 1876, at 9½ A. M. The President, E. H. Root, called the meeting to order. Prayer was offered by Eld. James White. Credentials of delegates being called for, it was found that sixty-four churches were represented by eighty-seven delegates. The church at Hart was represented by letter. On motion, the following churches were admitted into the Conference: Lyons, Muir, Monroe Center, Armada, Lakeview, Saranac, Thetford, Green, Mattawan, Ovid, Estella, W. Plains, Douglas, W. Liberty, Spring Harbor, and Flint. By motion, all visiting brethren were invited to participate in the proceedings of the session. The minutes of the last session were read and approved. Upon motion, the Chair appointed the following committees: On Nominations, S. H. Lane, D. R. Palmer, and J. S. Hicks; on Resolutions, D. H. Lamson, A. O. Burrill, and H. M. Kenyon; on Auditing, F. Nelson, S. H. King, E. P. Giles, J. R. Stone, Robert Sawyer, and S. W. Hastings; on Credentials, Eld. John Byington, F. Nelson, and F. Howe. Adjourned to the call of the Chair. Meeting called to order by the President. Prayer by Eld. U. Smith. By request, the companies of Sabbath-keepers at Adrian, Bronson, and Dimondale were by vote taken under the watchcare of the Conference. The request of the church at Carson City to retain s. b. to complete their house of worship was, by vote, granted. The request of the church at Burlington to retain their s. b. for the coming year was referred to the Conference Committee. The Committee on Nominations recommended the following as officers for the ensuing year: For President, S. N. Haskell; Secretary, D. H. Lamson; Treasurer, Alice Canfield; Executive Committee, S. N. Haskell, E. H. Root, and Jerome Fargo. The recommendation of the committee being acted upon, these persons were unanimously elected to their respective offices. Committee on Credentials recommended that the credentials of the following persons be renewed: Eld. James White, Mrs. E. G. White, J. H. Waggoner, John Byington, E. B. Lane, D. H. Lamson, R. J. Lawrence, I. D. Van Horn, H. M. Kenyon, U. Smith, E. R. Jones, John Corliss, J. B. Frisbie, A. O. Burrill, E. H. Root, and Orlando Soule. The report was accepted and the committee discharged. By vote of the Conference, the credentials were renewed as recommended by the committee. The committee also recommended M. B. Miller, E. Van Deusen, and J. Fargo for ordination. The Committee also recommended that the following persons receive license: D. W. Milk, Wm. Potter, H. S. Guilford, Sr. E. S. Lane, Delphus Wellman, Delmer Wellman, Gardner Owen, Augustus Rasmussen, Frank Starr, R. T. Sisley, John Sisley, and I. A. Olmstead. The case of Nathan Killmar was referred to Conference Committee. It was voted that all these persons receive licenses. The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:— Resolved, That the fact that this camp-meeting presents a larger number of tents upon the ground than any previous camp-meeting held in Michigan, and a greater number of brethren in attendance, should be a matter of much encouragement to all interested in the cause in this Conference. Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks to the Camp-meeting Committee for their efficient efforts in fitting up the grounds, and otherwise making this meeting a success. Resolved, That we recognize more visibly than ever before the hand of God in the progress of the cause as a fulfillment of prophecy, and with pleasure we renew our consecration to the work of its promulgation. Whereas, the truth is rapidly spreading in this and other countries, Resolved, That we hail it with joy as a matter of great encouragement and one of the strongest evidences of the nearness of the advent of our Lord. Resolved, That we are grateful to God for the general union that has prevailed in our Conference during the year that is past and that he has so prospered the efforts of his servants that seventeen new churches have been raised up the past year, and come to our Conference for admission at the present session. Resolved, That our confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy as developed in our midst is strengthened each succeeding year, and we therefore recommend to the elders of our churches, that they impress upon their congregations the importance of making the testimonies to the church a daily study. The report was accepted and adopted, and the committee discharged. By vote, the Chair was authorized to appoint an Auditor for the coming year. Prayer by H. A. St. John. The following persons were granted a license: E. P. Daniels, C. C. Doren, J. L. Edgar, John Wright, Worthy Ford. C. C. Stoddard was granted credentials by the Conference. Oscar Scott, B. F. Lewis, and E. Hutchins, with other applications, were referred to the Conference Committee. Eld. S. N. Haskell tendered his resignation as President of the Michigan Conference, and as a member of the Conference Committee. His residence being in another State, thus occasioning, at times, a necessary absence, was his chief reason. Remarks were made by Elds. Canright, Jones, and Lamson, after which, by motion, his resignation was accepted. Jerome Fargo was, by vote, made President of the Conference, vice S. N. Haskell resigned, and I. A. Olmstead was elected to fill the vacancy made by Jerome Fargo’s election to the presidency of the Conference. By vote, the Michigan Conference donated one thousand dollars of its surplus s. b. fund to the General Conference. The minutes were, by vote, ordered to be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD. Mrs. F. H. Sisley in acct. with the Mich. Conf. of S. D. Adventists, Dr. To cash on hand, Aug. 12, 1875, $4,642 57
“ “ received during the year, 8,878 96
Total, $13,521 53 Cr.
By cash paid out during the year, as per book, $6,550 87
Balance on hand, 6,970 66—$13,521 53 Mrs. F. H. Sisley, Treasurer. Voted, That we tender our thanks to the citizens of Lansing for the courtesy and good will manifested by them at the camp-meeting. Adjourned to call of the Chair. E. H. Root, Pres.
S. BROWNSBERGER, Sec. TENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE HEALTH REFORM INSTITUTE.
By Uriah Smith; S. Brownsberger
The stockholders of the Health Reform Institute met on the Lansing Camp-ground, Sept. 23, 1876, at 9:30 A. M. Eld. Uriah Smith, President of the Board of Directors, called the meeting to order. Eld. Canright opened the meeting by prayer. Upon calling the roll it was found that there was not sufficient stock represented to insure a legal meeting. But after several shares of stock were taken, the majority of stock was represented as follows: Massachusetts one, Ohio three, Illinois two, Wisconsin one, Iowa two, Michigan four hundred. A sufficient number to make up seven hundred and twenty shares, a majority, was represented by proxy from various States. After the minutes of the last session were read by the Secretary, and approved, the following report was read by the Auditor, showing the financial workings of the Institute for the year commencing Aug. 7, 1875, and ending Sept. 14, 1876. From Patients, $13941.28
On Incidental Sales, 1800.68
Due Institute on Acct., 1002.00
Due from Patients on Acct., 1044.19
Due on Notes of this Year, 400.00
Total, $18188.15 Invoice of Aug., 1875, $1490.00
For Labor in doors, 4009.85
For Labor out of doors, 499.80
Stock Refunded, 62.00
Provisions, Furniture, Wood and Incidentals, 5494.17
Due Help on Acct., 1440.00
Due Patients on Deposit, 484.73
Ten per cent. interest for Wear of Household Goods, 580.73
Instruments and Books, 514.50
Total, $14584.78 From which subtracting invoice of Wood, $1050.00
Provisions, 355.00
Books and Syringes, 87.00
Total, $1472.00
Leaving Expenditures, $13112.78
Making Excess of Receipts, $5075.37 EXHIBIT OF INCREASE DURING YEAR.
Received from Patients, $13941.28
Due from Patients on acct., 900.15
Due on Gen'l. Ledger, 762.20
Received on Sales, 1300.68
Paid on Labor last year, 958.39
Total, $17862.70 Expenditures for Labor, and Due Labor, $6050.34
For Wood, Provisions, Incidentals, 5494.17
Total, 11544.51
Showing an increase during year, 6318.19 INVOICE OF PROPERTY OF THE INSTITUTE.
Value of Real Estate, $24919.00
Household Goods, 5307.27
280 cords of Wood @ $3.75 per c'd., 1050.00
Due from Patients on acct. (less their deposit), 5001.40
Due Institute on Gen'l. Ledger, 1000.00
Amt. of good Notes, 867.00
Cash on Hand, 1345.51
Total Assets, $39490.18 Bills Payable, $1600.00
Deposits, 200.00
Total, $1800.00
Assets, less Liabilities, $37690.18 I hereby certify that I have examined the Business Records of the Health Reform Institute for the past year and find that they have been faithfully kept, and that the above is a correct exhibit of Receipts, Expenditures, and Increase of the past year to the best of my knowledge and judgment. S. Brownsberger, Auditor. The election of a Board of Directors for the ensuing year was next in order. The Committee on Nominations recommended the following persons for the Board of Directors: Eld. S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass., Eld. D. M. Canright, Rome, N. Y., James Sawyer, Battle Creek, C. W. Stone, Battle Creek, Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, Battle Creek, Dr. Wm. J. Fairfield, Battle Creek, Prof. S. Brownsberger, Battle Creek. The balloting for the nomination resulted in the unanimous nomination of the above-named persons who were then unanimously elected. The meeting then adjourned sine die. URIAH SMITH, Pres. S. BROWNSBERGER, Sec. SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE S. D. ADVENTIST EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY.
By James White; Uriah Smith
The meeting was called to order by the President, Eld. James White, on the Lansing Camp-ground, Sept. 22, 1876, at 2 P. M. Prayer by Eld. C. W. Whitford, President of the Milton (Wis.) S. D. Baptist College. An able and interesting address was then made by Prof. Brownsberger, after which the meeting was organized by calling for the stockholders present. Ninety-four responded, representing six hundred and thirty-nine votes. Minutes of the last meeting read and accepted. Treasurer’s report presented as follows:— College Treasurer in account with the Battle Creek College for the Conference year beginning Aug. 12, 1875. |
|
|---|
| Rec’d on pledges, |
$6195.55 |
| “ “ tuition, |
1378.92 |
| “ “ apparatus fund, |
529.25 |
| “ “ sale of lumber, |
1113.84 |
| “ “ other sales, |
103.84 |
| “ “ account, |
90.78 |
| “ “ borrowed money, |
2342.55 |
| Total, |
$12,354.73 |
|
|
|---|
| Paid for improvements on building and ground, |
$2184.04 |
| Paid on acct’s and deposits, |
915.57 |
| “ “ incidentals, |
525.98 |
| “ “ apparatus, |
1175.15 |
| “ “ teachers’ salaries, |
2136.00 |
| “ “ janitor’s wages, |
237.00 |
| “ “ fuel, |
263.57 |
| “ “ new buildings, |
4267.69 |
| Lumber for new buildings, |
649.73 |
| Total, |
$12,354.73 |
The valuation of the property of the Educational Society is as follows:— |
|
|---|
| Real estate—College ground, |
$12155.00 |
| College building, |
27848.32 |
| Real estate—detached lots, |
4725.00 |
| Value of seven new buildings, |
6827.05 |
| Lumber on hand, |
96.00 |
| Total, |
$51,651.37 |
The Society owes as follows:— |
|
|---|
| On book account, |
11651.26 |
| On new buildings, |
1709.63 |
| Total, |
$13,360.89 |
Assets after all debts are paid, $38,290.48. The following persons were then nominated and unanimously elected as trustees of the Society for the ensuing year: James White, U. Smith, S. N. Haskell, J. H. Kellogg, S. Brownsberger, C. W. Stone, W. J. Fairfield. Adjourned to call of Chair. WHY DON'T YOU SAY, AMEN?
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THE reader may think that this is a queer question, at least not a very important one; but I do not feel that way about it. Has not the Lord frequently said, “Let all the people say, Amen?” He has, as I will soon show you. But what I want to call attention to is this fact, viz.: That many among our people are changing very much in their practice upon this subject. The time was when all our people would respond heartily, with a good, ringing amen, both in the prayer-meeting, and when the minister was praying, and sometimes when the minister was preaching, and always at the conclusion of a testimony borne by brethren and sisters. This always gives life and spirit to a meeting, and encourages both speakers and hearers. Of course, like any other good thing, it may be overdone. Sometimes we have had to reprove fanatics upon this point, but my experience is that among us there is not much danger of fanaticism on that point at present. Many of our people are becoming like the stiff, cold Presbyterians in this respect. I think some of them would be frightened to hear their own voices in a good, hearty amen. I do not like this change. I doubt much whether it is pleasing to God, and I am certain that it is a great loss to all in our social meetings. It ought not so to be. I have always noticed that when a church is wide awake, full of life and zeal, the amens seem to come out spontaneously. You can hardly choke them down; but when the members become backslidden, stupid, and cold, the amens cease. When I get down to pray in the midst of brethren and sisters, and no one responds, hardly even at the close of the prayer, with an audible amen, it throws a chill and discouragement over me. I feel as though they have little or no interest in what I am praying for, or at least no anxiety for the Lord to answer, or at any rate not much faith that he will. How can a minister exercise faith under such circumstances? And then in a social meeting, how dull, how lifeless, how unsocial it does seem to have one and another bear their testimony and no one respond to it. I sometimes feel so tried about this it seems as though I could not contain myself. Here are souls struggling for the right, struggling for Heaven and eternity, and yet it does not move our souls at all. I believe if we felt the value of a soul, the nearness of the advent, the solemnity of the Judgment, and the terrible conflict in which we are engaged, we should act differently about this. How can our brethren and sisters have good social meetings week after week, and still be so dull and silent? I believe it is all wrong. There is frequently mighty power in a good, spiritual, stirring amen, particularly when joined in by the whole church. I am afraid we are backsliding in this, and I dread it. My very soul dreads the day when this people shall become as stiff, and formal, and unsociable as the nominal churches of the present day; but unless we guard ourselves on these points we certainly shall; and our love and sympathy, our sociability, and the power of brotherly influence will die out among us. The truth alone is not enough. We must have the spirit of the truth, and the Spirit of God with us and among us; for where that is there is life and interest. Brethren and sisters, why don’t you say, Amen? Open your mouth and do not be afraid. But take notice, this is not meant for that loud, boisterous, empty-souled boaster, whose whole religion is noise and nothing else; but it is meant for the great body of our good brethren and sisters, who are the very ones who need it. Perhaps you think the word of God does not say anything on this subject. Read the following carefully, and see what the Lord thinks about it: “And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.” Num. 5:22. Twelve times in connection with the following verses the Lord says all the people shall say, Amen: “And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place; and all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother; and all the people shall say, Amen.” Deut. 27:14–16. Again, when David said that Solomon should sit on his throne after him, “Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, answered the king and said, Amen.” 1 Kings 1:36. And when David praised God, see what the people said, “And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.” 1 Chron. 16:36. Again, the Lord, by the mouth of David, said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting; and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.” Ps. 106:48. So in the New Testament, Paul argues thus: “Else, when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say, Amen, at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest.” 1 Cor. 14:16. Paul says if the brethren do not understand what you say, how can they say, Amen? If he had asked that question to some of our brethren, they would have replied, Brother Paul, we never say, Amen any way, whether we understand or not. But Paul was not acquainted with that kind of Christians; for in all the churches that he raised up, they all said, Amen. So we read that all the heavenly host give thanks and say, Amen. Rev. 5:14. Again, when Jesus said, “Surely I come quickly,” John responds, “Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20. Let me repeat it, dear brethren, remember what the Lord says, “Let all the people say, Amen.” And then with regard to praising the Lord. We have been so afraid of fanaticism, and so cursed with it in some places in the past, that there is danger of our going to the opposite extreme now and grieving the Spirit of the Lord by our cold silence. Hear what the Lord says, “Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” Ps. 107:32. Notice, the Lord commands us to praise him in the congregation, not simply at home, but in the congregation. Again the prophet says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, and shout, O daughter of Jerusalem.” Zech. 9:9. Of Paul and Silas in the prison, we read thus, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:25. If they could praise God under these circumstances we ought to praise him in the congregation of the saints. Finally, in Rev. 19:5, we read, “And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.” Here is a command right from the throne of God, that everybody should praise God. Indeed, this is repeated a thousand times all through the Bible. It is not only a privilege, but it is the duty of every one to praise God, and to praise him aloud in the congregation; for this is a matter of no small importance where the Spirit of God has said so much about it. No; verily, there is something at stake in this matter; God is interested, angels are interested, the church is interested. Brethren, let us wake up, live in the Spirit, and sing in the Spirit, and let us manifest spiritual life on all proper occasions. Again I ask, Brother or sister, why don’t you say, Amen? If you feel it, then say it. If you do not feel it, it is time you did. In some respects the difficulties of Turkey are evidently increasing. The Emperor of Morocco has declared his inability to send his customary subsidy to the Sultan of Turkey, owing to the heavy drain on his resources caused by the repression of disturbances in his own dominions. This foreshadows similar action which may any day be announced on the part of other dependencies of the Porte. It is very probable that Egypt will seize the present opportunity to sever the last tie that binds her to the Ottoman government, and resume her independent position in the family of nations. Greece and Crete are trembling on the verge of rebellion. A striking article appears in the Jewish Times of this week, arguing that sound policy requires the Jews in the East to ally themselves with the struggling Christian provinces and actively to help in their cause. The reasons assigned are the inevitable dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, and the fact that an active participation in their struggle now will give the Jews a claim for fair and equal treatment in the general reorganization of society and government which must ensue. The recent oppression of the Jews in Roumania and elsewhere gives additional significance to this argument. The writer asks: “Will those Danubian nationalities ever become friends of the Jews? They will. Human nature is everywhere the same. Seeing a million of fellow-sufferers of another race and religion loyally and unequivocally coming forth and helping them with their brains, their arms, and their treasures, they will, like other Christian nations, despoil themselves of rotten prejudices and tender them the hand of equality and fraternity. Hungary is the most glaring proof of that assertion. Twenty-five years ago the Magyar was as fanatical as the present Roumanian or Servian. Jewish patriotism in times of trial gained the emancipation of 500,000 co-religionists.” On the other hand, there is reason to fear that the insurgent provinces have exposed themselves to overthrow by acting singly. If there had been statesmanship enough to have organized a simultaneous revolt, Turkey would have been powerless before them, but the “sick man” may yet be strong enough to crush his assailants one by one. It is said that the three chiefs of Mecca have proposed to place in this emergency 200,000 Arabian cavalry in the field, and another report affirms that the Rothschilds have offered to pay off the Turkish debt, provided Turkey gives them certain valuable copper, silver, and coal mines on the Black Sea and in Asia Minor, and also the city of Jerusalem. The tragedy deepens in interest, and the unfoldings of Providence are watched by Christian hearts over two hemispheres with deep solicitude.—Christian Statesman. Catholic Propagation of the Faith Receipts for 1875
The Roman Catholic Association for the the Propagation of the Faith reports the receipts for 1875 at £1,207,805. Of the total France contributed £162,587, and other countries as follows: Alsace-Lorraine, £8,282; Germany, £17,246; Belgium, £15,440; Spain, £189; Ireland, £3,522; England, £1,732; Scotland, £239; Italy, £13,537; Levant, £542; Turkey, £243; Greece, £853; Holland, £4,194; Portugal, £1,655; Russia Polland, £108, Switzerland, £2,421; Asia, £406; Africa, £1,299; North America, £5,138; South America, £2,100; Oceanica, £226.—Home Journal (Catholic.) A WORD TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN NEW ENGLAND.
By S. N. Haskell
Our excellent camp-meeting has closed. The freedom on the part of God's servants and the encouraging words spoken by them have made their impression upon the minds of every lover of present truth who was at the meeting. The thousands of intensely interested listeners upon Sunday, besides the many thousands who could not get within hearing of the speaker, to say nothing of the hundreds of teams that drove away because they could not get upon the ground, are omens of good to this Conference, and clearly indicate the interest which will be seen if we walk in the openings of God's providence. While our hearts should flow out in gratitude to God for such evidences of his willingness to work for us, the battle which precedes the victory is before us. We should never forget that our strength is in God, and it is obtained by a living connection with Heaven. No one can have this connection without a daily experience in the things of God. The times and circumstances demand great humility upon our part, and that earnest seeking after God that will enable us to understand his voice and walk in his providence. To move surely, although at times it may appear to be slowly, is far better than to move rashly and then have to retrace our steps. There have been changes in some of the officers of the Conference. This will place responsibilities upon some individuals, and they will need much of God's help and “that wisdom which is from above which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” They should have the sympathy and prayers of the people of God. If all walk in the fear of God and strive to stay up each other's hands, we shall see great results attending the efforts that may be put forth. Here are various interests connected with the work of God, all of which should find a place in the hearts of God's people. No one can successfully labor in the cause of the Lord with a careless or indifferent spirit. God can never strengthen and bless those engaged in his service if they are ever dwelling upon the dark side. Faithfulness, with hope and good cheer, are necessary. “Be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart,” are the words of the sweet psalmist of Israel. There is much cause of hope from recent developments. We have placed books in the public libraries, sent pamphlets to leading men in this Conference, etc., etc., not without a degree of success. Our object has been to call the attention of the public to present truth, and especially to reach a moral element among a class which the great gulf of prejudice separated from the truth. But God's providence by one single leap at our late camp-meeting has accomplished more in this direction than years of effort of the Tract Society with an expenditure of thousands of dollars. I refer not only to the extensive reporting, but to the interest manifested by the prominent men of the leading cities in New England to hear Sr. White upon the subject of temperance. We should prepare ourselves for a work upon a broader scale than ever before. Our fall and winter tract and missionary campaign will soon commence, and not one in all the list should be wanting when the roll is called. The work will be to prepare the public mind for something further upon S. D. Adventism. Next summer may reveal that in the progress of this work which the most sanguine have not expected. We see many other bodies, some who have borne the reproach of the name Adventists, broken and scattered, yet God in his merciful providence has saved us from these distracting influences, and if anything has occurred to break our ranks, they have closed up firmer than before. God's hand is in this work and he has led out before us. When we have made large calculations and acted accordingly, God has more than met the broadest expectations. Our duty under the present circumstances is to prepare for the second coming of Christ. We have all a duty to do, and we are emphatically called upon to turn our interests wholly into the cause of present truth, redeem the time and prepare to meet God. To those who have means in banks, stocks, bonds, or even in real estate and mortgages, God's voice by his providence is speaking in such a manner that if it is not heard and regarded a proclamation by an angel of God would not receive attention.109 The depreciation of stocks and bonds, and the daily failures of saving banks which have ever been above suspicion, and which, to keep up appearances, have paid large per cent. and dividends until the day of their failure, have caused a general fearful looking for of what is coming upon the earth, among business men. They are taking warning, removing their means by thousands, and shall not we? Is there not a place of safety where those who have means can deposit with safety? The providence of God has furnished just such a place, where the use of the money will yield fruit in the kingdom of God. That none may be without excuse, the S. D. A. P. Association proposes to secure those who may be disposed to loan their funds to it, and that which they loan will be subject to their call. To question the security is to question the progress and triumph of the third angel's message. Twenty thousand dollars in addition to the one hundred thousand capital already in use would no more than meet the present wants of the cause, if we would meet the demand of the people for the truth. In view of the state of society and the crumbling condition of moneyed institutions, and the fact that the cause is being hindered for want of means, how can we expect the blessing of God to rest upon those who withhold from the cause of God that which they are only stewards over, while at the same time means are invested where a loss is only a question of time? We would recommend the rereading of “Earnest Appeal from the General Conference Committee relative to the Dangers and Duties of our Time,” and Testimony No. 26, upon these points. Then, upon the point of sacrificing labor, we are not doing one-twentieth part of what we should do. Shall we not in the fear of God turn over a new leaf this coming conference year, and in the future prove faithful to the trust committed to us? S. N. HASKELL. THE CENTENNIAL CAMP-MEETING.
By Uriah Smith
Such we are inclined to call the meeting which has just closed at Lansing, Mich.; for, like the Centennial Exhibition, one hardly knows where to begin in the attempt to describe it. It has been the largest camp-meeting ever held by S. D. Adventists; and if we allow it to have been as good in quality as other meetings, it has, consequently, been the best. There were one hundred and twenty tents upon the ground. The grand pavilion, eighty by one hundred and twenty feet, is a magnificent affair. This tent packed day after day with a congregation of three thousand people, who could be quite comfortably convened within it, eagerly listening to the truth for this time, was the most inspiring sight we have ever witnessed in this cause. There were together on this occasion the largest body of Sabbath-keepers ever convened in modern times, the largest, probably, since the days of the apostles. Sixteen hundred and twenty-two persons, according to the census of the different tents, were permanently encamped upon the ground. A sufficient number lodged away from the ground to make the regular Sabbath-keeping congregation more than two thousand, being larger by some five hundred than that of any previous meeting in this State. On Sunday there was a grand rally from the city of Lansing and surrounding country. No services were held in the city churches, in the afternoon, and the report of the Presbyterian minister, who was on the ground, was, “We are all here.” Twelve hundred teams came to the encampment, and over six thousand persons passed through the main entrance between eleven o’clock and sundown. It is therefore very safe to put the Sunday afternoon congregation at full eight thousand people. This surpassed the most sanguine expectations that had been entertained in regard to the meeting. But the best of all this feature was that the crowd were well pleased with all the arrangements and with the meeting as a whole. From the more candid and intelligent portion many expressions of commendation and gratification were heard respecting the meeting. They had never seen a meeting pass off with such good arrangement, order, and harmony as this. So far as its outside influence is concerned, we look upon it as a complete success. The internal view of the meeting, that is, as it related to our own people, is equally satisfactory. The people were eager for the words of the living preacher, and listened with great earnestness and attention. Nothing is better calculated than this, aside from the direct blessing of Heaven, to put a speaker into his best condition. The word spoken was generally with great freedom and power. The social meetings were spirited and most excellent. On the Sabbath, the congregation was divided into three parts inside the tent, and separate meetings conducted in each, and so spacious was this large canvas meeting-house, that these in no way interfered with each other. The matter of singing was very happily arranged thus: It was understood that when singing was started in one division, if some were talking in the others, they would suspend, and the whole tent would join in the song, after which the speakers would resume and finish their testimony. In this way there was no embarrassment and no confusion. In this meeting, taking all the divisions together, three hundred and twelve testimonies were borne in three quarters of an hour. There was nothing in any of the meetings boisterous or unduly excitable, yet the spiritual interest rose at times to a remarkable degree. On two several occasions sister White called sinners and backsliders forward for prayers, and something like three hundred responded. A precious work seemed to be wrought for many of these. It was good to witness the joy of some who live in lonely situations. They testified that they had felt the continual blessing of God since they had come upon the camp-ground; that it was the best meeting they ever enjoyed; and other like expressions, which must have been heard to be fully appreciated. One noticeable feature of the occasion was the presence of the Seventh-day Baptist delegate to the General Conference, Eld. C. W. Whitford, President of the Milton (Wis.) College. By his cordial and genial manner, and words of fraternal good cheer, he won all hearts; and it was a pleasure to our people to extend to him such a welcome as would indicate that we could heartily reciprocate all expressions of kindness, sympathy, and co-operation from that honorable body of Sabbath-keeping brethren which he represented. By request, he spoke on sixth-day forenoon on the influence of Sabbath-keeping upon the religious life. At the conclusion of the discourse, a unanimous vote of thanks was tendered him, with a request that he furnish his sermon for publication in the REVIEW. This he will soon do, and our readers will have the pleasure of perusing it for themselves. The business sessions of the various organizations, which held their anniversary meetings in connection with the camp-meeting, came in for their share of attention. A record of the business proceedings, from the pens of the various secretaries, will be found in other columns of this paper. A good degree of prosperity appears from the reports. Seventeen new churches were added to the Michigan Conference. The General Conference report shows a very encouraging gain in ministers, churches, members, and funds. About four thousand dollars were pledged for the College, and about one thousand raised toward paying for the large tent and the camp-meeting expenses. Over fourteen hundred dollars were paid in by the different churches on the Michigan Conference fund. Finally, the interest manifest in reporting this meeting is entitled to special mention. Full, interesting, and graphic reports of each day’s proceedings, both religious meetings and business sessions, written out by Miss M. L. Clough, in her own inimitable style, were published in thirty-two of the principal papers of the State. Our work is thus brought prominently before a large class of readers, to whom we could gain access by no other means. Suitable reference is made to this enterprise in the General Conference business proceedings. The parting meeting on Tuesday morning was one of deep feeling. But the very sorrow of parting made us look forward with more intensified longings to that land where adieus and farewells will never be said. Soon long and crowded trains were bearing the multitudes to their various homes; and it seems to us that none can have left the meeting without feeling that the cause of the third message occupies new ground to-day, which it has never before reached. It has taken a new stride forward; and its friends feel like the man ascending the pyramids when he has just gained another of those broad steps, by which he is at last to reach the summit. ALSACE, GERMANY.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I came to this place ten days since, to rest among the mountains with my family, do some writing, and give shape and permanency to the work I commenced in the spring under great disadvantages. It was a matter of no small relief to me to be able to preach even to the few who were keeping the commandments. Hitherto I had been permitted to labor only by way of visiting, and had been watched closely to see if I took liberties that the law did not allow those who were not legally authorized to preach. I found that the spirit of opposition had not died out. The first Sabbath I was here, the mayor came into our meeting in great wrath and told his wife that if she was baptized he would part with her; and another man said that if his daughter was baptized he would shoot us. (It was from this point that two brethren went to Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland, a distance of one hundred and forty miles, to be baptized, before I received a legal permission to officiate as a preacher.) Under these circumstances, we chose the night to baptize two sisters, who had been long waiting for baptism. I have organized Systematic Benevolence for the few in this place, amounting to 130 francs (about $26) a year. I have a good degree of physical and mental strength, and earnestly desire to soon enter new fields. Hohwald, Alsace, Aug. 28, 1876. SEVENTH-DAY BAPTISTS.
By James White
VISIT TO THEIR GENERAL CONFERENCE.
In company with Prof. C. W. Whitford, of Milton (Wis.) College, we left the Lansing (Mich.) Camp-ground, Monday P. M., the 25th ult., to attend the Seventh-day Baptist General Conference, at Walworth, Wis., and reached the place of meeting the 26th. Here we found open doors, and kind friends to give us a hearty welcome, and every attention and comfort grateful to our worn and weary condition. The labors of the season had been severe; but those of the last meeting, at which were held the sessions of the General Conference, the Michigan State Conference, the Publishing Association, Battle Creek College, and the Health Reform Institute, were almost beyond measure. And it seems really selfish to give our brethren of the S. D. Baptists only a few days in which to rest, and poorly represent our people. On the 27th, the seventy-second annual meeting of the General Conference of the S. D. Baptists opened with Vice-President James Bailey in the chair, President Jonathan Allen, of Alfred (N. Y.) University, not arriving until the afternoon session. Our reception as delegate from the Seventh-day Adventists to that body was very cordial, and we were by vote invited to take part in the deliberations of their Conference. Addresses were given during the three days we were with this people from Prof. A. R. Cornwall, of Albion (Wis.) Academy, Eld. O. U. Whitford, of Farina, Ill., and Eld. L. A. Platts, of Westerly, R. I. Several hours each day were devoted to business of the Conference and their missionary work, and the discussion of topics of interest. By request, we spoke at length upon the relation of the two bodies of Sabbath-keepers to each other, which met with hearty responses of endorsement by most of the ministers present individually and personally in social interviews with them. Our position as to the relation of the two bodies will be definitely stated next week. The 28th we left the S. D. Baptist Conference reluctantly to hasten to our camp-meeting at Waldron, Ill., which had been in session two days before we reached the ground. We found the attendance of our people large. But the weather was so very cold that our congregations did not reach quite a thousand on Sunday. We left the ground Monday, at 4 A. M., and reached this Office at 3 P. M., where we find the REVIEW waiting for these few, hasty statements. Much more next week. J. W.