Some Facts for Those Who Are not in Harmony with the Body.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: It is a sad, but well-known fact, that during the whole history of this message from the first to the last, there have arisen here and there, now and then, among our own brethren and sisters, those who have taken occasion to murmur and complain, and find fault with various things in the work. Quite generally this murmuring has centered upon Bro. and Sr. White, or their labors in some way. Several times even little parties of these disaffected ones have been formed in opposition to the body, and have drawn off by themselves. Others have not dared to go quite so far as that, but still they have not really felt satisfied, and now and then they show their dissatisfaction, though nominally remaining in harmony with the body. With such persons particularly, I now wish to have this plain talk. Come, let us now reason together.
As you know, for the past dozen years or more, I have had an extensive acquaintance with every part of this work. I have traveled and labored in every State where we have churches, from Maine to California, from Texas to Minnesota. Have visited a large share of our churches, and known the most of our brethren personally. Especially have I been very familiarly acquainted with Bro. and Sr. White, both at home and in their labors. Furthermore, I am well acquainted with the most of those who have drawn off from us; have heard over and over, a thousand times, all the difficulties and objections and grievances which trouble these brethren so greatly.
Now I do not propose to start out by saying that there is no possible chance for such difficulties or objections to be raised. No; if this were so, it would be a new thing in the work of God. The Lord has never had a special work to do upon the earth, but that there was plenty of chance for men to doubt, and get into trial, and lose their faith in the work. Was it not so in the case of Moses? of Nehemiah? of Christ himself? of Martin Luther? If men are disposed to give more weight to a grain of sand than they are to a mountain, then they will always have plenty of things about which to get into trouble. This has always been so. What reason have we to expect that it will be different now?
We are willing to assume, then, for the present, that the objections and difficulties which trouble you so greatly are real to you, and that you hold them honestly. Sometimes in the past, I myself have been troubled with these same things, and I have come near stumbling over them; but I am thankful to say, that after years of careful investigation, and a more thorough acquaintance with the work, these things are now all very clear and satisfactory to my own mind, so much so, that it seems to me that, with a fair chance, I can make any believer in the message see it.
Come, now, let us reason together. Certainly there are many great and fundamental pillars of our faith upon which we all agree. Let us name some of them.
1. We do all firmly believe, that we are now in the last days, even in the last generation. The fulfillment of numerous lines of prophecy and special signs of the second advent are so clear that we are compelled to believe this.
2. The Lord designs that the world shall have a solemn warning with regard to the second advent, the same as he has sent to the world on other and similar occasions, such as the flood, the fall of Sodom, the overthrow of Nineveh, and the first advent of our Saviour. Then, as Seventh-day Adventists, we all believe, and have good reasons for believing, that the time has come for the third angel’s message to be given to the world. Rev. 14: 9-16. This is the most awfully solemn message in the Bible. It is to be the last to a fallen world. It is to ripen the harvest of the earth. It is to prepare a people for translation. It is to prepare the wicked for the seven last plagues. It calls for a reformation. God’s people are now scattered hither and thither through a multitude of different sects, bred in error and breaking the commandments of God. 2 Tim. 3: 1-5; Rev. 18: 1-4. Just before the burning day of wrath, there will be a solemn message to gather God’s scattered people, unite them in one faith, that they may be hid in the time of trouble. Zeph. 2: 1-3. This last message is to be sounded to every nation, and even before kings. Rev. 10: 11.85
Now I call your special attention to the following propositions:—
Whenever God has had a special work to do in the earth, he has always selected some one to begin that work, carry it on, and bring it to a successful termination. This proposition is based upon a well known and universally acknowledged fact; viz., that any important work, to be successful, must have a leader with recognized authority and proper ability. Even in the smallest affairs of life, where many persons are interested in the same thing, we all find it necessary to have some recognized authority and head, so that all may act in union. Even in so small an affair as a district school, it has everywhere been found absolutely necessary to elect proper officers with authority to say what shall be done and how. Without this, our schools would be in utter confusion—would be a failure. Take the government of a city like Chicago. It would not be possible for it to exist without a head, a mayor, or some chief officer. The order and peace of the city absolutely demand this.
What would our nation do without a president, without some head? Were all men left every one to do what was right in his own eyes, confusion and anarchy would soon be the result. So generally is this fact felt that all nations without an exception, appoint themselves some head, either a king, emperor, president, or the like. What could we do in a war without a commander-in-chief, a general who should have absolute command over all the army? If every soldier were allowed to go by himself, to fight as he pleased and when he pleased, any army would soon be defeated.
Now if order, union, and government, are so very necessary in human affairs, why not in the work of God? We believe that they are, and that the Lord has always recognized this fact in every great work he has done on earth. Was the world to be warned of the deluge? God chose a fit man to give that warning, to prosecute the work. Evidently this was a greater work than it now appears to us at this great distance of time. The ark was an immense building. Dr. Horne says it would carry 42,413 tons burden, or 20,000 men with food for six months. It was as big as eighteen large men-of-war. It must have taken great skill to construct it, an immense amount of material and labor to build it. Without doubt it cost Noah a great deal. No ordinary man would have been capable of such a work. It required a man of unswerving integrity, of great mental strength, as well as financial ability. Noah was the proper man. God raised him up, and sustained him till his work was done.
Take another familiar case, the exodus of the children of Israel from the land of Egypt. This also required a leader peculiarly adapted to the circumstances. God was not only to deliver a nation from bondage under another powerful nation, but a whole code of laws was to be minutely written out and carefully systematized. For all this great and varied work, it would need a masterly mind and a sharp thinker; a good general and critical scholar. Did the Lord wait till the emergency came, and then select this man or that man at hazard? No, indeed. Evidently he raised up Moses, even from his birth, especially for this work. Notice how in the providence of God he was left in the bulrushes, where Pharaoh’s daughter saw him; how she was moved upon to adopt him as her son; how his life was thus specially guarded; how he thus became educated thoroughly in all the learning and wisdom of those days; how he learned to be a leader and commander of men.
Thus the circumstances show that God raised up Moses and prepared him for his special work. Moses was not an ordinary man; but he had a commanding mind and a powerful influence. No other man could have done the work he did. Aaron and Miriam thought they were qualified for the work, but the Lord soon showed them their folly. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, thought they knew how to do it. But the Lord’s hand soon overthrew them. Through all the struggles and overwhelming labors of those forty years, God sustained Moses till he brought his people to the borders of the promised land.
Just so again when the Jews were to be delivered from their Babylonish captivity, and Jerusalem was to be rebuilt, some man must be raised up who had influence with the Persian king, some one who had authority with the Jews. Ezra was the man qualified for this great work, a strong, energetic, benevolent, large-minded man. Evidently God had thrown him into the court of the king, in order that he might obtain favor there, and so he did. Out of special favor to him, great privileges and vast treasures were granted him for the work. And then his unconquerable energy and perseverance for many years overcame the great obstacles in the way, and Jerusalem arose again from the dust.
So at the first advent, when a message was to be sent before the Messiah. The Lord did not wait till the hour had arrived for the message to be given, and then select a man at chance. The Lord does not do his work in this manner. His plans were laid long beforehand. Gabriel was sent to Zechariah, even before John the Baptist was begotten, to inform his father what kind of a son he would be, and how he should be reared, what he should be named, &c. The Lord was not mistaken. John fulfilled the prediction in every particular.
Who does not believe that it was by a special providence of God that Martin Luther was raised up to do the mighty work which he did? Who can read his life from early infancy up, and not believe that God formed the man for the occasion, a man of iron will, of indomitable courage, a great mind, and of deep devotion? He lived to complete the work which God designed to be accomplished.
What Adventist does not believe that father Miller was the special agent of God to arouse the world upon the great question of the second advent, and give the first angel’s message? Rev. 14: 6, 7. All who are familiar with his labors know that he was just the man for the place. There were other men who were far better scholars, perhaps more eloquent speakers, and abler in many ways, but yet all in that great movement felt and recognized their leader in father Miller. Around him all rallied; his counsel was sought by every one. His great mind held all the elements in harmony till his work was done, till the first and second messages were given.
We do not argue that any of these chosen servants of God were faultless and perfect in all their ways. In most cases it is very evident they were not. But in every case it will be seen that some things were absolutely necessary to the successful accomplishment of the work.
1. There must be a leading mind in the work. But is not Christ the leader of his people? Yes. And was not he the leader of his people in the days of Moses, Nehemiah, Luther, Wesley, Miller, etc.? Yes. Did those men usurp the place of Christ? No; and yet the Lord did place them in a leading position in his work on earth. This is what we claim for this message and nothing more.
2. This person must be a man of more than ordinary capacity, not a man of second or third rate ability. 3. He must be a man naturally constituted to be independent and to lead in his work. 4. He must be specially adapted to the peculiar work to be done. Hence as the nature of the Lord’s work varies at different times, so men differently constituted are chosen by the Lord. John the Baptist could scarcely have filled the place of Moses or of Luther, neither could they have filled the place of John the Baptist.
5. There is not a single case in all the history of God’s work, from Adam down, where the Lord has had a special and great work to be done, in which this work has been commenced by one man, and that man has apostatized, or led off in a wrong direction, and God has raised up another man to take his place and take the work from his hands, correct the errors of the first in opposition to him, and thus finish the work to be done at that time. I regard this fact as one having great weight in the question we are here considering, so I state it again. There is not a single case on record in the history of God’s work upon the earth, where he has had a special work to be done, in which the Lord has permitted a man to start that work, who has afterwards apostatized or led off in the wrong direction, and then God has raised up other persons to take the work from his hands, correct his errors, and so finish the work. Judas is not an exception to this rule. The work of the apostles did not begin till Pentecost. This was after Matthias was chosen.
D. M. Canright.
(To be Continued.)
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE CAUSE IN IOWA AND NEBRASKA.
By George I. Butler
The time for our last general quarterly meeting before the termination of the Conference year has about come. Believing you all dearly love this cause, and desire its advancement, I will call your attention to the necessity of raising means to purchase a new tent for the Nebraska field before the tent season arrives, so that it may be ready to use there this summer. A subscription was circulated last spring, and many signed various sums, and some paid in money. With this a new tent was purchased for Dakota, which did good service in that new field.
There were quite a number of pledges which have not been paid. All these are necessary for the purchase of a new tent for Nebraska. Many in Nebraska pledged quite liberally, and they will be much disappointed if the tent is not purchased. We shall want this forty foot tent at our camp-meeting for a back tent and for other necessary purposes. Our tent fund is entirely gone, and we must have enough money raised to purchase one, or the cause will suffer a lack. Our camp-meeting fund is almost exhausted likewise. We ought to have means for this also, for we shall have soon to make preparation for the approaching camp-meeting.
We hope also our brethren will remember the Tract and Missionary fund. Remember we are in debt, and our debt must be paid. You will doubtless say it is hard times, and you can say this truly. We have acted on this principle very much the past winter, and have done but little in comparison to what we should have done, and could have done, till I greatly fear our large Conference will present the worst record almost of any. We have made allowance for hard times. We certainly then ought to pay up our indebtedness and get our credit redeemed. This indebtedness has been some of it of long standing. Let us make an effort and pay this off. We trust every director will make a special point of this at all the district quarterly meetings, and that our brethren will send along the means to the general quarterly meeting at Sigourney, March 24 and 25, so that the Iowa and Nebraska T. and M. Society may be once more out of debt.
Our old brethren and sisters in the churches have had labor bestowed quite largely this winter in nearly all their churches. Let us see if it has been appreciated, and whether they will not give a hearty lift, and place our society once more on a good financial basis. Come, brethren, this is probably about the last appeal I shall make to you as president of this Conference. I want to see all our funds redeemed from the thralldom of debt before another camp-meeting, so that my successor in office shall not be embarrassed another year as we have been the past year.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Pres. Iowa and Neb. Conf.
PEACE AND JOY IN THE LORD.
By John G. Matteson
The world with its pleasures can never give true peace or lasting joy. This is found alone in God. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4. “It is the privilege of those who walk in the light to rejoice always. Even Paul and Silas could rejoice in the dark prison whilst their feet were made fast in the stocks. The gentle rays of heavenly joy may shine on the path of the weary pilgrim.” “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Verse 5. Moderation—literally gentleness or meekness—is one of the principal elements of true religion. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Without meekness there can be no peace and joy. Christian courtesy and kindness must be cultivated by all who believe that the Lord is at hand.
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Verses 6, 7. Blessed peace which thus can be obtained through Christ. It surpasses all human calculation. No tongue can speak it, no pen present it. But the humble soul can be filled with it. It preserves our hearts and minds in Christ. Then let the world rage without. Let the deep waters of unbelief seethe, and their mighty billows roar. Christ in us, the hope of glory, is our lifeboat, which bears us safely across the foaming waters to the peaceful land of eternal rest.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Verse 8.
This verse contains much precious instruction which should be treasured up in our hearts. The apostle mentions eight things for us to think on:—
1. Whatsoever things are true. Christ is the truth, and the way, and the life. None can come to the Father but by him. The word of God is truth. John 17. In this Christ reveals himself unto us, as well as by that Spirit of truth which proceeds from the Father and the Son. The word contains both the law and the gospel. We know that the testimony of Jesus is true. John 21:24. And God’s “law is the truth.” Ps. 119:142. All his “commandments are truth.” Verse 151. Therefore we must keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus if we would walk in the truth. Rev. 14:12. And we have no greater joy than to hear that our “children walk in the truth.” 3 John 4. Let us then carefully consider all things which are in harmony with God’s truth, and therefore worthy to be accepted.
2. Whatsoever things are honest. Honesty cannot be separated from Christianity. A dishonest man cannot be a Christian. The original word signifies literally, honorable. And it is certainly not honorable to be dishonest. Christian honesty, which leads to a conscientious fulfillment of our duties to God and to our fellow-men, is an article which will be accepted as genuine by all.
3. Whatsoever things are just. Justice or righteousness is that which is in harmony with the law of God and the life of Christ. The word signifies things that are perfect. The law of God is perfect. Ps. 19. And Christ is spotless and without fault. It also signifies that which is without guilt. To be without guilt is the greatest blessing on earth. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” Ps. 32:1, 2. And this blessing can be obtained in Christ through repentance and faith. “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” Verse 5.
4. Whatsoever things are pure. A follower of Christ will strive to keep himself pure in body and mind. Christ was pure and holy. The same original word is rendered chaste in Titus 2:5 and 1 Pet. 3:2. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Any thing that defileth” shall in no wise enter into the heavenly city. Rev. 21:27.
5. Whatsoever things are lovely. That which is evil and impure should have no place in our minds. But every lovely work and word and character may profitably occupy our thoughts. Our mind and character will in time resemble those things and persons which continually find place there. If we ourselves would be lovely, we must try every day to dwell with our mind on those things that are lovely.
6. Whatsoever things are of good report. Evil reports are easily circulated. Thousands are ready to carry them. It is easy for us to see the mistakes of others and to remember them. The weak sides of our fellow-men furnish an inexhaustible subject for conversation. How often we have sinned against God in this way. We need a new conversion on this point. Let us think more of that which is of good report, and thus learn to glorify God in this respect.
7. If there be any virtue. It is not good to flatter people, neither is it good to undervalue their moral worth. And wherever virtue is found, it is but just that we should recognize it, even though it be outside of our own party. We can safely fill our minds with everything that is virtuous, and thus with Christ we can walk in the path of virtue which leads to peace and joy.
8. And if there be any praise. All praise belongs unto God. The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive honor and glory and blessing. And glory and power belongs unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Rev. 5:12, 13. God is worthy to receive glory and honor, because he has created all things. Rev. 4:11. And all the redeemed will praise the Lamb that was slain, because he has bought them with his precious blood. Rev. 5:9. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless his holy name. Ps. 103. “Let all his angels and all his hosts, sun and moon and stars of light, earth and fire and all deeps, hail and snow and stormy winds, fulfilling his word, mountains and trees and all cattle, kings and princes and all people praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent. His glory is above the earth and heaven. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” Ps. 148, 150. The majesty and glory of God is a blessed theme. His wonderful works may occupy our minds in all eternity.
When our minds and lives are occupied in this way we have the promise that the God of peace shall be with us. And if we are the children of peace we may rejoice in the blessed hope of eternal life and glory at the revelation of our dear Lord. JOHN G. MATTESON.
IOWA
Mt. Sterling.
I COMMENCED meetings at this place in November, and continued them, with a short intermission, till Jan. 28. Eighteen signed the covenant, a few of whom were keeping the Sabbath before. Sabbath meetings were established, a leader chosen, and arrangements made for a Sabbath-school. I am now giving a course of lectures near Mt. Pleasant.
CALVIN A. WASHBURN.
Among the Swedes.
I CAME to Village Creek Feb. 20, and have given six discourses. Two priests were present on the Sabbath. One of them expressed himself as follows: “As to the hallowing of the day, I have nothing against that. It seems to me as if the seventh day also was the Christian Sabbath.” The other said, “It is the first time I have had occasion to hear any minister of this faith, and I am glad that Christ has been presented as the only foundation for salvation. In regard to the seventh day, I do not feel any condemnation yet in keeping the first day, yet I will not say anything against that matter. May every one do according to his own conviction.”87A good feeling was present, and the party spirit did not seem to find any place. May God give us his grace, that we, as much as lieth in us, may live peaceably with all men.
P. LINDBLAD.
NEW ENGLAND.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
We met with the church at South Lancaster, March 3 and 4. It was the first Sabbath on which we have been at home since the quarterly meeting held last November. There were some tokens of God’s blessing during our meetings. Very little effort had been made in reference to systematic benevolence, save the efforts of the treasurer, since the first years of our organization by Elder Loughborough in 1864. It has been reorganized but a few times during this period. At that time our membership numbered only ten, five brethren and their wives, and the S. B. amounted to fifty-four dollars.
At this time, the sisters here commenced their Wednesday afternoon prayer meeting, which continued until June, 1869. Then the Vigilant Missionary Society was organized, and they commenced sending out periodicals, tracts, and pamphlets, and writing to different parts of the country. This correspondence finally extended, by means of agents, to all parts of the world; until there are scores of scattered individuals and some companies who are rejoicing in the truth as the result of this labor.
There has also been a gradual increase of our church membership in this place until we find at the present time an enrollment of seventy-five names upon the church book. Sixty-eight of these are upon the S. B. book, and nearly every member has paid up to 1877. The amount for 1876 was $429.52. The S. B. was reorganized at this meeting; and although there were but thirty of the sixty-eight present, who were paying S. B., the figures were raised $210.52, making the amount for 1877 $640.04. A sum equal to one-third their S. B., for the Tract Society, was pledged by a unanimous vote.
Sr. Lizzie Ball, one of the youths who were baptized at the camp-meeting last year, a teacher of the S. Lancaster Grammar School, quietly, yet energetically, passed round with a paper during the intermission, to see how many would like to contribute something in addition to their other pledges, for the SIGNS, to be used in obtaining interested readers for 1877. She soon returned with a subscription of $125, to be paid in monthly installments during the year. This would pay for over eighty copies of the SIGNS. This church is largely scattered, and the number that reside in Lancaster, and that take the responsibility of sending out the SIGNS, is less than twelve.
Already has this church by canvassing secured over one hundred paying subscribers for the REFORMER, and never was their courage as good to take hold of the missionary work as now. When I saw the interest manifested upon all these points, and the facts came vividly before my mind, that a very large proportion of the children of our brethren were worthy members of the church, and that nearly all the children of ten or more years bear their testimony in the social meetings with tender hearts, our feelings nearly overcame us, and we could only say, “See what the Lord hath wrought.”
There have been restless spirits in our midst, which ever kept the church in a ferment; but many of these have left the truth, and gone among spirits of their kind, and quickly have the ranks been filled with those far more worthy. Some of the young men and women who were baptized at the last camp-meeting are taking advance steps in the truth, bearing responsibilities.
Other churches in this Conference are waking up on the subject of the SIGNS as they never have in the past; and God is already drawing near, strengthening the feeble and encouraging the desponding to take hold of his work. Especially is this the case in N. H. and Mass. It is evident that God is preparing the way for the great final ingathering of souls in present truth. The brethren and sisters felt greatly encouraged. S. N. HASKELL.
OHIO
Troy.
From February 16 to 26, I was with the little church of Troy. They needed help very much, and by the blessing of God we were enabled to help them. I was very feeble, but I found a good home at the house of the elder, Bro. D. S. Plum, and was thus enabled by carefulness to avoid much exposure. Had meeting every night, and in the day time, Sabbaths and Sundays. Bro. Plum’s neighbors took a real interest in the meeting, turning out well and maintaining good order.
At our last Sabbath meeting, five persons expressed their purpose to obey the truth. On the day following, in the P. M., three were baptized by Bro. Geo. Smith, elder of the Norwalk church. In the evening three were taken into the church, and a business meeting held after the close of public services. S. B. is some higher than last year. I am sorry to say, however, that debts and scarcity of money greatly cripple many of our most liberal brethren, and hinder them from donating to the T. and M. Society as liberally as the necessities just now seem to demand.
For more than two months, I have suffered much with soreness and pain in the chest, and I have great fears at the present writing that my lungs are affected more than sympathetically. But I hope to be able to work when warm, settled weather comes. Meanwhile I will labor with my hands some, and hold meetings as I may be able. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Locust Point, Ottawa Co.
After an absence of one week I returned to Ottawa Co. On reaching Locust Point, I learned that the United Brethren minister of the place had taken up against us, and I found it necessary to remain and continue the work in this place. The result of this effort is that several more have taken their stand upon the truth. Upwards of twenty now regularly observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and deep conviction has fastened upon the minds of many more. I obtained two subscribers for the SIGNS, one for the REFORMER, two for the INSTRUCTOR, and one for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. O. F. GUILFORD.
Bourbon and Alto.
Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 24 and 25, I spent with the church at Bourbon, Marshall Co. The T. and M. meeting of Dist. No. 1 was held in connection with this meeting, the report of which shows that a few are working in this noble enterprise. Though the times are hard, and money very scarce, whenever our brethren and sisters take hold of this matter something is accomplished. All resolved to do more in the future. Nine copies of the SIGNS, to be used in obtaining subscribers and for general distribution, were taken. The turn-out was large. Some in Bourbon are deeply interested in the truth. Three were added to the church. We celebrated the ordinances. The Lord blessed, and we all felt encouraged in the cause.
Sabbath and first-day, March 3 and 4, I met with the Alto church in Howard Co. In connection with this meeting, the State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society was held, of which a report will soon appear. The meetings were well attended. The ordinances were celebrated. Two were added to the church. At our last meeting the blessing of the Lord was present, and all resolved in the future to work more earnestly in the cause of present truth. S. H. LANE.
Quarterly Meeting, Dist. No. 1.
This meeting was held at Bourbon, Ind., Feb. 24 and 25. Opened with prayer by Bro. J. D. Shilling. The object of the meeting was introduced by Elder S. H. Lane. Sister Maggie Worster was elected secretary for the meeting. Remarks were made by Elder S. H. Lane and Bro. Shilling, showing the necessity of a united effort of the people of God in trying to get our publications before the people. Five joined the T. and M. society.
Meeting adjourned to next day.
SECOND SESSION.
Sunday, Feb. 25. Opened with prayer by Eld. S. H. Lane. The following report of the labor done during the quarter was then read:—
No. of families visited, 116; letters written, 40. Money received for membership, $5.00; book sales, $3.30; almanacs, $2.45; donations, $7.61; total, $18.36. New subscribers: REVIEW, 13; SIGNS, 24; REFORMER, 5; INSTRUCTOR, 27; BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, 12. Distribution of reading matter: REVIEWS, 147; SIGNS, 35; REFORMERS, 35; INSTRUCTORS, 44; almanacs, 150; tracts and pamphlets, 2,460 pages; loaned, 600 pages. Nine copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES were taken and paid for, for canvassing and distribution.
Adjourned. ELIZA CARPENTER, Sec.
TRUSTING GOD.
[The following is the last hymn prepared by Mr. Bliss; and it was not entirely set to music at the time he met his death at Ashtabula.]
I know not what awaits me—
God kindly veils mine eyes,
And o’er each step on my onward way
He makes new scenes arise;
And every joy he sends me comes
A sweet and glad surprise.
CHORUS.—Where he may lead I’ll follow,
My trust in him repose,
And every hour in perfect peace,
I’ll sing, “He knows, he knows.”
One step I see before me,
’Tis all I need to see;
The light of Heaven more brightly shines
When earth’s illusions flee;
And sweetly through the silence comes
His loving, “Follow me.”
Cho.—Where he may lead, &c.
Oh! blissful lack of wisdom,
’Tis blessed not to know;
He holds me with his own right hand,
And will not let me go,
And lulls my troubled soul to rest
In him who loves me so.
Cho.—Where he may lead, &c.
So on I go, not knowing,
I would not if I might;
I’d rather walk in the dark with God,
Than go alone in the light;
I’d rather walk by faith with him,
Than go alone by sight.
Cho.—Where he may lead, &c.
—Morning Star.
NEW YORK.
Rome.
I have just spent one week in Rome. The weather has been fine, and we had a large turnout. All the old friends are holding fast and growing in the truth. It did seem good to be among them again and receive their hearty greetings.
I preached every night but one, and held three meetings on Sabbath and Sunday. Bro. B. L. Whitney and Eld. Wilbur were both here, and each spoke once. Notwithstanding three revival meetings are in progress in town, we had our house well filled. The outside interest seems to be growing instead of diminishing. I have agreed upon a debate with the pastor of the first M. E. Church of this city, to take place when I return next time.
We organized the church at this time. Thirty present gave in their names with which to begin the organization, and a church clerk was chosen. We had no difficulty in organizing. Since then some half dozen more have been voted in, and quite a number more will unite as soon as we can have a baptism. At the close of our meeting, Brother A. H. Hall was ordained to the work of the ministry. The Conference Committee were all here, and we had a long consultation about affairs in New York. A good many things begin to look encouraging. Brother Reynolds has just raised up a good company, and Bro. S. B. Whitney has an excellent interest. Several young men are feeling a burden to go and preach the word, while quite a number of older ones feel like giving themselves wholly to the missionary work and other branches of the cause. We thank God and take courage.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Parma.
The interest here is very encouraging, and as we come down to the present truth and the outlines of the messages, the interest is quite intense. Spoke twice yesterday on the Sabbath question to large audiences. The Lord gives freedom in speaking. Books are taken quite freely. To the Lord be all the praise.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Among the French.
Bro. J. E. Morin is laboring with some success among the Canadian French at Sciota, Clinton Co. He states:
“I came to this place Feb. 6. The Lord has helped much. I held the first Sabbath meeting in the place the 17th. Ten persons are now keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. Three of these were Roman Catholics.
“I preached last Thursday in a schoolhouse three miles from this place, to a large congregation of Roman Catholics. I preached on the soon coming of the Lord. They paid the best attention, and were all satisfied. They invited me to come again, promising a good attendance from all the Catholics around.”
KANSAS
Black Hawk, Osborne Co.
The interest at this place still continues. Eight have signed the covenant since my last report. Many more are investigating, and I expect some of them will obey. The house is crowded each night, and I never saw better order in any place. They give the best of attention, and are anxious to learn. Invitations to visit and talk with them at their homes are more numerous than I can fill. My health and courage are good. The Lord has sustained me far above what I could have expected. To him be all the praise. I commence to speak to-night on the Nature of Man.
J. N. AYERS.
March 6.
Centerville.
Our meetings at this place lasted all the week. Bro. Cook and Lamont were present most of the time. It was a meeting designed especially for the church, which had been in deep trial for a long time. After much labor, those in the wrong made hearty confessions, and we think we can truthfully say that union was restored. And if all will only live out the good resolutions adopted, prosperity may yet attend them.
SMITH SHARP.
Ottawa, Feb. 7.
Osawkee, Pleasant Valley, and Palermo.
I attended the quarterly meeting at Osawkee, Jefferson Co., Feb. 16 and 17. This church has had considerable opposition to contend with; yet the most of the members are firm in the truth. We held eight meetings, and celebrated the ordinances. Two united with the church by letter.
I went to Pleasant Valley the 23d. The meetings at this place were not as successful as we desired—partly on account of a lack of interest on the part of those who ought to be zealous in the good cause; yet there are some here who love the truth.
At Palermo we were invited to occupy the Methodist meeting-house. We accepted the invitation, and had a fair congregation at each meeting, although the weather was very unfavorable.
The brethren and sisters here love the truth, and show their faith by their works. We celebrated the ordinances, when nearly all expressed a determination to renew their covenant with God and press on to the kingdom.
CHAS. F. STEVENS.
MINNESOTA
By L. H. Ells
I HAVE just closed meetings at Hutchinson, where I have been laboring for nearly four weeks. The Lord has helped in the proclamation of his truth. Twelve or fourteen have taken hold in earnest to obey God. A few others are interested, and, I hope, may yet have courage to move out.
I have commenced meetings in a schoolhouse about six miles north-east from Hutchinson, with a good hearing. My faith and courage in this work were never better than at present. Brethren, pray that the Lord may speed on the message, and that honest souls may be saved from the wrath to come. L. H. ELLS.
The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Israel, If ye will obey my voice . . . ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests.” Dr. Adam Clarke in his commentary on this text says it “could not receive its perfection but under the gospel,” under which dispensation, “every believing soul offers up for himself that Lamb of God which was slain for, and which takes away, the sin of the world.” He then refers to 1 Pet. 2: 5, 9, and Rev. 1: 6; 5: 10.
Now is not this correct? And if so, since the ten commandments were the voice of God to his people, do they not, as a matter of consequence, come down to us here as a rule of life, where, if we are his, we become a kingdom of priests, and every member of the mystical body of Christ offers up the Lamb of God for himself?