“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Matt. 3:16.
The death of the Son of God sets before all men an open door of hope. But salvation is suspended upon conditions. Faith must be accompanied by obedience. For we read of Christ: “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
He who devised the plan of salvation could alone reveal the conditions on which fallen and lost man can be saved, and by which he may develop a character whereby he may stand in the Judgment and secure to himself the gift of life eternal.
Without a knowledge of the will of God, no one can understandingly serve him. Ignorance and unbelief may dress up and cherish popular and time-honored error, and adhere to it with the most ardent devotion, but this falls as far short of consistently worshiping the true and living God, as did the superstitious worship of the Athenians in the days of Paul.
Again, it is necessary to have the spirit of submission and obedience to God. The submission and obedience required in the plan of salvation test the loyalty of man to his Creator, which must be proved before the Author of salvation can confer upon him the priceless gift of immortality and life eternal.
Wisdom, personified, declares, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment; that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” And again, “He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me love death.” Prov. 8:20, 21, 36.
Here inspiration draws the strongest possible contrast between the results of obedience and disobedience, between a life of righteousness and a life of sin. The testimony of the apostle accords with this: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Obedience to the revealed will of God, as set forth in his holy law, indicates to the angels of Heaven, who watch the development of character, and to our fellow-men, over whom we are constantly exerting a savory or an unsavory influence (felt here, and to be fully realized in the Judgment of the great day), that we love God. “For,” says John, “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” It indicates a prudent choice, a choice between the broad, open road to death, and the narrow way to life; a choice dictated by unerring wisdom. “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”
Those who ever find themselves ready to walk in the light shining forth from the word of God, and to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, are constantly developing Christian characters. They are “the salt of the earth,” “the light of the world.” “They go on from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.” They ascend the ladder of Christian graces, so vividly described by Peter in the first chapter of his second epistle, whereby we may attain Christian perfection, and gain the prize which is ever beckoning us onward and upward.
But Peter describes another class—a class who have not grown in grace and in the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” They have lost a sense of the depths of sin, and of the guilt attached to a life of disobedience, and of their obligation to their Maker. “They have made them crooked paths;” they “stumble at noonday as in the night.”
The first house of Israel, once honored as the chosen people of the Most High, separated from all the nations of the world by distinguishing marks of his divine favor and approval, through superstitious unbelief and disobedience to him, so far relapsed into a state of sin and stubborn rejection of the Saviour of the world, that Jesus, as he wept over their city, where so many gracious answers to their prayers had been received, and so many wonderful manifestations of God’s love and care for them had been experienced, exclaimed, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now are they hid from thine eyes.”
How many occupy at present a similar position with respect to the blessings promised to the second house of Israel. How many will fail to secure the reward awaiting the well-developed Christian, and go down to death cherishing a false hope.
As I write, I am reminded of a remark made by a very intelligent gentleman some years since, who is a writer and public speaker and a professed Christian. He had received light on Bible truth from reading the publications of Seventh-day Adventists. In contrasting this with the errors of his denomination, he said, “I do not see how I can be a well-developed Christian and remain where I am.” Yet here he remains, thereby sanctioning error, and robbing himself of peace and happiness, and the world of the good he might do if he were a well-developed Christian. Is there not a possibility that to such the scripture may apply, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth”?
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Former Episcopalians Who Led Roman Catholic Churches
THE head of the Roman Catholic Church of England, and the head of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, were once Episcopalians.
“The Adventists and the Rest of Us.”
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Under the above heading, the Examiner and Chronicle of May 6, has the following well-deserved rebuke for those who neglect and oppose the doctrine of the second advent, and spiritualize away that grand Bible doctrine. But the churches are too far gone in apostasy to heed this much-needed advice.
“But some who avoid the error of the Adventists fall into a still greater one, if tried by a scriptural standard. Too many have no faith in the advent, and no expectation of it. It is to them at best a figure of rhetoric—to some a rejected superstition. This skepticism is not confined to Unitarians and Free Religionists. Men of reputed orthodoxy sublimate the second coming of Christ, the resurrection and the last Judgment, into poetical imagery by which the experiences of the soul in passing from this to another life are illustrated. Not a few of those who retain the scriptural faith in their forms of doctrine, at least in general terms, give no study to the subject, and have for it no definite place in their scheme of belief. They seldom think of it. They have no particular feeling about it. It can hardly be that they have a real expectation of it. When we think of the almost total silence which prevails on this truth in the churches, it is not surprising that the preachers of premillennialism conceive themselves to be called to the prophets’ work of awakening the people of God from slumber. And since there is so much testimony in Scripture that our Lord is coming again, many who do not hear the truth from sober students of God’s word, receive it, with all its admixtures of error, from the fanatics of Second Adventism.
“This condition of things is not to be remedied by pastors making haste to preach on the subject, and then discharging their minds of it for an indefinite time. The great expectation of the primitive believers, which illuminates the New Testament, especially the apostolic epistles, needs to be intelligently entertained and vitally cherished. The truth, known and loved, and recognized in the worship of the churches, will be the sufficient preservative against error, and will have power in producing a more unworldly piety—the character of those who ‘look for’ and ‘love’ His appearing.” D. M. C.
Rules for a Christian Day.
BEGIN the day with meditation and prayer. Acknowledge your allegiance to God as the sovereign of your life. Renew the consecration of yourself to his service. Pray earnestly, perseveringly, submissively; patiently expect an answer. Strive to realize God’s constant presence, and walk with your hand in his, your eyes fixed upon him. Think often of him; do nothing, say nothing, think nothing, which will displease him. The least little remembrance will always be acceptable to him; you need not cry very loud, he is nearer than you think. Believe that whatever Infinite Wisdom sees best, Almighty Power can effect, and Infinite Love will not suffer to be left undone. Lean in all hours of weakness on his almighty strength—in all hours of sorrow and disappointment, on his unchangeable love. Resolve to be on your guard during the day; to speak evil of no one, to have your conversation heavenly; to deal justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly; in solitude to guard the thoughts; in society, the tongue.
Sermons Must Have Blades
Passing along the road the other day, we thought we had found a very beautiful knife. On picking it up, however, it was found to be only a handle without a blade. So we hear very beautiful sermons—well-written and well-read—but they are without a blade. They cut out no cancers of sin, and carve out no models of piety. Sermons must have blades.
Disappointments.
By Jos. Clarke
TRIALS and disappointments seem to be allotted to all in this world of sorrow. Ever since our first parents were driven from the garden of Eden, man has felt the consequences of sin.
Abraham was severely tried by the misfortunes and selfishness of Lot, whom he had protected, defended, and enriched.
Moses was greatly afflicted by the depravity, wickedness, and ingratitude of the people he loved and befriended.
Samuel was afflicted, first, at the fall of Eli and his family, and, secondly, at the failure of Saul, whom he had crowned king of Israel, and from whom he had expected much.
David was persecuted by Saul in his early career, and was conspired against by his own son in his old age.
Daniel was afflicted by his captors from the first, yet he rose under the blessing of God from a life of servitude to that of a prince. By his energy and tact, and by diligence and industry, he won the laurels of a conqueror in the very fires of persecution.
All who have stood high on the roll of honor in the church of God have manfully battled with misfortune and disappointments. Every good cause has had its days of trial and its infancy of weakness. Before it arose to a degree of strength which would enable it to face the frowns of an apostate world, disappointments have happened to each.
Columbus, on account of his maritime zeal, which led to the discovery of America, was called a madman; and after he had achieved a success which won for him undying fame, he died the victim of envious foes.
The persecutions which were endured by Luther and his contemporary reformers attest the afflictions and disappointments which befell the cause of the reformation in Europe in the sixteenth century.
Even the revival of useful sciences and arts, and the inventions of recent date, must pass the ordeal of persecution and opposition. Copernicus and Galileo both testify to the meanness of religious bigotry, and both underwent great disappointment.
The art of printing, which deserved a great reward to its discoverers, was undervalued for a time, and its authors were treated with contempt; and some of our most useful inventions have cost the inventor a life of pain and keen disappointment. So it has been in all great religious movements; we see that the infancy of each cost many pangs of disappointment and sorrow.
John the Baptist, no doubt, expected much from the Messiah whom he heralded, and whose coming he proclaimed; yet when he reached the zenith of his career, and had seen the heavenly visitant, his work closed in the remarkable scene at Christ’s baptism; and instead of contracting an acquaintance with the divine Saviour, and enjoying his friendship and protection, he was cast into prison. No doubt he expected his Lord to deliver him; but, lo! the ax of the executioner! Was there not keen disappointment in this? Could disappointment be more severe?
Just before the crucifixion of Jesus, the resurrection of Lazarus and his own triumphal entry into Jerusalem raised the hopes of his followers and the expectations of the common people to the highest pitch of excitement; but, alas! his death upon the cross cast a gloom and a weight of disappointment upon all his friends and all his followers.
Tests must be applied; the good must be sifted, and the chaff blown to the winds. And so it happened to the people then. The insincere, whose hearts were only set on temporal interests, joined with the mob in reviling the Crucified One; but the loving and true hid their faces in sorrow and disappointment.
The apostle Peter, who had been engaged in the work of the ministry, and with his fellow-laborers had done many mighty miracles, now lays down his high commission, and says in the depth of his sorrow, I will return to my former avocation. Our dear Master has forsaken us.
Expensive preparations were made for embalming the body of the One from whom they expected temporal and spiritual deliverance, and deep grief and sorrow of heart took possession of all those who loved the Lord. Could it be possible for hopes to be more thoroughly disappointed, or hearts to be made more sad?
So in the proclamation of the second coming of Christ. By the disappointment of 1844, believers in that message were tested, the good were proved, and the bad were left in the dark cloud of unbelief.
Disappointment nerves the resolute with new energy and hidden power and strength.
JOS. CLARKE.
Ligonier, Ind., June 9, 1875
By S. H. Lane; H. M. Kenyon
Indiana.
As stated in our last report, we commenced meetings at this place, Ligonier, Noble Co., May 29. Have given, up to present date, fifteen discourses. The congregations have ranged from one to six hundred. Our average attendance is about three hundred. Often the large sixty-foot tent is full.
The interest thus far is good. Last Sunday night all could not be seated, while the attendance at the churches was very small. Last night, introduced the Sabbath question. The people are aroused in regard to the subject. We believe, through the blessing of the Lord, the result will be good.
S. H. LANE,
H. M. KENYON.
Ligonier, Ind., June 9, 1875
D. DOWNER
By D. Downer
Wisconsin.
May 30, 31, were good days for our church at Arkansas. Our meetings were held in the large hall, and from one to three hundred were in attendance. On Sunday, eight were baptized. Very many are interested in our faith here. I know of no church in our State that has a better field to labor in than this. Others will soon follow in baptism and in keeping the commandments of God. Twenty-two have recently been baptized here. The church here is young, vigorous and strong, to work for God.
May 22, Bro. Decker baptized two at Burnside. I want to acknowledge the goodness of God displayed in a special manner in this place. He listened as we plead the promise given in James 5:14, 15. We feel thankful that God visits us with such unmistakable evidences of his love and power.
I never have known so many calls for help as this spring. Shall we keep up with the message? Do not forget me in your prayers.
D. DOWNER
Arkansas, Wis., June 2, 1875.
Reports from the West.
Bro. Loughborough gives the following interesting report of a recent meeting:—
“At our meeting in Oakland, Sabbath, May 29, our hall was nearly filled with attentive hearers, mostly Sabbath-keepers. The Lord gave especial freedom in speaking the word. At the close of the discourse four more were received into the church; one by letter from the Napa church, two by vote, and one, a Dane, on profession of the truth and baptism. At the close of the service we repaired to Merritt’s Lake, East Oakland, where six were buried with Christ in baptism. Two of these were cases of re-baptism, and four were persons who had recently embraced the truth, one of them being the Danish brother mentioned above. And thus the work is gaining ground at this important point.”
Bro. Waggoner writes, May 31, of the work at Stockton, Cal.:—
“After the tent was removed I remained in Stockton nearly a week. This was necessary, as some of those who had embraced the truth had not had an opportunity to hear on all points. One signed the covenant before I left. The brethren and sisters there seem to be inquiring the way to the kingdom. I feel confident that, if the little company in Stockton are faithful to their duty, there will be a large work yet done there.” Bro. W. now goes to Gilroy to join Bro. Canright.
Bro. Canright speaks as follows of his new field of labor:—
“As no suitable place opened for the tent in the vicinity of Stockton, we decided to begin in this part of the State for the following reasons: There are several villages near enough together to strengthen one another should churches be raised up in each place. Gilroy has a population of about two thousand, exclusive of Chinese and Spanish. Hollister is only fourteen miles south, with a population of about a thousand, I am told. Watsonville is only twenty miles southwest, with a population of about fifteen hundred. We have several Sabbath-keepers there now. San Juan is a small town about as far off as Hollister. Santa Cruz, with a population of thirty-five hundred, is only about twenty miles northwest from Watsonville, while Salinas, with about twenty-five hundred, is about the same distance south of Watsonville. San Jose, where we have a church, is thirty miles north of Gilroy and about the same distance from Santa Cruz.”
“We have scattered brethren in all these places. Here is work enough for two years to come, all within a radius of a few miles. All these places lie along and near the coast, and hence are very healthy. The land is fertile, and seldom fails of a crop.”
“We have our tent well located, and the meetings well advertised. Except at Oakland and San Francisco, we have not had so good an interest and so large a turnout in any place where I have been in the State. We feel confident that we moved right in coming to this field. If we get but a few in a place, we can be near by to follow up the interest and make the most of it. We are in good health, and have the peace of God in our heart.”
The Prospect.
By J. S.
SLOWLY and yet successfully the work goes on among the Swedes. A few weeks ago, we had news from one locality in Kansas of eight persons who had embraced the Sabbath and formed themselves into a society, and now we have news from another locality in the same State of five families who are also following in the course of the others, and all have embraced the truth by simply reading. God’s Spirit and the simple truth are marshaling the mighty hosts of the Lord in places where there is no living preacher.
A brother starts out from Battle Creek with a few tracts and journals, goes among entire strangers away in the northern part of Michigan, and by visiting and circulating these papers, invites the attention of the people, so that several take a stand on the side of the truth, and file in among the ranks of the Lord’s army.
A few weeks ago, there came a letter to this Office from a school teacher in Sweden, stating that he has learned through the Svensk Advent Harold that there is a weekly paper called REVIEW AND HERALD published at Battle Creek, which advocates such doctrines as he wishes to examine, and as he can read English a little, he would like to see it; and that another school teacher out in the country would like to take the Svensk Harold.
There are now nearly a hundred silent messengers that are finding their way to Sweden. These speak with power unto those who are ready to investigate. The Harold visits all classes, from His Majesty the king, to the humble peasant in the cottage, and some of the learned are concerned, in view of doctrines which induce their countrymen so suddenly to forsake orthodox tenets. A flame is being kindled there which must necessarily illuminate every corner of the kingdom. And Finland will doubtless soon follow in receiving the last message. Three copies of the May Harold were sent to Finland. The last mail from that country brings intelligence of the late publication of an excellent Swedish-Finnish Lexicon.
Thus, part of the Finnish nationality who cannot read the Swedish, can yet have “present truth” in pure Finnish, and the “gospel of the kingdom” will yet make its way into the territory of Russia. We see already by the last mail that a Russian newspaper is soon to be published semi-weekly in Finland, which will be edited by a Russian school teacher. This paper is especially intended to serve the interests of Russian residents in Finland. We see how easily the truth could find its way through Finland into Russia. This may be the way God designs to use for the purpose of sending it there.
The Finlanders have some good characteristics. In the last report from that country we have an account of a female benevolent society that has cash on hand to the amount of 2609 marks. We understand that a mark is about equal to a pound sterling. This society of late decided to stop collections in behalf of the poor fund, since there are so few of that class to be found.
We are glad to hear of hearts that respond to the cries of the suffering and the poor. This was one object of Christ’s mission to the earth, that the poor have the gospel preached unto them. We hail with joy all efforts which have for their object the amelioration of the human race and the salvation of men from sin. And may God hasten this glorious proclamation of a coming kingdom, so that many of the Finns, Laplanders, and Russians, may receive it. We shall rejoice to hear that all Europe is ablaze with the light of the third angel’s message, which embraces in its ingathering the people of every tribe, kindred, and tongue. J. S.
Battle Creek, June 10, 1875.
Iowa & Nebraska Conference.
By Henry Nicola; L. McCoy
This Conference held its thirteenth annual session at Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa, in connection with the camp-meeting, from June 3-8, 1875.
FIRST SESSION.
The first session convened June 4, 1875, at 9 A. M. Called to order by Eld. H. Nicola, President. Prayer by Eld. R. M. Kilgore.
Credentials were called for, when the following-named churches were found to be represented as follows: Washington, G. V. Kilgore as delegate; Victor, F. A. Barlow and Bro. Hunter; Woodburn, Jacob Shively; Marion, D. T. Shireman; Richland, W. G. Bralliar; Onawa, J. Bartlett; Soldier Valley, J. W. McWilliams; Winterset, A. J. Stifler; Brighton, P. A. Roberts; Adel, H. Towney; Mt. Pleasant, W. W. Conklin and S. B. Hare; Waukon, E. W. Farnsworth; Peru, B. Gifford; Decatur, Iowa, A. Caldwell; Sigourney, I. J. Hankins and Wm. Carlile; West Union, A. E. Marion; Anamosa, Thomas Porter; Hook's Point, G. W. Bard and Wm. Everhart; Pilot Grove, J. M. Ferguson and J. W. Adams; Lisbon, J. T. Mitchell; Elkhorn, C. Jonson; State Center, J. N. Berry and S. M. Holly; Caloma, A. McNeill; Afton, W. Vansel; Crescent City, J. Carlson; Knoxville, Minos Miller, J. V. Auten, and J. Van Syoc; Osceola, D. Glunt; Monroe, C. Perrin; Decatur, Neb., C. L. Boyd.
Minutes of last Conference read and approved.
Applications of new churches for admittance to Conference were received as follows:—
Church at Smithland, Woodbury Co., Iowa, with eleven members; J. Bartlett, delegate.
Church at Prescott, Adams Co., Iowa, with fourteen members; E. A. Hebard, delegate.
Church at Cedar Falls, Iowa, with twenty-two members; O. R. Brown, delegate.
Church at Missouri Valley, Iowa, with fourteen members; J. W. McWilliams, delegate.
Church at Stromsburg, Polk Co., Neb., with seventeen members; C. L. Boyd, delegate.
Church at Seward, Seward Co., Neb., with ten members; C. L. Boyd, delegate.
These churches, six in number, with a membership of eighty-eight, were each admitted into the Conference.
By vote, Eld. James White, Eld. Uriah Smith, and other brethren from abroad, were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
By order of Conference the President filled the following committees, viz:—
Auditing Committee: Jacob Shively, John Auten, F. H. Chapman, H. G. Bralliar, S. M. Holly, and J. W. Adams.
Nominating Committee: C. A. Washburn, C. L. Boyd, and Minos Miller.199
Committee on Resolutions: Uriah Smith, J. T. Mitchell, and C. L. Boyd.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses: Jacob Shively, Minos Miller, and Uriah Smith.
Conference adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Conference convened June 7, at 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. James White.
Business proceedings of first session read and approved.
By vote, Eld. J. F. Hanson, a member of the Minnesota Conference, was received into the Conference.
By vote, the churches at Victor and Afton, Iowa, were each allowed to retain $100 of their s. s. pledge, to apply on the payment of meeting-house indebtedness.
The Nominating Committee made the following report:—
For President, Eld. Henry Nicola, Richmond, Iowa; Secretary, L. McCoy, Sigourney, Iowa; Treasurer, John V. Auten, Knoxville, Iowa; Conference Committee, R. M. Kilgore and J. T. Mitchell.
By vote, the report was received, and the persons designated were declared the officers of the Conference for the coming year.
Committee on Credentials made the following report: For credentials, Geo. L. Butler, D. M. Canright, R. M. Kilgore, Henry Nicola, C. L. Boyd, J. T. Mitchell, C. A. Washburn, S. Osborn, J. H. Morrison, J. Bartlett, and J. W. McWilliams. For licenses, Mathew Wing, E. W. Farnsworth, Minos Miller, G. V. Kilgore, F. A. Barlow, L. McCoy, O. M. Millard, R. A. Hart, J. S. Hart, and D. T. Shireman.
Report received and adopted, and credentials and licenses granted.
Applications for ministerial labor in various parts of the Conference were called for, and many responses were given, showing that, indeed, the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Extended remarks were made by Sr. E. G. White on the necessity of more laborers in the field, and a more devoted spirit in those entering the ministry, which deeply impressed all present.
By order of Conference, the President appointed the following Camp-meeting Committee: Jacob Shively, Minos Miller, and F. H. Chapman.
The Conference Treasurer made the following report:—
June 10, 1874, Rec'd from Dr.
Ex. Treas., $1058.45
June 7, 1875, Rec'd during year, 2948.01
4006.46
June 7, 1875, By Amt. Cr.
Paid during year, $2914.63
June 7, 1875, By Cash on hand, 1091.83
4006.46.
By vote, a subscription was taken to purchase a new tent, which succeeded well, and over $200 were paid down.
By order of Conference, Brn. J. W. McWilliams and J. Bartlett were ordained and set apart to the work of the ministry.
From a very meager report from the various churches, it is shown that there are in the Conference, including those admitted this season, forty-two churches with a membership of nine hundred and fifty. Amount of s. s. pledged, $4000.
No. of Sabbath-school scholars, 700.
No. of licensed ministers laboring within the Conference, 18.
By examination, the Auditing Committee found that the $300 appropriated to the Pacific Mission one year ago has not been used, and has been placed at the disposal of the committee.
By resolution, they donate it to Eld. White, to assist in paying an indebtedness on the Signs of the Times, also $50 to the North Pacific Mission, and $500 to General Conference.
The Committee on Resolutions made the following report, which was adopted unanimously:—
Resolved, That we esteem it a privilege to express in this manner our gratitude to God for his great blessing bestowed upon us at this camp-meeting.
Resolved, That we thankfully recognize the fact that never before was there such evidence of the truthfulness of our position in reference to the fulfillment of prophecy as exists at the present time, the lapse of years adding elements of strength instead of weakness to the theory of present truth.
Resolved, That we see in the manner in which the truth is making its way among the people of foreign tongues, the unmistakable evidence of the hand of God which is carrying the message, in fulfillment of the prophecy, to nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples.
Resolved, That we hail with joy the evidences of the prosperity of our cause upon the Pacific Coast, as manifested especially in the organization of the Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association, and the establishment of The Signs of the Times in Oakland, California; and we recommend to our brethren, who are able, to take stock in that enterprise and thus aid it to reach at once a self-supporting position.
Resolved, That we express our appreciation of the cheering reports received from Eld. J. N. Andrews, missionary to Europe, of the wonderful work of God in preserving and bringing to light the ancient Sabbath of the Lord, in that part of the world; and we hereby extend our fraternal greeting to the Sabbath-keepers of Europe.
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the General Conference for the help furnished us at this camp-meeting; to the Camp-meeting Committee for their efficient services during the meeting; and to the people of Newton for the candid hearing and the courtesy manifested toward us on this occasion.
And your Committee would further report that they see and deplore the evident departure on the part of some of our people from the principles of the gospel relative to plainness in dress, and more conformity to the world; but judging from past experience that a resolution on the subject would probably accomplish nothing, they leave it in the hands of the Conference without any resolution on the point.
The business proceedings of the Conference passed off harmoniously, and a warm interest was manifested by members of the Conference in the welfare of the cause of truth, and of every effort made to spread the message to the honest-hearted throughout the land.
Voted, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Henry Nicola, Pres.
L. McCoy, Sec.
FOR YOU,
By Sel.
I HAVE a Saviour—he’s pleading in 'glory—
So precious, though earthly enjoyments be few;
And now he is watching in tenderness o’er me,
But oh, that my Saviour were your Saviour too!
For you I am praying—I’m praying for you.
I have a rest,—and the earnest is given,
Though now for a time ’t is concealed from my view;
’T is life everlasting—’t is Jesus—’t is Heaven;
And, O dearest friend, let me meet you there too!
For you I am praying—I’m praying for you.
I have a peace—and it’s calm as a river—
A peace that the friend of the world never knew;
My Saviour alone is its Author and Giver:
But oh, could I know it was given to you!
For you I am praying—I’m praying for you.
And when he has found you, tell others the story,
How Jesus extended his mercy to you;
Then point them away to the regions of glory,
And pray that your Saviour may bring them there too.
For prayer will be answered—’t was answered for you.
—Sel.
Minnesota Tent Lectures Meet Small Congregations
By D. P. Curtis
Minnesota.
Bro. Ell. and myself commenced a course of lectures at this place last Thursday evening, in our tent. The weather has been unfavorable thus far, and our congregations have been small, ranging from twenty-five to seventy-five. Not much interest manifested as yet. We are in doubt about the propriety of continuing here much longer. Hope the Lord will direct by his Spirit. We want the prayers of our brethren.
D. P. Curtis.
Onawa, Iowa, June 2, 1875
By Chas. L. Boyd
Nebraska.
Bro. Kilgore having received an urgent call to labor in Iowa, I was left alone to fill our last appointments in this State.
May 22, 23, I spent with the brethren near Seward. Here a church was organized, and the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s supper were celebrated. Bro. M. Hackworth was ordained elder, and Bro. E. Hackworth, deacon.
It is truly encouraging to see those who but a short time since were breaking the commandments of God, now rendering obedience to them all; and those who regarded pork, tobacco, etc., as essential articles of diet, or indispensable luxuries, rejoicing that God is giving them strength to overcome these wrong habits of living, that they may present their bodies a living sacrifice to God.
May 29, 30, held meetings with the Decatur church. The Lord met with us. Wrongs were confessed, and determinations expressed that this should be the commencement of better days.
June 1, met with the Onawa (Iowa) church. From this place I go to the camp-meeting. Am thankful to God for these yearly gatherings. Chas. L. Boyd.
Onawa, Iowa, June 2, 1875
BETTIE COOMBS
By Bettie Coombs
Kentucky.
Perhaps you would like to know how the truth is progressing in Kentucky. May 15 and 16, Bro. Osborn met with our little church at Locust Grove. The Lord blessed us in a great measure, and we had good meetings. We are scattered, and our families are so divided that we find it a hard matter to meet. I often think the meetings are more highly appreciated, and the Lord is more precious to us than if we had no opposition and could meet every Sabbath.
Last winter Bro. Osborn labored some time in Green and Hart Counties, about twenty-six miles from here. Between thirty-five and forty are keeping the commandments as the result of his labors. Some of them we think will make good, zealous workers in the cause of truth. Several were leading members in the Baptist church, and are of the best families in these counties.
Our church, the 22d and 23d, met them at Powder Mills chapel. Bro. Osborn was free in the Lord, and I do not think I ever heard him speak with such liberty. His appointment was not fully circulated, as some of them live quite a distance from the church. Some were kept away by deaths and illness of their friends. He effected a temporary organization with fifteen members, so that they could meet every Sabbath.
We were much encouraged to see some of them take such an active part in the social meetings. Bro. Osborn is receiving many calls to labor in other places. We believe much good can be done in this State. Could you not send a tent and some one to help? We feel anxious about many of our friends, as the truth is spreading so rapidly in other States. We believe if we could have tent-meetings that many would come out and hear that would not otherwise.
BETTIE COOMBS
Locust Grove, Ky., May 30, 1875.
Our Camp-Meeting.
By J. Dorcas
Our good camp-meeting is again in the past. Never in the history of the cause of present truth in this State have I seen so many evidences of God's grace and guiding hand as at this gathering of his people. From the beginning the spirit of solemn devotion attended every act of worship, both in public and in the meetings in the tents. We were favored with the labors of the veterans of the work of the third angel's message, Bro. and Sr. White, and our editor, U. Smith. May we long remember their faithful labors. The hearts of the brethren and sisters were united at this meeting in the worship and service of God. I thank God for communion with those of like precious faith, and that he has inclined my heart to choose him and his cause as my portion.
I verily believe that the fruits of this meeting will be seen all over the State, and even beyond it. May the Lord grant that this may be the case, and may he accept our tribute of thanks for his presence there.