THE Christian Union of Oct. 1, 1879, utters the following noble words concerning the duty of bringing all doctrines to the test of the Bible, and deciding by that:—
There was one Robinson, a somewhat famous man in church history, who lamented the state of Protestant churches in his time, that they could not or would not study the word of God for further light, but stopped at Calvin. There was one Luther, who, being cited before his church for teaching error, demanded that it re-examine its creed, declaring, “I neither can nor dare retract unless convinced by reason and Scripture.” There was one Calvin, who was not accustomed to mince his words, and who declared the “dependence of its (the Bible’s) authority on the judgment of the church an impious fiction.” There were some learned divines that met in Westminster Abbey in the seventeenth century, who have had some reputation among Protestant Christians for both piety and learning, who declared that “the infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself;” and that “in all controversies of religion the church is finally to appeal unto them.” Finally, there was one Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Christian Union regards as an authority in all matters of faith and practice, who, in his day, was regarded as a heretic; and who, being called to account by the theological doctors for disregarding the creed and ritual of the church, repudiated the “tradition of the elders” with some warmth, appealing from it to Scripture, and declaring that by substituting ecclesiastical rules and creeds for the Scripture, men did “reject the commandments of God,” “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” The Christian Union stands now and always on the platform of the Westminster divines, and Robinson, and Calvin, and Luther, and Jesus Christ;—on the right of every man accused of teaching false doctrines to appeal to the Scripture, and be tried by the Scripture; and on the duty of every church which recognizes the Scripture as the only final authority in matters of religious doctrine to test all teaching by the Scripture, and be always ready to defend its historic faith from Scripture, and abandon whatever in that faith it cannot so defend.
HEALDSBURG CAMP-MEETING.
By S. N. Haskell
This meeting was one of interest to the friends of the cause in California. It commenced Wednesday evening, Sept. 17, and continued until the next Wednesday morning. It was held in a grove of madrona trees and large oaks, whose majestic limbs formed a leafy net-work over the large tent, 60x100 feet. Ninety-seven church and family tents, occupied by over five hundred campers, were also covered with a beautiful shade. The grounds everywhere presented a lovely appearance.
As the California Conference has had no active president during the past year, some matters had not received the attention that should have been given them. This gave additional labor to the committees appointed on the ground, especially the auditing committee and the committee on credentials and licenses. Some seemed to entertain mistaken ideas of the nature of a license. Simply holding a license does not entitle any one to draw pay from the Conference funds, unless the fruits of his labor indicate that, at least, God has called him to the work; yet such men may be good missionary workers, and men whom God loves. The apostle enumerates many gifts existing in the church, such as helps, governments, etc. These are as necessary in their sphere as an evangelist or a preacher is in his, but the labor they perform is entirely different.
It was evident from the reports of the various committees that their recommendations had not been hastily drawn up. They showed that much prayerful thought and consultation had been given to the subjects considered, before they were presented to the Conference. This gave union and harmony in all their business proceedings.
When the missionary work was presented, all hearts seemed touched by the Spirit of God. This showed that they had an interest in the work. Tears flowed freely. An opportunity was given for those who wished to contribute something to the missionary work on shipboard to do so. Gold breastpins, lockets, chains, ear and finger rings, precious keepsakes, with gold and silver coin, were put into the hat as it was passed around, until about a quart was collected.
The preaching was close and practical, and was appreciated. On Friday P. M. about seventy-five came forward for prayers, including many of our brethren who felt the need of drawing nearer to God. On Sabbath another opportunity was given especially to those who were seeking God for the first time, or who had wholly backslidden from him, to which about thirty responded. Twenty-five were baptized, many of whom were young converts.
After listening to the Bible view of supporting the ministry, by giving a tithe of our income, nearly all voted to do this, and signed the pledge to this effect.
The temperance meeting was a success. About three hundred signed the teetotal pledge, and two hundred paid the membership fee. Over one hundred had previously signed this pledge, and become full members. Solicitors were appointed in every company represented at the meeting, and steps were taken to organize clubs in the various churches in the State.
Sabbath morning Bro. Edson White conducted a very interesting Sabbath-school, a report of which has appeared elsewhere. On Sunday nearly four hundred subscribers were obtained for our periodicals, and these, with the subscribers obtained at the Fresno camp-meeting, make about five hundred in all.
It was estimated that twenty-five hundred people were on the ground Sunday, and there was a large congregation every evening. Some remarked that should we continue the meetings another week, the whole town would be converted. A good interest was manifested to the last, and good order was preserved. The brethren went home much encouraged to take hold anew in the service of God.
On Wednesday a general consultation was held by the Conference Committee and the ministers, respecting the wants of the cause and their various fields of labor. It is to be regretted that all in this State who design to labor for the cause in any capacity, could not have been at this meeting, so that there might have been a more general understanding in regard to future labor. However, nearly all the ordained ministers were present.
Eld. Healey was upon the ground, but was sick and unable to preach but once. We trust that much good fruit will be the result of this meeting. S. N. Haskell.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
L. N. LANE: The word “soul” in Gen. 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21, 22, and many other texts used to prove the conscious state of the dead, will be found fully explained in the work published at this Office called Man’s Nature and Destiny.
J. L. KILGORE: The word “flood,” Joshua 24:2: “Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood,” etc., means the river Euphrates.
47.—THE SECOND MESSAGE.
What movement represents the second angel’s message? and when did it begin and end? D. K. M.
Ans. It took place in connection with what is called the loud cry of the first message, from the spring to the autumn of 1844. Although no call was made for persons to leave those churches which would not tolerate the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, it is estimated that about fifty thousand Adventists did voluntarily leave the communion of said churches.
48.—NO MORE SEA.
It is said in Destiny of the Wicked that the song of praise mentioned in Rev. 5:13 can be heard only after sin and sinners are finally destroyed. How can we harmonize this with Rev. 21:1, where it is said that in the new earth “there was no more sea”? J. H. S.
Ans. We think that the declaration of Rev. 21:1 refers to the present sea, as it does to the present earth and heaven as we read, “For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away,” and, literally, “the sea was no more;” that is, this present sea, defiled, as the earth is, by the blight of the curse. But this is not saying that there will not be a new sea to correspond with the new earth. We think the idea would have been fully expressed if John had said, “And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth, and a new sea; for the first heaven, and the first earth, and the first sea had passed away.” That there will be seas and rivers in the new earth is evident from the prophecy, which, speaking of Christ when he shall take his kingdom, says, “His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.” Zech. 9:10.
49.—PENTECOST.
Please explain Lev. 23:15, 16. Some claim that Pentecost always fell on the first day of the week, and quote these verses to prove it. E. D. H.
Ans. The Sabbath spoken of in verse 15 is the day after the wave-offering was brought. This is considered by all the authorities to which we have access to have been the 16th day of the month, following the passover sabbath, which was the 15th. This is undoubtedly the correct view. The sabbath, then, was a yearly sabbath, coming on a particular day of the month, but not confined to any particular day of the week, any more than our fourth of July. The seven sabbaths mentioned in verse 16 are simply seven weeks, as the word sabbath sometimes means. This would bring the Pentecost on different days of the week in different years. It was not confined to the first day of the week.
COLORADO
By M. E. Cornell; A. O. Burrell
Longmont, Oct. 13.—We are four miles west of Longmont in a school-house, and are in the midst of the Sabbath question. About half a dozen have decided, and these, together with the six who were keeping the Sabbath when we came, will form a small church. Yet we hope for a few more. The interest is only moderate. We go to Ft. Collins next week, and this will be our address. M. E. CORNELL, A. O. BURRELL.
NEW YORK.
Columbus Hill, Oct. 13.—We began meetings at this place the 3d inst. in a house that will accommodate one hundred and fifty to two hundred. This is a rather sparsely-settled farming country, but we thought this the best time in the season to hold meetings in such a place, and reserve openings in villages for winter, when meetings here would be impracticable. Quite a number attend regularly, and there seems to be some interest. We have good congregations during the week, and on Sunday evenings the house is well filled with people from miles around.
As usual, we found prejudice existing occasioned by the Pocasset tragedy, but this we think may be easily removed, as there seems to be a ready sale for the tract relating to it. May God endue his people with power from on high, that Satan and his hosts may be defeated, and right and truth triumph.
Our address, for the present, will be South Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y. E. W. WHITNEY. J. Q. FOX.
Weedsport, Oct. 9.—Our effort in this place closed for the present last evening. The attendance at first was good, and many acknowledged and defended the truth. But the “devout and honorable women and chief men,” when once stirred up by their rulers, one of whom was a D. D., did much toward prejudicing the people against our work. Two public efforts were made against us, and the cry that we were proselyting and tearing down churches was lustily sounded. One of these efforts we reviewed. Quite a number have had the scales removed, and can discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Seven are now keeping the Sabbath, six of whom have just commenced. These with their children will make a company of ten or twelve who will meet every Sabbath. They invite any of our preaching brethren to call on them when passing this way. Inquire for G. J. Stevens.
We appreciate the sympathies and prayers of brethren and sisters abroad who have had an interest in this effort, and we believe there will be more fruit in answer to the earnest petitions that have gone up for this community. Still continue to pray, labor, and hope.
Bro. E. S. Lane has acted as colporteur during our work here. GEO. D. BALLOU.
OHIO
Clarksfield, Oct. 13.—Our district quarterly meeting held in this place is just in the past. The weather was fine, and everything passed off very pleasantly. There was quite a good representation from every church in the district. Our Sabbath-school convention, although the first one, was a success. The blessing of God was present, and a good impression was made. On Sunday at 1:30 P. M. we baptized four persons, each of whom resides in this vicinity. We remain here a week or two longer, hoping for more fruit.
H. A. St. John.
New Hampshire, Oct. 13.—I closed meetings for the present at this place last night, having been here nearly seven weeks. Fifty discourses have been given. The meetings closed with favorable impressions for the truth. The last night nearly three hundred were present. Eld. Hoffman, Seventh-day Baptist was with me yesterday, and spoke twice. I have sold forty dollars’ worth of books, and have obtained fourteen subscribers for the REVIEW. Ten copies of the Instructor were taken. A Sabbath-school of twenty-nine members is organized.
This summer has been my first experience in tent labor, and I can say that it has been the happiest summer in all my life. My courage in the Lord is good, and by his help I expect to continue to labor in the cause of present truth. Bro. Babcock, who has been with me all summer as tent-master, and has spoken some, now expects to commence meetings alone. I shall now visit every church in my district, and hold meetings with them as the way may open, commencing with those that have been the longest without labor.
G. G. Rupert.
MINNESOTA
By N. Battin
General Meeting at Pleasant Grove.—
This meeting began according to appointment Friday evening, Oct. 10. On the Sabbath the interests of the Sabbath-school received exclusive attention. The exercises of the day opened with an intensely interesting and deeply practical discourse by Eld. John Fulton, setting forth the great importance of the S. S. work, the best method of organizing and classifying a school, the qualifications and duties of superintendent and teachers, the proper manner of conducting recitations, and various other things which make up a first-class school.
Eld. Grant followed with a timely exhortation to engage more earnestly in this great and good work. In the afternoon Eld. Fulton conducted the Sabbath-school, carrying out the principles he had inculcated in the forenoon. It was a complete success, and the Pleasant Grove school feel that they have been greatly benefited by Bro. Fulton's labors. We shall be greatly disappointed if we do not see one of the best Sabbath-schools in the State at Pleasant Grove.
On Sunday, the tract and missionary work received the attention of the meeting. The report of the district secretary was encouraging, showing an increase in labor over the preceding quarter and also a better financial standing.
After some consideration it was decided to organize a vigilant missionary society at Pleasant Grove. A society was duly organized consisting of nineteen members. They start out with thirty copies of the Signs.
It was also decided at this meeting to send Sr. John Fulton into the city of Rochester, for the purpose of canvassing the city preparatory to the contemplated tent campaign there next summer.
A good degree of interest was manifested at this meeting in all parts of the work considered. We were highly pleased with the spirit of harmony that prevailed. To God belongs the praise. N. BATTIN.
IOWA SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
By George I. Butler; L. T. Nicola
The first annual meeting of the Iowa S. S. Association was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The first meeting was held Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, 1879. Prayer by Eld. E. W. Farnsworth.
Twelve schools were represented by twenty delegates. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved.
The following annual report was then read:—
Three quarterly reports have been made since the organization of our association. The first quarterly report was made Jan. 1, 1879. No. of schools reported, 16; No. of pupils, 679; average attendance, 410; No. of Instructors taken, 127.
The second quarterly report, April 1, 1879, showed the following: No. of schools reported, 34; No. of scholars, 1098; average attendance, 643; No. of Instructors taken, 219; an increase over the previous quarter of 18 schools, 419 scholars, and 92 copies of the Instructor.
The third quarterly report was made July 1, 1879. No. of schools, 39; No. of scholars, 1227; average attendance, 780; No. of Instructors taken, 216; an increase over previous quarter of 5 schools and 129 members.
The Chair, being empowered to do so, appointed the following committees: On nominations, J. T. Mitchell, E. J. Waggoner, and W. H. Hankins; on resolutions, Geo. I. Butler, W. H. Hankins, and J. T. Mitchell.
The hour for the camp-meeting Sabbath-school was announced, and remarks were made showing the importance of promptness, thoroughly learned lessons, etc., in order that the Sabbath-school might be made a success.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING, Monday p. m. Sept. 29. No. of schools represented, 35. All superintendents and ministers present were invited to take part in the proceedings.
The report of the nominating committee was read as follows: For president, E. W. Farnsworth, Mt. Pleasant; secretary and treasurer, L. T. Nicola, Richmond; executive committee, E. W. Farnsworth, E. J. Waggoner, and L. J. Hankins. These persons were duly elected. The financial report was read, and a contribution for the support of the association was taken, amounting to $10.83.
The following resolutions were separately adopted:—
Whereas, in order that our schools shall be most effectual in accomplishing good, they must have certain necessary helps; as, records, lesson sheets, etc., therefore
Resolved, That this association recommend each school in the State to immediately adopt some method of raising funds for defraying its expenses.
Resolved, That we recommend the Iowa Sabbath-schools to pay one-tenth of their donations to the State Association.
Resolved, That we recommend our State Association to pay a tithe of its receipts to the General Association.
From the questions asked it was evident that the importance of efficient S. S. work is beginning to be more deeply felt throughout the State. Interesting and instructive remarks were made by Elds. Butler and Farnsworth, after which the association adjourned sine die.
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.
L. T. NICOLA, Sec.
INDIANA CONFERENCE.
By S. H. Lane; J. S. Shrook
The eighth annual session of the Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held near Rochester, Fulton Co., Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, 1879. The Conference was called to order by the president, Eld. S. H. Lane. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Colcord. The minutes of the previous session were read and accepted. The secretary, Sr. Margaret Fatic, not being present, it143was voted that J. S. Shrook act as secretary pro tem.
Seven ministers were present. Twenty churches were represented by twenty-four delegates and one letter. Eld. G. W. Colcord and all brethren in good standing were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
The churches at Noblesville, Arcadia, and Frankton were taken into the Conference; while the companies at Silver Lake, Sevastopol, and Grant City were taken under its watch-care.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING, Oct. 3, at 9 A. M. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. W. W. Sharp.
The following committees were then appointed: On nominations: Wm. R. Carpenter, W. W. Sharp, Wm. Covert; on auditing, Wm. R. Carpenter, Sanford Rogers, E. A. Wilhelm, Noah Carahoof, J. L. Locke; on resolutions, W. C. White, W. W. Sharp, J. M. Rees; on credentials and licenses, Elds. James White and G. W. Colcord, and W. C. White.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD MEETING, Oct. 5, at 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. S. H. Lane.
The report of the nominating committee was as follows: For president, Eld. S. H. Lane; secretary, J. S. Shrook; treasurer, Dr. Wm. Hill; Conference committee, Eld. S. H. Lane, J. D. Shilling, Isaac Zirkle.
The committee on resolutions offered the following:
Resolved, That we express our entire satisfaction with the tithing system, and earnestly recommend all our people, whether members of a church or alone, to faithfully and conscientiously adopt it.
Resolved, That our Conference pay a tithe of its S. B. to the General Conference.
Resolved, That it is the duty of each church, immediately after each quarterly meeting, to report to the president its spiritual and financial standing.
Whereas, The subject of health reform has been neglected by our Conference, and therefore not appreciated by our people, and
Whereas, We believe this to be one of the inseparable parts of the great work of reform under the third angel's message, therefore
Resolved, That we take our position as true health and temperance reformers, and that we will heartily co-operate in the present temperance movement among us as a people, by the organization of local societies, and by earnest efforts to secure numerous signers to the “teetotal pledge.”
Adjourned to call of Chair.
FOURTH MEETING, Oct. 6, at 8:30 A. M. Prayer by Eld. Wm. Covert.
The report of the committee on resolutions was completed as follows:—
Resolved, That it is the duty of all our young men and women, and especially those who intend to bear a part in the closing work of the third angel's message, to make an earnest effort to obtain such an education as will qualify them to successfully labor in the cause; and that it is the duty of our people to encourage them, and, if necessary, help them so to do.
Resolved, That we heartily approve of and adopt the following resolution, lately passed by some of our Conferences, with reference to an educational relief fund:—
Resolved, (1.) That it is the sense of this Conference that there should be an educational relief fund raised in the State to aid worthy men and women to educate themselves as home and foreign missionaries; (2.) That this fund be raised by donations of sums not less than one dollar, and by loans, for three years, without interest, of sums of not less than ten dollars; (3.) That the sum so raised be controlled by a board of three trustees to be elected by the Conference, one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years, so that hereafter there shall be one elected annually to hold his office for a term of three years; (4.) That the duties of these trustees be as follows: first, to encourage as many as possible to avail themselves of the advantages of our College at Battle Creek; secondly, to decide who need aid from this fund, and are worthy of it, and who shall be helped by loans, and who by donations, and to what extent in each case; thirdly, to report annually to the Conference all receipts, expenses, and disbursements, which report shall be submitted to the auditor appointed by the Conference.
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to the General Conference for the presence, counsel, and labors of our much esteemed Bro. and Sr. White, and other laborers.
The Chair appointed Sanford Rogers, Dr. Wm. Hill, and Wm. R. Carpenter a committee to suggest names for the trusteeship of the educational relief fund.
Pursuant to Eld. James White's counsel, Eld. S. H. Lane was, by vote of the Conference, transferred from the Michigan to the Indiana Conference.
The committee on credentials and licenses reported, recommending that credentials be renewed to Elds. S. H. Lane, W. W. Sharp, Wm. Covert, and J. M. Rees; and that licenses be granted to Bro. J. S. Shrook, John T. Richards, Victor Thompson, Lloyd Caldwell, and Alfred Swett.
The committee on the nomination of trustees reported the following-named persons: Bro. Isaac Zirkle, three years; Eld. S. H. Lane, two years; and Bro. J. D. Shilling, one year.
The report of the treasurer is as follows:—
Whole amount received, $1835.74
Paid out on orders to ministers and General Conference, 1667.81
Balance on hand to date, $167.93
S. H. LANE, Pres.
J. S. SHROOK, Sec. pro tem.
LIFE'S PILGRIMAGE.
By Eliza H. Morton
In dim, uncertain, winding ways
Our feet are oftimes led;
On husks and food that gives no strength
Our souls are oftimes fed.
The wild, unceasing din of earth
Disturbs the inner calm;
The wormwood and the gall pollute
The honey and the balm.
The darkness and the gloom are felt,
The weariness and pain;
And thirsty souls long for the fall
Of promised “latter rain.”
This mortal life is not all joy,
The perfect is to come,
When saints behold with beaming eyes
Their long-sought “harvest home.”
The day of sunshine soon will dawn—
Bright day that knows no night;
Earth’s shadows all will vanish, fade,
Before the glory-light.
Oh, look away beyond earth’s mists,
Beyond this life of care,
And view by faith the “summer land,”
The golden city fair!
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Battle Creek, Mich.
ILLINOIS
By L. Johnson
Lisbon, Kendall Co., Oct. 15.—Since my last report we have been holding meetings in the tent every evening. Bro. J. Bute has been with me over two weeks, and has spoken in English. Many of the Americans believe we have the truth, and are very friendly. The Scandinavians here are much prejudiced, and but few would come out to meeting. One family has promised to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We took down the tent yesterday. I am now visiting, and will hold meetings in school-houses as the Lord opens the way. Pray for me.
L. JOHNSON.
KANSAS
By R. F. Barton
Coopersburg, Rice Co., Oct. 12.—Our meetings here still continue, with a good interest. Calls for labor come in from all directions, and we have many invitations to visit. A wide and promising field is open for labor in this vicinity, but where are the laborers? Ten, all heads of families, are keeping the Sabbath as the result of our meetings thus far. Among this number is a preacher of the Dunkard faith. We trust he will be a help to the cause here.
I was at Elivon, Oct. 4. One aged brother united with the church by baptism. This young church is doing well in the temperance work, twenty-five out of twenty-eight members having signed the teetotal pledge.
R. F. BARTON.
MICHIGAN
By W. H. Littlejohn
Hazelton, Shiawassee Co., Oct. 13.—Since my last report I have attended the camp-meetings at Eaton Rapids and Vassar, and labored between two and three weeks with the church at Hazelton. The brethren in the latter place have had but very little preaching since the church was raised up, something like seven years ago, and they seemed to appreciate the word spoken very highly. The outside interest was good also. One young man embraced the truth, and we feel assured that others will sooner or later do likewise. The matter of indebtedness of tract society Dist. No. 8 was presented before the church, and they subscribed $78 toward liquidating the same. When their numbers and circumstances are taken into account, this subscription appears very liberal, and is really considerably larger than I had expected to obtain. If other churches in the district will do as well in proportion, the whole debt can be lifted, and the tract society therein be placed once more in good working order.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
GENERAL MEETING AT BOULDER, COLORADO.
By J. O. Corliss
This meeting, which was held according to appointment, Oct. 4 and 5, was in some respects an excellent one. About seventy-five were present, some coming from Georgetown, Carabou, and Longmont. Elds. Cornell and Burrill were also present, and did what they could to make the meeting a success.
On Sabbath morning, a session of the Sabbath-school was held, and considering the short time that has elapsed since its organization (about eight weeks), this school has done remarkably well. If the interest in this branch of the work increases in proportion to its importance, we see no reason why this may not become a model school.
Sabbath afternoon, after a short discourse, opportunity was given for those who desired to seek a nearness to the Lord to manifest it by coming forward. Twenty-five or more responded, a large proportion of whom were Sabbath-school scholars seeking the Lord for the first time. It was indeed a blessed season to old and young.
Sunday forenoon was chiefly devoted to business. After a short talk on the tithing system, a vote was taken to ascertain who would adopt it, and all entered heartily into the plan. A tract society was organized, and funds enough were raised to buy a set of books, pay for a good stock of tracts, and still have a few dollars in the treasury. Instructions were then given on carrying on quarterly meetings, keeping books, etc., after which we repaired to a lake near by, and five were buried with their Lord in baptism. In the afternoon all came together to celebrate the ordinances. This was the first occasion of the kind ever enjoyed by our people in the State, and it was truly a solemn time. The Lord came graciously near and blessed his people; all felt to rejoice in his goodness, and returned to their homes resolved to live out the truth better than ever before.
Thus closed our first general meeting in Colorado. J. O. Corliss.
SKIEN, NORWAY.
By J. P. Jaspersen
In company with Bro. John Roseqvist I left Christiana Sept. 16, and arrived at Skien the 17th. We have had some difficulty in obtaining a hall to hold meetings in, but we finally succeeded in hiring the lower story of a large building which has formerly been used for this purpose. We have rented five large rooms besides the kitchen, at 240 Kr. ($64.00) for six months. The main hindrance in the way of proclaiming the truth in Norway, is the difficulty of obtaining suitable halls for meetings. The only way to do this is to hire a place large enough to hold meetings in and to live in; and it is only possible to do this at certain periods of the year and for a definite length of time; and the expenses are unavoidably large. We intend to begin our meetings the 5th of October. Skien is a city of 5,000 or 6,000 inhabitants, and the people are religiously inclined. There are more dissenters from the State Church in this place, considering its size, than in any other city in Norway. We hope that the Lord has some souls here whose hearts will be open to the message of truth in regard to the second coming of our Saviour, and who will tear themselves away from the yoke of bondage which they have borne. The Lord bless his cause among our people here, and in America and among other nations! We ask the friends to remember us before the throne of grace. J. P. JASPERSEN. Sept. 23.
IOWA H. AND T. ASSOCIATION.
By George I. Butler; Ira J. Hankins
A MEETING for the purpose of effecting the organization of a State Health and Temperance Association was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sept. 29. On motion, Eld. Geo. I. Butler was elected chairman, and I. J. Hankins secretary pro tem. The Constitution and By-laws recommended by the General H. and T. Association were then read, and adopted by a unanimous vote.
Moved, that the audience elect officers by acclamation.
On motion, Eld. Geo. I. Butler, Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa, was elected president of the Association; and Sarah E. Nicola, Richmond, Washington Co., Iowa, secretary.
Remarks were made by Bro. Butler relative to forming local clubs in the different churches.
Adjourned sine die.
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.
IRA J. HANKINS, Sec. pro tem.
INDIANA S. S. ASSOCIATION.
By J. M. Rees; Viola Shrock
The second annual session of the Indiana Sabbath-school Association was held on the camp-ground at Rochester, Ind.
Nineteen churches were represented by twenty-one delegates. By vote the ministers were invited to act as delegates from their respective fields of labor. The minutes of the organization of the association were read and accepted, also the secretary’s annual report.
W. C. White made some encouraging remarks setting forth the progress of the work during the past year. The Chair having been authorized to do so, announced the following committees: On nominations, J. S. Shrock, J. L. Lock, Noah Carahoof; on resolutions, W. C. White, J. P. Henderson, Baily Shilling.
The nominating committee presented the following report: For president, J. M. Rees; secretary, Viola Shrock; executive committee, J. M. Rees, Wm. Covert, S. H. Lane. These candidates were separately elected.
The committee on resolutions reported as follows:—
Resolved, That we urge all our people to avail themselves of the advantages of our Sabbath-schools, and to encourage those not of our faith to attend.
Resolved, That we recommend the officers and teachers of each Sabbath-school to hold a teachers’ meeting on the fourth Sabbath of each month.
Resolved, That we express our approbation of the plan of penny contributions, and recommend all our Sabbath-schools to adopt it fully.
Resolved, That we recommend each Sabbath-school to pay a tithe of this contribution to the State Association, and the State Association to pay a tithe of its receipts to the General Association.
Resolved, That we request the officers of our association to visit the schools and as often as practicable to hold Sabbath-school institutes for the instruction of teachers and officers.
Resolved, That each school should have a complete set of record books, keep a careful record, and report quarterly to the State secretary.
The report was accepted, and the resolutions were put to vote singly, and unanimously adopted.
Remarks were made by Bro. W. C. White on the importance of fully carrying out the resolutions just adopted, and on the interests of the S. S. work in general.