Earlier text: Judgment of WorksHAVING heard of a promise, or threat, to "expose" Adventism in Humboldt County, we suppose it must be fulfilled by a correspondent in the Christian Advocate, writing from Ferndale, who uses the following language:— "We have among us, for the time being, a 'present truth,' as they term it. Now what is a 'present truth'? Is not truth whether past or present, or indeed future, the same. Truth is simply truth, and that is all that can be made of it." We are not surprised that an individual should occasionally be found whose prejudices were so strong that he would utter such an absurdity as is found in the above quotation. But we are surprised that an intelligent editor would give publicity to it. Is there, or is there not, such a thing as present truth? In 2 Peter 1:12 are the following words: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them and be established307 in the present truth." We dissent from the idea of the Ferndale writer because it is both unreasonable and unscriptural. With his comment Peter's words have no meaning. It was present truth in Noah's time that the world was to be destroyed by a flood, and as such it was his duty to preach it and to prepare for it. Were we to proceed upon the false principle that "truth whether past, or present, or future, is the same," and preach to this generation as Noah did to his, we should preach an untruth. Once it was a vital point to confess that Moses was a leader appointed of God. Num. 16. They who rejected him were slain; they who accepted him were saved. But in the days of Christ they were rejected of God who strenuously plead for Moses as a divinely-appointed leader and teacher. Why? Because another test was before them. The fulfilment of the prophecies had brought in another "present truth." Jonah could only do the will of God by preaching that "yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed." If the same things are to be preached in all ages because truth past, present, or future is always the same, then we should expect to hear our Methodist ministers preaching the destruction of Nineveh in forty days! Why do they not do it? Why do they ignore this message which God so plainly commanded his prophet to preach? Were the word of God not progressive in its development, were there no prophecies to be fulfilled, there would be no such distinction as past, present, or future truth. But they who ignore the fact of such development and of the fulfillment of prophecy, and the distinction of truths growing out of it, have very limited views of the Bible, and really lose the force of a large amount of its teachings. The prophet Joel shows that when "the day of the Lord is near" an alarm is to be sounded. And Peter says that in the last days people will scoff at the doctrine of the Lord's coming. And Jesus says that the slothful servant who says—in his heart—"My Lord delayeth his coming," will have his portion with the hypocrites. He says also that it will be as it was in the days of Noah; it will come as a thief on those who do not watch, who do not give heed to the signs which show when he is near, even at the doors. But some men count it a mark of wisdom to despise every effort to understand the "sure word of prophecy." As their fathers did so do they, prophecy or no prophecy. Such was the position of the Jews also, and the reason of their fall. "If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee." Rom. 11:21. The Importance of the Fourth Commandment.
By John Nevins Andrews
THE fourth commandment commemorates the creation of the heavens and of the earth. But is this commandment worthy to be associated with the three which precede it, and to form with them the first table of the law of God? The first commandment forbids us to have other gods before the Lord. The second commandment forbids us to make any representation of the true God. The third commandment forbids us to take the name of God in vain. But what right has the Lawgiver to demand this supreme worship? It is not enough to say that he is powerful and will punish us if we refuse to obey. This does not prove that he has the right to make such demands. Nor is it enough to say that he is infinite in wisdom and goodness. This may prove that he would not require us to worship him to the exclusion of all other beings if that demand were not just. But the question still remains, Why is it right that God should demand of us adoration supreme and undivided? The fourth commandment was given to teach man why he owes supreme worship to God, and to keep the reason for this worship always present in his mind. God is the creator, and all other beings have been created by him. Whatever we possess of good we owe to God. He gave existence to our earth, and then formed man from its dust, and gave him life. When, therefore, God commands man to render to him adoration, supreme and undivided, he demands only his just due. Man owes worship to God because he has been created by him, and because that in him he lives, and moves, and has his being. Acts 17:28. It is for this reason that the fourth commandment requires us to celebrate the memorial of the creation of the heavens and of the earth, and of the human race. The fourth commandment does therefore constitute the basis of the law of God. Our obligation to obey God grows out of the fact that we owe our existence to him. Satan has therefore in all ages sought to destroy the fourth commandment that he might cause men to forget God. But God has shown his estimate of the value of this commandment by using the word "Remember" as its first word. The commandment bids men to honor the rest-day of the Creator, which he set apart in the beginning from all the business of this life. Man is always in danger of forgetting God. So God has given to man a memorial that will always bring to his mind the creation of all things. During the six days man must strive to keep God in his mind while laboring for the things of this life. But when the seventh day arrives God bids man stop and think of him alone. To him we owe everything, and therefore he shall receive from us the grateful adoration of our undivided hearts. It is upon this truth that the law of God rests its authority. In the S. S. Times, in an article on the raising of Dorcas by Peter, Rev. Charles S. Robinson, D. D., says : — "Imagine Dorcas' surprise when she first opened her eyes. Here she was back in the world again. How strange it is to discover that no one of those persons who were raised from the dead ever attempted to tell the story of what they saw or heard." We wonder that more people do not look at it in this light. The grave is spoken of as that "undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns," but as a matter of fact many have returned, yet none have ever opened their lips to relate what they heard or saw while dead. Now if the dead are conscious, this is passing strange. If it be true that death is simply the separation of the soul from the body which has acted as a clog to it, restricting its free exercise, why is it that in those instances where the soul has been returned to its lodging, no note is made of the wonderful things learned while it was permitted to expand unrestrained ? We say that it is indeed wonderful that no revelations have been made of what is beyond, if, as the poet says, death is only transition, and the soul is more acutely conscious in death than it ever was during life; but we do not bring forward the fact that no such revelation has been made, as proof that the dead are not conscious. We have proof of a more satisfactory nature, which clears the subject of all doubt, and explains why those who have been raised from the dead were silent as to what transpired during their absence from among the living. The testimony is abundant, but we have space here for only the following:— Those who are dead are asleep: "Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death." Ps. 13:3. "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Ps. 127:2. "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Dan. 12:2. "In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the Lord." Jer. 51:39. "For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Cor. 15:16-18. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep." "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." 1 Thess. 4:13, 14. People who are in a sound sleep are entirely unconscious of what is going on, and the Bible says that the dead are unconscious: "For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not anything." "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Eccl. 9:5, 10. "But man dieth, and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up; so man lieth down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep." "His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them." Job 14:10-12, 21. "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence." Ps. 115:17. "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." Ps. 146:3, 4. Many more texts might be added but these are sufficient for our purpose. They are direct statements of fact and need no explanation. There are only two things that can be done with them: Either accept them as literally true, or reject them altogether. But if we accept the Bible as the infallible word of God, we are not left to wonder why those who have been raised from the dead never told the story of what they saw or heard. They had none to tell. They were unconsciously sleeping, and were unable to take note of passing events. Then it is not a strange thing after all. But there is one strange thing about this matter, and that is how, in the face of all these Bible texts, a Doctor of Divinity could write such a paragraph as that quoted at the beginning of this article. The North Pacific Conference and Camp-Meeting.
By S. N. Haskell
THIS meeting was held about half a mile west of Beaverton, eight miles from Portland, in a beautiful grove of large fir trees. Thirty-one tents were pitched upon the ground. The Conference was well represented. One brother came over one hundred miles, quite a portion of the distance on foot, while his wife rode a pony to reach a point where they could take public conveyance. The meeting was as large as any we ever attended in this part of the country, and the brethren manifested much interest to see the work go forward. The reports of the Tract Society showed an increase of interest during the past year. Many had joined it; and its financial standing was far better than one year ago. It was manifest that the blessing of God had accompanied the efforts of the brethren and sisters during the past Conference year. Three churches had been organized with an aggregate membership of forty, which was nearly one-third of the entire membership one year ago. This Conference, as well as the Upper Columbia Conference, presents many advantages for missionary work, over nearly all the Conferences of our people in the United States. Brethren are moving in here from Kansas and other States east of the mountains. Some of these are willing laborers in the cause. Others come with no letters, no church to recommend them, and while many of them no doubt are worthy, having lived alone, yet it is feared that some who come to this field have not left a record behind them such as it would be well to repeat. Also there are thousands of emigrants flocking to this country from all other portions, not only of this land, but of Europe. An interest to hear had been awakened in different parts of the field, so that the Macedonian cry came in from different parts of Oregon and Washington Territory. During the past year our brethren had purchased a new tent 43x60 feet, which was pitched for the first time upon the camp-ground. The burden of the meeting seemed to be to move forward and take advance steps in the work of God. This was heartily responded to by the leading brethren. The testimonies showed that a deep interest was taken in this direction. When the nature and magnitude of the work was presented, and what God is willing to do for those that believe in the Third Angel’s Message, quite an interest was manifested on the part of worthy young men and women to enter the field. The membership of this Conference one year ago numbered about 120; the tithe paid during the year amounted to about $1,450 making an average of between $11 and $12 for each person. It had increased the past two years about $500 each year, but notwithstanding this, when the subject came up of encouraging canvassers to go into the field, and it was stated that the sum raised was simply sufficient to meet the expenses of the ministers now in the field, one brother who had contemplated making a visit East, the coming season, said that that visit, although a desirable one, would cost him about $200, and he would forego it, and devote the sum for the encouragement of young men and women to enter the field as canvassers for the SIGNS and our other publications. Another brother immediately responded that as soon as he returned home he would forward $100 to the treasurer to be devoted to this work. These brethren strictly paid their tithes, outside of this. A good, healthy feeling was manifested in this direction. Nearly $600 was pledged in a few moments for the Reserve Fund, so that the Tract Society might carry a quantity of publications, and thus enlarge the facilities for spreading the truth the coming year. It was thought advisable to move the Tract Society library to Portland which is the head of navigation for sea-going vessels, and the center of the railroads for all of this section of the country. Through this city thousands of emigrants pass on their way to Washington Territory and different parts of Oregon. It presents many advantages over any other point in the northern part of this coast for the head-quarters of a missionary society. We formed a pleasant acquaintance with Bro. Barnes who had been laboring for the past year, and had received the truth less than two years since. It was thought best that Eld. Boyd should enter East Portland with a company of workers who had decided to give themselves to the cause of God, and see if possibly they could work up an interest there, while Elds. Barnes and Raymond would go to another portion of the Conference and pitch a tent, and these two tent companies would make a special effort to educate certain workers for the cause. About $1,000 was raised on the ground for the different enterprises. Near the close of the meeting a petition was drawn up requesting the ministers to remain over one day after the meeting closed to give instruction in the canvassing work, which was cheerfully complied with. The spiritual interest of the meeting from the commencement was good. Sabbath about forty came forward for prayers. Many of these were youth and children—those who had never before made a start to serve God. Nine were baptized Tuesday morning by Eld. Boyd. Our brethren and sisters went home from this meeting in an encouraged state of feeling. The Upper Columbia Conference discussed the propriety, through its president and Tract Society secretary, of having a depository for publications at East Portland instead of ordering from Oakland, Cal. It was the opinion of the leading brethren present that it would be for the interests of the two societies to send out the SIGNS to monthly subscribers from this point, and thus relieve the secretary of the Upper Columbia Conference of this branch of the work. We felt much encouraged at the appearance of things in this Conference. We look forward with a good deal of confidence to see the blessing of God in the coming year more marked in the spread of the truth in this northern field than we have ever seen in the past. The time has fully come when our ideas of this work should be enlarged, and instead of curtailing our work, and lessening our sacrifices to forward it, we should increase them more and more; and in proportion as our faith grasps what God has promised concerning his truth and we appropriate the promises to the present time and work, and act in harmony with that faith, we shall see of the salvation of God. In those Conferences which are thus moving forward God is raising up humble men and women, and the seeds of truth are being more extensively sown than has ever been before in the history of this work. The camp-meeting broke up Tuesday morning, but some fifteen or twenty remained longer to receive instruction in the colporteur work. Six intend to enter the field immediately. Thursday we spent in canvassing East Portland in company with Elds. Boyd and Raymond to ascertain what kind of an opening might be found for tent meetings, and also to locate the Tract Society library. There should be in connection with such a place a free reading-room, and we see no reason why there might not be quite a large selection of good books from all denominations and such a reading-room be made attractive to the public. We found a number who proposed to liberally contribute to such an enterprise. Judging from the prospect which presented itself the brief time we had to investigate the matter, hundreds of dollars might be raised by the citizens of East Portland to assist in such a move. Had not other duties compelled us to take the boat that night for San Francisco we should have considered it a privilege to further assist in establishing the reading-room. A hundred copies of the paper have been ordered for the purpose of canvassing East Portland and vicinity. Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.
By I. D. Van Horn
THIS meeting was held June 14-19, at Portage City. The camp-ground was about a mile west of the town, in a fine grove, and on the borders of a beautiful lake. There were about sixty tents on the ground, all arranged in good order, and some three hundred campers. Our people were not so prompt in getting to the meeting here as in Iowa, yet the most of them stayed till the close. There was not that freedom manifested in the various meetings held that should characterize all our camp-meetings. The preaching was mostly practical and especially adapted to the wants of the cause, and suited to arouse our people to greater activity. The attendance from outside was very small. On the Sabbath there was a general move made, and many came forward to renew their covenant with God, and some were seeking him for the first time. This work was continued on Monday. The ordinance of baptism was administered to sixteen candidates. The business meetings were conducted in a manner that gave careful thought to every point, and union of action prevailed. We hope for good results. The interest taken in the Foreign Missions and International Tract Society was shown by the very liberal pledges made. In a few minutes over $2,200 was raised. This showed that our brethren had the prosperity of the cause at heart. It is just such sacrificing as this that will open the way for God to work for the Wisconsin Conference. There was a general good feeling among all as they went to their homes. We hope the resolutions formed in the heart will be kept in the mind, and carried out in their every-day life. May life and new energy spring up in all departments of the work in this Conference, and may God's blessing attend every effort put forth. The Missionary.
By S. N. Haskell
WE never have received so many encouraging reports from all parts of the field as we have of late. God is blessing the seed sown, so that it is yielding fruit by land and sea. In a letter from Bro. Drew, dated June 1, is the following: “A few days ago I boarded a ship and found the captain keeping the Sabbath as the result of the ship work in San Francisco. I visited with him for three hours at his home, and found him rejoicing in the last call to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Sold him three volumes of “Spirit of Prophecy.” When at sea the decks are washed down and all preparations made for keeping God’s holy Sabbath. He is bound for San Francisco again. Our dear friends there will be glad to see him. May the God of Daniel watch over him as his ship sails over the blue and angry waters. The same day I boarded another ship and spent an hour with the captain in the cabin. He also had bought some of our books at San Francisco. I left some books with him, including the “Home Hand-Book,” and we have good hopes that God will water the good seed sown in his heart. We have a deep interest in this good work. Two Sabbaths ago I met with Sister Stanton, who embraced the Sabbath and was baptized in San Francisco; also with Sister Irving, who embraced the truth as the result of Bro. Israel’s efforts. She rejoices in the blessed hope and says, ‘I believe all that the prophets have spoken.’” From a letter from a brother on the west coast of Mexico we quote the following:— “You no doubt know already, that we (I and my wife) wish to join the people of God, that is the Seventh-day Adventists, in order to be able to keep the Seventh-day Sabbath of the Creator, so as to make ourselves and others ready to see Jesus. A short time ago we had to undergo a hard trial; we were near to being pushed to a last extremity, but our merciful God saved us therefrom. Nevertheless I had to submit to sacrifice nearly all my time. I am compelled to discontinue the missionary work which I had started through correspondence with relations and acquaintances abroad. The only time now left me is a few hours of Sunday afternoon and the nighttime. Satan played us a bad trick, and the more we earnestly seek our Lord God, the more at work is that evil spirit, but God Almighty is stronger, and we are confident of his helping us.” We have just learned of a vessel, St. Cloud, from Hull, England, which has arrived at San Francisco. At Hull they received publications from Bro. Drew. The carpenter, a Mr. ——, embraced the Sabbath, and is now upon this coast, in East Oakland, rejoicing in the truth. Another interesting case has recently come to light, of a Dane living at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. Upon the arrival of a vessel from San Francisco, he inquired of some of the crew if they had reading matter which they would give him. He was directed to a place on board the ship where there was reading matter furnished by the ship missionaries at San Francisco. There he found an Advent Tidende. He read it and became interested; sent to Battle Creek and obtained more reading of the same nature, and is now at San Francisco, rejoicing in the truth and waiting baptism, which will probably be administered before these lines will be read by the readers of this paper. A few days since we received a long letter from a brother on the West India Islands, who first received an old bound volume of the Review which was placed on board of a ship at New Bedford, Mass. He became interested, and embraced the truth. For three years he has kept the Sabbath, and done missionary work on the island. He now writes that there is a demand for “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” He receives a club of the SIGNS, and publications from the International Tract Society. Thus from all parts of the world, including the islands of the sea, seeds of truth are springing up. Not a week passes but cases similar to the above come to light. Truly God has gone before us and is preparing the way for a glorious triumph of his truth. Where are the reapers, and who will gather in these honest inquirers after truth? San Francisco, Monterey, and San Benito Counties.
By Chas. C. Ramsey
I HAVE met with the companies at the following points since June 1: San Francisco, Castroville, Salinas, Soledad, Hollister, San Juan, and Gilroy. Sabbath, June 2, I was with the church at San Francisco. As my coming was not personally announced, I held no meeting in behalf of the College separate from the morning service, but presented the matter briefly at that time. By means of thorough visiting I learned that considerable interest in the school had been awakened. As a result, I think that we may reasonably expect a few students from this church the coming year. I consider the condition of this church hopeful. In many respects considerable progress has been made. There is among several of the brethren and sisters a very commendable zeal in the missionary work. I found Brn. Palmer and Brorsen full of the spirit of labor and earnestly engaged in its performance. Friday, June 8, I was at Castroville, Monterey Co. In order to reach an appointment for the next day, I could stop but a few hours with the little company here. I held no meeting with them, but visited them at their homes. Found most of them so situated that they could do but little for the College. There are a few earnest souls here who love the truth, but as in many other places there is great need of a deeper consecration and more of the missionary spirit. Sabbath, June 9, I met with the church at Salinas, Monterey Co. At its organization, a year or so ago, there were thirty members. Now there are not more than one-half that number, owing chiefly to removals. At the conclusion of the Sabbath-school the object, character, and workings of our College were presented. At the close the brethren and sisters freely expressed their interest in the school, and their intention to share its benefits. An earnest desire to labor more actively in the cause of God was clearly manifested by several present. As a result of the effort made and the visitation of the members, I received the promise of several students who will attend the College sometime within the coming year. If every member in this church would draw near to God, and take hold of the missionary work with earnestness, realizing the solemn responsibilities of the present hour, a better day would dawn for this little band. I went to Soledad, thirty miles south, Monday, June 11. Four accepted the truth here last year, and were baptized. One has since apostatized and removed, but two others have begun to keep the Sabbath. I had a precious season with these dear souls. The Spirit and unity of Christ seemed309 to prevail. One devoted young sister who lives the truth under unfavorable circumstances, being the only believer in her family, expressed herself as having no other object in life but to labor in the cause of God. Her life seems to give evidence of her sincerity and devotion. She and another young sister are very anxious to attend our College. I earnestly hope that the way may open for them to do so. June 14, I went to Hollister, San Benito Co. Here, owing to removals, there remained but three Sabbath-keepers, hence I held no meeting with them, but visited the families at their homes. I found some here who seem to be in earnest in the Third Angel's Message. Of the three, one will attend the College the coming year. Sabbath, June 16, I met with the company at San Juan, San Benito Co. The interests of the College were presented at the close of the exercises of the Sabbath-school, and its relation to the cause of present truth specially emphasized. Considerable interest in the school seemed to be aroused. A brother and his wife here expect to attend the College a portion of the coming year. It is probable that others here may also attend. It seems that after the first presentation of the truth here the work was not very thoroughly followed up. Some who have since apostatized might have been established in the truth. Yet there are a few precious souls here who love the truth and are seeking to be sanctified by it, but as these are about to remove, I fear that our foothold in the place will be lost. I earnestly hope our brethren and sisters here may live so near the Lord as to leave behind them some who keep all the commandments of God. June 18, I went to Gilroy. I could remain but a short time with this little company of Sabbath-keepers. I held no public meeting with them, but visited from house to house. I found a few earnest souls here, some of whom expressed a strong desire to enter our College. I expect to see students from this church during the coming year. It is greatly to be hoped that our brethren and sisters here will be fully aroused to a sense of the importance of consecrated activity in the cause of God. Some of them are trying to spread the truth. May God's rich blessing rest upon them. Here I found three of our College students who are canvassing for "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation." They have obtained twenty-six names in about seven days, and thus the good work goes on. From here I expect to go to Fresno Co. I ask the prayers of God's people. Our meetings have now held over two weeks with attendance of from fifty to one hundred and seventy-five. There is evidently a deep interest, especially on the part of several who have never been in the habit of attending church. A very bitter spirit of opposition is secretly manifested by some who profess better things. The Methodist camp-meeting, within three-fourths of a mile of the tent, opened last night to continue two or three weeks. Our meetings will go on just the same as before. The spirit of prejudice roused against the truth last winter is being gradually broken. Many are hungry for Bible truth and express themselves as well pleased with the light thus far presented. [Since the above was in type, we have received the following.] HUMBOLDT CO., JULY 1.—This is the fourth week of our meeting in Ferndale. We have presented the subjects of the advent, nature of man, life only through Christ, nature and tendency of Spiritualism, and the principles of conversion. The attendance and interest are good, and have been all the while, in spite of the Methodist camp-meeting held within three-fourths of a mile of our tent for the last ten days. Spiritualism has gained a strong footing in this community, as also all over the county. We felt the special help of the Lord in showing from the Scriptures that it was a Satanic delusion and a sign of the last days. By request, we furnished a synopsis of this discourse for the Ferndale Enterprise. We had learned that there were several in the churches here who were full believers in Spiritualism; but you can imagine our surprise when we heard the Presiding Elder, a week later, deliver a discourse on the camp-ground, in which he gravely informed the audience, while speaking of the transfiguration, that Moses had been dead 1,500 years, and that Elias had been dead 900 years (See 2 Kings 2:11), and that their presence there was proof of a separate spirit existence after death. He further informed the people that it was one of the old prophets who appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos (Rev. 22:9). The Spiritualists might feel grateful to this man for coming to their rescue, had he not made such a fatal blunder about Elias. We shall review this discourse Wednesday night. Of course some will stick to their bitter prejudices, but we hope our brethren and sisters will continue to send the SIGNS to this county, and not slack their efforts for some months to come. There are souls here who hunger for the word of God. Our courage is good, and we labor in hope. G. D. BALLOU,
N. C. MCCLURE. Upper Columbia T. and M. Society.
By G. W. Colcord
The first meeting of the third annual session of this society was called to order on the camp-ground at Milton, Or., June 7, 1883, at 5 P. M., President in the chair. Prayer by Eld. C. L. Boyd. Minutes of the last session were read and approved. According to vote, the chair appointed the following committees: On Nominations—Wm. Semple, M. E. Ford, and Chas. Hughes; Resolutions—Eld. C. L. Boyd, M. O. Beck, and W. A. Gibson. Eld. Haskell being requested to speak favored the meeting with a goodly number of really gem thoughts, a few of which were as follows: We must have the spirit of self-denial if we would be a benefit to others; Christ voluntarily died for our race. Some excuse themselves from doing little or nothing in the cause of Christ because they are unfavorably situated; but claim that they would do much more, were their surroundings different. No barrier, however, can hinder the work of those who are deeply in earnest in the work of God. Nothing will bring to ourselves the accompanying presence of the Holy Spirit and the angels of God, so soon and so abundantly, as earnest work for the salvation of others. Instructions were given in reference to canvassing for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Adjourned. SECOND MEETING, JUNE 10, 5 P. M.
Opened in the usual way, and the minutes of the first meeting were read. A report of the labor done during the past year was called for, and read as follows:— The Treasurer then read the following report: RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand, beginning of year...... $ 85.53
Received from Districts............... 227.80
" " Agents................... 333.49
" on Reserve Fund............ 69.50—$716.32
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid to SIGNS Office.................. $437.17
" Review ".................. 146.31
" for General Expenses......... 31.78
Cash on hand, close of year.......... 101.06—$716.32
ASSETS.
Due from Districts.................... $126.85
" " Agents................... 170.27
To Reserve Fund....................... 96.50
Stock on hand......................... 280.00
Cash on ".......................... 101.06—$774.68
LIABILITIES.
Due SIGNS Office...................... $ 45.40
" Review "................... 2.65—$ 48.05
Balance in favor of Society............ $726.63 Till within the last year we valued our stock at retail. Now we value it at wholesale; therefore the "Balance in favor of Society" is proportionately small.
MRS. G. W. COLCORD, Treas. After interesting remarks relative to membership, and discussions with reference to sales of publications, the meeting adjourned. THIRD MEETING, JUNE 11, 9 A. M.
Eld. S. N. Haskell offered prayer. Minutes of second meeting were waived. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, G. W. Colcord; Vice-President, Wm. J. Goodwin; Secretary, Mrs. G. W. Colcord; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. M. O. Beck; Directors—Dist. No. 1, G. H. Beck; No. 2, A. Johnson; No. 3, N. W. Miller. Candidates were elected. Voted, To hold our autumnal State meeting at Farmington, W. T.; but the time was left to be decided by the Vice-President and others. The Committee on Resolutions offered the following:— WHEREAS, In our judgment, the time has fully come for an extended and earnest proclamation of the Third Angel's Message; and WHEREAS, The press is one of the most efficient means of publishing this message; therefore Resolved (1) That we make an effort to secure the services of proper persons to canvass for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and would recommend the plan adopted in some of the Eastern Conferences. (2) We will encourage by our influence and by our support those engaged in this work. WHEREAS, Our resolutions in the past have not always been sanctified by our works, therefore Resolved, That the records of "The Acts" of the Upper Columbia Tract and Missionary Society shall express the depth of our love for this branch of the work; and of the additional resolutions which we have adopted in this meeting. These were separately considered by visiting brethren and members, and adopted. Fourteen names were added to the membership-roll. In response to a call for additional funds, there was given in cash and pledges to the Reserve Fund the sum of $186. Adjourned without date.
G. W. COLCORD, Pres.
MRS. G. W. COLCORD, Sec. Fairfax Court House, Virginia.
By B. F. Purdham
I CAME to this place June 15, where Elds. J. O. Corliss and M. G. Huffman had the tent pitched and ready for meetings, which began the next evening and have continued every night to the present. So far Eld. Corliss has been doing the preaching, and the Lord has given much freedom in presenting the truths of his word. Our attendance has ranged from one hundred and twenty-five to three hundred. The people seem to take a great interest in listening to the words spoken, and are very kind in looking after our temporal wants and inviting us to their homes. We hope the Lord may bless this effort here in our new Conference, that precious souls may be added to our number. In our labors with Eld. C. this summer we hope to gain an experience that will better prepare us for the work. Brethren, remember us at the throne of grace.
June 25, 1888. B. F. PURDHAM. Stromsburg, Nebraska.
By A. J. Cudney
I HAVE just had the pleasure of holding several meetings with the church at this place, in company with Bro. Shultz. The first meeting, Friday evening, was well attended; quite a number being present from other churches. The Spirit of the Lord was present in good measure from the first. The word spoken seemed to be well received. Sabbath we had two sermons, Sabbath-school, and social meeting, and three were baptized. Sunday we spoke four times and had social meeting. Deep feeling seemed to pervade every heart. Some bore testimony for the first time. The brethren all expressed themselves as being strengthened and encouraged. The wants of the missionary work were presented and in a few moments $552 was paid and pledged to help forward the good work. This makes about $2,800 that has been raised in this way in four of our churches during the last few weeks; a portion of which is to be used in the erection of our new office which is now being built. God is bestowing his blessings upon us in great abundance, for which we feel very grateful. The missionary work is still onward. June 26, 1883. A. J. CUDNEY.