Since our last issue we have received the following from Bro. Hart and Boyd of the western Iowa tent, which will explain itself in a manner to be of much interest to our readers. It appears that some men have been born five hundred years after their time. They belong back in the Dark Ages. Bro. B. writes in regard to it:—
A short time after the tent was pitched in Fremont, Nebraska, the congregation dropped off. Through a friend, we learned that postal cards were in circulation among the pastors of the different churches, one of which we soon obtained. We sent the following to the Fremont Tribune, which appeared in that paper, Sept. 25, 1874:—
“BEWARE OF HERETICS.”
There have always been those who denounce without one investigative thought any position, however firmly established and clearly demonstrated, which is not received by the masses.
The fact that the teachings of God and the Bible, of Christ and the apostles, establish a doctrine, is without weight, if not popular.
The first inquiry in the minds of some in the days of our Saviour was, “Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed on Him?”
We remember reading in the Sacred Book that the chief apostle to the Gentiles was shamefully treated and commanded to—what? Not speak anything contrary to established creeds.
During the Dark Ages of papal supremacy, millions were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Helpless women and children, driven from their once happy homes, perished amid the winter storms in the Alpine mountains.
What was the cause of this cruel persecution? We hear the answer echoed down the annals of time, “They were veritable heretics.” Unpardonable sin!
Their bitterest enemies admitted their lives to be pure and inoffensive; their doctrines, founded on the Bible, to teach morality and holy living. But they were teaching a doctrine not in harmony with the Catholic faith, and this constituted them “heretics.”
The following, being a verbatim copy of a card, several of which were sent gratuitously, through the mail, to the pastors of the different churches at Fremont, reminds one very forcibly of the days of Pope Alexander III., when he decreed “that the doctrine of the Vaudois was a damnable heresy of long continuance.” And many of their sect were put to death in the most cruel manner, simply because they rejected the Romish creed and took the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of their faith.
Wahoo, Saunders Co., Neb.
“——” My Friend:
“Your name I obtained in the Fremont Tribune. Please warn your people, and all Evangelical Christians, and all other sensible people against ‘Boyd and Hart,’ the tent men. Do not welcome them nor bid them God-speed. Give them no encouragement whatever, for they are veritable heretics, and very possibly disguised Mormons, though they deny it. Take care that they do not get into your assembled congregations, and announce their meetings. You will find them very eager to get prominence among the people, especially the weak-minded and ignorant.”
Your friend, FREDERICK B. WELTY.
During the stay of said “tent men” at Wahoo did they walk disorderly before the people? did they covet any man’s silver, gold, or apparel? Did they even ask their daily bread from the respectable citizens? Were the doctrines they promulgated demoralizing and wanting in scriptural proof?
No such accusations are brought against them. They asked no contributions, boarded themselves, except when invited by the hospitable to their homes, and it is admitted that their doctrines were founded on the written word of God, and their conduct that of Christians.
What, then, is the great crime of which they are guilty, and for which they are thus advertised? Surely, their aspirations are not criminally high; only seeking prominence among the “weak-minded and ignorant.” The influential citizens of Wahoo, who openly admit that only Bible doctrine was preached by said “heretics” are in danger of being classed with the “weak-minded and ignorant.” Critical condition! We remember reading that “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
Does Bro. Welty feel that he has done his duty as a teacher in Israel, to try to point out their errors to these “heretics,” and get them on to the right road?
Several times a day he passed our tent, but never once entered to say, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Does he think us too far gone to be reclaimed? The Bible gives directions for calling back the erring. Has he followed these directions? If we are lost, will he be clear in the Judgment? We are young. The elder are to exercise a watchcare over the younger.
Again we ask, What is the crime of which we are guilty? Again we hear the echoed response, “They are veritable heretics, and very possibly disguised Mormons.” We ask, “What is truth?”
— Voice from the Tent.
Blind Religion.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
—WHAT constitutes the real distinction between paganism and Christianity? The answer is, Paganism is blind; its votaries have no light; while Christianity has the true light of revelation. The religious instinct in the heathen is the same that it is in those who have the light of revelation. The light, then, is what makes the vast difference. If this is so, how important that we have the light; and having the light, how important that we make use of it.
Yet with those who have the light of revelation within their reach—who have the Bible in their hands, or upon the shelf—there is a vast difference in how they treat it and what value they put upon it. Some having learned something of the revelation of a Saviour to mankind, seem content to enjoy what they have learned. Emotion to them is religion; and instead of diligently inquiring the path of duty in the word of God, they depend upon their impulses to lead them, and honor these impulses as the teachings of the Spirit of God. Talk to them of duty, as revealed in the word of God, and they set it aside, because the Spirit has not taught them this. Now of what use is the Bible, if the Spirit is doing all the teaching without it? Is not the light revealed to us in the Bible by which we are to try the spirits, whether they be of God? If so, these have reversed the process, and propose to try the teachings of the Bible by the Spirit.
We would not undervalue the aid of the Spirit of God. We must have it, or we cannot be the Lord’s. But as light and heat are combined in the rays of the sun, so should the light of revelation combine with religious emotions. It is the light of the Bible that makes the difference between the blind religion of the heathen and the pure religion of Christianity. “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” In so far as the light of revelation is not followed, just so far is our religion blind.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Work as a Source of Contentment
WORK.—The man who has nothing to do is the most miserable of beings. No matter how much wealth a man possesses, he can neither be contented nor happy without occupation. We were born to labor, and the world is our vineyard. We can find a field for usefulness almost anywhere. In occupation, we forget our cares, our worldly trials, and our sorrows. It keeps us from constantly worrying and brooding over what is inevitable. If we have enough for ourselves, we can labor for the good of others; and such a task is one of the most delightful duties a worthy and good man can engage in.
Authority, Submission, and the Ease of Obedience
ONE very common error misleads the opinion of mankind, that, universally, authority is pleasant; submission, painful. In the general course of human affairs, the very reverse of this is nearer truth. Command is anxiety; obedience, ease.
California Camp-Meeting.
By George I. Butler
This meeting has been in progress just one week to this date. And perhaps the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to hear of its progress without waiting till it is all through. I reached this place last Friday noon, and found the meeting in session. The scene before me was a little different from our Eastern meetings. There is a scarcity of proper groves in this State for camp-meetings. Much of the timber in the level country is something like our oak openings in the western States—scattering trees, low and spreading, here and there.
The camp is pitched on the bank of a small stream where there is a fringe of taller trees. But the body of the timber is not very large, so the brethren have their camp more in a body, like a village, than we do in the East, where we strike out a large circle. There are streets, and lanes between.
Some eighty-five tents are up, but they are generally smaller than our Eastern tents. From three to four hundred brethren and sisters are present. All the general meetings are held in the large pavilion, which is indeed a big thing. It is made by putting the edges of the two sixty-feet tents together, and a piece of similar manufacture to the tent top, put in each side, which fills out to the edges of the two tents. This makes a grand pavilion one hundred and twenty-five feet long and sixty-one wide. The whole top is double, which keeps it from being so hot as it would otherwise be when the sun shines upon it. It is a fine arrangement, and might be imitated in the East to advantage.
The weather is very pleasant. We have not had a camp-meeting, that I have attended the present season, where it has been so favorable.
Our meetings have been interesting and profitable. I am much pleased with my acquaintance with the brethren on this coast thus far. I have seen no class of people more ready to respond to the preaching than they. I have found no place where they were more prompt in the social meetings. These have almost uniformly been lively and interesting. In view of the excellent meeting last year, I feared there would be a coming short this year, which would end in disappointment with many. Several of the leading brethren have said, they find this meeting very different in some respects from last year, that while they have not felt so happy thus far, as last year, yet the work is going deeper. The instruction which is given, gives them a clearer idea of their duty, and they feel that the benefit is greater. We have talked to the people on the subjects of Testimonies and Health Reform, as well as many others. Many have said they would lay aside tea and coffee, and some who were clinging to tobacco determine to lay it aside forever.
We have had under consideration the establishment of the press here, and the acceptance of the offer made by Bro. White and the General Conference. The brethren here felt a great interest that the paper should not leave this coast. As soon as I came on to the ground, they began to talk about it. Some questioned as to means, &c., and there seemed to be some doubt in the minds of a few. But this morning in our session of Conference, after the matter was fully presented and explained, the feelings of the brethren were expressed. The Conference unanimously voted to assume the responsibility of the matter, and the congregation as a whole voted for it with much good feeling. They have since intrusted the matter of publishing the paper to the State Conference Committee until the legal association is formed. We shall soon raise pledges on the paper, and I shall greatly mistake the feelings of this people if there is not a very liberal subscription raised. The brethren here are determined to take hold of the tract and missionary work in earnest, and will doubtless fully adopt the system as carried out in the East. The meeting is progressing very satisfactorily, and we think great good will be done by it.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Yountville, Cal., Oct. 8, 1874.
Southern Ill.
By E. F. Andrews
This meeting commenced according to appointment Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, and continued till Oct. 5. There were about seventy Sabbath-keepers in attendance. From the very commencement, the meeting was practical. We had three prayer and social meetings, and three discourses each day. The Lord by his Spirit witnessed to his truth, and set it home to the heart.
Especially was this evident on Sabbath, when the duty of parents to their children, Eph. 4:6, and the importance of “gathering with Christ,” Matt. 12:30, were presented. Many wept as they saw their failures on these points; and at our afternoon social meeting many of the testimonies borne were well wet down with tears; and as contrition and brokenness of heart was manifest, the Lord did especially draw near and give us his rich blessing, evincing the fact that “a broken and contrite heart” the Lord will “not despise.”
Oh! that God may help his dear children to carry out in their lives the sacred truth they witnessed to at this meeting. We must not think the work is done, and fall back into coldness and indifference; neither will it answer for us to become discouraged and faint by the way. But seeing that our Heavenly Father has shown us some of our faults, we must from the heart set about the work of putting them away from us. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and FORSAKETH them shall have mercy.” Confession is good as far as it goes, but is utterly worthless, unless connected with reformation of life.
We formed a very happy acquaintance with Bro. Crandall, Seventh-day Baptist from Farina, who came with his wife, daughter, and another sister, sixty-five miles to our meeting. Bro. and sister C. went away feeling very near to us, and left their testimony that God had greatly blessed them in meeting with us. May the Lord abundantly bless them, and may the time soon come when these two bodies of Sabbath-keepers shall see eye to eye. E. F. ANDREWS.
CHAS. L. BOYD
By Chas. L. Boyd
Nebraska.
LAST evening closed the series of meetings held at Stromsburg. Have been here between three and four weeks. We found two here keeping the Sabbath. Seven have covenanted together “to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” and to use their influence to support a meeting in their midst. There are others whom I hope will be added to their number if they prove faithful.
Bro. Hart being called away, I have been alone during the last week of these meetings. There is a large element of Swedes in this vicinity. The Baptists and Lutherans have each an organization. Many of them cannot understand our language. I think much good might be the result of their hearing present truth in their own tongue. They are an industrious, respectable people.
CHAS. L. BOYD
Stromsburg, Polk Co., Neb., Sept. 21, 1874.
Tent-Meeting at Carson City, Mich.
By A. O. Burrill; E. Van Deusen
SINCE we pitched here, we have held fifty meetings. We have quite thoroughly canvassed the Sabbath and law questions. Many are convinced that we are right, and about twenty have decided to obey. We met with some opposition. One Eld. J. M. Smith, Congregationalist, came and challenged us, and even dared us to meet him in debate, and after due consideration we decided it was duty to accept, which we did before a large congregation; but when we accepted, he had so many other duties that he could not attend to this.
We have many warm friends, some of whom are members of his church.
Sold about fifteen dollars’ worth of our publications, obtained six subscribers for the REVIEW, and five for the Instructor.
There were ten or more brethren and sisters in this vicinity, who, with what have come out, make a very interesting Sabbath-school.
We took down the tent Oct. 5, and now are at work in school-houses around, where we are meeting with some success.
A. O. BURRILL,
E. VAN DEUSEN.
Carson City, Oct. 13, 1874.
Walpole, N. H.
By Wm. C. Gage
I COMMENCED meetings with the tent in this place July 24, and continued until Sept. 27, a period of over nine weeks, during which sixty-seven discourses have been given. Two of these were by a theological student from the Andover Seminary, in opposition to the Sabbath; two each by Bro. Butler and Kilgore, one by Bro. Weston, and the remaining sixty by myself.
The interest has at times been very good, especially during the discussion of the Sabbath question. The theological student above mentioned gave two discourses on alternate evenings, to which I replied on each following evening. This resulted in a complete triumph for the truth, as evinced by the popular vote. At the close of the fourth evening he expressed a desire to be heard again, to which I assented on condition that the people wished to hear him. On putting the question to vote, a man and a boy only, rose in favor of his continuing.
The next Sunday forenoon the orthodox minister preached in favor of Sunday-keeping in his own house of worship, and I replied in the tent in the afternoon. This comprises all the public opposition we have had to meet, but there has been a powerful and unrelenting secret opposition operating with much effect to keep people from attending the meetings. Ridicule and slander have not been spared as weapons of offence against us and those who attended, and have in some measure been effectual in keeping away those who had not the courage to face the storm.
The cool evenings during the last two weeks necessitated the use of a stove in the tent, and by the aid of a good anthracite fire the congregations were kept quite comfortable.
The interest has been greatly fostered by means of small handbills, which I have printed and distributed as occasion seemed to demand, having free access to a printing office at any time I desired. This has been a great help, and I would call the attention of tent laborers to it as a valuable auxiliary, in some places at least, as demonstrated also by Bro. Cornell and Canright.
As the result of this campaign about twenty are now keeping all the commandments.135A few more decided to obey, but proved to be stony-ground hearers.
Since the tent came down, I have given a few lectures in the village of Westminster, Vt., across the river from here, and only two miles distant. Shall continue there if the interest seems to warrant, so as to be near the cause here, and be able to meet with them on the Sabbath. Meetings are now held in a private house, which seems to be the best we can do at present. Our Sabbath meetings are excellent, the new converts taking hold of the work in speaking and in prayer, and seeming to be in love with the truth.
As for myself I feel that I have been greatly blessed in thus trying to help others, and I am determined to give myself unreservedly to the work of the Lord, and to consecrate whatever talent he has given me to the service of his cause. I ask the prayers of the brethren and sisters that the continued blessing of God may be with me in my labors. Wm. C. GAGE.
Walpole, N. H., Oct. 8, 1874.
SURE WORK FOR HEAVEN.
By Rebekah Smith
Make sure of Heaven’s approving smile,
And to the end endure;
The faithful will all meet again,
Their recompense is sure.
There joy will take the place of grief,
And praise the place of prayer,
All that is beautiful and good,
And glorious will be there.
We may be there to share the joy
And glory of the place,
To render ceaseless praise to God.
For his free sovereign grace.
Be it ours whate’er our station here,
To know our sins forgiven,
Then shall we all the blessings share,
Of the redeemed in Heaven.
Rebekah Smith.
West Wilton, N. H.
North-Western Kansas.
By C. H. Chaffee
AFTER Bro. Rogers left me at Solomon Rapids, Aug. 11, Bro. Andrews and I took down the tent in consequence of wind. The night of the 11th, held meeting in the school-house. Continued there till the 15th, giving in all eight discourses. One commenced to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus.
The 16th, commenced meeting four miles west of Solomon Rapids in a large stone school-house; continued to Sept. 7, giving in all twenty-four discourses. Thirteen commenced to keep the Sabbath, one of whom was an Adventist preacher. Baptized four, and organized a Bible-class.
The 20th, Bro. Andrews brought me forty miles to Bro. Thorp’s, where I held two meetings. The 23d, Bro. Thorp brought me to Parallel forty-five miles, where Bro. Lawrence organized a church two years ago. These dear brethren have been passing through deep trouble for the last eighteen months, Satan having divided them into two companies, and a spirit of hardness existed. I visited them at their homes and held seven meetings with them. A spirit of confession came among them, and they asked forgiveness of one another, and in tears promised to forgive. One had given up the Sabbath, but manifested a desire to get back. Ten came into church fellowship again. They had not paid any s. b. since they were organized, but said they would pay their back pledges soon. s. b. was pledged for the coming year to the amount of $37. I left them in love and union so far as I was able to see. Some had got back into the filthy habit of using tobacco. May the Lord help them to see how such a habit must look to Him who is pure and holy, and give them grace to overcome. They shall have my prayers as they requested to this end.
The 29th, started in company with Bro. Hoover for Seneca, Nemaha Co., sixty-five miles. Held seven meetings with the friends there. Organized a church of twelve members, with s. b. $62. Two commenced to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Hart had been there holding a few meetings, and had awakened quite an interest. I gave six discourses. The last evening, all could not find seats.
I think good could be done there if a course of lectures could be given soon. I arrived home the 5th, where I shall remain for a time, as the wants of my family demand my attention. Those wishing to write to me will address me at, Palermo, Doniphan Co., Kansas. C. H. Chaffee.
Oct. 7, 1874.
Indiana Camp-Meeting.
By James Harvey
Our late camp-meeting in Indiana was by far the best that has been enjoyed by the friends of the cause of present truth in this State. Our hearts were made to rejoice by seeing sister White, Bro. Haskell, and Bro. and sister Lane, and to hear their words of good cheer and warning, and to feel the melting Spirit of the Lord that accompanied their burning words. It was also cheering to meet so many of the dear friends who have lately embraced the truth in Rochester and Bourbon through the labors of Brn. Waggoner, Lane, and Kenyon, and to see the union that characterized all the business meetings of the Conference and the T. & M. Society.
I cannot refrain from weeping when I look back on my waywardness in the past, and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and praise his holy name that he has borne with me thus far, and that I still have a place with this dear people, and can see the vail of deistical error torn from so many honest ones in this State, and see them stepping firmly out upon the elevated platform of present truth.
Courage in the Lord, brethren and sisters. Let us be more faithful in the future, and work as we never have in all our lives before, to get the light before our fellows. Let us live so that the Lord can approve of our ways, and soon this message will swell to the loud cry and close in power; and then we will meet, not in cotton tents, to be together for but a few days, but we will meet inside of the transparent walls of the glorified city of God, to dwell in its mansions forevermore.
James Harvey.
North Liberty, Ind.
GEO. M. DIMMICK
By Geo. M. Dimmick
Minnesota.
We pitched our tent at Mananah, Meeker Co., Sept. 4, and labored there with little interest on account of the influence of one who called himself an Adventist. His inconsistent course had disgraced the name, and as we labored from house to house, we were often referred to him. Yet God gave us some fruit. Six took a stand with us to keep the commandments.
We took down the tent and commenced meetings at Karonus, seven miles north. Here the interest was good, and the blessing of God has followed us. Twenty are rejoicing in the truth, and God is still opening the way before us.
This evening, we commence meetings two miles south of Karonus, to follow up the interest. They are very anxious to hear. We trust God will add many more to our number here. Pray that God will keep us humble, that we may be faithful in his vineyard.
GEO. M. DIMMICK
Karonus, Oct. 5, 1874.
Wisconsin Quarterly Meetings and Baptisms, Fall 1874
By O. A. Olsen
Wisconsin.
My last report closed Aug. 28. I was then at Medina with Bro. Olds in tent meeting. The 29th, quarterly meeting at Neenah. Held four meetings.
Sept. 5, 6, quarterly meeting at Freemont. Three were baptized and united with the church. Through the week spoke twice in the tent at Lind.
Sept. 12, 13, quarterly meeting at Poy Sippi, also meeting of the T. and M. Society of Dist. No. 10. The word spoken was of a practical nature. The meetings were partly in English and partly in Norwegian.
The 16th, came to Raymond and commenced meetings. Continued till the 24th. Held 11 meetings, and one at Racine. Three were baptized and five united with the church. If the church here will live up to the truth, others will unite with them. Brethren, solemn responsibilities rest upon us.
Sept. 26, 27, quarterly meeting and T. and M. meeting at Little Prairie.
Sept. 29, 30, two meetings at Oakland.
Oct. 1, meeting with the friends at Stoughton.
Oct. 3, 4, quarterly meeting and general quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of Wis. The word spoken was well received. Three were baptized and united with the church. Held nine meetings.
Oct. 7, came to this place.
O. A. OLSEN.
Dell Prairie, Oct. 9, 1874.
Camp-Meeting in Ohio.
By Jos. Clarke
It is not my province to report this meeting; but as one who was much strengthened and encouraged by it, I would say that it was a very interesting and profitable occasion.
The living testimony, from the messengers, sent by our kind and merciful Heavenly Father to us, was received with much gratitude, and holy joy. The course of lectures given by our faithful brother, E. B. Lane, during the last winter and spring, in this vicinity, prepared the way for a great work, as prejudice had been in a great measure dispelled from the popular mind, and Bro. and sister White and others were listened to with much interest. The labors of Bro. and sister White are appreciated, and the labors of all who co-operated with them were also with power and light. May God bless them all, and speed them on this great and important work.
The camp-meetings, when conducted as S. D. Adventists conduct them, are indeed a good and noble enterprise. Each year, they seem more and more useful and heavenly in their influence. Jos. Clarke.
Close of Labors in Illinois.
By D. T. Bourdeau
My need of rest, the increasing demands that more of our works be translated into French, and the duties I owe to a dying father, make it necessary that I should leave Illinois to spend the winter East. I have reason for gratitude to the Lord for his mercies and care and for the timely aid from Eld. R. F. Andrews and Bro. Rudd. Our success at Kankakee is largely attributable to the labors of Bro. Andrews. Though we have not seen great ingatherings at any one point, yet we have for the past eight months witnessed a steady and gradual rise of the work, so that the following results have been reached:—
Three churches have been raised up, numbering in all about sixty believers, twenty-five of whom are French. Systematic Benevolence has been organized to the amount of $380 00. The work is progressing at Kankakee, where Bro. Stewart is now laboring to acceptance; and we have organized systematic labor among the French, appointing those who have a measure of experience to hold prayer and social meetings, and distribute tracts at points where an interest has been awakened.
The friends at Kankakee are desirous that Eld. Andrews should locate among them for awhile to aid in extending the limits of the work in this section. Whether Bro. A. locates in K. or not, it seems to me that it is a good time to raise at least one more company in this section, to establish quarterly meetings, form a new district in the Conference, and thus secure the permanency of the work. This would also strengthen the French. I do not see why Illinois is not as good a field to labor in as the country affords. The Lord willing, I shall return to Illinois and Wisconsin. My P. O. address for the present is Burke, Caledonia Co., Vermont.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
St. Anne, Ill., Oct. 14, 1874.
P. S. Since writing the above, I have stepped into one of Bro. Stewart’s meetings at Kankakee, to bid the friends farewell. At the close of my remarks, I called for all who were determined to avail themselves of all the means of grace, as secret prayer, family prayer, taking part in social meetings, attending to the Bible-class and Sabbath-school, etc., and to advance in practical piety and experimental religion, to arise on their feet, and all arose but two or three. This was indeed encouraging to me. A still greater work will be accomplished in Kankakee and vicinity, if these friends are faithful in letting their light shine. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 16, 1874.
Ohio Conference of the S. D. Adventists.
By O. Mears; A. A. Hutchins
Agreeably to appointment, the Ohio State Conference of S. D. Adventists held its twelfth annual meeting on the camp-ground, near Bowling Green, Ohio, Sept. 19–21, 1874.
FIRST SESSION.
Meeting was called to order by the President, Sept. 19, at 7:30, P. M., and opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
The number of delegates to the Conference was fifteen, representing nine churches. The churches at Wakeman, Bowersville, and Strongville, were not represented. By a unanimous vote, the Conference invited Geo. Smith of Wakeman, and J. W. Lucas of Bowersville, to represent their respective churches.
Elds. James White and S. N. Haskell, also all brethren in good standing, were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. By vote, the President was empowered to appoint the necessary committees.
On motion, sister White was invited to meet at the session. After which the following committees were announced from the Chair:—
On Nominations: W. T. Carson, Geo. Smith, P. F. Ferciot; on Resolutions: H. A. St. John, O. F. Guilford, A. M. Mann; on Credentials and Licenses: W. T. Carson, Geo. Smith, E. C. Penn; Auditing: Newell Grant, J. W. Lucas, Jas. Boardman, W. D. Sharpe, A. L. Hussey, H. H. Van Camp.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting was called Sept. 21, at 3 o’clock, P. M., and opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell. The Secretary being absent, H. A. St. John was chosen Secretary pro tem.
Committee on Nominations reported the following names for officers for the ensuing year: President, O. Mears; Secretary, A. A. Hutchins, Fremont, Ohio; Treasurer, John Mears, Bowling Green, Ohio; Executive Committee, O. Mears, E. C. Penn, H. H. Van Camp; Camp-meeting Committee, W. D. Sharpe, James Boardman, Bro. Iles. The report was accepted, and the officers were elected as a body.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses then being called for, reported, recommending that the credentials of H. A. St. John be renewed, and that O. Mears, Wm. Cottrell, A. A. Hutchins, A. M. Mann, receive license. The report was accepted, and the Conference voted credentials and licenses as recommended by the committee. At this point we were entertained with excellent remarks from Bro. Haskell upon the duties of a Christian minister.
The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were adopted by the Conference:—
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the success attending the labors of Eld. E. B. Lane and wife, in our Conference, and that we cordially invite them to remain, and continue to labor among us.
Resolved, That we express our heartfelt gratitude to God for the increasing evidence of the advancement of the cause, and that, we hereby pledge ourselves to co-operate in its advancement.
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the presence, and faithful labors, of Bro. and sister White, and for the clear and searching truths applicable to our situation which have been preached to us during this meeting.
The treasurer’s report was then called for and read.
Moved and carried that the amount to be donated to the General Conference be left to the State Conference Committee.
Voted, That the minutes of this meeting be published in the ADVENT REVIEW.
Adjourned sine die.
O. Mears, Pres.
A. A. Hutchins, Sec.
Another Victory for Truth.
By George A. Guerrier
We have just received the following letter from Aroostook Co., Maine:—
Far away from the place where you publish that true light of the gospel, in which may God ever help you, I have caught the spirit emanating from your books and papers, and seat myself to pen a few lines in which I wish to express the satisfaction I feel in their weekly perusal. But a short time since I was without a belief in religion, consequently an enemy to God. I doubted religion as then current, because to me it lacked that consistency which belongs to the teachings of the divine Spirit, who worketh for the salvation of man.
Eld. J. B. Goodrich had been in my neighborhood preaching and distributing tracts and papers in my absence. When I came home, he had gone, but he left behind the result of his labors; and upon reading the tracts and papers, I became interested, and can now truly say that at last I have found that connection and harmony consistent with Bible teaching.
The cause is greatly persecuted, some even so opposed to its teachings as to deny access to their homes to brothers and sisters whom they had once cherished. I never heard a minister of the doctrine, yet so careful has been my study that I am fully prepared to accept it as the word of God. Oh! how we need a teacher in this locality. “Come and help us,” is the cry from the hearts of all who, hearing, have believed.
The writings of sister White have done me a deal of good and strengthened me in the faith. Could the country be flooded with the REVIEW and pamphlets descriptive of the “new doctrine” (as they call it) and its beauties and consonance with Bible teaching, it appears to me that the great barriers of prejudice might be worn down and easy entrance given to the right. Some are discouraged on account of the persecution attendant upon the keeping of the Sabbath, and have discontinued it; others, however, are persevering, and praying that yet more may come to the truth.
GEORGE A. GUERRIER.
Eaton Rapids, Mich.
By E. R. Jones; J. O. Corliss
Commenced meetings at this place in the tent, Aug. 21, and continued to Sept. 21. The weather was favorable, and during the thirty days the tent was here, we gave fifty-two discourses. Our congregations averaged about one hundred.
We found this a very hard place to stir with the truth because of certain influences, not the least of which was that exerted by some of the ministers, who poisoned the minds of the people by secretly reporting that we were free-lovers, added to which was the ascension-robe slander, which it was said occurred in Battle Creek, a few years ago! It is truly lamentable that professedly Christian ministers will stoop to such baseness; and, unless they heartily repent, it will not be very hard to tell where they will be when the place for all liars shall have its own.
We sought the help of the Lord daily and labored diligently. His blessing attended, and our effort was not in vain. Twenty-five or more have decided to obey the truth. Sold about twenty-five dollars' worth of books, and obtained a number of subscribers for the REVIEW. The friends from Potterville and other places around attended our Sabbath meetings, which was a help and encouragement to us.