Bro. J. Tillotson writes from Milan, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1861: "Bro. Baker was here a few days since, and he said it seemed as though the Lord had gone before and opened the way for his labors. He seemed to be very zealous in the work. He thinks a conference ought to be held at Green Springs; but may the Lord direct. I would like to see Bro. White, and other brethren who have labored here. My desire is to arise in the cause, although I am very weak."
Sister M. M. Nelson writes from Markesan, Wis.: "I would say that I am trying by the grace of God to live out the great truths of the third angel's message and the straight testimony. I look forward with much anxiety to the time when God's people will be more united; when the watchmen will see eye to eye, and the Lord will bring again Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. I feel like asking the forgiveness of Bro. White for feelings I entertained toward him when at Marquette. I was one of Bro. and sister Steward's sympathizers there. I had been acquainted with them some time, and thought they were such sincere, honest Christians that the Lord would not suffer them to be deceived in such a manner. I thought you were very harsh and severe. I became much prejudiced against you, but I see now that they were greatly deceived, and that you had reason to denounce the work as you did. It was a great trial to my faith, but I thank God he has opened my eyes to see and receive the testimonies through sister White. I wish to be found united with the remnant when Jesus comes."
Bro. Wm. W. Giles writes from Maumee, Ohio: "Myself and companion have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I have no doubt whatever that we are right in so doing. In my examination of the subject, I have become entirely convinced that Saturday is the original Sabbath, and that there is no divine commandment for Sunday. I have long believed in the non-immortality of the soul, and the final location of Christ's kingdom on this earth. We are here alone, probably fifty miles from any other Sabbath-keepers."
Bro. L. D. Ireland writes from Newark, N. Y.: "Having been desirous for some time past of writing to you, I at last have taken up my cross. I say cross; for it has been a cross for me to acknowledge the blessed truth of keeping the whole law. My companion has been striving with me for the last four years. I have had the privilege of reading the Review, and many other publications from your press, but notwithstanding, I honestly thought the work of redemption greater than that of creation.
"I have made a profession of religion for nearly twenty years, and came out in the Advent doctrine in 1843, and have fully believed in all the leading doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists, yet could not reconcile myself to think it was essential to keep God's holy Sabbath, till I read the Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1-4, and Bro. Waggoner on the Law of God; which, bless God, has completely convinced me; and I now, by the grace of God, can keep the holy Sabbath, and am blest in the deed. I feel, dear brother, like doing all I can for the cause. I have proposed to give readings from Bible Tracts, and Bro. Waggoner on the Law, in the district school-houses in this section. Any way to spread the truth and awaken the people from their slumber in the nominal churches, until some of the brethren can come and visit us, and preach the everlasting gospel to the benighted people.
"My companion and myself are alone, so far as I know, in keeping the commandments in this part of the vineyard, and I pray the Lord that we may have an increase in this part of the country."
Sister E. Ireland writes from Newark, N. Y.: "It has been some six years since I commenced trying to keep all the commandments of God. I have felt it my duty many times to bear testimony on the side of the Lord. Then I have felt I could not write until I had something cheering to send abroad. I have felt that troubles and trials have been prevalent with the remnant, and I have been trying to bear my part with patience and resignation. My companion has been telling you above of his victory over the beast and his image. This is one great thing which I have been wrestling and praying for the past four years. Some of you, my dear sisters, may say you would have given up in despair ere this. At times my faith has well nigh failed. Then again I would take hold with new life and vigor. Our God, dear sisters, is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. Continue in faith and your prayers shall be heard and answered."
Sister J. Higley writes from Lapeer, Mich.: "I would say that we as a church are still trying to keep all the commandments. We all feel that we have much to overcome. Satan makes use of various means to draw us from the right path. We have often to mourn over our short-comings, and earthly desires and affections. We feel the necessity of a more entire consecration to the will of God. O that we might resign all into his hands. I feel that we are truly living in perilous times, in the last days; for we see that iniquity abounds, and the love of many is waxing cold. I feel that here our danger lies.
"Far more the treacherous calm I dread,
Than tempests bursting o'er my head."
"When I look into my own heart and see how cold and indifferent I am, I tremble, and feel the call is to me, Arise, call upon thy God. Let me ask, Are we living as if we expected our Saviour soon to leave the mediatorial seat, when the fiat will go forth, Let him that is filthy be filthy still? Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. O let us consider what we must be before we can enter the gates of the celestial city. Without holiness no one can enter there. Pray for us, that we may be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed when Christ shall come."
Encouragement from Conference
From Bro. Merry.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I feel thankful to God that he has permitted me to meet at conference with those of the same faith. I found it good to be there. I felt that it was good to dwell among the children of God. But few know how we are situated in this new State, debarred from meeting on the sabbath for nearly six years; but we rejoice to know that God is raising up a people in this State to worship him. Although our enemy, Satan, has had a fast hold on the hearts of some, yet I think that spell is broken. When I compare the present time with the past, I see that our numbers have increased greatly. The labors of our preaching brethren have been blessed this past season. I was happy to form an acquaintance with our dear Bro. J. N. Andrews, and several others whom I there saw for the first time. I can truly say that Bro. Andrews by his kind admonitions to us and fervent zeal for the cause of God, has filled our hearts with joy. We rejoice that we are not left alone nor forsaken; but God has sent his servants to feed our hungry souls with precious meat in due season.
Did not our hearts burn within us when he told us that it was for us to look up and lift up our heads for our redemption draweth nigh. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light, that we may be found without spot or wrinkle when the Lord makes up his jewels. I feel to say with David, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." I am determined, God being my helper, to press forward to the kingdom of God by keeping all his commandments, and help to repair the breach that has been made in his holy law. I am thankful to Bro. Andrews for bringing us to order, and establishing the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and monthly meeting, and showing how necessary it is for us, as a people, to be prepared for all coming events. I hope that the brethren and sisters in Minnesota will remember all those covenants that we have made, and strive to enter the gate that is narrow. May God enable us to perform all our vows, is the prayer of one who is seeking for eternal life through Christ.
WM. MERRY.
St. Charles, Minn.
Request for an Ohio Conference
By James Baker
From Bro. Baker.
WE, the Seventh-day Adventists in Cass, Ohio, do most solemnly believe that here in this State we are in a most critical position. We most earnestly desire some of the traveling brethren to come here and organize us under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, and get things in such a position that we can see the cause moving forward. We do most firmly believe that the time has come when we as a people should come to the unity of the faith; but how can we in our disorderly course? We pray God that he will cause some one of our preachers to call a conference for Ohio. We should like to hear from all the churches in Ohio.
JAMES BAKER.
REPORT OF CONFERENCE AT ASHLAND, MINN.
By F. W. Morse
THIS meeting was one of deep interest, considerable trial, and yet of much benefit. The cause was perhaps more decidedly advanced at this conference than at any which has ever been held in the State. Of the laborers there were present, Bro. J. N. Andrews, W. Morse, and Jno. Bostwick.
One very excellent feature of the meeting seems to have been that it secured concert and unity of action among the laborers, and also that it inspired the brethren generally with new zeal in the plan of systematized and intelligent direction of their efforts to advance God's truth.
The brethren not assembling until sixth-day, all business matters were deferred until after the Sabbath. Sabbath eve found a good representation of Sabbath-keepers assembled at the school-house near Bro. Sanford's. A short and appropriate discourse by Bro. Andrews, cheering and pointed remarks by several present, made up the interesting services of the evening.
The exercises upon the Sabbath were timely and interesting, a portion of the time being occupied with discourses, and a portion with social exercises. We were much cheered by the encouraging testimonies of our brethren who have lately embraced the truth.
In the evening after the Sabbath the conference entered into the consideration of business matters connected with the tent operations, and the wants of the cause throughout the State. An adjourned session was held first-day forenoon. In the afternoon Bro. Andrews addressed a large and attentive audience for two hours, with freedom. Many of them were citizens from the surrounding settlements. There seems to be a good field for labor in this region.
In the evening the brethren assembled at the residence of Bro. Sanford to witness the ordination of Bro. Jno. Bostwick. It was a very interesting season. The Lord's blessing was indeed present.
On second-day morning Bro. Andrews left for his home, Bro. Bostwick to join Bro. Allen at Cleveland, the brethren for their places of residence, all much pleased with the termination of the meeting.
Brn. Allen, Bostwick, and Morse, will very soon pass through the State and establish order in the churches.
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.
Bro. Calvin Kelsey was appointed to the chair. The first business was the examination of the finances, when it appeared that nearly $140 had been pledged for tent purposes, one-half of which had been paid. What cash remained in the hands of the tent committee (being about $80) was appropriated to Bro. Andrews,
and by vote $30 of the unpaid pledges; which vote was afterwards re-considered, and by the earnest request of Bro. Andrews, the sum appropriated toward the payment of the note for Bro. Bostwick's horse. The remaining portion of the unpaid pledges, being about $40, was appropriated to Bro. Allen, to be paid to him when received, which we hope will be soon.
It was also found that about $100 had been pledged, and paid in part, for Bro. Bostwick's horse and buggy, and about the same amount for a home for W. M. Allen, making total pledges upwards of $300. The unpaid portion of this sum brethren will bring forward as soon as they can draw away wheat and procure money. Donations have been made to the cause in the State from several sources; $33,05 from the Wawkon, Iowa, church; $80 in books, and $23 in cash from the missionary fund, by the hand of Bro. White. For these liberalities a vote of sincere thanks was taken by the conference.
It being decided that with some repairing the tent will be suitable for another season, therefore
Voted, That we send out and support the tent the next season; that we earnestly solicit the labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews the coming winter, and with the tent the next tent season; that Brn. W. Morse, Wm. Merry, and — Stowel continue to act as tent committee.
It was also moved and unanimously carried that we adopt organization, and gospel order in our churches, by subscribing our names to a church covenant, choosing church officers, &c.; that we take the name, Seventh-day Adventists; that we enter, collectively, and severally, upon the plan of systematic benevolence; that we desire Bro. and sister White to visit us this fall, and hold ourselves ready to redeem our pledges made last spring for paying their expenses to this State.
Voted, That the Secretary report this meeting through the Review; that this conference hold an adjourned meeting on the first Sabbath and first-day of February next, at Oronoco, Olmstead Co., Minn., for the purpose of raising funds for the support of the tent, and transacting other necessary business.
Adjourned to the above-named date and place.
C. KELSEY, Chairman.
F. W. MORSE, Secretary.
ORGANIZATION.
By Isaac Sanborn
Dear Bro. White: This is a subject worthy the candid consideration of every believer in the third angel's message. I did not realize that it might be expected that different preachers would write something on it, or I should have written long since, as I have endorsed everything that Bro. White has written on the subject, and have long seen the necessity of a more thorough system of organization. And here I want to say, Is it best to wait till all our preachers are united on this subject before anything is done? I question the propriety of so doing, for this reason: Much is going to loss for the want of more perfect order in the church; therefore I would say, Write out a system of order, and then we shall soon see how many will be active in sustaining it.
Here I want to say to my brethren, all who have an experience in the message, that when they see the necessity of taking an important step, to not wait to hear from me, but move right along, for you will never find me holding back and setting my judgment against yours, while I occupy a proper place in the message, which is to grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth. Come, brethren, let us go forward, and God will bless.
ISAAC SANBORN.
Twin Groves, Wis.
SAFE DEPOSIT.
By Editor
Bro. Calvin N. Pike writes from West Wardsboro, Vt., Oct. 1, 1861, as follows:
"I would like to lend to the Association $200 or $250, six months or a year if needed. I have no need of the money just now, and should not require interest."
Bro. Pike will please send a draft, less the exchange, payable to James White, and we will, on receipt, send him the Association's note without interest, provided he can lend it one year or more.
The Association now pays interest on over $4000. This interest should be stopped as fast as possible by the payment of pledged shares, and, by others, who have money which they want safely deposited, following the example here set by Bro. Pike.
We believe the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association to be a safe place of deposit. Its notes are good; first, because of its real value of property; and, second, it is organized legally. The publishing department is also based upon the highest moral principles, which are the safest stocks of security in these perilous times.
We therefore invite those who wish to make a safe deposit, and help the Association in this time of its present struggle, to follow the worthy example of Bro. Pike, and let the Association be benefited with your money without interest.—Ed.
PREPARATION DAY.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
In ancient times there was a day of preparation. It was the day before the Sabbath. We believe the Sabbath of perpetual obligation—that we have the Sabbath still. Have we a preparation-day now? Is there any less need of one now than there was anciently? If we have a preparation-day, what is the use of it? To prepare for the Sabbath, certainly. But what preparation is necessary? The farmer can stop his work in the field, the miller and the machinist can shut the gate or let off the steam, the business man can stop his business and shut up shop in a trice; and their work can wait till the Sabbath is past. Then what need of a preparation-day?
Man and domestic animals need to eat on the Sabbath-day, and their food can be prepared on the preparation-day. Now if we do not prepare food for the Sabbath on the preparation-day, what is the use of such a day? Give it a moment's thought.
R. F. COTTRELL.
APPOINTMENTS.
By James White
Ohio Conference.
By the urgent request of many friends, and the advice of the Committee on the wants of the cause in Ohio, we, accompanied by Mrs. W., will, providence permitting, visit Ohio, and hold a conference at Green Springs, Oct. 26 and 27. We will hold meetings at Lovett's Grove the 30th, and at Gilboa Nov. 2 and 3, if that church request it through the Review.
James White.
APPOINTMENTS FOR MINN.
By Jno. Bostwick, W. Morse.
ThE Lord willing, we will meet the brethren in conference in the vicinity of Mantorville the last Sabbath and first-day of October, at the residence of Bro. Porter's as he may appoint. We would like to see Bro. Stowel at this meeting, and brethren from Cherry Grove. With the church at Oronoco, Oct. 29 & 30, as Bro. Harlow or Odell may appoint in the evening. Pleasant Grove, the first Sabbath in November, as Bro. Lashier may appoint. Meeting to commence Sabbath evening.
We hope to see a general attendance of brethren and sisters at these meetings, as we wish to make arrangements for regular monthly meetings to take into consideration the subject of Systematic Benevolence, &c. Bro. Allen will probably be with us at some, if not all these appointments. We would like to see Bro. Lashier at our first appointment.
Jno. Bostwick,
W. Morse.
Meetings at Clinton, Michigan
By Joseph Bates
PROVIDENCE permitting we will hold a series of meetings in the town of Clinton, Mich., commencing the 15th inst., at 7 P. M., where Bro. D. F. Moore may appoint.
JOSEPH BATES
Visit to Parkville Church
By Moses Hull
Providence permitting, I will be with the church at Parkville, Mich., on Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 19, and 20.
MOSES HULL.
Add to Your Faith Courage
By R. F. C.
“ADD to your faith courage, and to courage knowledge,” &c. This is said to be the true rendering 2 Pet. i. v.