SABBATH, Sept. 4, some five teams started from Wright, for the Quarterly Meeting at Casinovia. The preachers were all at Camp-meeting, so we were deprived of their labors. Consequently Brn. Root and Higley led out, trusting that the Master of Assemblies would lead and sustain them. The Lord was manifestly present by his Spirit, to own, strengthen, and comfort. Nearly all present took part in the conference meeting. One brother and sister, who came ten miles, said they had not met with Adventists in nine years before. They were much encouraged, resolving to consecrate all to God, and press forward to the kingdom. One aged brother, who has been a Baptist preacher, gave an interesting experience and testimony.
It was decided to hold meetings in the evening, and next morning. Some of the brethren from Wright returned home. The evening meeting was more interesting than the first. And as it closed, all seemed to feel the solemn responsibility of the time, and that God was present to manifest his power.
At nine o'clock the following morning, we met at the usual place. The good Spirit was present with power. Brn. Higley and Root led in prayer and exhortation, and it was evident that the Master was teaching “their hands to war, and their fingers to fight.” Every brother and sister present took an active part in the meeting, and the interest increased to the close. The aged brother offered himself for membership, expressing a humble desire to know the whole truth. Brethren were loath to part, expressing an opinion that they never attended so good a meeting with so little effort. All seemed strengthened, and encouraged to consecrate all, and go through to the kingdom.
By request I have written this imperfect sketch, for the Review, hoping it may cheer and encourage some other pilgrim.
JOHN LELAND.
The Sabbath Is a Delight
By E. Geer
From Sr. Geer.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For the first time, I write a few lines for the REVIEW. 'Tis now a little over one year since I formed an acquaintance with those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and commenced searching my Bible for the truth on that subject. Shortly after I commenced my search for truth, I had the privilege of seeing, for the first time, our faithful and beloved brother Pierce, and of listening to two discourses from him on the Sabbath and the perpetuity of God's holy law. It was then and there that a flood of light seemed to break upon my understanding, while tears of joy mingled with sorrow flowed down my cheeks. It had been my chief object for over twenty-five years to do the will of my Father in Heaven, and when I saw that all this time I had been trampling his holy Sabbath under my feet, words could not express the burning grief that in my heart was stirred, and yet my heart seemed to flow out in gratitude to God for sparing my life so many years, and giving me the privilege, even in these last days; of seeing the light that encircles the fourth commandment. Praise God for every additional ray of light. The truth brings light and peace. Oh! how good the Master is; how precious the promises. He leads those who trust in him safely on. I have kept every Sabbath since I saw the light, and now, to me, the Sabbath is a delight, the holy of the Lord and honorable, and I am trying to divest myself of everything that would hinder my progress in the narrow way that leads to the holy city. Dear brethren and sisters of like precious faith, I feel determined by the grace of God to be an overcomer, that I may stand with you upon Mount Zion.
Your sister in faith, in patience, in affliction, waiting for the kingdom.
E. GEER.
Olmsted Co., Minn.
Sabbath Keepers Gathered in the City
By B. F. Robbins
From Bro. Robbins:
I wish to say through the REVIEW, that, through the blessing of God upon the labors of Brn. Smith and Littlejohn, in this city, quite a goodly number of Sabbath-keepers have been gathered out from among the people, who seem determined to obey the law of God and identify themselves with S. D. Adventists. Yesterday, we met in the Lutheran church, by permission, and to-day, at my house, to the number of twenty-five, the most of whom expressed a firm determination to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Among these are my son and his wife.
This to me is a good work, from the fact that I have for years been the only Sabbath-keeper in this city.
In two weeks from to-day, eight or ten will be baptized, and we expect to keep up regular meetings for the future. B. F. ROBBINS.
SARAH M. NELSON
By Sarah M. Nelson
From Sr. Nelson.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have felt it my duty for some time to write a few lines for the REVIEW, and tell you of the goodness of God to me this summer, as I have been afflicted with a cough ever since last March. I do feel to praise the Lord for what he has done for me. His grace is sufficient in every time of need. As I have seen the consumption fastening on me, expecting soon to be laid low in the grave with all of my father's family, my cry and prayer has been to God to make me free from sin, by the efficacy of the blood of Christ, which is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness; and also to keep my family from the snares of Satan. I laid all upon the altar of God, trying to trust in him who has said, Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. On one occasion when I was in secret prayer, trying to be reconciled to his will, I received such a blessing as I did not expect. Oh! how I could praise God. I felt free from all sickness, and have been gaining in health for two months.
Let us put our whole trust in him, and walk in obedience to all of his commands. My determination is to strive more earnestly than before. Pray for us, that we may be faithful unto the end.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
SARAH M. NELSON
St. Joseph Co., Ind.
MRS. R. M. THURSTON
By Mrs. R. M. Thurston
From Sr. Thurston.
DEAR READERS OF THE REVIEW: The Lord has wrought for us more than we in our weak faith even dared to ask. He has converted all our children within the short space of six weeks. I have many friends whom I wish to have know that my captivity is turned, and would avail myself of this plan of imparting unto them the glad news.
It is two years since we have seen the face of a messenger. We have no ordained elder. One was chosen after Bro. Dennis left, but has had no opportunity to be ordained. Now the dear Lord has appropriated our necessities to his own glory. He has visited our neighborhood in great mercy and majestic power.
Our son-in-law met with a dreadful accident on the river, which nearly took his life. On his way home, weary and afflicted, God had a special care over him, by leading him right along into a company of Adventists, at Dell Prairie. They took him in, bruised and mangled by his late fall, and prayed earnestly for the Lord to bruise his heart, as well as body; and now he loves the people whom he once despised.
That circumstance alone so strengthened our faith, that my husband appointed a weekly prayer-meeting about the first of June. We also have meeting on the Sabbath. Every time we meet, victory crowns our efforts. Souls are convicted, and cry out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?” Last evening twenty-four were made free, after one of our dear sons had narrowly escaped from the cruel power of Satan. It does seem that Jesus only can realize the bitter agony of our every heart for him. He was the last one, and when the struggle was over, shouts of victory rang out on the midnight air. We could not give over the struggle, for it seemed to be his last call.
Our dear little Mary, only eight years old, arose and said she wanted to be a Christian, and go to Heaven with her friends. She then went on to exhort her brothers to come, and stepped out and took one by the hand. Oh! it was a melting time. Now, brethren and sisters, aid us by your prayers, that the Lord may continue the glorious work here; and oh! may it spread, until every parent's heart may rejoice as we now do, at the bright prospect of being an unbroken family in Heaven.
Do not do as I have done, and let despair sometimes take the place of hope and faith. All things are possible with God, and our afflictions are often times blessings in disguise.
MRS. R. M. THURSTON
Fish Lake, Wis.
Without Fault Before the Throne
By H. M. Zenor
SR. H. M. ZENOR writes from Montcalm Co., Mich.: Never did the light that is shining upon the remnant people of God look so precious as it does now to me, especially that part respecting the true state of the dead, and of no immortality out of Christ. When I see how fast that fatal delusion, Spiritualism, is taking the world captive, I am led to rejoice in the present truth.
For a few days past these words have been revolving in my mind, “Without fault before the throne.” Shall I, who am so imperfect, so unlike the true Pattern, be without fault before the throne? But I will trust in the blood of Jesus to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Litchfield, Maine, Aug. 4, 1869, Mary M. Brown, aged sixty-six years. Sister Brown embraced the Sabbath in 1846, and has maintained her faith nobly, though living away from those of like precious faith. Her husband died a few years ago, leaving her and her two daughters to battle for the truth. Sister Brown has lived her faith, and has had the hope of the Christian to comfort her in her last sickness. She died expecting soon to rise and have part in the first resurrection.
ABRAM BARNES.
DIED, in Battle Creek, Aug. 4, 1869, of consumption, Emily B. Rose, aged 32 years, 1 mo., 10 days. Sr. R. came to the Institute as a patient about a year since, but consumption had already marked her as its victim. She was led, however, through the influence of friends, to embrace the present truth, which she faithfully lived out till the time of her death. Her last hours were very happy, and the blessed hope comforted her through the dark valley.
Funeral discourse by Bro. Byington.
W. C. G.
Appointment for the Maine Conference.
THE next session of the S. D. A. Maine Conference will be held with the church at Norridgewock, commencing Thursday, Oct. 7, 1869, at ten o'clock A. M., and continuing over Sabbath and first-day. It is important that each church treasurer should have his reports sent in to the secretary, H. C. Winslow, Topsham, immediately, so that he can have his report ready at the session of Conference. Also, we hope that all our brethren and sisters will see to it, that their S. B. pledges are all paid up before that time, so that we can have a clean record.
Dear brethren and sisters, let nothing hinder you from coming to this meeting if you are in the enjoyment of health. It is an important meeting. Pray that the blessing of God may rest upon it. Come, and have your faith increased. Come, and get ready for the last trial.
It is the earnest request of the Committee that Bro. and Sr. White, or some of the General Conference Committee be present with us.
L. L. HOWARD, } Conf.
J. B. GOODRICH, } Com.
CHAS. STRATTON,
The Illinois and Wisconsin Camp-meeting and State Conference.
THESE meetings will be held at Clinton Junction, Rock Co., on the Chicago and Northwestern, and Racine and Rock Island Railroads, commencing Sept. 23, and continuing to the 27th. The change of place for holding this meeting is for two reasons: First, Hundred Mile Grove is twenty miles from the railroad. Second, Bro. A. B. Williams writes, that in council with brethren of several churches, it was decided that Clinton was the place most convenient and central.
It will be remembered that there is but one family of Sabbath-keepers at Clinton; therefore, all should come with tents, and preparation to take care of themselves. Hay and grain can be had at reasonable rates. The churches will please remember to send their delegates or letters to represent them in Conference. And may the Lord make this meeting a blessing to all.
I. SANBORN, } Conf. Com.
R. F. ANDREWS. }
P. S. Let those that can, come prepared to care for as many others as they can, and let our lonely and isolated brethren and sisters not stay away from this meeting because they cannot bring tents, as there can doubtless be lodging for such obtained in the tents that the brethren will bring on the ground.
The Promises of God are Conditional.
THE grand error of Universalism is, to suppose that the promises of eternal salvation have no conditions. Yet there is nothing more certain than that every promise in the Bible that holds out the offer of salvation to fallen man, has certain conditions, either expressed, or implied. Doubtless there are the strongest assurances in the Scriptures, that the righteous, as a class, shall certainly be saved. But there are no such assurances to any of us as individuals. In order to be saved we must become righteous and remain such. All the promises of the Bible involve this condition. And so Paul, speaking of the promises of God in the singular, says: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” Heb. iv, 1. It is certain, therefore, that the promise of God relating to future inheritance is conditional, and that there is danger of our coming short by not fulfilling the conditions.
Western Camp-meetings.
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be three camp-meetings in the West the present season. Bro. Andrews and Bro. and Sr. White will probably attend these meetings.
The first of the three will be held at Clinton Junction, Wis., Sept. 23–27.
The second will be held in Minnesota, Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.
The third will be held at Pilot Grove, Washington Co., Iowa, Oct. 6–11.
Our brethren in the West will please see that the time, place, &c., &c., of the State Conferences are given in the REVIEW in proper time.
GEN. CONF. COM.
Vermont State Conference.
By N. ORCUTT
THE next annual session of the Vermont State Conference, will be held at Enosburgh, on Thursday, Oct. 7, 1869, commencing at 9 o'clock, A. M.
The ministers, licentiates, and churches, within its limits, are requested to comply with the requisitions of the Constitution and By-Laws of said Conference. Religious services on the following sixth-day, Sabbath, and first-day.
We hope to see a general gathering at this meeting. Come, one and all. Come in the name of the Lord, and labor to advance the interests of the cause of truth.
Per order Conference Committee.
N. ORCUTT.
Enosburgh, Vt., Sept. 9, 1869.
The Cause in Owosso.
By Uriah Smith; W. H. Littlejohn
The Sabbath following the Camp-meeting at Ceresco, we met again with the few who have taken their stand on the truth in this place. We found them in as good condition as could be expected in view of the limited number of discourses they had heard, and their short experience in connection with these truths. The word spoken on Sabbath and first-day seemed to be gladly received, and we think will prove of benefit to them.
On first-day evening, the Baptist minister, thinking, doubtless, that we were well away, opened his battery against the Sabbath. We review it next first-day. This course of the minister's, in keeping silent while we were here, and coming forward so valiantly when they supposed we were permanently absent, has revived quite an interest among the people. If circumstances demand, we shall remain longer in this place. We expect to go from here to Bath.
U. SMITH,
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Owosso, Mich., Sept. 6, 1869.
JAMES WHITE
By James White
☞ I see that large donations are made to the Benevolent Fund, and the Foreign Mission Fund. I would suggest that the General Conference, or Home Mission Fund is most in want. Many of our preachers are laboring from State to State, on missionary ground, and will receive support from General Conference Funds. Let the brethren remember this.
JAMES WHITE
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the churches of Windsor, Oneida, and Charlotte, at the Potter schoolhouse, Sabbath, Sept. 25. Also, will attend the Monthly Meeting at Tompkins, Sabbath, Oct. 2.
JOHN BYINGTON.
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a Quarterly Meeting in Lapeer, commencing Friday evening, October 1, and holding over Sabbath and first-day. This meeting is designed for the churches of Lapeer, Oakland, and Memphis. Our brethren and sisters of Oakland and Memphis, and also the scattered and lonely ones, are earnestly invited to attend this meeting. Come, brethren and sisters, let us improve every means of grace, and try to labor for our salvation, and that of our neighbors and friends. We are very desirous that a messenger be present, if possible, as we would be glad to attend the ordinances, and have baptism administered.
By vote of the church. WM. PATTEN, Clerk.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. G. Harlow 35-1, Mrs M A Cook 36-10, Geo W Mills 36-10, W C Ferguson 36-10, Mrs J Short 36-10, J Ghering 35-1, J M Reynolds 34-16, John Fullmer 36-10, Mollie Brosins 35-10, F G Morgan 36-10, S G Hill 35-1, A Fairchild 35-12, Henry Webber 35-12, L J Kimball 36-12, C Harlow 35-7, A H Robinson 35-5, Mrs J Brotherton 36-1.
$2.00 each. W L Jaycox, M D, 36-12, S F Gove 36-16, Mrs E A Brown 35-9, Mrs L B Miller 35-10, J J Goulding 36-1, Josephine Mott 36-10, Harriet Gould 35-20, L Wiswell 36-13, J P Lewis 36-9, J S Van Deusen 36-14.
Miscellaneous. Mary Marsh 50c 35-10, G W James 50c 35-10, Mary Bolenbaugh 50c 35-10, J H Burlingame $5.00 36-1, M H Collins 1.50 36-1, Z J White 50c 35-12.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Newton $9.00, church at Vergennes 20.00.
Books Sent by Mail.
H C Whitney $1.00, Thomas Payne 35c, J Ghering 10c, A H Clymer 30c, J M Reynolds 35c, Frank Starr 75c, J B Frisbie 25c, Wm Miller 1.00, M G Fitch 1.25, T Dille 30c, Wm James 35c, O E Denman 30c, T D Sammon 30c, A F Alverson 27c, M S Kellogg 60c, T Iden 25c, O W Ballou 15c, John A Gardner 10c, D C Frothingham 4.88, A A Cowell 1.62, J B Ingalls 50c, Wm Popper 1.75, W W Jilz 70c, T Willey 22c, H A St John 80c, Mrs C Tosh 50c, D Baker 75c.
Books Sent by Express.
Eld John Matteson, Hamilton, Mo, $9.31, Eld James White, Kirkville, N Y, 129.94.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
D M Bemis $2.00.
Foreign Missionary Fund.
Received of Class "E," of Battle Creek Sabbath School, $1.75, Class "F," Battle Creek Sabbath School, 5.00, A H Clymer 2.40, Miss G E Packer, 5.00, Lucius P Russell 5.00.
Note from Missouri.
By John Matteson; R. J. Lawrence
We take down the tent to-day, and go to Altovista. We have labored here a little more than six weeks. Had good attendance, and an interesting meeting last night, when we closed. Have ten new Sabbath-keepers here. Shall continue to visit them on the Sabbath for some time to come. Hope that others will obey, and join them. Find people very slow to move in this country. Enjoy a degree of health, and the blessing of God. Pray for us.
JOHN MATTESON,
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Hamilton, Mo., Sept. 6, 1869.
To the Churches of Iowa.
By GEO. I. BUTLER.
AS THE time approaches for our Camp-meeting this fall, and for the State Conference in connection with it, I will say to the churches, that we hope there will be promptness on the part of the brethren in our several churches in attending to all business matters connected with the Conference. It is quite likely that we shall have but a short notice of the meeting beforehand. So let the brethren be prompt in paying up their s. B., and the church treasurers prompt in reporting to the State secretary; also the church clerks, in preparing their reports for Conference, so that when the Conference assembles, all the business may be attended to with little delay. We desire that most of the time of the meeting may be used in devotional exercises; in drawing near to God. This can be so, if all these matters are arranged beforehand.
All our churches living within reasonable distance should certainly come with tents to take care of themselves, and assist in caring for others who cannot do this. And, above all, should the recommendations of Bro. Andrews in the REVIEW, in reference to consecration before the meeting, be attended to. We should not wait till the meeting assembles before confessing our sins, and trying to get into a better place, but try to do this beforehand. Then we may be sure of God's blessing in the meeting.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Resolution.-
By GEORGE STATES
IN view of the duty enjoined upon all believers to meet often, and exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching; and in view of the duty devolving on the church to watch over and care for the spiritual welfare of its members, it seems absolutely necessary for scattered brethren and sisters to report their standing to the church by letter if they cannot enjoy the privilege of meeting to report personally, therefore,
Resolved, That we require each member of the Lapeer church to report his or her standing to the elder by letter, at least once a quarter, in all cases where the circumstances prevent their attendance at the meetings of the church; said letter to be read to the church. By order of the church.