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Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 14.

THE TWO COVENANTS
Earlier text: General Meeting for Southern Kansas

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.

By James White

We have this day, September 13, received a communication from Elder J. N. Loughborough written the 5th, giving an account of their glorious camp-meeting at Yountville, California. We rejoice in God that union of action and brotherly love inspired the entire brotherhood in camp. The amount pledged at this one meeting to relieve the Pacific Press from embarrassment is $10,675. Pledges at the Southern meeting will swell the sum to near $20,000. Add to this the pledges from Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and from those in California who may not attend the camp-meetings, and the sum of $30,000 will be reached.
The report in full, as far as pledges shall progress up to the first of October, will be brought before the General Conference, and measures will be taken to encourage the liberal donors to the Pacific Press, and patrons of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and to guard against injudicious outlay of means. Our Eastern brethren have cheerfully and liberally helped build up this now prosperous Publishing House at a time when help was much needed. And they have never regretted for a moment their action in the matter. But now the brethren on the Pacific coast are coming up to the help of the Lord and his work so nobly, that double gratitude will fill their hearts that they were induced to put their hands to a work so faithfully continued and perfected by their brethren on the Pacific coast. “Let brotherly love continue.”
The General Conference is placed under new responsibilities to do all in its power to guard and nourish this young and growing institution. Its efficiency and wants, as well as the dangers to which it is exposed, will be laid before that body at its session the first of October next.
We are also much gratified to learn by the same communication from Eld. Loughborough that very nearly $4000 was pledged for the mission to Great Britain on the Yountville camp-ground alone. We may safely count on $25,000, of the $100,000, from the Pacific Coast States and Territories alone. As the time of payment covers two years, they will find no difficulty in raising the amount. We expect that at no distant day the mail sack with copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES from the Office of the Pacific Press to Australia will be full.
And more, we learn from the same source that the Dime Tabernacle to be erected at Battle Creek received attention after a godly sort at the Yountville meeting. According to present prospects, not far from $2,000 will be donated to the Tabernacle by the dear friends of the cause on the Pacific slope.
God bless our dear brethren and sisters whose lot is cast in the western borders of the American continent. May brotherly love continue among the brethren from the rising to the setting of the sun, and may they be held as one united body in the strongest bonds of sympathy, until the war for truth be ended, and the crown of eternal life be given. JAMES WHITE.

MINISTERS' REPORTS.

By James White

For the past five years we have seen evils growing out of our ministers' reports of labor which appear in the REVIEW and SIGNS. It is true that the Progress Department, containing these reports, and showing the progress of the cause, contains a very great amount that is of real interest, and is read first by most of the patrons of our papers; yet we have urged—
1. That these reports should be as brief as possible, and yet contain all the facts of importance and real interest connected with their labors.
2. That the reports should be first written with the foregoing objects in view, then copied in a plain hand, and carefully guarded against superfluous words. A wordy style, throwing ideas and facts at a great distance, and thus filling valuable space in the columns of our papers with a sort of “wishy-washy” matter, greatly detracts from the proper dignity and importance of our work, and from the usefulness of our papers.
3. Reports should be a straight-forward account of the work of God among the people and among our churches, given for the glory of God, to exalt his truth, his power, his love, his mercy, to the honor and glory of his holy name.
4. The writer should carefully avoid giving a hundred and one particulars about himself of no particular interest to the general reader, such as when he left home, the state of the roads, when he reached the place of meetings, how he found the condition of things, what he said and did, what a victory he gained in discussion, leaving the Lord almost entirely out of the battle and his report. We read the Progress Department of our papers first and with extreme interest, but never without feelings of regret and sorrow to see valuable space occupied with words, phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs, that mean nothing only the exaltation of the writers.
It may be truly said that the editors should trim these reports; but the place to commence the necessary reform is with the writers. Who has not been disgusted, more or less, with certain reports from some of our young men a few weeks after they first took papers in their hands from our Conferences giving them license to improve their gifts? In these objectionable reports, phrases and expressions have appeared which would much better become a presiding elder, or a president of a Conference whose head had grown white with labor and care in the cause of God. St. Paul, in the accounts of his perilous travels and labors by sea and by land, is put in the shade by the reports of these novices in the gospel of Christ. J. W.

The Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.

By C. W. Stone

This meeting was held at Grand Rapids, Sept. 11 to 16. Eld. S. N. Haskell and myself reached the place Thursday forenoon. We found the camp finely located on the grounds of the Wood County Agricultural Society, the use of which was freely offered by the directors. The number of our brethren present was very small indeed. Quite a number, including three directors of the T. and M. society, were detained at home by sickness. But the main cause seemed to be the lack of means. The spring-wheat crop was a failure, and this is the principal crop here. The lumber business has been dead on account of bare ground all last winter; and as this is the great industry of this part of the State, many have been thrown out of employment, and their income has stopped. Hence even those that were present were in poor circumstances, some having just enough money to take them to this meeting and home again.
Nevertheless, the wants of the cause being laid before them, about $50.00 was pledged for the English mission, and $100 for the Dime Tabernacle. Eld. Haskell presented the tract and missionary cause, and labored to awaken an interest to labor more earnestly in it. The society responded by voting to raise, including the pledges made at Madison in June, the sum of $1500 in 1878 for this work and for a book fund; and then they pledged $150 toward it at this meeting.
The converting power of the truth seemed to rest down upon the meeting on the Sabbath, and some forty came forward for prayers. Among these were some of the children of Sabbath-keepers who were making their first move, some who had recently come into the truth, and some who had backslidden. After the meeting, the congregation repaired to the Wisconsin River, and ten were baptized. Three more were baptized on Monday.
The interests of the Sabbath-school were considered, and from the report of the secretary it seems that this work is advancing. Children and youth are becoming interested in it as never before. On Monday morning, after a closing social meeting, Bro. O. A. Johnson was set apart to the work of the ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands.
The outside attendance was very large, and increased from the first, and the interest surpassed anything we ever have seen awakened in so short a time. The Sabbath question was presented on Sunday as fully as it was possible to present it in three discourses. In the afternoon a large number declared it to be the truth, and in the evening, after an audience of a thousand had listened to a discourse by Eld. Haskell on the work of Christ and antichrist, several told us they should keep the Sabbath. The people began to urge us to stay longer. On Monday we were continually hearing of those who had decided to keep the Sabbath, or were almost persuaded to do so. One Catholic asked his priest on Sunday if it was true that the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath as we had stated. The priest answered publicly in his congregation that it was, and then forbade their attending our meetings any more. This opened the eyes of some, and they said they should come as often as they chose. That evening one of their number asked some questions concerning the prophecies, and said he believed we were right, and that the Catholic Church was indeed corrupt, and he would have no more to do with it.
The wife of a wealthy citizen, a banker, has fully embraced the Sabbath. She is superintendent of the Methodist Sunday-school. With some others who have accepted the truth, she will be baptized in a few days. Many of the citizens, including the leading members of the society, freely admit the truth. The interest is so great that it was decided that I should stay with Eld. Decker a few days to carry on the work. We shall hold meetings every afternoon and evening. The county fair begins the 23d. The governor of Wisconsin is to speak here on the 25th, and the Agricultural Society has engaged the tent for the occasion; so it will stand where it is during the fair, and, if thought advisable, we may hold evening meetings at that time.
C. W. STONE.

The Camp-meeting in Illinois.

The Interior, of Sept. 12, 1878, has an article about the camp-meeting held in Bloomington, Ill., Aug. 27 to Sept. 4, written by a Presbyterian of that place. It is a courteous and candid statement concerning our people and work so far as the writer was informed on these points. The article concludes as follows:
“Our citizens cannot help noticing their piety and devotion to the cause; this is remarked by the worldly and indifferent, and a feeling of sympathy and interest is manifested by all classes. The perfect order which is kept on the grounds, and their kindness and attention to visitors, are praiseworthy.”
“I believe their visit to our city will be a benefit, not only to themselves, but to us. It may awaken an interest in the hearts of some who otherwise would not be reached; and I am sure their plain dress and plain ways, their kindness to strangers amongst them, and their humility and earnest consecration to the cause of the Master, will furnish food for the thought of some of our top-lofty church-members and church-going people which they should not fail to properly digest.”

VISIT TO AMERICA.

By John Nevins Andrews

I have received an invitation to the General Conference by telegram from Bro. White. If it is possible, I will comply with this request. It is, however, very difficult indeed for me to leave Europe. I have never at any time in my life had so great a burden of care and perplexity as for some time past. Satan has put forth his mightiest efforts to hinder our work and to defeat us. But though we have felt the pressure of his power, God has never suffered him to overwhelm us. We see some progress, for which we are very grateful. We have just held our annual Conference, and it has been the best by far that we have hitherto held.
After inquiry of the agent in this city, I judge that the Anchor line from London to New York is the least expensive route that I can take. I cannot get ready to leave London before Wednesday, Sept. 18. It may be, therefore, that I cannot reach the Conference at its commencement; but I will use my diligence to hasten my arrival.
My stay in America must be very short. I shall esteem it a great privilege to meet the brethren, even for a few days; but my time will not admit of calling upon friends at their own homes. J. N. Andrews.

BERGEN, NORWAY.

By John G. Matteson

From Christiana I went to Eidsvold, where I visited a Christian brother who is much interested in the truth. He has translated four small tracts about the Sabbath (4 pp.) and printed 10,000 of them. He is soon to print 10,000 more. They have been sent to him from our S. D. Baptist brethren. He is engineer on a small steamer. He preaches often on Sundays, and some souls have become interested, and have commenced to serve the Lord. I held one meeting in his neighborhood. The people were friendly and asked me to come again.
Sunday, I went to Romedal, where I staid a day with a friend who keeps the Sabbath. He has become interested in the truth by reading, and preaches occasionally. He is a homeopathic doctor.
Monday, I took the cars for Trondhjem, a distance of 228 miles. The fare for this distance was $3.75. Norway is one great rock, and this road brought us through valleys, and over mountains whose tops were veiled with clouds. It is a wonderfully picturesque country. The railroad reaches an elevation of several thousand feet above the sea.
In Trondhjem I found two Christian sisters who love the truth. One of them has commenced to keep the Sabbath; the other, I trust, will soon begin. There is a temperance society in this city, and I became acquainted with one of its members. We were on the cars together, where he defended total abstinence, and was much pleased when I took his side against several others who tried hard to defend “moderate drinking.” I left them some tracts and papers, and then took passage for Bergen on a steamer (320 miles).
In this place I find five dear souls who are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and some others who are interested. I remain here four days. Rent is high, rooms are scarce, and it is very difficult to obtain a place for meetings. The Baptists have invited me to come to their chapel to-night.
We have now a few friends in many of the cities of Norway, and can, by the help of the Lord and by some judicious labor, obtain many readers for our tracts and periodicals. If we could get a paper printed here, it would facilitate the work in Northern Europe very much. May God direct for his own glory through Jesus Christ. JOHN G. MATTESON.
Sept. 2, 1878.

Enduring Steadfast in the Gospel Truth

As it ever has been, so it is now. Many are moved by the truths of the gospel; few endure steadfast to the end. These alone are heirs to the promises.

PEACE NOT YET.

It would seem from the following paragraph, which we copy from the Christian Union, of Sept. 18, 1878, that the cry of “Peace,” which was raised over the Berlin Congress, was somewhat premature. They have cried, “Peace, peace, when there was no peace.” The fires of the eastern question are smouldering, and may burst forth afresh at any moment. The Inter Ocean, of Sept. 21, in its telegraphic column of “News from Abroad,” gives these display headings:—
“Russia endeavoring to induce the Powers to remonstrate with the Porte for its slowness in carrying out the treaty. An uneasy feeling at London in regard to Lord Beaconsfield’s Indian Policy. Belief that it will result in war with Afghanistan, and a re-opening of the whole eastern question.”
The Christian Union says:—
“The war fires in the East continue to smoulder and smoke. They are smothered, not extinguished. Greece asks the European powers to compel Turkey to give heed to the ‘advice’ of the Berlin Congress and enter into negotiations with her respecting a rectification of her territory. Apparently they are loth to do so; and England is reported to have definitely refused. Austria already has an army of 200,000 in the Provinces which she was appointed to pacify, and they are not pacified yet. As she has executed over two hundred and fifty insurgents, including some Christians, the failure of her pacification is truly inexplicable. Insurrection has broken out in Albania, and a volunteer force of 45,000 Albanians is said to be organized to resist any occupation of their territory. Independence is like a flame in the grass; and it is doubtful whether Austria can keep it from burning in Bosnia and Herzegovina without beating it out in Albania. Where liberty, whether Christian or Turkish, means permission to oppress if not to slaughter one’s neighbor, it is difficult to feel much sympathy for either combatant; or indeed to tell whether it is the Turk or the Christian who is fighting to be free. The Sultan, who is a Greenbacker of the first water, and inflated the currency from $13,500,000 to $100,000,000 in a little over a year’s time, has appointed a commission to devise means for retiring his ‘absolute money.’ For bread is so high and money is so cheap that the bakers have discontinued selling bread in Constantinople. The Porte is quite ready to inaugurate reforms if Lord Beaconsfield will only advance him the little sum of six million pounds, on a pledge of Cyprus revenues; and Lord Beaconsfield would be most happy but for a constitutional trifle: he has not the money and he has not the face to ask Parliament for it. It looks as though Berlin had cried Peace! Peace! when there was no peace.”

BOOKS RECEIVED.

By Editor

A prompt notice under this head of all books received, giving title, the name of the author and of the publisher, and the price, when known, will be considered by us as equivalent to the publishers for the same. A more extended notice may be given whenever we consider that the interests of our readers would be subserved thereby.
The Sermonizer: A monthly magazine devoted to Homiletical Literature, such as sermons, sermon outlines, sketches of sermons, &c. J. C. Hornberger, Publisher, Lebanon, Pa. 50 cts. a year. Sample copies 6 cts.
The Field is the World: A poetical description of the peculiar features and needs of the different portions of the heathen world. Designed to excite a greater interest in missions. By Mrs. G. C. Smith. Price 25 cts. Address Mrs. H. A. Munson, Sterling, Ill.
How to be Plump: or Talks on Physiological Feeding. By T. C. Duncan, M. D. Duncan Bros. Publishers, Chicago. The title of the book explains itself. It is designed to show the kinds and quantities of food that conduce to the putting on of flesh. We judge that more people would like to learn how to take it off.

The Death Roll.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18.—The Tribune says the total number of deaths from yellow fever to date is five thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

By Editor

Those who design to attend the camp-meeting in Battle Creek, Oct. 2-9, will be much pleased to learn that Eld. J. N. Andrews from Europe will be with us at that time. See his communication in another column. Eld. J. N. Loughborough also, after his ten years' labor in California, will attend this meeting preparatory to his departure for England.
We have received reports of the camp-meeting at Grand Rapids, Wis., as published in two numbers of the Wisconsin State Journal of Sept. 14 and Sept. 17, 1878. The reports are full and well written, and embody a large amount of information respecting the history and progress of our work, which we are glad to know has gone before the readers of that paper.
Bro. Waggoner sends us a private note respecting the camp-meeting at Orion, Mich. There are twenty-seven tents up, including the large tents. The State Fair at Detroit has drawn away much of the outside attendance, and unusual storms have caused some interruptions in the meeting; but a deep and solemn feeling rests upon those in attendance, and a number are starting for the first time in the service of God. The interest was still increasing at the date of his writing, Sept. 21.
By direction of the General Conference Committee, the camp-meetings in Kansas have all been postponed to the dates given in this number, so that they can have help from the General Conference, and that Eld. Ayers can attend the General Conference in Battle Creek, Oct. 2-15.
THE FAMILY HEALTH ANNUAL for 1879 is now ready. Our people are so well acquainted with this publication that a particular description need not be given. We only need to say that its table of contents is unusually rich, and in the value of its matter it surpasses any of its predecessors.

Matters in Battle Creek.

We reached home from the Eastern camp-meetings, Sept. 19. Everything is moving on here with more than usual activity. Sixty-five workmen are engaged on the Tabernacle. The framework of the building, with the exception of the dome and tower, is now nearly completed, and before the end of the week a portion of these will doubtless be up. The work of laying the outside veneer of brick is already commenced. It will be pushed forward to completion as rapidly as possible.
Work on the new office building is also progressing favorably. This building is now entirely inclosed, and the workmen are engaged in finishing up the interior.
Two new boilers of forty horse-power each have been placed in the basement of the new office building. One of these is designed to be used for heating the Tabernacle, the other to run the office machinery; though both are available for either service whenever desired. The one designed for office use is already in service, and works admirably.
The new term of school has opened encouragingly, with between two and three hundred students. Others are waiting till after camp-meeting before entering. We expect a large attendance when all are in.
The old church building is now securely placed on its new foundation, just in the rear of the office, on Washington St. A basement has been put under it, which is to be used for a shop while the Tabernacle is going up, a shaft having been run from the office to supply power for necessary machinery. The damage of moving has been repaired, and two Sabbath services have been held in the house in its new location. The social meeting last Sabbath was an excellent one, one hundred and fifteen testimonies being borne in a little less than an hour.

ILLINOIS

Du Quoin, Sept. 18.
Last night, about ten o’clock, a fire broke out in Ward Bros.’ livery stable; and soon two hotels, a dwelling house, and several smaller buildings, were in flames. As there is no fire company here, our fears, for a time, were great.
We had rented the hall spoken of in last report, and had appointed regular meetings. Every window pane in one end of the hall was broken, and several times it took fire; but it was saved, and the fire was stayed. Services are to be held in the hall to-night. Our friends are becoming firmer.
G. W. COLCORD.
D. MORRISON.
Clinton, Sept. 16.
We pitched our tent in this place, Friday, Sept. 6. We have spoken twelve times. The congregations have increased from the first. Last night about one hundred who were unable to find seats stood around the outside of the tent. The influence of our camp-meeting held one year ago in this place has done much toward opening the way for this tent-meeting. Many speak very highly of the camp-meeting, especially of the order maintained on the ground; and all seem to manifest entire confidence in our Christian integrity.
C. H. BLISS.

MICHIGAN

Tent No. 1, Douglas.
We have now taken down our tent, after a stay of over seven weeks.
Last Sunday we baptized five more, making seventeen in all. There are as many more who will, we think, be baptized soon. To the very last the interest was good, and the most of the people were friendly. We have never been in a place where the people were so fully convinced of the truth as they are here; scores have said that if they are ever converted they shall be Seventh-day Adventists. Our brethren who were here before we came, express themselves as refreshed and encouraged. The Sabbath-school has been re-organized, with a goodly increase of scholars. A great many from families who do not keep the Sabbath have said they were going to attend.
Our people, feeling the great need of a church, have, with energy and zeal, gone to work to build one.
E. R. Jones. E. P. Daniels.
Ogden Center, Lenawee Co., Sept. 16.
Some have taken a stand for the truth since our last report. We have been here ten days. The people are anxious to hear. Last night there were five hundred out. We have labored all summer within seven miles of where we first pitched the tent, and the interest is still good. We expect to remain until after camp-meeting.
John I. Collins. T. P. Butcher.

PACIFIC COAST.

[Abridged from the Signs of the Times.]

Northern California Camp-meeting.

This meeting, the best ever held by our people in California, closed Sept. 5. From the first a feeling of solemnity prevailed. Daily prayer-meetings were held by those fitting up the ground. One hundred tents were pitched, and more than six hundred persons encamped on the well-arranged and tasteful grounds. The outside attendance was quite large; on Sunday about fifteen hundred were present.
The preaching was of a close, practical nature. Elds. Loughborough and Healey were the principal speakers; but Brn. Stephens, Rice, Kellogg, and others assisted them. Some who were strangers to our people and doctrines confessed that the Lord was indeed with us; and some who had been watching the people of God expressed a desire to go with them.
Monday, Eld. Loughborough read the Conference Address. Tuesday, forty-three were baptized, and others decided in favor of the truth and united with the churches where they reside. An interesting feature of the meeting was that a contribution of jewelry was taken up for the British mission, amounting to over one hundred dollars.
Wednesday evening, after the closing sermon by Eld. Loughborough, Eld. Healey read a testimonial expressing regard for Bro. and Sr. L. The Conference part with Bro. L. with sorrow, but rejoice that they have enjoyed his labors for so many years.

California Conference.

The seventh annual Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists of California was held near Yountville, Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, 1878.
Fourteen churches were represented by twenty-five delegates, and delegates were appointed to represent several companies that were not fully organized.
The following officers were elected for the coming year: For President, Eld. Geo. I. Butler; Secretary, Geo. Manuel; Treasurer, L. M. Hall; Executive Committee, Eld. Geo. I. Butler, John Morrison, and E. R. Gillett.
A resolution was passed expressing thanks to the General Conference and the Eastern brethren for their liberal support of the publishing house on the Pacific coast; and in this connection, Bro. and Sr. White were especially remembered.
Credentials were renewed to Elds. J. N. Loughborough, Wm. Healey, J. L. Wood, John Judson, M. G. Kellogg, and M. C. Israel. It was also voted that Brn. B. A. Stephens and J. D. Rice be ordained and receive credentials. Licenses were granted to Brn. R. A. Morton, J. E. White, W. C. Grainger, S. M. Meeker, Wm. Price, and E. L. McCapes. Colporteurs’ licenses were granted to Brn. Geo. Manuel, J. B. Dymott, D. Crouch, Millard and L. Church, and Frank Lamb.
The financial report showed the following:— Balance on hand Sept. 13, 1877, $583.61 Received during year, $3,911.77 Total, $4,495.38 Paid out during year, $4,111.44 Balance on hand, Sept. 5, 1878, $383.94

California Sabbath-school Association.

The first annual session of this society was held at Yountville, Cal., Sept. 4.
Reports were received from ten schools, representing four hundred and forty-six pupils.
The officers of the association for the coming year are as follows: President, M. C. Israel; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Alice Papworth; Executive Committee, M. C. Israel, Wm. Saunders, and E. R. Gillett. Bro. J. E. White was chosen delegate to the General S. S. Association, to be held in Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 9.

California Tract Society.

This society held its eighth annual session at Yountville, Aug. 30.
The present membership of the society, as per secretary’s report, is 410; increase during year, 58. No. of families visited, 2,251; ships visited, 125; letters written, 1,415; tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away, pp., 623,862. No. of Signs distributed, 27,647; other periodicals distributed, 4,593; Annuals distributed, 11,713. New subscribers obtained, 809. Assets after all debts are paid, $1876.22.
The following-named persons were elected officers of the society for the coming year: President, Geo. I. Butler; Vice-president, E. R. Gillett; Secretary and Treasurer, Mittie Sevrens. Director Dist. No. 1, Wm. Harmon; No. 2, M. J. Church; No. 3, John Mavity; No. 4, John Judson; No. 5, Wm. Saunders; No. 6, D. S. Hemstreet; No. 7, E. R. Gillett; No. 8, M. C. Israel.

Eugene City, Oregon.

Twenty-two have signed the covenant at Eugene City, where Bro. A. T. Jones is laboring.

MISSOURI CONFERENCE.

By Geo. I. Butler; D. C. Hunter

The fourth annual session of the Missouri Conference of S. D. Adventists met at Sedalia, Mo., Sept. 5, 1878. Opened with prayer by Bro. C. W. Stone.
The officers present were, Eld. Geo. I. Butler, president; D. C. Hunter, secretary; Wm. Evans, treasurer.
Thirteen churches were represented by sixteen delegates. Eld. S. N. Haskell, Bro. C. W. Stone, and all other Seventh-day Adventists in good standing, were invited to take part in our deliberations.
On motion, The churches at Nashville and Winslow were dropped from the Conference roll, and the remaining members requested to take membership in other churches.
On motion, The church at Neosho was dropped for apostasy.
On motion, The president was directed to appoint the usual committees.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows: For credentials, Elds. J. G. Wood, J. H. Rogers, C. H. Chaffee, and L. R. Long; for licenses, N. W. Allen, John McReynolds, D. W. Reavis, C. M. Holland, and D. C. Hunter. The report was adopted.
The Committee on Nominations reported for President, Eld. Geo. I. Butler; Secretary, D. C. Hunter; Nevada, Mo.; Executive Committee, Eld. Geo. I. Butler; J. F. Klostermyer, Rockville, Mo.; Eld. J. G. Wood, Appleton City, Mo. These persons were elected by a unanimous vote.
Eld. Butler declined to serve without the consent of the General Conference Committee. Thereupon D. C. Hunter offered the following preamble and resolutions, which were adopted by the Conference, and also by a rising vote of all the Adventists present:—
Whereas, This Conference has elected Eld. Geo. I. Butler president for the ensuing year, and he does not feel at liberty to serve without the consent of the General Conference Committee, therefore be it
Resolved, That we appeal to the General Conference Committee to permit Bro. Butler to remain with us; and if this cannot be granted, that they take charge of the work in Missouri and appoint some suitable person president of our Conference.
Resolved, That whether Bro. Butler remains with us or not, we do hereby make a solemn covenant that we will go to work in the cause of Christ as never before, trusting in the Lord’s strong arm for help in time of need.
On motion, Eld. Geo. I. Butler was elected delegate to the General Conference.
The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:—
Resolved, That we express our hearty approval of the move to create a mission to England, and that we pledge to that mission our hearty sympathy and support.
Resolved, That our thanks are due to the General Conference for the help sent us at this meeting.
Resolved, That we, the Missouri Conference, tender our thanks to Messrs. Newkirk and Janes for the free use of their fair grounds for our meeting, and to the M. K. & T. railway company for their courtesy shown us in the reduction of fare over their line.
Resolved, That we appreciate the courtesy of the Sedalia Daily Democrat, in printing liberal reports of our meetings, especially during the course of lectures recently given by Eld. Geo. I. Butler.
Resolved, That we extend our thanks to the citizens and authorities of the city of Sedalia for courtesies shown us.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference are due Sr. Reavis for the free use of her organ.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conference, with these resolutions, be furnished to the Review and Herald and the Sedalia Daily Democrat for publication.
The secretary presented the following church report:—
No. of churches reporting. 13
“ “ members at last report, 326
Received by vote, 33
By baptism. 43
Dismissed:—
Death, 1
Removal, 20
Apostasy, 26
Present number, 355
Gain as reported, 29
Conference Adjourned.
Geo. I. Butler, Pres. D. C. Hunter, Sec.

MISSOURI T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By G. I. Butler; D. C. Hunter

The fourth annual meeting of this society was held at Sedalia, Mo., Sept. 8, 1878. Opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
Officers present: Eld. Geo. I. Butler, president; Wm. Evans, treasurer; D. C. Hunter, secretary; John Snyder, director Dist. No. 1; J. M. Gallemore, director Dist. No. 2; J. F. Klostermyer, director Dist. No. 4.
On motion, The new Constitution, as adapted to the Missouri T. and M. Society, was adopted.
On motion, A committee was appointed, consisting of Wm. Evans, J. A. Berkey, and John Peepmeir, to district the State by counties, and nominate officers.
The financial report is as follows:—
Amount due Signs Office, $380.00 “ ” Review Office, 441.59 Total, $821.59 Value of books on hand, 214.41
Actual debt, $607.18
One-half of this amount is subscriptions on the quarterly installment system.
The Committee on Nominations reported that they had divided the State into seven districts. They declined to nominate a president, but recommended for the remaining offices the following persons: For Vice-president, Eld. J. G. Wood, Appleton City, Mo.; Secretary and Treasurer, D. C. Hunter, Nevada City. Directors: Dist. No. 1, E. A. Dean, Half Rock, Mercer Co.; No. 2, N. W. Allee, Hamilton, Caldwell Co.; No. 3, Andrew Flowers, Holden, Johnson Co.; No. 4, J. F. Klostermyer, Rockville, Bates Co.; No. 5, Wesley Hoff, Chambersville, Dade Co.; No. 6, E. C. Slawson, Rolla, Phelps Co.; No. 7, H. D. Clark, Macon City, Macon Co.
On motion, It was resolved that the General Conference Committee shall have power to appoint a president for this society, if they think it expedient.
On motion, It was ordered that the sum of $45 be appropriated to purchase a letter press for the use of the secretary, and that the officers purchase the same.
The secretary presented the following report of labor for the last two quarters:—
Families visited, 545 Letters written, 790 Received for membership, $18.00 “ ” donations, 134.31 “ ” from book sales, 14.35 “ ” on subscriptions, 197.80 Total, $364.46
Periodicals taken through the society, 550 No. of periodicals distributed, 5,577 Annuals distributed, 360 Tracts and pamphlets distributed, pp. 145,012 No. T. and M. members, 157
Adjourned sine die. G. I. BUTLER, Pres. D. C. HUNTER, Sec.

THE DAY IS AT HAND.

O'er the distant mountains breaking, Comes the reddening dawn of day; Rise, my soul, from sleep awaking, Rise, and sing, and watch, and pray: 'Tis thy Saviour, On his bright, returning way
O thou long-expected, weary Waits my anxious soul for thee; Life is dark, and earth is dreary, Where thy light I do not see: O my Saviour, When wilt thou return to me?
Nearer is my soul's salvation, Spent the night, the day at hand; Keep me in my lowly station, Watching for thee, till I stand, O my Saviour, In thy bright and promised land!
—Selected.

NEW YORK.

By S. B. Whitney

Schuyler, Sept. 17.
Commenced meetings in a Union church, Sept. 6. It is a back place, but quite a flourishing farming community. Have spoken here a few times before, and thought I would spend the time before Conference as the way opened, as it is near home. The attendance has not been large, but better and steadier, I am informed, than is usual here, and it has steadily increased so that last Sunday eve there were about one hundred out, with a good interest manifest.
Have just introduced the Sabbath, which seemed to make a favorable impression.
S. B. WHITNEY.
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