I did not unite with the little handful of S. D. Adventists twenty-two years ago, because I thought they were the “rightest” of any church I knew of, nor because I thought them to be infallibly right in every thing; but because I was fully convinced that they were the prophetic people of the last generation, described in holy vision by the exiled seer upon lonely Patmos, eighteen hundred years ago, as the saints or holy ones who, in the time of their patience, keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I believed that that predicted people were being manifested. My faith was led to give credence to this from such reasons as the following:—
“There are no agencies adequate to give birth to predicted events, save such as God employs; consequently when they occur, we may know without a doubt, not only that they are a fulfillment, but also that God has done it. . . . When a predicted event does occur, we may know that it is a fulfillment of the prediction, and that God’s providence has interposed for its fulfillment. To such events there are no seconds, any more than a second birth, or baptism, or burial of Messiah. The chariot of Providence rolls by. The event looms up with God’s seal impressed upon it. It never recurs. . . . God in his word specifies each event. His people drink in the Spirit by believing the word—they yield themselves up to his guidance, and the providence of God concurs, then the event transpires. There will be nothing in all time like it. . . . There are no agencies which can counterfeit or derange the progressive fulfillment of the prophetic word. When the time arrives, each predicted event appears; and God’s providence must be recognized in it, or we be convicted as, so far, infidels.”
“All the evidence which God grants is given, when history testifies to the truth of prophecy; consequently, if that be denied, Christ is denied, and ‘wrath to the uttermost’ will come on those who had till then, been his acknowledged people. By how much the Christian church has had greater light than the Jewish, by so much is their guilt greater, and their revealed damnation more dreadful. Matt. 24:5; 1 Thess. 5:3; 2 Thess. 2:10–12. Professing Adventists have no dispensation in their favor, but must see their flagrant folly, if they recognize prophetic fulfillment up to a certain point in our history, and then deny it in those events which are most manifestly, in time, order of sequence, and manner of occurrence, just what Jesus predicted.”
The simple fact that I saw the predictions of Jesus, prophets, and apostles verified in the history of our own times—signs of the Advent near fulfilled in the heavens, and being fulfilled on the earth, and especially the prophetic history of the advent movement, as given in Rev. 14:6–12, being so exactly fulfilled in the actual movement now taking place in the Christian church—led me to believe that the time had come, and that the last message was being given, a message which would bring together the remnant of the church, a people distinguished as those “who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” And have I swerved from this faith since adopting it? Not for a moment. I see no reason to falter. I simply give credence to the word of God and his providence in fulfilling it. His word and providence are the anchor, and faith, the cable, takes firm hold of it. What if the winds do blow and the hurricane roar? Here is good anchorage; and our cable need not be broken.
Brother, sister, have you this faith? If you have not, review the evidences. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing, by the word of the Lord. There is no good reason for your want of faith. However dark it may be around you, set to your seal that God is true. His word cannot fail; neither will his providence deceive you and lead you astray. Trust in God. If you have this faith, corresponding actions will show it. If these fail, faith will die. Therefore be diligent to make your calling and election sure. R. F. COTTRELL.
Proposed Remodeling of the Map of Europe.
By M. E. Cornell
EVERY few days we see fresh accounts of new movements in the eastern world; and that preparations are making for important changes, there can be no doubt. The frequent consultations of heads of the leading powers of Europe and the East, mean something. It is generally conceded that a great war is inevitable. The powers stand in fear, and each seems anxious to provide against surprise. All confidence in treaties is gone or going, and all seem anxious to confederate for safety.
The sure word of prophecy alone can tell us what is coming. The last link in the prophetic chain is rapidly filling up, and the closing events of the world’s history are close at hand. The world is filled with violence, the wicked do wickedly, and iniquity abounds. The time has come and the alarm has been sounded to make all ready.
It is well known to our readers that we have long regarded Turkey as an important object of prophecy, that she is to be “dried up to prepare the way of the kings of the east.” And how is our faith confirmed of late by the movements of the great powers. It seems to be the common sentiment of all nations that the Sick Man of Turkey is near his death. What a time is this for faith in fulfilling prophecy. It is a sure word, and never has failed, and never can fail.
The following extract is only one of many which will serve to show that there is earnest talk at least. It is from the Vienna correspondent of the New York Tribune:—
“Strange rumors are afloat about an agreement between the emperors of Russia, Germany, and Austria to put an end to the political existence of the Sick Man of Turkey, and administer upon his estates. The last report is that an entire remodeling of the map of Eastern Europe has already been decided upon; that the outlines of the plan were sketched at the meeting of the three emperors last year, and that the arrangement of the details was the object of the recent journey of the Emperor of Germany to St. Petersburg, and of the Czar to Vienna. The programme, so the story goes, is as follows:—
“The Austrian Empire is to be dismembered, Bohemia, Moravia, and Austrian Silesia to go to Prussia; Gallicia to Russia; the Provinces of Upper and Lower Austria, Styria, the Tyrol, Carinthia and Carniola to compose a new kingdom or Grand Duchy, under the sovereignty of the Archduke Carl Ludwig, the Emperor Francis Joseph to abdicate and to assume the sovereignty of a grand eastern empire, made up of Hungary, Croatia, Slavonia, together with all European Turkey, and the semi-independent Turkish dependencies of Roumania (Wallachia and Moldavia), and Montenegro. The Province of Gallicia would, of course, be less than Russia’s fair share in this division, so she is to get, besides all of Asiatic Turkey, unlimited opportunity to push her frontiers in the direction of India as far as she wishes.
“The magnificent dimensions of this scheme of national reconstruction surpass belief, and it seems incredible that vast countries, with millions of inhabitants, are to be traded off and divided up by three sovereigns, as coolly as robbers share their spoils. There are elements of probability in the story, however, which must not be overlooked. The provinces which are assigned to Prussia are entirely German in language and characteristics, except Bohemia, which is part German and part Czech. Galicia fell to Austria as her share in the partition of Poland. Its language is Slavonic, and its affinities are with Russia. The Hungarians speak a language kindred to that of the Turks, and the Danube, flowing through both countries, forms a great artery of commerce and inter-communication between the two, and makes a geographical propriety in their union. The new Austrian kingdom would be a make-weight in European politics, the strong German tendencies of the people being neutralized by the family ties of the Hapsburger ruler. I ask no one to believe this rumor, which may be taken only as one of many indications that something is brewing that bodes no good to the Ottoman Empire.” M. E. Cornell.
Tract and Missionary Work in Michigan and other States.
By S. N. Haskell
From June 6 to July 6 we spent in Michigan, holding meetings in six different districts. In this State, as in other Conferences, there has been a lack of interest in the tract and missionary work, owing in part to the fact that too limited a view has been taken of it, and that its importance has not been realized.
The object of the Tract and Missionary Societies is to cultivate all those principles of the gospel which were illustrated in the character of our divine Lord and Master, and to adopt such a system as will enable all to work in harmony for the upbuilding of the cause of Christ upon the earth. It is also the object of these societies from time to time to call especial attention to those points wherein there is a liability of our becoming deficient in the work of God. If we only have in view to scatter a few tracts, there will of necessity be a reaction; for in a short time, this may become an old story, especially if no immediate fruits are seen. But the object should be the salvation of souls for whom Christ died; and to accomplish this, the heart should be so filled with the love of God that there will be a willingness on the part of the individual to sacrifice means, ease, comfort, and to become a servant of servants. Then the distribution of tracts will be only one means to accomplish the desired object. The whole soul should be drawn out for the salvation of others, and for a spirit of adapting ourselves to others’ necessities, thus becoming all things to all men so if possible we may be the means of saving some.
There is one kind of labor which is very much neglected, and yet no Tract and Missionary Society can prosper without performing this very labor. It is looking up, and doing for, the worthy poor in our midst. The Saviour says, “Ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good;” and in the Judgment, to those who are saved, it will be said, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
This care for the worthy poor is an important part of pure and undefiled religion before God the Father. Oftentimes, to help the poor to help themselves is the best assistance that can be rendered. We should not wait until they come to our doors, begging for assistance, but we should look them up and should take an unselfish interest in their welfare. Thus we may be eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, a father to the poor, and thus the cause we know not, search out. Who feels the burden of this work and realizes that it is labor for Christ? We do not say, Take the burden of all the poor that can be found. The Saviour says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,” and in Matt. 12:48-50, the Saviour defines who are his brethren. See also Matt. 10:40-42.
Present distress may be relieved in almost any case, but the world has institutions for its poor, and so have different denominations; and had God’s people always done their duty in this respect, there never would have been a single orphan asylum among them, for the people themselves would have been an asylum. “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” But when the hearts of God’s professed people become so covetous and worldly that they cannot take the burden of this, a few build an asylum and take such responsibility and thus bring upon themselves the blessing of God in a wonderful manner.
The Tract and Missionary Society will make minute men of all members that will enter upon this work. Every Conference should know all the worthy poor within its limits. Each Director should be acquainted with all such cases in his district, and every member should be interested in the welfare of the orphans and widows and poor. Such cases can be reported to the Director, and if homes should be found, or such assistance rendered as should demand the attention of the society, at the general quarterly meetings the Board of Directors can decide what steps ought to be taken.
Visiting the individuals whose periodicals have been discontinued, will give an excellent opportunity to learn who of them need assistance. Therefore we recommend visiting these persons instead of writing, even if it does cost labor and some expense, for worthy cases are the last ones to make their wants known; but they will suffer in silence, and perhaps, like the widow in the gospel, will give all their living to the cause they so dearly love. This system will prevent rash moves and will save the cause from bearing the burden of doing for those who are unworthy; for “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
It is the hearts of the people that must be reached if we would do them good; and this is not done by lowering the standard of piety, and sacrificing the peculiar features of our faith, and becoming conformed to the world. Each religious denomination was peculiar in its early history. God was with these denominations until they began to feel they were too radical, and must conform to the world to save the multitude. The result is everywhere seen. Ichabod (the glory is departed) is written upon almost every religious denomination in the land. Piety which manifests itself in an unselfish life, is the light of the world. There are hundreds among us of both sexes who can so educate themselves as to become successful nurses, and enter families when in affliction, and render that assistance that would gain their confidence; then, by judiciously introducing the truth, souls might be saved. I know of entire families who have thus been brought to acknowledge the truth, and to-day are rejoicing in its light.
The true missionary spirit embraces every good word and work. It is to seek for all such openings where the Spirit of Christ can be exemplified, and thus recommend the faith of the gospel. It places every member on picket-duty. It makes a specialty of every principle of the Christian religion. The reporting system and the quarterly meetings are designed to keep constantly before the mind all these practical duties; hence, extra efforts should be made to attend them, and to learn how successfully to carry into practice these principles. “He that winneth souls is wise,” says Solomon. And with all his wisdom, “he sought to find out acceptable words.” He knew the importance of speaking right words at the right time; hence he says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in season, how good is it!” “The tongue of the just is as choice silver.” “The lips of the righteous feed many.” And we find many like expressions, which show how forcible are right words.
Another feature of the tract and missionary work is the system of raising means, which makes this work a source of financial strength to the cause of truth. Every institution among us is owned by the people; every enterprise is sustained by the people. Men called of God to lead out in this work, and thus acknowledged by the friends of the cause, should be seconded by all whose sympathies are with present truth. This is done, first, by a godly life which will bring the work into favor with the people. Secondly, by our prayers that God’s blessing may rest upon them and their efforts. Thirdly, by our means to carry forward such enterprises as will tell for the advancement of this work. The system which is now being adopted, if carried out, will, at any time, call the attention of every man, woman, and child, to every enterprise connected with this cause, thus giving them an opportunity to pledge and to pay what they please within any quarter, to aid in the work; the director acting as collector and treasurer during that time. (See Constitution). At the general quarterly meeting, the matter is laid before the brethren and sisters present, and there it commences.
Each director goes home prepared to set the matter before the friends in his district, explaining the utility of such a move, and giving all an opportunity to do as God has prospered them.
Here is a part the children can act. They should be educated to take an interest in every branch of this work, and that their means from one penny upward will go to help make up the sum that is necessary to carry forward the enterprise. This places before them an object in life and awakens in their young minds an interest in the cause of God. This work is not the work of man, but of God, and whenever the cloud rises, and the trumpet gives a certain sound, all the friends of the cause in different parts of the land will move forward like a well-disciplined army. If the work in which we are engaged means anything it means everything. The world is to be warned, and steps must be taken to speedily enlarge our facilities for spreading this truth, and all the people should sympathize in their hearts with every advance step.
Michigan should lead off in this work. Here, the institutions are located, and the numbers in this Conference are nearly three times those of any other Conference. Their financial strength is therefore nearly thrice that of any other Conference, reckoning their wealth the same as in other Conferences, and certainly it does not come behind. We expect it will respond to the effort that is now being made. Sister Anna Driscoll, the present Secretary, will write to every Director in the State, notifying them what particular steps they are expected to take between now and camp-meeting. Let the officers set an example of sacrificing of their time and means, and the people will partake of the same spirit. The cause must rise, and now is the time to let it be known, that our hearts beat in the fullest sympathy with this work. S. N. HASKELL.
Allegan Co., Mich.
By A. S. Hutchins
I HAVE now been in this county eight Sabbaths—three in Monterey, one at Leighton, one at Allegan, and the last three in Otsego. At Monterey and Otsego, I found the churches so much in need of help, and so very anxious to have me remain with them till things could be set in order, that I did not feel free to leave them till we could see a mark made in this direction.
And I think it safe to say, that all the working members in each of these churches, realize that they have been very much benefited by the meetings we have held, and the efforts made from house to house to lead the brethren and sisters to that state of activity, union, and zeal, in the cause of the Lord, which should everywhere characterize the remnant church. So far, the blessings of Heaven have seemed to crown our efforts.
Mainly, the brethren have taken hold nobly to remove those obstacles which have lain in the way of a growth in grace, and of the prosperity of the church. Instead of long, tiresome church meetings, they have visited each other, talked matters of difference over in the spirit of love, confessing past wrongs and neglected duties, praying with and for each other, with most gratifying results. Let us each remember, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.
But I cannot report that all have engaged in this work who should. The stupor and mold of death hangs over some, for whom we greatly fear. Will they awake and arise to the great work of preparing to meet the Lord before it is too late? or will those terrible words fall upon their ears from the lips of the Master, “Ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh”?
We are rapidly being borne on to great and solemn events connected with the closing scenes of this world’s history. Now is the time for the church to make advance steps if we gain the prize at the end of the Christian race.
At Monterey, Allegan, and Otsego, we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. His good Spirit was present, we trust, to raise our hearts in gratitude to him who died that we might live.
At each of the last two named places, I baptized two young friends. May they be faithful unto the end. At the close of our meetings, Sabbath, 19, some six or seven came forward for prayers. A very deep solemnity pervaded the house, and much of the Spirit of God fell upon us while in prayer for these mourners. As we arose from the season of prayer, about as many more rose up, expressive of a desire for the prayers of the church.
Last Sabbath, the solemnities of the Judgment hour seemed to rest upon the minds of God’s people. The afternoon meeting closed with earnest prayer for some twenty who had expressed a desire to go with the people of God to Mount Zion. We have been indeed thankful for the presence and help of Bro. Charles Jones, and other working brethren and sisters, from Monterey and Allegan, in some of the meetings here.
Yesterday, at 5 P. M., I had freedom in speaking to a large audience, on repentance and faith. Friends who came in to hear gave good attention. We now leave this people, to go to Wright. We feel a deep solicitude for the future prosperity of the dear old friends in this county. They have shown us many tokens of care and love.
I intended to say that the Otsego church, and friends, have taken hold liberally on the T. and M. enterprise, as have others in the county. Pledges here, amount, I think, to something over two hundred dollars.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Otsego, Mich., July 28, 1873.
Northern Missouri and Kansas Tent.
By J. H. Rogers; L. R. Long
AFTER continuing our meetings in Lee’s Summit five weeks, we took down the tent on the 14th inst. Fifteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, making, in all, twenty. We established Sabbath meetings; twelve signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
The Baptist minister in the place expressed himself very favorable to our position, admitted we had the truth on the Sabbath, and, in the last interview we had with him, said, “Would to God all would keep the Sabbath.” As we parted with him, he wished us good success in the Lord. He publishes a Sunday-school paper there, and is a man of fine attainments.
We met no open opposition there, except from the Methodist minister in charge, who63spoke against us and the Sabbath. Bro. Long was present, took notes, and reviewed him, to the entire satisfaction of all who gave attention.
In accordance with the best light we could get, after looking about some, and advising with brethren in this vicinity, we decided to pitch in Holden, Johnson County, Mo., and commenced with a fair interest and a tent full on Friday night, the 18th, and have had, up to this time, five meetings, presenting the Advent, Signs of the Times, and introducing the Prophecy of Daniel, with an increasing interest to hear.
This is a place of considerable business, about 2500 inhabitants, on the Missouri Pacific, and also the junction of the Mo., Kan., and Texas, R. R. The people appear to be candid in their inquiries, and we are hopeful of reaching some with the truth. As an additional reason for making an effort at this place, there are ten or twelve, living some six or seven miles from here, who embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. Lawrence, two or three years ago. They have had no help since, nor are they organized.
While we were pitching and seating the tent, P. R. Lawrence, of Ottumwa, Iowa, a spiritualist inspirational speaker and healer, seeing our announcement in the paper of this place, and, before putting out his bills, came in, desiring to make arrangements with us to have the tent to lecture in one night and perform his wonderful works, promising if we would do so he would not put out his appointments for the hall; but we declined by telling him we thought we could hardly afford to give him the tent to lecture in, as we were not in harmony with his work, nor had yet represented ourselves to the people, as to the nature of our mission; but he came, and, after our introductory discourse, got up to make his announcements for lecturing, healing, &c. We informed our audience we had nothing in common with him.
He was determined to show his colors, and coming back Sunday afternoon in company with some of his friends, denied our statements being true in reference to their claim of spiritualism being the second coming of Christ, which we showed was true by their writings; we also showed their manifestations to be of Satanic influence, then he declared he would as soon pray to the devil as to God; that he was as good as God; that if he made the devil he was responsible for his acts, and therefore no better. Oh, how precious the truth looks when compared with such blasphemy!
J. H. Rogers, L. R. Long.
Holden, Mo., July 22, 1873.
SOW THE SEED.
Sow with a generous hand;
Pause not for toil or pain;
Weary not through the heat of summer,
Weary not through the cold spring rain;
But wait till the autumn comes,
For the sheaves of golden grain.
Scatter the seed, and fear not—
A table will be spread;
What matter if you are too weary
To eat your hard-earned bread?
Sow while the earth is broken,
For the hungry must be fed.
Sow—while the seeds are lying
In the warm earth’s bosom deep,
And your warm tears fall upon it,
They will stir in their quiet sleep,
And the green blades rise the quicker,
Perchance, for the tears you weep.
Then sow, for the hours are fleeting,
And the seed must fall to-day,
And care not what hands shall reap it,
Or if you shall have passed away
Before the waving cornfields
Shall gladden the sunny day.
Sow—and look onward, and upward,
Where the starry light appears;
Where, in spite of the coward’s doubting,
(Of your own heart’s trembling fears,
You shall reap in joy the harvest
You have sown to-day in tears.
—Sel.
Armada, Mich.
By E. B. Lane; D. H. Lamson
Friday evening, June 20, we gave our first discourse in this place, and have continued since, preaching every evening, and three times each Sunday, when the weather would permit. Although we have had rain in abundance, yet it has not prevented our meetings much, for we have given, up to this date, forty-five discourses.
Our congregations have been good from the first, at times numbering over four hundred, and people have listened with a marked degree of interest, and we have reason to believe some will profit by what they have heard.
But while we have had good congregations, prejudice has been in the minds of some, and they have felt inclined to stay away; yet, when by some means or influence they would attend, their prejudices have given way, and some of them have become lovers of the plain teachings of the Bible and are our warmest friends.
It does not seem hard to convince people of the truthfulness of our position on the Sabbath, and other Bible questions, for we can number by scores those who will acknowledge that these points can not be gainsayed, but it is God’s Spirit that must do the converting work, and for this we pray.
Last Sabbath was a good day for us, there being about one hundred present. We addressed them at half past 10 o’clock, from Rev. 12: 17. This was followed by a social meeting, until we thought proper to close and come together again at three o’clock. At this hour, still others joined us, and we resumed our social meeting, which was a precious season to all as we witnessed the falling tears of those that felt the force of God’s truth and his Spirit. May the Lord give strength to such to fully obey all his commandments. Some have decided thus to do, and our prayers go out after many more.
Our congregations have not decreased in numbers, though the people are in the midst of harvesting and haying; neither has the interest abated, so we conclude to continue our efforts.
E. B. Lane.
D. H. Lamson.
Armada, Mich., July 25, 1873.
Gowen, Mich.
By August Rasmussen
OUR quarterly meeting was held Sunday, July 27, 1873. A young brother was buried with Christ in baptism and united with the church. About two hundred of our friends and neighbors were congregated to hear and see. The people received the word gladly, and with good order. When our dear Bro. R. Petersen, for the first time, united with us in washing feet and partaking of the Lord’s supper, it was truly a blessed time. The Lord was present in our meeting, wherefore we all are very thankful to God and Jesus. We ask the people of God for future watchcare, help, and prayer.
Bro. R. Petersen wants a place to work among a Sabbath-keeping people.
Address, AUGUST RASMUSSEN,
By order of the Church.Gowen, Mich.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
WENT to sleep, July 16, at Olcott, N. Y., after weeks of suffering and wakefulness, Herbie C. Lindsay, aged two years and twenty days. C. W. LINDSAY, E. O. LINDSAY.
DIED, in Burlington, Mich., July 26, of congestive chill, Angeline L. Van Steenburg, daughter of our late Bro. Charles W., and Emily Osborn, aged twenty-one years.
The deceased, for a number of months before her death, manifested an unusual interest in the truth and the service of God; and her conversation gave evidence that she realized the necessity of a Christian life. She expressed her faith in the forgiveness of her sins, and her willingness to die. We hope she may be accepted of the Lord in the first resurrection. Funeral services in the F. W. Baptist house. Sermon from Rom. 6:23. J. H. W.
Report from Maine Tent.
I LEFT home June the 16th, for Lagrange, to engage in tent labor with Bro. W. H. Blaisdell; found a chance to put up our tent; but hearing that Bradford, a town about six miles from Lagrange, was a much more thickly settled place, we concluded to go there and see if we could find a more favorable opening. After examining the country we concluded to put up our tent here at Tasker's Corners. After we arrived here we learned that there were three persons keeping the Sabbath in town, Bro. Furbush, sister Strout, and sister Spaulding, that had been keeping it ever since father Bates first preached it. They say he came here about 1845 or 1846, and preached the Sabbath. Bro. J. N. Andrews also was here. They are quite aged people. They said they had been praying for the Lord to send some Sabbath preacher here, but had almost despaired of ever seeing one. When they saw us, they were almost overjoyed, and tears would unbidden start, while they expressed their gratitude to God, that we had come to give a course of lectures in a tent.
Bro. Furbush is a sickly man, and is not able to go out often. When we went into his room he was in his bed, and by his side on the bed lay Bro. White's “Life Incidents.” And, while the tears rolled down his care-worn cheeks, he expressed words of praise to God that he had a chance once more to see some brethren who preached the third angel's message. I said to him, I see you have “Life Incidents.” Yes, he said, and it is the best book on earth except the Bible. Sister Strout and husband have rendered us much service since we have been here, for which we hope the Lord will bless them. Bro. Strout has commenced to keep the Sabbath since we came here. Sister Spaulding lost her husband some years ago. May the Lord bless these old and tried servants. It greatly strengthened us as we prayed, sung, and wept with them.
We erected our tent four weeks ago today. We have labored hard, and the Lord has blessed. There has been some influence here against us. Eld. Jaquith, a Baptist, came into our tent, and wanted to speak against us, and we granted his request. Bro. Blaisdell reviewed him, and it resulted in our favor; all could see we had the truth. He misrepresented our people, and sister White's writings. Bro. Blaisdell clearly showed to the people that he stated things that were not true. There is power in the third angel's message. My attention was first called to it about five years ago by Bro. and sister White, and Eld. J. H. Waggoner; I only regret that they did not come before. It grows sweeter and sweeter to me, the more the truth unfolds; and if I had a thousand tongues I should want them all employed in proclaiming this glorious truth.
REUEL S. WEBBER.
Bradford, Penobscot Co., Me., July 21, 1873.
A further report from the same place says:—
The Lord has seen fit to let a little light shine on us within the past week, and to bless our feeble efforts some, for which we feel very thankful. There are now thirty who have decided to keep the Sabbath since we came here.
Two men who live about five miles from our tent, that were believers in the first message, came to our meeting, and heard us, for the first time, when we spoke on the subject of the three messages. They were deeply interested. They said they had never been engaged in any of the time moves since ’44, but yet, had never known where the mistake was in Wm. Miller's argument; but they said they could see it all plain now. They and their families are now keeping the Sabbath.
The interest in our meetings is now better than at any time previous. We hope to see more embrace the truth. We intend to stay here awhile longer. We came to this town entire strangers, never having seen a person that lives here, that we knew of, but we feel that we have some true friends here now. May the Lord help them to endure unto the end.
We deeply feel our need of help from the Lord. Brethren, pray for us.
W. H. BLAISDELL,
R. S. WEBBER.
Northern Iowa Tent.
By J. H. Morrison; C. A. Washburn
We have closed our meetings in Fredericksburg, and the tent is now pitched in Bradford, a small town sixteen miles west of F. and two miles north-east of Nashua. We left a little company of seventeen in Fredericksburg and vicinity, who covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A leader was appointed, and arrangements made for Sabbath meetings. Seven of this number were Sabbath-keepers before we went to the place, but they were so scattered they had no meetings. We pray that the good blessings of God may rest upon this little band, and if they walk in the light as it shines upon them, God will bless them. There are still others who are deeply convicted of duty, some of whom have already expressed a determination to keep the Sabbath. Last Sabbath and Sunday, we were made glad by the presence of our friends from abroad, who added much to the interest of the meetings.
Our brethren from Waukon and West Union took hold and helped us move to this place. We commence meetings here to-morrow evening. We are strangers in this place. We request an interest in the prayers of God's people, that God may give us the victory over the powers of darkness, and that some souls may be led to see and embrace the whole truth. We sold, while in Fredericksburg, about nineteen dollars’ worth of books; obtained six subscribers for REVIEW and one for Reformer.
Our address will be, until further notice, Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa.
J. H. MORRISON,
C. A. WASHBURN.
July 23, 1873,
Thoughts and Suggestions for the Missouri and Kansas Conference.
By J. H. Rogers; T. J. Butler; J. H. Cook
DEAR BRETHREN: Our yearly gathering, which was, we trust, a great blessing to those who attended it, is over, and we have returned to our respective fields of labor, and have had some time for deliberation respecting the future prosperity of the cause in this new and large field. Our progress in the past has been very slow. The General Conference Committee has done for us, until they thought best to leave us to our own ability and resources, with the blessing of God, to shoulder these responsibilities, and press forward this great work of sounding the last warning message of mercy to the world.
At this writing, two tents are manned with laborers from our own Conference, and are blessed with a good prospect of a successful summer’s labor, and there are now in the field, in active labor, seven ministers and licentiates, who design to give themselves to this work, and we have confidence to believe they feel something of the burden of the work in which they are engaged, and are trying to fully consecrate themselves to the service of God.
Now, brethren, should these laborers continue in this work during the entire year, and the Auditing Committee decide they ought to be paid for their time, we ask, Where is the means to come from? A small estimate of what would be necessary, including tent expenses, would be two thousand dollars. If we are correctly informed, about twelve hundred would cover the amount of S. B. pledged. Should that all be paid, which is not probable, there would be a deficit of eight hundred dollars.
Now the question arises like this, Shall this work move on with all the force now in the field? or shall it stop for want of means? We are satisfied that there is no lack of means, if our brethren only felt the importance of sending in their tithes to the treasury of the Lord.
Again, most of those in the field are poor, and cannot labor all the time without something to help their families while they are away. This makes it necessary that all should promptly pay their pledges quarterly, and forward it to J. N. Ayers, Conference Treasurer at Farlinville, Lynn Co., Kansas, and the reports, to the Secretary, Chas. F. Stevens, Elk Falls, Howard Co., Kansas.
Now, a word to the unorganized bodies of Sabbath-keepers, and the scattered and lonely ones. Many of you are doing nothing in the way of supporting the cause, and few are doing what you probably ought to do, were you to come up to S. B. figures. Now we earnestly request you to send in your pledges to the Conference Treasurer, so that we may know what to depend upon. If you can send the money now, very well. But if you cannot send the money, send your pledges for the year, and see to it that they are paid quarterly.
But some say they are keeping their means to spend in their immediate neighborhoods. If that is so it is a very successful method of crippling the cause of God. We believe if all would send in their tithes there would be abundance to meet all the wants of the cause in this Conference. Then our ministers could go out into the ripening harvest, and gather in the golden grain to the garner of the Lord, and probably during this coming fall and winter nearly all of you could be visited, where calls for labor have been made. Now, brethren, we make this appeal in behalf of the suffering cause of truth, and to fully apprise you of the financial embarrassment under which we are laboring, and as you love the cause of God, we expect you to respond by sending in your means or pledges immediately.
J. H. Rogers, } Conf.
T. J. Butler, } Com.
J. H. Cook,
Meetings in Michigan.
By P. Strong
From June 5-25, I held seventeen meetings with the friends near Dowagiac, Cass Co. At the close of the meetings, I baptized four, organized a church of eight members, and arranged s. b. amounting to $117.00. Bro. John Wilson was chosen for their elder. They took the name of church of Dowagiac, and ask to be admitted into Conference. Their regular place of meeting is five miles north-west of Dowagiac, in the Champlain district; and they would like to be visited by the preaching brethren.
For the present, sickness in my family detains me at home.