Earlier text: “EVEN AS IT WAS TOLD ME.”CHRISTIANITY VS. INFIDELITY.
By Rainbow
A Sketch that Everybody Should Read.
A VIRGINIA banker, who was chairman of a noted infidel club, was once traveling on horseback through Kentucky, having with him bank-bills to the value of twenty-five thousand pounds. When he came to a lonely forest where robberies and murders were said to be frequent, he was soon lost through taking a wrong road. The darkness of night came quickly over him, and how to escape the threatened danger he knew not. In his alarm, he suddenly espied in the distance a dim light, and urging his horse onward, he at length came to a wretched looking cabin. He knocked, and the door was opened by a woman, who said that her husband was out hunting, but would shortly return, and she was sure that he would cheerfully give him shelter for the night. The gentleman tied up his horse and entered the cabin, but with feelings that can be better imagined than described. There he was, with a large sum of money, and perhaps in the house of one of the robbers whose name was a terror in the country. In a short time the man of the house returned. He had on a deer skin shirt, a bear skin cap, seemed much fatigued, and in no talkative mood. All this boded the infidel no good. He felt for his pistols in his pocket, and placed them so as to be ready for instant use. The man asked the stranger to retire to bed, but he declined, saying that he would sit by the fire all night. The man urged, but the more he urged the more the infidel was alarmed. He felt assured that this was his last night upon earth, but he determined to sell his life as dearly as he could. His infidel principles gave him no comfort. His fears grew into perfect agony. What was to be done? At length the backwoodsman rose, and reaching to a wooden shelf he took down an old book and said: “Well, stranger, if you won't go to bed, I will; but it is my custom always to read a chapter of Holy Scripture before I go to bed.” What a change did these words produce! Alarm was at once removed from the skeptic's mind. Though avowing himself an infidel, he had now confidence in the Bible. He felt safe. He felt that the man who kept an old Bible in the house, and read it, and bent his knees in prayer, was no robber or murderer. He listened to the simple prayer of the good man, at once dismissed all his fears, and lay down in that rude cabin and slept as calmly as he did under his father's roof. From that night he ceased to revile the good old Bible. He became a sincere Christian, and often related the story of his eventful journey, to prove the folly of infidelity.—Selected for Review.307 It is not too much to believe that the state of the world at the present time is disposing many thoughtful men to look a little more closely into the Holy Scriptures. If so, they will find that revelation has a great deal more to do with this world than is generally imagined. It has long been assumed that if we know the way of salvation, and are prepared for Heaven, we have secured the chief, if not really the exclusive, object of revelation. Men have been spoken to as if the great work of life was to learn how to die; they have been addressed as “immortal souls,” and the business of the pulpit is to fit them for a disembodied state and an immensely distant Heaven. The world we live in, that by right of inheritance, by ransom, and by unfailing covenant, belongs to Jesus Christ our Lord, and upon which creative beneficence has lavished wondrous beauty and grandeur, has either been referred to as a thing of no permanent consequence, or ignored entirely as unworthy of mention, when the gospel of salvation was the topic of discourse. * We beseech men not to deceive themselves any longer with the notion that either art, science, commerce, diplomacy, or the preaching of the gospel, or all united, will bring about a peaceful millennium, either to the world or the church. That day comes not until the Lord Jesus returns from Heaven to earth to rule the world in righteousness. Every prediction bearing on the time of the end, admonishes us that the period of that return is near. We speak without the slightest hesitancy when we say that mighty and marvelous changes are at hand. Assuredly, if Christians saw a thousandth part of the issues involved in the pre-millennial coming of their beloved Lord, they would do all in their power to make that glorious, yet terrible fact known—glorious to his friends, yet terrible to his foes. We are doing our utmost both to herald the dawn and sound the alarm, but we should have a host of willing helpers if the truth on this great subject were generally known. There is no mission in existence at this moment so important as that in which we are engaged. We speak emphatically and advisedly, “THE COMING OF THE LORD DRAWETH NIGH.” Brethren! help us to proclaim that!—Rainbow. ARE YOU PUTTING OFF THE DAY OF SALVATION?
By Phebe A. Foster
Sinner, backslider, to you these words are addressed; you who are plead with, and prayed for from day to day, by faithful teachers, dear parents, kind friends; you who live, as it were, under the “droppings of the sanctuary,” of you I would ask the question, Are you neglecting to give your heart to the Saviour, while he is pleading with you, and earnestly knocking at the door of your heart, and inviting you to partake of his boundless love? Do you throw open the portals of your soul, and urge him to take up his abode with you? or do you bar its doors against him, and say with the proud Felix, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season I will call for thee!” Strange that poor, wretched mortals as we, should grieve a dear Saviour’s love so shamefully! And, yet strange as it is, these words are no stranger to the ears of the dear Saviour who has given his life for just such worms as we. But the “convenient season” for which we sigh, never comes. We have no account that the proud ruler of the Jews ever fulfilled his promise. And, sinner, it will be so with thee. You will never see the day when you can so easily give your heart to Jesus, as now. Every day the “enemy of souls” is binding the cords of sin tighter and stronger about you, and soon, if you do not take heed to your ways, you will be out of reach of help. For the Lord has said, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” Then beware how you trifle with the means of grace. You know not but this may be the last time Jesus will call upon you to prepare for the “Marriage supper of the Lamb.” Then beware how you defer it to some future time; to-morrow’s sun may shine on your grave. “Then haste, oh! sinner, to be wise,
And stay not for the morrow’s sun,
The longer wisdom you despise,
The harder is she to be won.” Do you look to this wicked world for enjoyment? Then, in tones of kindness, I beseech you to relinquish your vain hope; for it will surely fail you. The world with all its pleasures is fast passing away. That awful day for which we all ought to prepare, is hastening on as fast as the wheels of time can move. Are you ready for that day? If you are not, oh! delay not to prepare for the terrible scenes which are just before us. You know not what you do when you slight offered mercy. “BEHOLD how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psa. cxxxiii, 1. Review, No. 16, has just arrived from Battle Creek, and with much interest and pleasure we have glanced over its pages and laid it aside for a more thorough perusal on the morrow, the Sabbath. Very many pleasant thoughts crowd in upon the mind upon this hasty perusal of the Review, and one above them all fills the soul with unalloyed happiness. It is this: the perfect harmony and union of all, and the sweet spirit of love apparent in every line of this paper. One’s thoughts recur to past scenes of deep trial and affliction, and then coming from these scenes, so necessary to our purification, to the present, when we behold the good hand of God in raising up Bro. White from almost an incurable malady, and strengthening him again to preach, and write, and labor in the good work, thus making a clear opening for the pure testimony again to sound among the churches; to see good brethren rallying around him; to see the brethren almost faint with labor and care at the Office, out in the open air, regaining their health and spirits for future labors, and finding in this a noble opening for usefulness in attending the meetings at the far West, where they will mingle usefulness with the pursuit of health; and not the least ingredient in our cup of joy is the thought that there yet remain at the Office, those who can keep matters moving in their wonted order and regularity. Again we look over the Review and there is the sermon, replete with instruction; articles, all bearing upon the same great theme, preparation for the great events of the future; reports from laborers in the wide harvest-field, encouraging our faith and trust. In looking over these considerations, we feel an unusual hopefulness, which we believe is founded, not in a vain, boasting spirit, but in the firm conviction that God is in this work, as it progresses from one stage to another. The Health Reform is doing a silent, but mighty work. Organization had its difficulties, and its triumph. So had the Systematic Benevolence scheme. These difficulties and victories are all matters of history. So it will soon be with the Health Reform. God is at work in the hearts of his people. These are but the outward signs of an inward work. These are not revolutions, but advances, upward and onward. At each victory the union is stronger among the remnant people of God, and each triumph is so hardly contested, that God’s people press together more closely, at each successive step. Love and harmony increase with each costly lesson of humility and truth; and each one inwardly realizes, to-day more than yesterday, that the work is of God, not of man. This thought gives sublimity to the work as a whole, and presents the details in harmony and order. The individuals, as such, are lost sight of, and only recognized as a part of the body, as colors blend in the rainbow. God is to be magnified, and his work greatly admired. But at this particular time we are more than usually impressed with the union, love and good will, which to us seem so apparent, not from any one evidence alone, but in all we behold. Thus it is, when our leaders are encouraged, we also feel to rejoice, because the Lord is helping them; but if they are smitten down, we mourn and faint also. Seeing this is so, we promise to pray for them, and will endeavor as a people, not to add to, but to lighten, their burdens, by our humility, and love, and faith, and labor, and self-denial, and obedience. THE ENEMY'S POWER.
By Rebekah Smith
As Satan has in wrath come down,
To bring us 'neath our maker's frown,
We must resist his course.
He'll bring beneath his dread control
The doubting, disobedient soul,
By his satanic force. Where least expected his attack,
To lead us to perdition back,
And claim us as his own,
Alarming are his wily arts,
Most fearful too his fiery darts,
When undiscovered thrown. Armed and equipped we must be sure,
His fierce temptations to endure,
His fatal snares to meet.
'Tis easy going with the tide,
In Jesus Christ we must abide,
And be in him complete. There's no true consolation here,
But to be holy in our sphere,
From condemnation free.
When all our foes within are slain,
The tempter then comes but in vain,
With Heaven he'll ne'er agree. The humble, merciful and just,
In God who wholly put their trust,
Shall find protection sure.
Their fortress, shield and firm defence,
Is naught less than Omnipotence,
With strength given to endure. Those who in God securely stand,
When thousands fall at their right hand,
No plague will them come nigh.
They're safe 'neath Heaven's sheltering wings,
'Mid crash of worlds, all earthly things,
Which will in ruin lie. Thus guarded here, when all is o'er,
They'll be with those who die no more,
Forever safe in Heaven,
Where all is union, peace and love,
Made welcome to the courts above,
Where life eternal's given. But we are here on dangerous ground;
Some will be weighed and wanting found,
Will from the truth depart,
Will false, delusive spirits heed,
And pride and arrogance will feed,
And harden still the heart. When self, that mighty foe, prevails
To conquer, every effort fails;
Self will be gratified,
E'en at the expense of present peace,
Till conscience' warning voice will cease,
And self feel justified. And some, in view of being lost,
Will self indulge whate'er the cost,
Nor think to be forgiven.
Their dearest idol bears such sway,
So loved, their practice does but say,
If one must go, 'tis Heaven. A course deliberate thus pursued,
Instead of having self subdued,
Eternal life they'll lose.
They'll bear the burden of their guilt,
For which the blood of Christ was spilt,
And go the way they choose. Justice will utter, Let them go,
They've proved their final overthrow—
Their day of grace is past.
May those who're not yet given o'er
Repent, ere closed is mercy's door,
And thus be saved at last. From Sister Ordway.
By C. Ordway
BRO. SMITH. I would say to the scattered brethren and sisters that it cheers my heart when I read the testimonies of the followers of Jesus. My mind runs back to the time I first heard the third angel's message preached. I listened to a series of lectures delivered by Brn. Van Horn and Lawrence, and embraced the Sabbath. Long will memory feast upon the encouraging words they spoke to us. I had been a member of the Methodist church for several years, but my Bible seems like a new book to me. I did not understand it then as I do now. I see a beauty in it that I never saw before. There is a little company of Sabbath-keepers here, striving to be united in the message. I am looking forward with blessed anticipation to that glorious resurrection morning, when those loved ones whom we have seen laid away in the silent grave will come forth with songs of praise and shouts of victory. Then it will be that those faithful ones will receive a crown of glory. Brethren and sisters, is not this worth renouncing all the sinful pleasures of the world to obtain? I am sometimes led to inquire, Who will be there? Who will be worthy of so great a blessing? I feel that I am not worthy, but I still feel like putting my trust in God and striving for victory over sin. Oh, I want to be ready. Dear readers, will you strive to be ready? Time is precious; let us work while it is day, while Jesus pleads for us that we may be of that holy company that will stand on the sea of glass having the harps of God in their hands. C. ORDWAY.
Richland Co., Ohio. From Sister Stiles.
By M. P. Stiles
Bro. Smith: I fear I have acted very selfishly in permitting my brethren and sisters to contribute so much to my edification without making an effort toward a return. We can all by the grace of God, through the paper so dear to us all, speak a few words of encouragement to our fellow travelers on this toilsome journey. God does not wish us to hold back for want of education or especial talent; for he says the wisdom of this world is foolishness with him. So I believe he will bless us in our feeble endeavors to lighten the burdens of the weary traveler. I feel that there are so many who have got so far on their journey, and I have but just started, that I must strive to the utmost to get ready; for here it is the “eleventh hour” and my wardrobe is not yet prepared. I have not got on the wedding garment, and my lamp, if lit at all, I fear sheds a very feeble light. And all the rubbish at the door of my heart! Oh! to think that my blessed Saviour should stand until his locks are wet with the dews of night, waiting for me to clear it away that he may come in and sup with us and we with him. But again here are all the hindrances of the flesh which need not be enumerated to the experienced. They all keep Jesus away and therefore keep us from overtaking those who are foremost in the ranks; for it is only in His strength we may ever hope to run the race successfully. Oh! may he help us to realize that we are in deep waters, and if we do not hasten to get loose from the clogs which bear us down, we shall sink amid the surging breakers never more to rise. I bless God for his merciful kindness unto me, so much more than my deserts; and often am I led to exclaim in humble thankfulness, What am I, that he should be mindful of me? But I know the Man of Sorrows is my friend. For our comfort he gives us this blessed assurance, if our ways please him. And how bold it makes us in the things of this world. We go boldly forward, fearless of the enmity of the world, trusting in God and in the power of his might, feeling that if he is for us who can be against us. There are a few of us here, my parents among the number, who are trying to live for Jesus. We are trying to exemplify the “patience of the saints.” We know the harvest here is ripe, and we pray the Lord of the harvest that it may not waste for want of laborers. We believe that God will soon move on the mind of some servant he wants to come here, and we wait in faith. I long to be buried with Christ in baptism and be able to partake of his broken body which was broken for me; but I want my husband, friends and neighbors to enjoy the blessing with me, and I believe I shall have them, for God has said through his servant, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart.” I will therefore “rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, and he will bring it to pass.” O blessed Master! how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! In bonds of Christian love. M. P. STILES.
Kent Co., Mich. From Sister Jones.
By Maria Jones
BRO. SMITH: For years we have read and heard of the Adventists, and from report supposed all manner of things concerning them, and dreaded them as a pestilence. Our astonishment, and almost alarm, may therefore be imagined, when about seven weeks ago, we received the intelligence, that two Adventists had come to this village, pitched a tent, and would remain for six weeks. Our curiosity overcame our astonishment, and we went to hear them. Quite a change was wrought in our feelings, when we beheld and listened to the words of truth as given by Elders J. H. Waggoner and I. D. Van Horn, and as night after night we sat under their teachings, a new light dawned on our mind. What before had been dark, became clear and beautiful under their instruction. For six weeks these men labored day and night, bringing the truths of the Bible to light. Regardless of the sneers, scorn and anathemas heaped upon them by a misguided people, they pushed their way bravely through. Foremost in the rank of scorners stood the professed disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus; but truth will have its way, and in spite of all the wrong and evil reports circulated against Adventists, quite a number have taken the Bible for their guide, and have begun to walk in the new light. The meetings in the tent were discontinued last Sunday. Tuesday, the 8th, Eld. Waggoner left us, and with him took our love and earnest hopes for the recovery of his health, which has become impaired through his labors here. Eld. Van Horn remains with us until the middle of November. He will preach every Sabbath, and instruct a Bible class, while he remains, in the M. P. church. This evening he begins a series of lectures in Port William. Quite an interest is manifested there in regard to Adventism. A part of the church trustees refused the use of the church at first, on the plea that too many infidels went to hear them. With best wishes for the advancement of the cause of truth, I close this my first letter in the Advent Review.
MARIA JONES.
Green Co., Ohio. From Sister Thompson.
By A. O. Thompson
Bro. Smith: It was thirteen years ago that I, in company with my companion, stopped at Rochester a few hours waiting for the cars. My husband said to me, “Let us go and find the Review Office and see Bro. J. F. Byington,” who was then laboring there. We met as familiar friends in the Lord. I was not a Sabbath-keeper at that time, but in looking around the Office I saw heavenly countenances, and then I had an introduction to your beloved sister, Annie R. Smith, and to our dear Bro. Orton. They sleep while we yet toil on. It was there that conviction rested upon me, and I said to one George Dilabough, while going to the depot, that I would keep the Sabbath if he would. I never heard that he did, but I kept the next Sabbath at Bro. Byington’s, in St. Lawrence Co., though not in heart. In Sept. following, Brn. Ingraham and Hutchins came to Norfolk to hold a two days’ meeting, and there the Lord fully converted me to the truth of the third angel’s message. I have never regretted it, but feel to mourn that I have not kept pace with the message. One year ago I joined the church and was re-baptized. I little realized what was before me; for it has been a year of deep sorrow and trial to me. I think I can now realize in a measure what the remnant must go through; but still I do not feel like going back. The Lord is good to me. I feel that I have much to overcome, and need the prayers of God’s dear saints. I have the greatest confidence in this work, and in those that are chosen to lead in it. I take great pleasure in reading the Review, and feel that it is a pleasure to pay in advance, even if it is at some sacrifice. Your sister in the Lord.
A. O. Thompson.
St. Law. Co., N. Y. Sister E. F. Marsh writes from Minnesota: Being often cheered by the testimony of the lone ones, who like me have no privilege of meeting with those of like faith, I have thought some might be glad to hear from me, that I still love God, and strive to keep his commandments, and the faith of Jesus. It is about fourteen years since I embraced the Sabbath, and I am not yet weary of keeping it. The only preaching I have is the Review, and with joy I receive its weekly visits. It is like cold water to a thirsty soul! How thankful I am to God, who gave the brethren the heart to send it to the poor. I am old and my pilgrimage is almost done. Still here is my heart and hand to meet you in that heavenly land, where we shall part no more. Yours in hope. SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE N. Y. AND PA. CONFERENCE.
By C. O. TAYLOR; S. B. WHITNEY
CONFERENCE assembled pursuant to appointment, at Adam’s Center, Sept. 27, 1867. In the absence of Eld. N. Fuller, President, the meeting was called to order by Bro. Andrews. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough. After the calling of delegates, Bro. Taylor was chosen President, pro tem. Upon examination of credentials and letters from delegates, it was ascertained that twenty-one churches were represented by twenty delegates and two letters. One delegate duly chosen, failed to appear, and a letter from another church did not arrive till the second day of Conference. It was then Voted, That Brn. Loughborough and A. C. Bourdeau be invited to participate in the business of the Conference. Voted, That Bro. J. B. Lamson be admitted as a delegate from Rochester. Voted, That the constitution of this Conference be amended by the adoption of the following as Art. vii of Sec. 3, viz.: “This Conference may, at its discretion, invite all persons present who are members of our churches in good standing to take part in the discussion of business, but not to participate in voting.” The brethren were accordingly invited. The minutes of the last meeting were then read and accepted. The reports of churches were called for and read. By vote of Conference the following committees were appointed by the chair. 1. On resolutions, Ira Abbey, Josiah Witter and David Arnold. 2. On nominations, S. B. Whitney, J. N. Andrews and J. W. Raymond. The following committees were appointed by the Conference: 1. Auditing committee, A. H. Hall, E. O. Fish, Ira Abbey, J. M. Lindsay, Josiah Witter and Homer Howe. 2. On preaching, C. O. Taylor, Samuel Walsworth and Henry Brown. Bro. Loughborough was invited to act with the auditing committee. Ministers’ reports being called for, the following brethren responded: C. O. Taylor, J. W. Raymond, John Barrows and S. B. Whitney. Brn. Saunders and Arnold made reports subsequently to the committee. Brn. Fuller and Cottrell were unable to report on account of severe illness. The Conference then proceeded to adopt the following amendments to the constitution, viz.: Add to Art. iii, Sec. 2, the words, “When a member takes a letter of commendation from a church he still remains a member of that church; and he should pay his s. B. accordingly, giving due notice when he joins the church in another place.” Annex the following to Art. iv, as sections 3 and 4. Sec. 3. The expulsion of members from church fellowship should never be effected by less than a two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the church in question; and such action should not take place without previous faithful labor with the erring member, and also giving due notice of his trial. The only circumstances under which these regulations should be departed from at all, are in the case of outrageous crime in which the guilt is manifest; in which case, at the discretion of the church this previous labor may be dispensed with. Sec. 4. In the case of church trials involving the expulsion of members, our brethren, if possible, should secure the aid of some experienced preacher; if this is not consistent, they should make application to the State Conference Committee for the aid of some experienced and judicious lay-brethren to aid by their counsel and advice, excepting such cases only as are excepted in the preceding section. Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. Treasurer’s report made and accepted. The committee on nominations reported as follows, viz., for President, N. Fuller; Secretary, S. B. Whitney; Treasurer, C. O. Taylor; Executive Committee, N. Fuller, J. N. Andrews and R. F. Cottrell. The report was accepted, and the nominations elected as a whole. The following resolutions were then adopted: Resolved, That in the judgment of this Conference no church clerk should ever give letters of commendation, except when instructed to do so by vote of the church. Resolved, That we express our continued faith in the perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts during the gospel dispensation, and our gratitude to God that he has intimately connected the spirit of prophecy with the proclamation of the third angel’s message. Resolved, That we acknowledge the Health Reform as a proper exemplification of the subject of Christian temperance, and an important part of the great work of preparation for the judgment. Resolved, That we recognize the hand of God in the successful establishment of the Health Institute, and that we invite the continued action of our people in order that this may be enlarged to meet the wants of its patients. Resolved, That we earnestly entreat all our friends to regard the subject of plainness of dress as set forth in the pamphlet recently issued from the Review Office, containing the Gen. Conference resolutions on dress and Judson’s letter on the same subject. Resolved, That we recommend to our sisters the Reformed Dress as set forth in Testimony No. 12, and now in use at the Health Institute. Resolved, That it is the judgment of this Conference, that the bearing of arms, or engaging in war, is a direct violation of the spirit of the gospel and teachings of our Saviour. Yet we deem it our duty to yield respect to civil rulers, and obedience to all such laws as do not conflict with the word of God. In the carrying out of this principle we render tribute, customs, reverence, &c. Whereas, The season of fasting and prayer that the war might be brought to a close was followed by a signal answer to that prayer; and Whereas, Such answer to prayer called for the deepest humiliation before God, that we might discharge the great responsibilities that devolved upon us by this opening to give the warning voice of the third angel; and Whereas, Instead of this, a spirit of self-laudation and vanity came over us that justly displeased the Lord, therefore, Resolved, That we publicly acknowledge the hand of God in the great humiliations that have come upon us, and that we beseech the great God of Heaven to grant us such a spirit of repentance and humiliation that he can properly remove this just displeasure from us. Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White with us in former years; and also for the recovery of Bro. White’s health; and that we extend to them an earnest invitation to visit us again at their earliest convenience. Adjourned to the call of the committee. Called at 9 o’clock first-day morning. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough, after which the report of the auditing committee was listened to. Report adopted. Among other items of appropriation were the following, viz.: Missionary Fund $150.00, S. D. A. Pub. Association, $100.00, Institute Charitable Fund, $50.00. The Conference proceeded to adopt the following resolutions, viz., Resolved, That the Secretary of the Conference be hereby instructed to report through the Review, within ten days after the expiration of each quarter of the Conference year, the names of such ministers and licentiates as have neglected to make their quarterly reports to him; also the names of such churches as have been guilty of the same neglect. Resolved, That gift enterprises, lotteries, and all chance games are contrary to the spirit of the gospel, and engender a spirit of covetousness in those who engage in them, and should not be engaged in by any of our members. Whereas, Some of our brethren have not properly regarded the Testimonies in reference to patent rights, therefore Resolved, That we recommend to our members to be exceedingly cautious how they engage in such traffic. Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the enlargement of the Review, and for the great variety of excellent matter with which its columns are filled; and that we pledge ourselves to promptly pay the increased price of the same, and even to donate for its support, should such act be necessary. The renewal of minister’s credentials being considered, the following ministers received them for the ensuing year, viz.: J. N. Andrews, N. Fuller, R. F. Cottrell, C. O. Taylor and S. B. Whitney. Licenses were granted to the following persons: J. W. Raymond, E. B. Saunders, John Barrows, David Arnold and Hiram Edson. Adjourned to call of committee. Convened at 9 A. M., second day. Prayer by Bro. Bourdeau. Report of the standing of the Conference made by the Secretary, after which the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That we deem it worthy of severe censure that our brethren frequently move from churches to which they belong where there is no sufficient reason for so doing, and when the churches of which they were members are thereby so weakened as to have their very existence endangered; and that in our judgment such churches may, at their discretion, withhold letters of commendation from members moving under such circumstances. It was also Voted, That the churches be requested to pledge nine-tenths of their s. B. funds to the Conference fund, and the whole, when convenient. Voted, That Bro. H. W. Lawrence receive a license from the Conference. The remainder of the session was occupied with earnest and stirring appeals relative to the wants of the cause. Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. The discussion of the wants of the cause was resumed and the following resolutions passed: Resolved, That the Conference Committee is hereby instructed to call a meeting of all the ministers within the bounds of the Conference at such times as they shall consider necessary. Resolved, That the different churches throughout the Conference are hereby instructed to report, through their elders or leaders, their spiritual condition to the Executive Committee once each quarter. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Conference, our ministers should enter new fields of labor and devote their energies to the raising up of new churches, except when the urgent wants of our churches demand labor with them.309 Resolved, That our ministers and licentiates are hereby instructed to make a quarterly report of their labors to the Executive Committee. An arrangement was then made for Monthly Meetings as follows: 1. Buck’s Bridge, Norfolk and Bangor. 2. Adams’ Center and Mannsville. 3. Oswego, Roosevelt and West Monroe. 6. Rochester, Clarkson, Ridgway, Lockport, Olcott and Lancaster. 7. Alleghany Co., McKean Co., Pa. and Roulette, Pa. A rising vote was then taken of the entire congregation upon the following: Moved, That a vote of thanks be given to the church at Adams’ Center for the very kind manner in which they have entertained the Conference. Moved, That we express ourselves in favor of the reformed dress mentioned in a previous resolution. It was then voted that the minutes of this meeting be published in the Review. Adjourned sine die. C. O. TAYLOR, President pro tem, THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM.
SPIRITUALISM is making more rapid progress than most people are aware. It is silently winning its way among the masses. Should we ask you, reader, how numerous you suppose Spiritualists are in this country, compared with the Roman Catholics, and the Protestant sects covering the same territory, you might at first thought confidently answer, “But a small minority.” If so, ponder well the following statements made by Judge Edmunds in a lecture given in Williamsburg, N. Y., May 1, 1867, and reported in the Banner of Light, June 1, 1867. He says:— “Already the Spiritualists in the United States outnumber the Catholics and Protestants together. At the meeting of the Roman Catholic Bishops at Baltimore recently, the first object was to ascertain the religious condition of the people, and it was found that the Catholics and Protestants numbered less than nine millions, but that the Spiritualists numbered between ten and eleven millions, and have more than fifty thousand mediums. This statement comes from those who are not friendly to Spiritualism. . . . Last year I received from London a book by a lady traveling, who said that there was no town or city of any magnitude in Europe, where there were not Spiritualists; she had heard of them in nine different languages.” Truly the way is preparing for the spirits of Devils to go forth to the kings of the earth and the whole world to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments. The most thrilling prophecies are on the eve of fulfillment. We are living in momentous and solemn times. “Wicked spirits gather round thee;
Legions of those foes to God,
Principalities most mighty,
Walk unseen the earth abroad,
They are gathering to the battle
Strengthened for the last deep strife;
Christian, arm! be watchful, ready,
Struggle manfully for life.” THE LATE N. Y. CONFERENCE.
By S. B. WHITNEY
This was the best Conference, conceded by all present, I believe, ever held in the State. And, brethren, why should it not be so? As we near the final consummation of all earthly things and the time of our deliverance, can we be consistent with our profession of faith if we are not better prepared from year to year to engage in the duties belonging to the annual gatherings of God's people? And this is what makes them better. The excellency of our Conference did not consist in the fact of a great degree of animation and spirit of rejoicing resting upon the brethren and sisters, but in the heartfelt and faithful performance of present duty, and the earnest desire shown by all to seek a better preparation for the great and solemn work before us. While the transaction of business was characterized by almost perfect unanimity of feeling and harmony of action, yet it called forth solemn and impressive exhortation and appeal to the church from those that feel the burden of the work. The preaching was not of that flowery and flighty character that pleases the ear and excites the imagination, but leaves no abiding conviction upon the heart, but was such as to impress the hearer with the solemnity of the times and the necessity of strong faith, consistency, deep devotion and complete consecration, marking our conduct and experience in these times. The new feature, a prayer-meeting, well attended, at 5:30 in the morning, was a happy one, and the effort to arrange more social meetings than usual on such occasions for the benefit of the believers assembled, told upon their spiritual advancement. Among the prominent points that elicited an earnest expression of feeling were the spirit of emigration that our brethren partake so largely of, the reformed dress, Health Institute, the spirit of vanity and self-laudation that has come over us as a people, and last, though not least, the resolution that the work of God shall advance among us during the coming year; and as Bro. Andrews endeavored to impress our minds with the importance of a daily conversion to this work, and gave this to the brethren as a recipe for good Monthly Meetings without a preacher, we all felt in our hearts that this resolution must be carried out. The last day, Monday, over which most of the brethren remained, was indeed “that great day of the feast;” and as we dispersed, we felt that we had had a holy convocation in which no servile work was done, and that we had taken another step, at least, in preparation for the gathering of the saints in the New Jerusalem. We felt deeply afflicted in the absence and illness of our dear Brn. Fuller and Cottrell, but felt that, as their condition in a great measure arose from their devotion to the cause, we could commend them to the Great Physician, and hope and pray earnestly for their recovery and restoration to the church. Genoa, N. Y., Oct. 11, 1867.