It once required a great stretch of faith to believe this work would find its way to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and lead thousands of persons of different nationalities to embrace the Sabbath of the Lord and kindred truths. And had this work been of men, long ere this it would have come to naught. From time to time, during the past twenty years, we have seen individuals become disaffected with this work, renounce the truth, turn from it, and predict its downfall. And yet this work has been steadily gaining ground. Plans of operation have had to be enlarged to broader and more extensive ones.
Our ideas of this work were altogether too small at first, more especially in the manner of its operations. For the first few years, it apparently moved slowly; but its rapid strides within the last four or five years, have so far exceeded our most sanguine expectations that we have ceased to wonder at its development and progress. Take the publishing department in connection with the missionary enterprise to illustrate. It is only four years since the first Conference Tract and Missionary Society among S. D. Adventists was organized. This was in the New England Conference. Then it was all an experiment. We had everything to learn. But it proved, by the blessing of God, a success. Its influence reached other Conferences, until the last Conference this side the Rocky Mountains, Missouri and Kansas, was organized the present season, adopting the same system. During the spring and summer of 1873, it was adopted in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Vermont; but Ohio, New York, and Maine, had adopted the system the year previous. The annual report of these Conferences, at the Michigan Camp-meeting at Battle Creek, are marvelous indeed as respects the amount of labor done. Seven out of the ten Conferences thus organized, collectively report as follows: Between three and four millions of pages of reading matter distributed, mostly given away; thousands of volumes placed in libraries; nearly ten thousand families visited and prayed with. Only think of it—ten thousand prayers offered for particular families and individuals in connection with personal labor, and 1500 subscribers obtained for our periodicals. Allowing 10,000 of this number to be for the Review on trial for six months, twenty-six numbers, we have 260,000 visits of our denominational paper, to say nothing of the 60,000 visits of the Reformer and Instructor. We call this a work of no small magnitude, especially when we realize that this effort is made wholly among those who are not believers in present truth. Some of those who have received the Review on trial have embraced present truth, and have sent the paper to scores of their friends. If we allow five readers to each copy of the paper sent, then seventy-five thousand new readers of our valuable periodicals are gained in six months.
We go further. The amount of money raised by the Tract Societies for this home missionary work is not less than $15,000. This is truly wonderful. But the question may be asked, How many have embraced the truth as the result of this labor? This we cannot tell. The Judgment alone will reveal the result. The seed must first be sown before it can spring up and bear fruit. But reports have shown that every Conference has living witnesses of the utility of this labor. The French, the Swedes, the Danes, in this country and other nations, to our certain knowledge, in connection with missionaries sent out by American people, have been the happy recipients of the third angel’s message within the past year.
These facts, showing the amount of labor performed, are based upon the reports of the members, which have been returned; and when we inquire into the number who report, it is still more astonishing. The number of our communicants at the present time, according to statistics, is about 7000. The proportion of this number that belongs to the Tract Society does not exceed 3300, and not more than 1800 of these have reported; so that the above amount of labor has been performed No; we know it is not. But it is that which has been reported only.
Single orders exceeding $1100 worth of publications, amounting to more than 880,000 pages, have been filled, and sent to the various Conference Tract Societies. And at the present time, the brethren and sisters in every Conference seem to have good courage to press on in the work. What can we say to this unless it be, “See what the Lord has wrought”? This work is outside of our ministerial labor. Ten new cotton churches have been started, and are running successfully this season, west of Michigan. And I do not think I have attended a single camp-meeting this season where there have not been calls for our publications in German, French, Swedish, Danish, &c.
Only twenty-five years ago last June, the first paper, which is now known as the Review and Herald, was issued, and a carpet-bag contained the entire edition. Now six periodicals are issued from the Office of the S. D. A. Publishing House located at Battle Creek—one weekly and five monthlies; one on the subject of health, one in Danish, one in Swedish, one youth’s paper, and one missionary paper; there is also another paper already started on the Pacific Coast, and another in contemplation on the Atlantic Coast. People of other tongues, who have embraced present truth, are counted by hundreds.
A denominational school has been established, where young men and women can obtain a few months’ discipline on those points on which they especially need help, and also be taught how to study to the greatest advantage while engaged in their labors. A Biblical Institute, where lectures will be given to young men entering the ministry, is also in contemplation. About 150 scholars are in attendance at the denominational school, and we expect that its numbers will swell to hundreds the coming winter. If means are asked for to prosecute the work upon a larger scale, there is a hearty response from all parts of the field.
One thing is now needed above everything else—it is hearts consecrated to this work; lives devoted to the cause of Christ; men and women who have the same love for souls as Mr. Judson, and the three Mrs. Judsons, who sealed their devotion to the cause of Christ with their lives. Some of this spirit has been manifested by the pioneers of this cause, and in a few instances to a more limited extent since. Whenever it is manifested, God has acknowledged it by pouring out his Spirit, and precious souls have been led to embrace the truth. God, by his providence, has shown, and is showing, his willingness to bless every effort that is put forth in the Spirit of Christ for the advancement of this work. New enterprises from time to time are entered upon, all of which are permeating the public mind and thus preparing the way for this work to reach the honest-hearted in every dark corner of the globe.
The cry for publications in different tongues is coming in from every civilized nation of the earth. For years has Switzerland extended her arms and pleaded for help. Finally, we have been able to send one missionary to Switzerland. Men and women from other denominations, including missionaries in this and other nations have embraced the present truth, and earnestly appealed to us for help. They ask for publications. They say, Give us light. We are not forcing ourselves upon the people. But from every quarter we hear the same earnest pleadings, Send us the light which God has so mercifully committed to those who have received the knowledge of present truth. Our soul is stirred while we write. We think of individuals and small companies who have embraced the present truth in Territories and other nations where the living preacher, upon present truth, has never gone, and they have pleaded month after month, and year after year, for help, until, finally, weary and exhausted, they have become discouraged and in some instances their light has gone out. Can we not learn by these providences that the work is far in advance of us? that hearts are being prepared throughout the world for the reception of the truth? Some are embracing it. Then they turn to us for help, and we are so backward that we cannot see when light comes.
Says the apostle, “I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise.” The Lord had committed to him the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, and it was that he might impart it to others. Bonds and afflictions awaited him wherever he went. But for this he cared not. “I am ready not to be bound only, but to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus;” were the words of Paul when the prophet had revealed to him that he would be bound if he went to Jerusalem. But how different now the circumstances.
Within twenty-five years we have seen a cause rise from poverty and a very small beginning, gradually increase in strength and power, until its sacred rays are welcomed by individuals all over the world. No persecution to impede its progress; no embarrassment on account of finances; and a publishing house with a hundred thousand dollars capital. Does it require any effort to believe this work will triumph? To the doubting, if there are such, we say, “If weak thy faith, why choose the harder side?” The Spirit of God has spoken and testified that we are not doing one-twentieth of what we might. Shall we not consecrate ourselves anew to this work, and seek for that active faith that will lead us to sacrifice our worldly interests and let the greatest desire of our hearts be for the providence of God to open the door of usefulness, or rather give us hearts to work in the way already opened? We need to be baptized with the same spirit of consecration that actuated our pioneers in this cause. Then we shall follow a little nearer to the opening providence of God, and be better prepared to walk as God shall lead the way, and to co-operate with his Spirit as it is leading out in the third angel’s message.
S. N. HASKELL.
A Tract and a Prayer.
By M. Wood
A TRACT, of itself, is of but little value; but if God’s blessing rests upon it to the converting of one soul, that tract has proved a world of good. We cannot bless our own efforts any more than we can cause the seed sown in the earth to take root. We are wholly dependent upon God, and did we realize it more fully, and learn to wait patiently until his blessing was poured out upon our labors, we should see more accomplished in the T. & M. Societies than is now made manifest.
Some two years ago a tract was given to a lady in this neighborhood, accompanied with a prayer that God’s blessing might attend it. A few months ago this lady took her stand with the people of God. She has embraced the whole truth. Her family, who have been bitterly opposed, are now yielding to the Holy Spirit. Our publications, which they would once have spurned as a loathsome thing, they now read with interest.
So the work moves all over the field. We have but to take courage, and buckle on the armor anew, trusting in the Lord and the power of his might. We must be willing to work for ourselves, and then God will work with us, and there will be a wonderful change wrought in our condition. We shall grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, and become living witnesses for the cause we profess to love.
M. Wood.
True Words.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
“LET me say, in the first place, that, when you come to the very marrow of the matter, the kingdom of God is increased, not by the number of churches, not by the number of communicants, not by the number of schools which there are, nor by the number of tracts and newspapers which are circulated. As the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; as it is sweetness, gentleness, meekness, humility and devoutness; so the real increase in any community of the cause of God is to be measured by the increase of these interior dispositions. All the bustle and enterprise and activity does not advance the cause of God among men one step if there has been no augmentation of the devout character of the interior dispositions of men. If the church is only another organization for social purposes; if you are busy in spreading its doctrines and ordinances and outward elements, leaving men just as proud, just as malign, just as cold, just as selfish, just as combative, just as quarrelsome, just as uncharitable in their judgments, and just as hard and inexorable as ever,—you may build an extra Sunday-school in each ward every year, you may multiply Christian associations, but you will make no progress whatsoever, for, after all, it is the increase of these interior dispositions, it is the increase of the sweet fruits of the gospel in men, that marks the spread of Christ’s kingdom.”
How truthful are these words! Let us be careful that our preaching makes men not only sound in doctrine, which is very important, but also sound in heart and practice. D. M. C.
D. DOWNER
By D. Downer
Wisconsin.
Stored the tent Oct. 1. Have had constant opposition. It would fill columns to give an account of it all. I have labored hard, and alone much of the time. Four-fifths of the community for miles believe the truth.
Sept. 30, seven were baptized; yesterday, five more. Several more are to be baptized next week. Thirty are keeping the Sabbath. Some are coming in every week.
Since tent labor closed, I have preached in two school-houses, and have there found opening for winter labor. Several hundred dollars have been offered to build a meeting-house.
There is great demand for Bibles, and people are talking of the truth everywhere. After a little rest, I shall take the field strong in faith that God will bless in the efforts to save precious souls. I have had the Lord's help so that I have been able to preach eleven times and travel one hundred miles in one week.
I would say to our dear people, Let there be strong prayer among you for the raising up of more ministers. Every week comes to us the cry, Come, do come, and help us. I had one more such call yesterday, added to the many before, and it was accompanied with a pledge of one hundred dollars if I could go. I exceedingly fear we are not keeping pace with the opening providence of God. There should be an earnest cry all through our ranks, Lord, send forth laborers. How can we view the fields white for harvest, and laborers so few, and yet restrain our tears? The Lord help us.
D. DOWNER
Arkansas, Pepin Co., Wis., Oct. 19, 1874.
Proceedings of Cal. State Conference.
By John Norton Loughborough; Wm. Saunders
In accordance with appointment the third annual session of the California State Conference was held near Yountville, Napa Co., in connection with the camp-meeting.
FIRST SESSION.
Friday, Oct. 2, 1874, at 5 P. M.
Conference was called to order by the President, Eld. J. N. Loughborough, and opened with prayer. Delegates being called, fourteen churches were represented by delegates whose names were read as follow:—
Green Valley,—W. T. Ross.
Healdsburg,—Wm. Harmon, G. W. Mills.
Woodland,—H. C. Yerby, Geo. N. Andrews, G. C. Martin.
Santa Rosa,—Geo. D. Hager, John Morrison.
San Francisco,—E. A. Stockton.
Bloomfield,—John Judson.
Petaluma,—Edwin Moore.
Napa,—John Custer.
St. Helena,—E. J. Church.
Red Bluff,—J. D. Bandy.
Oakland (not fully organized),—D. B. Rickey, J. W. Cronkwite, John I. Tay.
Vallejo (not fully organized),—J. S. Howard.
Santa Clara (not fully organized),—Eld. D. M. Canright.
San Jose (not fully organized),—Juan M. Santa Ana.
The President reported the presence of Eld. G. I. Butler, delegate from the General Conference, who, with Elds. M. E. Cornell and D. M. Canright, members of the Michigan Conference, was invited to take a part in the deliberations of the meetings. All members in good standing in our churches were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference, except in voting.
The Conference being now fully organized and ready for business, the proceedings of the last Conference were read by the Secretary, and approved.
Eld. Butler, delegate from our General Conference, by invitation of the President, made some general remarks as to matters which would come before this Conference, and in relation to standing committees of the Conference, and the usual mode of selecting them.
It was then voted that the Chair appoint a committee of three on nominations, a committee of six laymen to act with the executive committee in auditing and settling accounts, a committee of three on credentials, and a committee of three on resolutions.
SECOND SESSION.
Monday, Oct. 5, at 8½ A. M.
Session opened with singing, and prayer by the President.
Admission of churches to the Conference came up, and on motion the churches at St. Helena, Red Bluff, and Napa, were each separately received into the Conference.
Voted, that the watchcare of the Conference be extended to the churches at Oakland and Vallejo, they having so requested by resolution.
The President announced the appointment of Committees as follows:—
Committee on nomination of officers,—Wesley Diggins, J. S. Howard, and E. Moore.
Auditing committee,—George N. Andrews, Wesley Diggins, John Morrison, Wm. Harmon, D. B. Rickey and John Custer.
Committee on Resolutions,—G. I. Butler, M. E. Cornell and D. M. Canright.
Committee on Credentials,—J. W. Bond, G. D. Hager and E. J. Church.
The President made a report on the cost of double tent arrangement made for the Conference, as follows:—
No. 2 double-top tent and fixtures, $670 00
Cost of splicing with No. 1, 184.00
Cost of three camping tents, 49.00
Total, $903.00
Size of double tent, 125 by 60 feet, with capacity for seating comfortably 2,000 persons.
The following Tent Report was made by Eld. Loughborough on running expenses with the tent:
Received collections and for rent of tent, $166.20
State funds to balance, 35.40—$201.60
Total, $201.60
THIRD SESSION.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 4½ P. M.
Conference opened with prayer by the President.
Eld. G. I. Butler, General Conference delegate, read an address by Eld. James White, President of the General Conference, in which the brethren of California were urged to duty, and offering a donation of six thousand dollars from the eastern brethren, to purchase steam press and all material complete sufficient to print the Signs of the Times under the supervision of the General Conference Committee.
A recommendation was made by the Auditing Committee that the Conference accept the liberal proposition of the General Conference and that it take the Signs of the Times and assume the control and support of that paper in accordance with the proposition in Bro. White's letter.
The Committee on Nominations made its report, recommending the officers of last year as officers of California Conference for the next year, as follows:—
President, J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, Wm. Saunders; Treasurer, T. M. Chapman; other members of the Executive Committee, J. Judson, J. W. Bond. Being put to a vote of the Conference, these officers were unanimously elected.
The recommendation of the Auditing Committee concerning the Signs of the Times being called up, Eld. Butler was requested to express his views, which he did freely and fully, referring to the recommendation made by the Auditing Committee, that the California Conference take charge of the publication of the Signs of the Times in harmony with the proposition made by the General Conference. He further explained the communication of Eld. James White made to the Conference, and stated that in addition to the 6,000 donated by the brethren at the East for the benefit of the publishing interest on this coast, it was also proposed by them to start a pioneer paper at Battle Creek, for use especially in new fields. He also spoke of Bro. White's connection with this cause from the first, that he had intended to continue the publication of the Signs here himself, but that circumstances had called him back again to act a part at the head of the work, and that in response to urgent and repeated calls from those in charge of the work there, he had finally consented and returned to Battle Creek, where he is now laboring with might and main.
Moved by Bro. Moore, and carried by vote of the Conference, that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to inquire into the financial standing of the Signs of the Times. Wesley Diggins, D. M. Canright, and Wm. Saunders, were appointed.
FOURTH SESSION.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 4 P. M.
Committee on financial standing of Signs reported in favor of adopting the recommendation of the Auditing Committee to accept the proposition of the eastern brethren. The committee also stated that they had examined an inventory of type and materials on hand amounting to between $800 and $900, and that it was all just such material as would be necessary in the publication of the Signs, and the prices were reasonable. They also reported that the estimated cost of $150 per number for publishing the first seven numbers of the Signs, was a fair estimate.
Report of committee was accepted by unanimous vote of the Conference.
FIFTH SESSION.
Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8½ A. M.
Conference opened by prayer, after which the President stated that the matter of printing would be first in order, and as the Committee on Resolutions had handed in a preamble and resolution touching the matter of the Signs of the Times, the Secretary was called on to read, as follows:—
Whereas, In the providence of God, the third angel's message is now being extensively proclaimed upon this coast, and we have strong hopes and good prospects that it will be greatly extended in the future; and,
Whereas, A weekly paper advocating these views is needed for the benefit of the church, for the missionary work, and to aid our lecturers in their work in new fields; and it is a great disadvantage on account of distance and time required to do all our business through the Office at Battle Creek; and,
Whereas, Such a paper as we shall need has already been started here; and it would be a great discouragement to the friends of the cause everywhere, and a disgrace to the cause here to allow the paper to be taken from the coast; and,
Whereas, Our brethren east of the Plains now offer to help us so liberally; and,
Whereas, In our judgment, the strength of the cause here is now sufficient to warrant the undertaking of such an enterprise; therefore,
Resolved, That we accept the offer of the General Conference made through Eld. James White, and purchase the Signs of the Times with the material on hand, and assume the work of publishing it hereafter.
Several brethren made remarks setting forth their views in favor of the proposition. Eld. Canright, chairman of the Committee on Resolutions expressed his views of the importance not only of having a regular weekly paper, but also of having a depository for books, tracts, etc., in connection therewith as important aids to the general spread of the work. Elds. Butler and Loughborough also expressed similar views.
After another reading of the Preamble and Resolution the question was called for, and upon being submitted to the delegates received a unanimous vote, every one voting in favor of the resolution.
The delegates requested an expression from the audience, which was taken by a rising vote. With one or two exceptions the whole house arose.
Bro. Morrison moved, and it was voted, that the Chair appoint a camp-meeting Committee of three for the ensuing year. G. D. Hager, D. B. Rickey and Wm. Harmon were appointed as such Committee.
SIXTH SESSION.
Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5½ P. M.
Session opened with prayer. President called up the matter of publishing, etc., when a resolution from the Committee on Resolutions was introduced that “the oversight of the business of purchasing and publishing the Signs of the Times be committed to the California Conference Committee.”
This resolution drew out remarks from several delegates and other brethren, when the following amendment was proposed to be added to the resolution—“until such time as a legally organized Association shall be formed and its officers elected.”
The resolution was passed as amended, by a unanimous vote of the delegates and by a unanimous rising vote of the congregation.
Resolutions were passed in the same manner thanking Bro. and sister White for their labors on this coast; thanking the friends East for their liberal donation for establishing a publishing house on this coast, and also recommending careful attention to the testimony given through sister White.
A motion to raise a Tent Fund of one thousand dollars was passed unanimously.
Conference voted to renew the credentials of Eld. J. N. Loughborough.
SEVENTH SESSION.
Friday, Oct. 9, at 8½ A. M.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported in favor of granting Minister's Credentials to Bro. M. G. Kellogg; and in favor of granting licenses to improve the gift to the following brethren: W. N. Healey, E. F. Uhl, C. A. Carey, Andros Brosen, Knud Brosen, E. A. Stockton, J. S. Howard, A. W. Bartlett and John Judson.
Report of committee accepted. Eld. Butler spoke to the point, reciting the imperative necessity of more laborers in the field in order to spread these living but unpopular truths, and what he considered to be the necessary endowments and qualifications the men should possess to whom licenses are granted to preach the word of God under the sanction of the Conference; and stated further, that unless those who go out to labor in this direction do benefit the cause, the Conferences generally do not feel under obligations to pay them for their time and efforts; but that it has been the rule to pay all successful laborers. Also, that when any that have been granted license to preach are found to injure rather than benefit the cause, the Conference Committee may revoke such license.
Eld. Loughborough also made remarks for the benefit of these candidates, cautioning them of the danger of getting puffed up, and of the great need of care as to how they demean themselves.
By a vote of the Conference, licenses were granted according to the recommendation of the Committee.
Eld. Butler remarked that he hoped every one of the brethren to whom a license had been granted would start out with a determination to succeed—not to expect to do so very much at the159outset, but working with determination in the smallest and most remote fields at first if need be with all their might; and success would crown their efforts.
Eld. Loughborough counseled them as a general rule to avoid commencing labors in meeting houses of other denominations which would be closed against them as soon as an interest was awakened.
By request of the Conference the Chair appointed D. M. Canright, Alfred Mason and C. A. Carey as a committee to examine church and Systematic books, and sisters Lucie Bush, Emma White and Sarah Judson as a committee to assist the Secretary in examining church Reports.
The following resolution was then introduced by Eld. Canright, of the Committee on Resolutions:—
Resolved, That the Ministers laboring in this Conference be hereby instructed to solicit pledges of means to be paid within the coming Conference year, for the purpose of establishing a publishing office upon this coast and issuing reading matter upon the great principles of the present truth.
After remarks by several persons, the resolution passed by a unanimous vote.
EIGHTH SESSION.
Sunday, Oct. 11, at 5 P. M.
Conference opened with prayer, after which the president called up the matter of the Camp-meeting Fund, and made some remarks as to the disposition of the moneys of that fund during the past year. Following is the report:—
Bal. of fund rec'd from State Treas., $137.06
Rec'd for lumber during camp-meeting, 39.42
Sale of Serra tent, 15.00
Rent of Restaurant, 20.00
Donated toward Expenses, 4.50
Total Receipts, $215.98
Paid for meeting of 1874.
Printing, Lumber, Freight, Oil, &c., $148.64
Watching gap ten days, 20.00
Five cords Wood for camp fires, 25.00
To Mr. Bram for examining Tent, 4.00
Total Expenses, $197.64
Balance on hand, $18.34.
The President announced that the time had now come to receive pledges to the Publishing Fund, stating the desirability of raising at least ten thousand dollars, to be paid any time before Jan. 1, 1876. One brother started the list with a thousand dollars, a sister followed with another thousand, several followed these with $500, others $300, $250, $200, $150, and then followed a list of fifty with $100, and many $50, $30, $20, and $10, pledges, in all amounting to $19,414.
A subscription was also taken to a Tent Fund for purchase of tents, amounting to $1616.20; these subscriptions to be paid by Oct. 1, 1875.
The State Treasurer, T. M. Chapman, made his annual report showing:—
On hand from last year, $705.16.
Rec'd during Conference year, 3150.83
Amounting to, 3855.99
Paid out at different times, 3447.95
Balance on hand, 408.04
Report accepted by vote of the Conference.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted by vote of the Conference:—
Resolved, That in view of past benefits received from General Conference laborers, we donate $500 of our State funds to the General Conference fund.
Eld. Butler thanked the California Conference in behalf of the General Conference for the donation.
The amount of Systematic Benevolence pledged by the fourteen churches represented in this Conference, per year, based upon reports for quarter ending Oct. 1, was shown to be $4127.64.
There being no other business to transact by the Conference, it was proposed by Bro. Diggins of San Francisco to take the double tent to that city, and he would find a place to erect it, pay the expense of seating and carpeting with straw, all free of charge to the Conference.
After some little friendly discussion, it was decided by vote of the Conference to accede to Bro. Diggins' proposition and erect the tent in San Francisco and give a course of lectures therein as soon as this meeting closes.
A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Finnell for the free use of the camp-ground.
Voted, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD, and in the Signs of the Times.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres.
WM. SAUNDERS, Sec.
FLEETING
By M. J. B.
SWIFTLY the time is fleeting;
It seems but yesterday
That the tender buds expanded
’Neath the sunny rays of May,
And now the woodland bowers
Have exchanged their shining green,
For the glowing robes of autumn—
A grand, yet solemn, scene.
Solemn, because it speaketh
Of nature’s sure decay,
And of the fair, lost Eden,
Where man to sin gave way;
It also speaks of seed-time,
And asks me, Didst thou sow
At morn and evening, weeping,
And praying heavenly dew?
If I did not sow in spring time,
I cannot hope to reap;
The Master gave me precious seed,
Saying, Sow it while you weep,
And then you’ll come rejoicing,
Bringing the ripened sheaves;
Oh! shall I stand before him
With only withered leaves?
The time is swiftly passing,
Oh! why do I delay
To labor for the Master?
Go, work, he said, to-day.
And shall the evening shadows
Find me with empty hand?
Oh! rouse, my soul, and quickly
Obey the Lord’s command.
Why cling to earth’s poor treasures?
They perish in an hour;
But the glorious things he giveth
Will evermore endure;
There’s a robe of shining brightness,
And a crown of glittering gold,
A harp whose thrilling melody,
These fingers may unfold.
Oh! think of the glory waiting
For those who labor here;
’Tis only these will enter
The mansions shining there,
And precious souls are perishing
Around thee, everywhere.
Go, labor for the Master,
With patient, watchful care.
Haste thee, my soul, oh! hasten,
Swiftly the moments fly;
Go, labor for the Master
Before the night draws nigh;
Waste not one precious moment;
For soon the gathered grain
Will show the seed-time o’er,
And work will then be vain.
M. J. B.
Rochester, N. Y.
Osceola, Iowa.
By Fanny Rhodes
THE quarterly meeting, appointed to be held at Osceola, began Sabbath evening, Oct. 23. There was quite a number of brethren from neighboring churches present, all coming with the expectation of meeting Bro. Haskell; but in this we were all disappointed, as from some unknown cause, he failed to come.
Thus, beginning under such discouraging circumstances it was feared that the meeting would come far short of doing the good which we had all expected; but through the blessing of God, the interest and feeling increased throughout the whole series of meetings.
On Sabbath morning, Bro. Millard spoke on the soon coming of our Lord, and in the afternoon Bro. Russell Hart addressed the church on the necessity of our entire submission to the will of God.
Sunday morning, Bro. Millard spoke on the subject of the Sabbath. In the evening, Bro. Hart occupied the time with a well-chosen, searching sermon to the church.
On Sunday, there were two seasons of social meeting in which the time was taken up in short, pointed testimonies, all seeming not only willing, but anxious, to testify to the goodness of God, and their love for his precious truth. The Spirit of God seemed to rest down on all and fill every heart with the spirit of true devotion. We trust none went away without feeling that this meeting had been a source of great encouragement to them. Reported by request of the brethren.
FANNY RHODES.
Tent Meetings in Michigan and Opposition Faced
By R. J. Lawrence; P. Strong
Michigan.
We pitched our tent in this place on Wednesday following the Battle Creek Camp-meeting, and continued until Wednesday preceding the week of the Lapeer Camp-meeting, when we took down the tent, and shipped it for Lapeer. We gave fifty discourses, and sold twenty dollars’ worth of books, and gave away five dollars’ worth. Obtained five subscribers for the REVIEW and two for the Instructor. The Methodists held street preaching the first and second evenings of our meetings. Then came temperance lectures, women’s rights lectures, spiritualist lectures, shows, &c., besides the wireworking of others to keep the people away.
Notwithstanding all this opposition eighteen gave in their names to hold Sabbath meetings, and eight or ten more were keeping the Sabbath. The Lord wrought for his truth in the conversion of some souls that we trust will go through to the kingdom of God. To him be all the praise.