LOOKING forward to the ultimate consequences of sin, the inspired penman raises the question, “Why will ye die?” Life is a priceless gift from our Creator. In its fleeting moments we may glorify our Maker by observing his laws, and thus we may secure life eternal. Vast consequences are suspended upon its proper use, both with regard to ourselves, and to those with whom we associate. This period is, and must at longest, necessarily be brief. The irrevocable decree, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” is speedily executed upon the generations of men. Yet thousands cut these flying moments short, and hasten the footsteps of death to their doors. The force of habit, gratification of appetite, and wading through the ever-changing, and ever-crushing style of popular living, bring disease, and welcome death in its sure and destructive march.
Ignorance of those laws which relate to life is sure to lead to their violation. And many seem not to care to enlighten their minds in this direction. Their motto seems to be, “Give us a good time;” “a merry life, though it be short.” Here, we ask, Why will ye die? For truly may it be said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” “He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me love death.” Prov. 8:36.
Another way in which death is speedily brought up into our windows is a lack of knowledge of the nature of some of the most common diseases, and of the treatment necessary for those suffering under them. I think of a case which may serve as an illustration. A patient, sick for days with typhoid fever, was treated hygienically by judicious nurses, and though doing well, some one who seems to think one can hardly be sick legally, or die honorably, unless attended by a physician sure to give drugs, became anxious for the doctor’s presence. He was summoned, came and pronounced favorably as to both the treatment and the patient, saying she had had good nursing, which is better and more important than medicine; yet he thought it best to administer some medicines. The nurses, taking good courage, and preferring no mixture of drugs with hygienic agencies, laid them aside. The doctor repeated his visits, each time expressing his gratification, if not surprise, that his medicines acted (?) in a manner so highly favorable. Now, for days without the presence of the physician, or the use of drugs, the patient continued hopeful and bade fair for recovery. But a slight change takes place arousing the fears of the fearful, and now certainly the doctor must come. He prepared a powerful dose, fed it himself, and awaited its action, or rather, the action of the system to resist the poison. The poor patient sunk to the grave in a few days, if not under the power of the poison administered, under circumstances strongly justifying the conclusion that it may be so, the conclusion strengthened by the decision of a prudent and experienced practitioner, that that dose was a hazardous one, one too strong for a well stomach. Oh! when will men learn to “let well enough alone?” When will they learn to cease feeding rank poison to help nature in her work of resisting disease and restoring wasted energies? As we reflect on the above case, we raise the inquiry, “Why will ye die?”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
The S. D. Baptists.
At the late General Conference of the Seventh-day Baptists, Eld. D. M. Canright, as delegate from the Seventh-day Adventists, was received by the following generous resolution which was adopted without opposition:—
“Resolved, That this Conference recognize gratefully the action of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference in appointing Eld. James White as a delegate to our present meeting, and Eld. D. M. Canright as alternate; that we welcome the alternate, and accept the explanations of the non-attendance of the principal; that we are glad to receive also, as the friend and companion of the alternate, Eld. Uriah Smith, editor of the ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD, and that we cordially invite these brethren to participate in our deliberations.”
The S. D. Baptist delegate to our last General Conference, Eld. N. V. Hull, presented to his Conference the following report:—
“Your delegate to the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference begs leave to offer the following report: Your delegate attended, as he was able, to the duties of his appointment, and was received in the most cordial manner, and during his stay was treated with every mark of kindness and respect. He found them gathered in a beautiful grove some two miles from Battle Creek, to the number of perhaps fifteen hundred. Their meetings were conducted in an orderly manner, and were characterized by a spirit of great religiousness and fervor. They are in a hopeful and prosperous condition. Their missions, the one on the Pacific Coast and the one in Europe, although but recently formed, are in a healthy state. In San Francisco they are erecting a house of worship, and at Oakland they have just put in operation one of Cottrell & Babcock’s large printing presses, and will soon have a press in operation in Europe. They are evincing great zeal and perseverance, and everything seems to promise well with them.”
Papal Interference.
By J. O. Corliss
SPAIN, ever since that country emerged from barbarism and idolatry, has been ruled almost absolutely by the pope of Rome, and the people have been oppressed and afflicted by an intolerant and over-zealous priesthood. This state of things is not to be wondered at, since the children are placed under the instruction of the clergy, and Catholic children almost invariably make Catholic men and women.
Certain concessions, to be perpetual, were made by the Spanish government to the see of Rome at the time that the compact, known as the concordat, was entered into between them. The conditions of this compact were not complied with during the overthrow of the monarchy and the brief existence of the republic, and a disposition was manifested by many of the republican leaders to entirely liberate the country from papal control. This caused a deadly hostility on the part of the pope against the republic, and by continual plotting with the priests, he finally succeeded in overthrowing it.
Alphonso and Don Carlos, the two aspirants for the Spanish throne, are both Catholics; hence, during the civil war waged between them during the last two years, the pope has held a neutral position. But of late a liberal ministry has been formed at Madrid, and the pope, to keep his pretensions alive, has sent a formal demand to the bishop of Madrid for a compliance with the conditions already referred to, which we find summarized in a secular weekly as follows:—
“It claims the fulfillment of the concordat, which forbids the exercise of any non-Catholic creed, requires the transfer of the superintendence of education to the clergy, and pledges the co-operation of the secular power in suppressing heretical teaching and literature. He says one of the causes of civil law is the way in which religious unity has been misunderstood by previous governments. For these reasons, and in view of these consequences, the holy see believes itself strictly obliged to present these observations to the government.”
The pope’s position may not be mistaken. If the liberal Spanish ministry does not comply with these demands, then he will practice the same crafty policy ever employed by Rome to carry out her wicked designs, and every effort will be made to cause distraction and promote civil strife in that now almost impoverished country, until they will be obliged to yield to his unreasonable claims.
Although these affairs may not directly concern the people of America, yet indirectly they do, as they show us that Catholicism has not changed from what it was in the days of the inquisition, and wherever it gains a foothold, we see a revival of the same arbitrary spirit, which is a deadly foe to all systems except its own. This may now be seen in the demands already made upon some of our larger cities where it has gained an ascendancy, the influence of which is beginning to be felt already upon other religious denominations of the land, and which it is determined shall increase until that influence shall sway in the deliberations of the nation. May we not, then, reasonably look for the speedy fulfillment of the prophecies relative to this power? We shall soon see what these things mean. J. O. CORLISS.
CHAS. P. WHITFORD
By Chas. P. Whitford
To the Members of the Vt. T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 1.
According to appointment in REVIEW, No. 15, our next Tract and Missionary meeting will be held in Berkshire, Oct. 30, 31. I have a great anxiety for the success of this meeting.
We want to see all the friends out, and if there are any points on which we have not yet attained to the best system, we must come up. Our Tract and Missionary operations must, in all our minds, mean order and persevering labor. The trouble with too many of us is, we do not feel our individual responsibility in this great work. Our hearts must be wholly bound up in it. While it is true that the truth is rapidly going to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, it is equally true that there is a work for us to do if we would share in the everlasting inheritance.
In view of this fact, a spirit of self-denial and sacrifice is required of us. “This must exhibit itself in a willingness to contribute to the extent of our means for the support of the cause generally, and of bearing such daily burdens as lie in our pathway. We should not give the trifles which we do not feel, but offer to the Lord an oblation worthy of our gratitude as Christians waiting for the appearing of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven.”
He is coming to reward every man according as his work shall be. But the question frequently arises in some minds, What can I do? The people around us all know, or have had a chance to know, the reasons of our faith, and it will be useless to spend our time with them. For the benefit of such, let me propose the following:—
1. Let every member of the Society mail a tract every week to somebody. There are 280 members in the State. If 280 members would send out weekly 280 tracts to distant places, and accompany the deed with the prayer of faith, what might we not expect within the next twelve months. The tidings which Bro. Andrews gives us in REVIEW No. 15, of the movings of God’s Spirit upon the hearts of the people in Germany, Eastern Prussia, and other distant lands should certainly stir our hearts to engage in the work here with more earnestness than ever before.
2. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES, published by Bro. White, at Oakland, Cal., is an excellent paper to scatter broadcast over the land. Thousands would read it who would not look at a tract. Let the members of our T. & M. Society first subscribe for this paper themselves—this will be missionary labor in one sense—then take your paper and go from house to house soliciting subscriptions. Many can be induced to subscribe; and there are many others who would gladly pay the postage, and would read with interest, who could not be prevailed upon to subscribe. Such should receive the paper free, and the expenses should be met by our T. & M. Society. In this way we can do much to scatter the seeds of truth, and be instrumental in the hands of God of saving some from the wrath which is to come.
CHAS. P. WHITFORD
Berkshire, Vt., Oct. 17, 1875.
Muir, Michigan.
By A. O. Burrill
I came here with one of the tents about the middle of July. At last report, twelve or more had signified their intention to keep the Sabbath. We have staid here more than twice as long as we expected. But there has never been a time when we could feel clear to leave.
From the first there has been great opposition, and efforts from all quarters have been made to keep the people away from the tent. Ministers of the different denominations, have advised their members to stay away. But some of the most respectable people of the place have attended constantly. After a time the local clergy ceased to attack us, finding that they were hurting themselves more than us.
After a while the Disciple church invited a minister from Grand Ledge to come and refute the doctrine of the seventh-day Sabbath. On arriving, he said he could do it successfully, as he was well acquainted with us as a people; for “S. D. A. ministers all spoke the same thing.” He continued his effort one week. We were present the first evening, and reviewed him. The Disciples saw that this would not do; so the next evening they would not permit it to be done, and their ungentlemanly conduct placed them under the censure of the public. This all worked favorably for the truth.
The Disciple minister had scarcely left the place when Eld. Clark Braden arrived. He was sent for, and came a distance of four or five hundred miles. The next day hand-bills were posted through town stating that, “Seventh-day Sabbatarianism, Soul Sleeping, The Kingdom of Christ, &c.,” would be reviewed at the Disciple church. I continued meetings in the tent, and two brethren went to take notes. We thus held from his lectures those whom he hoped to turn away from the Sabbath. This did not please him, and soon by the hand of one of the deacons, we received a written challenge to meet him in a public investigation of the disputed points. This we had not desired, and had been careful to avoid, yet the circumstances forced a debate upon us.
Previous to his coming, notice had been given that we were to attend the Flint Camp-meeting, and this made it necessary to have the discussion delayed until the next week. We hoped that at the camp-meeting the Conference Committee would send a minister who had had experience to conduct the discussion. But this was not possible; so that portion of the Committee present decided that Bro. E. R. Jones and myself should meet him. Bro. Jones discussed successfully two of the five questions. The debate which was held in the Disciple church, continued nine successive evenings, and was well attended. The clergy from all around were present. The questions discussed were, the nature of man, the destiny of the wicked, the kingdom of Dan. 2 and 7, the Sabbath, and the Sunday Lord’s day. We feel that God has given his truth a glorious victory on every one of these points.
The chairman, a lawyer of the town, and one whom our opponents suggested, being asked by one of the prominent members of the church how the debate went, said, “Eld. Braden did not prove even one point.” And a prominent officer of the Disciple church remarked, “Why, we thought Eld. Braden would surely bring some proof for the keeping of Sunday. We are very much disappointed.” All our friends feel greatly pleased with the result. We have made many friends among those who were prejudiced against us. Many of Eld. B’s own partizans have admitted his defeat.
The debate has decided several, and the prospect is that good will result from it. I think we shall now be left in peace to finish up the work in this vicinity, and go to other fields. As the result of this two or three weeks’ effort against the truth, our opponent leaves our friends more than doubled, and the present truth standing firmer and clearer than ever.
The consistent lives of a brother and his wife, who live in this vicinity, together with their assistance and counsel during this effort, have greatly helped forward the work.
We have stored the tent for winter, and commenced meetings one mile from Muir. This enables us to look after and build up the work there. We have now given seven lectures in this village with a common attendance. We hope to see some in the kingdom as the result of this effort. A. O. BURRILL.
Lyons, Mich., Oct. 19, 1875.
Iowa and Dakota.
By John F. Hanson
SINCE leaving Battle Creek last May, I have labored chiefly among the Danes in the above States. In Luzerne, Benton, Co., Iowa, five have yielded obedience to the commandments of God. After leaving Luzerne, I labored with the friends at Elkhorn. The Lord blessed, and three were baptized and united with the church.
From June 26 to July 5, labored with the church at Crescent City. Satan has tried hard by gossip and slander to separate and destroy this church, but the Lord in his mercy had a care for these friends. Here four were buried in the likeness of Christ’s death to walk in newness of life. There are now twenty-six members in this church.
July 14, came to Marshalltown and labored two weeks. Here four commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others were convinced of the truthfulness of our position. There are now thirteen families in this place that read the Advent Tidende.
July 29, came to West Dayton, where I labored till Aug. 20. The Danes in this place are nearly all Methodists. Although but few came to the meetings, ten persons commenced to keep the Sabbath, among whom were two who had been leaders in the Methodist church. This, of course, caused some stir in the place, and others are investigating in regard to these truths.
After leaving West Dayton, I visited Cedar Falls and vicinity. The Lord blessed with his Spirit, and three persons were baptized and united with the church.
Sept. 2, came to Swan Lake, Dakota, where I labored about a year ago. The friends here have made some progress. There are now three families—seventeen persons—who are keeping the Sabbath, and striving by a godly life and example to prepare for eternity. Sunday, the 12th, organized a church and baptized two.
Sept. 18, visited again the friends in West Dayton, Iowa. Sabbath, the 25th, had the privilege of baptizing nine. The Lord blessed greatly in celebrating the ordinances for the first time with these dear friends. On first day, the 26th, organized a church of ten members. Their Systematic Benevolence amounts to $40.00 a year. They desire to unite with the Conference. May the Lord bless these dear friends and help them to hold out to the end.
There are now four organized Danish churches in Iowa, with a membership of over one hundred. The work of the Lord is steadily going forward among them, for which we feel to thank and praise him.
JOHN F. HANSON.
California State Conference of S. D. Adventists.
By John Norton Loughborough; Wm. Saunders
FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING.
In compliance with the published call of the Executive Committee, the fourth annual meeting of the California State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in connection with the annual camp-meeting in Fairfax, Marin County.
The Conference was called to order by the President, Eld. J. N. Loughborough, at 5 P. M., Sept. 23, 1875, and was opened with prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. The delegates presented their credentials to the Secretary.
Eld. J. H. Waggoner, of the Michigan Conference, was by vote invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference; and, on motion, all brethren in good standing were also invited to take part.
On motion, The churches of Oakland and San Jose (Santa Clara and San Jose having been consolidated) were received into the Conference.
By vote of the Conference, Bro. R. D. Hicks was authorized to represent the unorganized company of Sabbath-keepers at Lower Lake, and Bro. Wm. Healey, the company at Middletown, Lake County.
On motion, The Conference adjourned to meet again at the call of the President.
SECOND SESSION.
Conference opened, Friday, Sept. 24, at 5 P. M., with singing and prayer.
Delegates being called for, the churches were found to be represented as follows: San Francisco, Wesley Diggins, Knud Brossen, Charles Chittenden; San Jose, Wm. Dumont; Santa Rosa, Wm. B. Dennison, John Morrison; Vallejo, J. S. Howard; Healdsburg, Joseph Dimmick, Wm. Harmon; Bloomfield, J. D. Bandy; St. Helena, W. A. Pratt; Petaluma, Edwin Moore; Napa, Joseph Eggleston, C. H. Clark; Woodland, M. G. Kellogg, Alfred Mason, Wm. Saunders; Green Valley, W. T. Ross; Red Bluff, J. H. Disher; Oakland, John I. Tay, D. B. Rickey, J. W. Cronkite; Gilroy, J. N. Loughborough; Watsonville, S. B. Bresee; Bear Valley, John Judson; Little River, Reuel Stickney; Hollister, J. D. Richardson; Middletown, Wm. Healey; Lower Lake, R. D. Hicks. The minutes of proceedings of last year's Conference were read and unanimously approved.
Adjourned to Sunday morning at 8½ A. M.
THIRD SESSION.
Sunday, Sept. 26, 8½ A. M.
Opened with singing, and prayer by Eld. Waggoner.
Eld. James White, President of the General Conference, being now present, was requested to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
The President announced the following committees: On Nominations, Wesley Diggins, Edwin Moore, John I. Tay. On Credentials and Licenses, A. B. Atwood, M. G. Kellogg, Charles Chittenden. On Resolutions, Eld. J. H. Waggoner, Wm. Saunders, D. A. Morton. Auditing, Brn. Diggins, Morrison, Harmon, Mason, Stevenson, and Pulse.
Adjourned to the call of the President.
FOURTH SESSION.
Sunday, Sept. 26, 5 P. M. Opened with prayer by Eld. Waggoner.
Reports of labor were presented by Elds. Loughborough, Waggoner, Canright, and Kellogg, and by licentiates Carey, Stockton, Howard, Healey, Judson, Uhl, and Brossen.
Eld. White made some very interesting remarks in regard to the work of the Conferences in the East; he thought the business sessions should be made short and interesting, and spoke of the great interest in the Vermont, Iowa, and other camp-meetings which he had lately attended. In some places it seemed as though the whole people were anxious to hear and learn the truth.
Adjourned to the call of the President.135
FIFTH SESSION.
Monday, Sept. 27, 5 P. M. Prayer by the President.
The Committee on Nomination of officers reported as follows: President, Eld. J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, Wm. Saunders; Treasurer, W. C. White; Executive Committee, Wesley Diggins, T. M. Chapman (the President being ex officio chairman of the Committee).
The nominees of the Committee were elected by unanimous vote of the Conference.
Eld. Waggoner, chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, presented the following, which, on motion, was unanimously adopted:—
Whereas, The Michigan Conference has invited Eld. Loughborough to labor in that State, and the General Conference has consented to transfer him to that State,
Resolved, That this Conference earnestly request that Eld. Loughborough be not transferred to the East, but be permitted to labor in California during the coming Conference year.
The following preamble and resolution were also offered by the Committee:—
Whereas, Our brethren in various places have been called upon to serve as jurors and witnesses in courts of justice upon the Sabbath,
Resolved, That the Conference Committee be and are hereby instructed to appoint a suitable person or persons to obtain signatures to a petition asking the next Legislature to pass a law exempting all who observe the seventh day of the week, commonly called Saturday, as the Sabbath of the Lord from serving as witnesses and jurors on that day.
The resolution was adopted unanimously. Committee on Licenses and Credentials reported in favor of renewing the credentials of Eld. J. N. Loughborough and Eld. M. G. Kellogg, and granting licenses to R. A. Morton, Knud Brossen, J. E. White, J. Andrews, and John Judson. The Committee recommended that Wm. M. Healey be ordained and set apart for the ministry, and that he be granted ministerial credentials. The names of other candidates for licenses were referred to the Committee for further consideration.
Adjourned to call of the President.
SIXTH SESSION.
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5 P. M.
Opened with singing, and prayer by Eld. Kellogg.
Committee on Licenses and Credentials reported that they had no further business to transact, and they were discharged.
Committee on Resolutions reported further, as follows:—
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude for being so highly favored with the help of Bro. and Sister White at this camp-meeting, and we appreciate the interest which they have manifested in us and in our prosperity, in that they have passed by several large camp-meetings which they were urgently requested to attend in order to meet with us.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the elder or leader of each church in this Conference to see that the proper reports of the S. B. treasurers are sent to the State secretary quarterly, and that the S. B. books and church records, together with the annual reports of the treasurers, are sent to the annual Conference by the delegates representing their respective churches.
Resolved, That we recognize the voice that for twenty-five years has been calling to Seventh-day Adventists through the testimonies to the church as a voice from Heaven; and that it is our duty to heed it in all its teachings, whether it encourages, admonishes, or reproves us.
Resolved, That we fully indorse all the steps that have thus far been taken in locating and establishing the Publishing House in Oakland.
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God, and to our brethren east of the Rocky Mountains, for their noble liberality in furnishing us with two power presses, a steam engine, and the necessary equipments for a first-class publishing house. While we have this evidence of their deep interest in us, we also express the great pleasure we feel in receiving the good reports of the success of the work among them, especially in the eastern camp-meetings, and we renew our pledge to be faithful to the trust conferred upon us in this important field, to endeavor to spread the present truth to the peoples, nations, and tongues, of the earth.
The last two resolutions were put to vote separately, and passed not only by vote of the Conference, but also by a rising vote of the congregation.
The secretary here read the membership and financial reports of the different churches of the Conference, which were accepted.
The President appointed as a Camp-meeting Committee for the ensuing year, G. D. Hager, Wm. Harmon, E. J. Church.
The President stated that the Railroad Company had offered the Conference the use of these grounds for two years more, and on motion he was authorized to conclude such an arrangement with the Company.
Adjourned to call of President.
SEVENTH SESSION.
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 5 P. M.
Session opened with prayer by Eld. Loughborough.
A report of the tent fund was made by the President, which showed a balance of $227.96 on hand at close of this Conference.
Funds were raised by voluntary subscription to pay for clearing the grounds.
Voted, By the Conference, that the expense of transporting the organ used during this Conference and camp-meeting to and from Oakland be paid out of the money so raised.
The Conference treasurer made the following report:— On hand, April 24, 1875, $954.05; received since that time, $2072.60; total, $3026.65; paid out since that time, $1913.72; balance, $1112.93; additional receipts, $200.00; total am't now on hand, $1312.93.
The matter of loaning one thousand dollars from the Conference Funds to the San Francisco church for one year without interest, to assist them in building a church edifice, having been recommended by the Auditing Committee, Eld. White and others gave their views, and it was put to vote and carried unanimously, and also by a rising vote of the congregation.
On motion, The Napa church was allowed to retain the balance due the State Conference on S. B. pledges for the last two quarters to enable her to pay off her church debt.
The following resolutions were offered and adopted:—
Resolved, That we hereby tender our thanks to the North Pacific Coast R. R. Company for the use of their grounds, and for the facilities they have extended to us in this camp-meeting.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and in the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Conference adjourned sine die.
J. N. Loughborough, Pres. Wm. Saunders, Sec.
A HYMN.
And who shall stand 'twixt God and me,
When times for praising him occur?
Before my God I e'er would be
My own o'erjoyed interpreter.
With David let the nations cry,
Let all the people praise the Lord!
The feeblest notes can pierce the sky,
While broken accents there accord.
What privilege so great as this,
That all can praise the King of kings?
This is on earth abiding bliss,
And strange foretaste of heavenly things.
Oh! who can doubt when from the skies
The Christ appears the second time,
The poor, the rich, the meek, the wise,
Will be as one in every clime?
Accept the things that will endure;
Let complex barriers timely fall;
God neither knows the rich nor poor,
But he alike respects them all.
Foreshadow now that Judgment day;
Before the Lord let difference cease;
Oh! leave, as God has made, the way
Untrammeled tow'rds the Prince of Peace.
Gouverneur, N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
Have just closed our labors again in Gouverneur and vicinity. The weather has been very unfavorable most of the time. This, with decided opposition on the part of the churches and clergy, has had the effect to make the attendance small; but the Lord has given us the ears and hearts of a few, and a victory has been gained for the truth that has greatly encouraged us and strengthened our faith. Several have embraced the truth since our return; and some of them are quite remarkable cases. Last Sunday we had one of the most quiet and solemn baptismal seasons we ever enjoyed. Some of the friends have signed the covenant, and we expect others will soon.
Bro. Hall expects to return to them next Sabbath to further help the believers, and to labor for others who we hope will yet be persuaded to obey the truth; while I go to present the truth in a new field.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Central R. R., near Rome, Oct. 12, 1875.
Grove Meeting at Soldier Valley, Iowa.
By H. Nicola
This meeting convened Oct. 7, 1875. It was mainly composed of our brethren and sisters living in the extreme western part of Iowa and a few from Nebraska. Our friends in Nebraska are much scattered, and the most of them live at so great a distance that it is not convenient for them to attend a meeting here, much less our general meetings, which are held from a hundred to a hundred and fifty miles farther east. We hope the time may soon come that the friends of the cause in this new and enterprising State will become numerous enough to support a Conference of their own, so that important meetings may be held in their midst. God is blessing the faithful labors of Bro. C. L. Boyd, who has been in this field for a considerable length of time, and if those who are entering this field, and the friends who are already in it, will heartily co-operate, a separate Conference may soon be organized.
Our people in Western Iowa are much scattered. But few of them have church privileges. Many of them have embraced the truth by reading, consequently this meeting, which has just closed, was one of necessity, and was highly appreciated by all who were so fortunate as to be able to attend it. There were about one hundred in constant attendance, many of them having come from thirty to one hundred miles. Nearly all camped on the ground, there being six or seven small tents pitched, besides the large one, which made ample room for all. The meeting was conducted much as our camp-meetings are. Good order was observed. Ten discourses were given with a good degree of freedom. Judging from the feeling manifested in the prayer and social meetings, much of the melting Spirit of the Lord was present. There was a united effort in seeking God. Sabbath afternoon, backsliders and sinners were invited forward for prayers. Thirty-three responded, many of whom came forward for the first time. The Saviour came very near and made this a most precious season, and evidences were given that the love of God was newly shed abroad in some hearts.
First-day afternoon, after a discourse upon the subject of baptism, by Bro. Boyd, twenty-two followed their Lord in this solemn ordinance. The Missionary work received some attention. Twelve joined the Society, a few dollars were donated, and a good supply of reading matter was distributed to the members for circulation.
Meeting closed Monday morning. All felt that they had gained much by this privilege. May the Lord help these dear friends to carry out the solemn resolutions which were here formed, and may those who labor in this part of the Conference have the fear of God before them and possess wisdom, that the precious cause of God may not be marred by any rash or injudicious move. H. NICOLA.
Knowlton, P. Q., Oct. 6, 1875
By A. C. Bourdeau
Canada.
Have labored nearly five weeks in Bolton, holding meetings and visiting families. Bro. and sister Owen are with me assisting in the work. Have given forty-one discourses, and some are deciding to obey God. Twelve have said that they would keep the Sabbath, and many more acknowledge that we have the truth.
But for about three weeks past, our work has been greatly hindered by cold and continuous rains mixed with snow, and by deep mud in the roads, rendering the attendance small. We discontinued meetings in the tent Sept. 26, twelve days ago. We had kept a fire in a large box stove, during meetings, for ten days before. The tent has been standing till to-day for want of fair weather to dry it. Farmers have not harvested all their wheat and oats yet on account of the incessant rains.
Another thing has hindered the work. A few years ago, an S. D. Baptist preacher labored several weeks in Bolton. He preached once or twice on the perpetuity of the seventh-day Sabbath; but he failed to show the importance of its observance. This is seen by the fact that, although during his revival meetings he baptized from twelve to fifteen converts, only one embraced the Sabbath. That one has since died, and the converts have united, some with the Methodists, and others with the first-day Adventists. Hence, some who say they see and believe the truth say they do not see the importance of obeying it. What gives force to the truth on this question is the fact that a special reform on the Sabbath and on God’s commandments is clearly predicted in prophecy as taking place in our times, under the proclamation of the last warning message. Yes, it is of importance to obey. Truly, God says what he means, and means what he says.
We are trying to continue the work. We hold our meetings in a school-house. Certain antinomians are working in their usual way—circulating falsehoods and misrepresentations. But they can do nothing against the truth. It is safe to be loyal and true to our God. A. C. BOURDEAU.
Knowlton, P. Q., Oct. 6, 1875
New York and Pa. T. & M. Society.
By B. L. Whitney; E. H. Whitney
This Society held its fourth annual meeting Sept. 12, 13, 1875, in connection with the camp-meeting held at Rome, N. Y. Meeting called to order by the President. Prayer and remarks by Bro. White.
The report of labor for the quarter just closed was presented and read, which is as follows: No. of families visited, 474; letters written, 112; No. of pages of reading matter distributed, 150,564; No. of new subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 7; Instructor, 31; Reformer, 6; VOICE 13; No. of REVIEWS distributed, 745; Instructors, 226; Reformers, 156.
Money received on membership, $9.00; Donations, 234.14; Book Sales, 15.92; Periodicals, 65.05. Total, $324.11.
It was voted that the Chair appoint a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year. The following committee was appointed: P. Z. Kinne, S. N. Walsworth, and A. H. Hall.
Meeting adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting opened by prayer. Minutes of the last annual meeting read and accepted.
The report of labor for the year just closed was read. It is as follows:—Whole number of families visited during the year, 2387; letters written, 593; pages of reading matter distributed, 671,674; No. of new subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 54; Instructor, 328; Reformer, 674; VOICE, 832; REVIEWS distributed, 3424; Instructors, 855; Reformers, 1029.
Received on membership during the year, $50.00; Donations, 934.55; Book sales, 111.91; Periodicals, 201.80; Widow & Orphans Fund, 19.72. Total, $1317.98.
The Committee on Nominations reported as follows:—For President, B. L. Whitney; Vice President, S. N. Walsworth; Secretary, E. H. Whitney; Treasurer, E. W. Whitney. Directors: Dist. No. 1, W. H. Eggleston; No. 2, Daniel Bowe; No. 3, D. B. Green; No. 4, A. H. Hall; No. 5, I. N. Russel; No. 6, M. S. Tyrel; No. 7, J. Q. Foy; No. 8, E. W. Whitney; No. 9, J. W. Raymond; No. 10, Wm. Coates; No. 11, Samuel Thurston.
The report was accepted and the officers elected.
The report of labor for the year is encouraging, showing no diminution of effort on the part of the working members of the Society, but rather an increase.
While old members have been lost by death or removal, new ones are coming in to fill their places. Among them are some who were first interested in present truth by tracts circulated by the Society.
It is to be regretted, however, that so large a proportion of the members failed to report, less than one-third of the membership fulfilling their duty in this respect.