TRUTH encounters no greater obstacle than the disposition which exists in men to come to a complete halt after taking a few advance steps, and, conceiving that they have all the truth, refuse to go beyond the instructions of their teachers, or the instruments of their reformation. Some, all along, have seen the evil and the danger, and earnestly exhorted their brethren to guard against it. Truth is progressive, and no bounds must be set in the way of its onward development. To place bounds and set stakes, is the same as it would be for a traveler to throw up a barricade directly across his path, to prevent further progress toward the place to which he was journeying.
A worthy example in this respect is found in John Robinson, pastor of the congregation of pilgrims in Leyden, Holland, in 1620. In his farewell discourse to them, as some of their number were about to depart to establish themselves in the wilds of America, he uttered the noble sentiments which we present below. Well would it have been for the descendants of the pilgrim fathers, if they had followed his wise counsel. Then they would not have been found to-day so far back on the track of truth, and so stagnant in spiritual things.
An account of the farewell meeting is given in Martyn's History of the Great Reformation, vol. v., pp. 69–73, from which we make the following extract:
“Robinson gave the departing members of his exiled flock ‘a farewell, breathing a freedom of opinion and an independence of authority, such as then was hardly known in the world;’ and this he intermixed with practical directions for the future guidance of the pilgrim voyagers. He chose that beautiful text in Ezra, ‘And there, at the river by Ahava, I proclaimed a fast, that we might humble ourselves before God, and seek of him a right way for us, and for our children, and for all our substance.’”
“Unhappily ‘but a brief outline of that remarkable sermon has been preserved. We would gladly give whole shoals of printed discourses in exchange for that one homily. While, however, the larger part is lost in the long silence of the past, the fragments of this great man's farewell utterances are gathered up and preserved among our richest relics.’”
“Never was there a more affecting occasion. A Christian congregation, welded together alike by a common faith and a common misfortune, was about to be rent asunder. Some of their number thrice exiled, were soon to essay the settlement of an unknown and legendary wilderness. These dear wanderers they might never see again with their mortal eyes; and even should they meet them once more on the shores of time, years must intervene before the greeting. Strange thoughts and anxious, chased each other across the troubled mirror of each countenance. All eyes were dim with tears; all hands were clasped; the pastor's heart was full. Amidst the painful silence, broken by a frequent sob, the low, sweet voice of Robinson was heard quivering upon the sympathetic air:
““Brethren, we are now ere long to part asunder, and the Lord knoweth whether I shall live ever to see your faces more. But whether the Lord hath appointed it or not, I charge you before God, and his blessed angels, to follow me no farther than I have followed Christ. If God should reveal anything to you by any other instrument of his, be as ready to receive it, as ever you were to receive any truth of my ministry; for I am very confident the Lord hath more truth and light yet to break forth out of his holy word. Miserably do I bewail the state and condition of the reformed churches, who are come to a period in religion, and will go no farther than the instruments of their reformation.
“Remember your church covenant, in which you have agreed to walk in all the ways of the Lord, made or to be made known unto you. Remember your promise and covenant with God and with one another, to receive whatever light and truth shall be made known to you from his written word; but withal, take heed, I beseech you, what you receive for truth, and compare it and weigh it with other scriptures of truth before you accept it; for it is not possible the Christian world should come so lately out of such thick antichristian darkness, and that full perfection of knowledge should break forth at once.”
In giving us a delineation of the character of this eminently pious and good man, Stoughton says: “He was no friend of stagnant Christianity, but in all his voyaging after truth he clung to his Bible anchorage. Inside of that, he saw ample room for the completest development. ‘The Bible, not the fathers, formed his text book; he discerned there the depths of truth and glory, into which he was persuaded that thoughtful minds might plunge farther and farther, as time rolled on. The Bible was to him like the universe, a system unchangeable in its great facts and fundamental principles, but ever opening wider and wider upon devout and studious intellects. He knew there would be no change in God's word, no addition to, or subtraction from, its contents; but he looked for beautiful and improving changes in men's views—for broader, clearer, and grander conceptions of God's truth.’”
We who live down in these closing days of the gospel age, amid the blazing light that now shines from the word of God, can appreciate this man's position,21and see the force and beauty of his conceptions of truth, when more than two hundred years ago, he exclaimed, “I am very confident the Lord hath more truth and light yet to break forth out of his holy word;” and when he said that it was not possible that they could come at once from such thick antichristian darkness to full perfection of knowledge, and when he told them to compare everything closely with the Bible and take that alone as authority. Let us rejoice that a few have been found willing to take their stand upon such sound principles, so that the light has not been hidden in obscurity, but the truth has ever found a path and a people among mankind. And let us hold ourselves in this position, ready for more light whenever and in whatever way it may please God to bring it out, ready to receive truth not into the intellect merely, but into the good soil of prepared and disciplined hearts, where it may speedily bring forth a hundredfold.
Western Tour.
By James White
TRIP UP THE MISSISSIPPI.
FOURTH-DAY, June 24. We left the good pilgrim's tavern, at the home of Bro. and Sr. Higley, at 4 A. M., and hastened to Nora station, where we took the train at 4:40. The extreme drouth fills the cars with black, prairie dust, which is very disagreeable. But we were soon at Dunleith, where, about 9 A. M., we took the steamer Minnesota for Winona. Washed and brushed we entered upon our voyage up the Mississippi. The boat is a good one, and all connected with her seem attentive and kind. The clerk readily gave half-fare tickets to all preachers who give evidence that they are such. Our Michigan passes were sufficient proof that we were men worthy of their usual deductions. Mrs. W. found a special friend in the worthy stewardess.
The number of passengers was some less than a hundred. Most of them appear intelligent. A young man called me Eld. White, and says he heard us at Johnstown, Wis., in the fall of 1868. Some are on their way to Minnesota for their health. Several times we have been drawn out upon the subject of health, which calls the crowd, and leads to very interesting conversations. Here is an intelligent gentleman from Ohio, a nervous dyspeptic, who eats fashionably, drinks tea and coffee, and uses tobacco. His wife is a fine-looking, and fine appearing lady, and seems very anxious about her husband. These are among our most earnest listeners. The day is very hot; Mrs. W. is writing. Poor woman! This almost eternal writing for this one and that, when she should rest, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the pleasant society, seems too bad, but God blesses and sustains, and we must be reconciled.
We have, in our upward trip, met many, and very large, rafts of lumber drifting down the river. On them are erected board shanties in which the men cook and sleep. We observed, as we passed a large raft, in which there were probably forty men, one man swimming toward the steamer, while others were swinging their hats, and crying, “Papers!” These were immediately thrown overboard, and gathered up by the swimmer and taken to the raft. In a few moments these could be dried, ready to be read.
This gave Willie a new idea. He immediately went to my traveling bag for present-truth books and cord, and to the fireman for stone coal. Between two pamphlets he would tie a piece of coal, and as we passed within throwing distance, we would land the books quite on to the rafts. They were eagerly seized by the sturdy lumbermen. God bless the truth thus distributed.
As the sun sank behind the bluffs on the Iowa side, the air grew cooler, and the evening was delightful. Our company was seated together in front of the clerk's office, on the bow of the boat, when we struck up that good tune and hymn “Resting By and By.” This we did for our own diversion and devotion, not expecting to attract attention. But as soon as we had finished two verses, and paused, hands were clapped, and feet were tapped, all around us, and as we looked around, our fellow-passengers were all gathered forward, standing just over our shoulders, calling out, “Give us some more!” “Try that again!” We made an apology for disturbing them with our poor singing. We stated that we made no pretensions to good singing, and at present were hoarse from frequent speaking at camp-meetings the past week. But as they continued to call for more, we gave them two verses of the “Celestial Army,” and begged to be excused. Passengers on these boats, after viewing the scenery, and chatting, finally desire changes. Some become hungry for intellectual food. The feeble gentleman from Ohio, at this point, said to us, “It is rumored about this boat, Mr. White, that your wife is a public speaker, and every passenger will unite in a request for her to speak in the ladies' cabin, if she will consent.” After a moment's consultation as to the propriety of the thing, and the right subject, we returned an affirmative answer. Soon the seats were arranged, a short prayer offered, and Mrs. W. seized upon the great idea that God—his wisdom, love, and even his love of the beautiful—could be seen through the beauties of nature. The subject was made more interesting by reference to the grand and beautiful scenery of the day's trip up the old Mississippi. A more attentive audience we never saw. Nine in the evening came, and a dozen black-faced fellows were standing ready to prepare extra beds in the very room we were using as a chapel, so we closed, and sought rest for the night. Sweet rest, even upon a steamer, to those who are weary and worn of labor, is precious.
But we are towing a heavy barge alongside, and the captain thinks we shall be so retarded by it as not to connect with the train at Winona at 11:30 A. M. This will oblige us to stay in Winona nearly twenty-four hours, and reach the camp-ground in Wasioja too late on sixth-day to get all ready for the Sabbath. But just now Willie sees the steamer Keokuk, as we draw near La Crosse, waiting for passengers to make her quick trip to meet the cars. In a few moments she must leave. And now we see the captain, and get him to promise to wait till we pick up, change five trunks, and hand baggage enough for ten passengers. To do this all must be carried across barges and boats quite a distance. Willie leads Bro. Littlejohn, and we take charge of the rest. Soon we find ourselves on the Keokuk, bag and baggage, and away steams the boat up the river.
The boat connects, and we are safely on the train, and comfortably situated. This is a fine train of new cars, manufactured at Worcester, Mass. We shall probably reach the camp this afternoon (fifth-day) in season to make preparations, and put up for the night at the Cotton Hotel.
MINNESOTA CAMP-MEETING.
FIFTH-DAY, June 22, we reached the Minnesota Camp-ground in season to pitch our tent, and make preparations for the night. Active and willing brethren assisted, and we were liberally furnished with everything to make us comfortable. The turn out is very large for Minnesota. There are nineteen family tents upon the ground, besides the large tent, the boarding tent, and eight or ten covered wagons in which many lodge. We were pained to learn that our much-esteemed Bro. S. Pierce was not expected to be at this meeting on account of sickness. May God bless him in his afflictions at home, and, if it be his will, raise him to health, to be a blessing to the cause in this State.
The first evening we spoke to a good congregation in the large tent. We took the position that the growing, spreading interest in the cause of present truth is a miracle of God's power. That we are so pleasantly and happily situated on this ground, with sufficient interest in the cause to bring this body from different parts of the State, is a wonderful miracle. It is because God is in the work that his people hold on their way, and grow stronger and stronger.
It is admitted that men of learning and energy may build up a religious interest, provided the sentiments held do not require sacrifice of time, means, and the natural desires of the mind and heart. But let even learned and energetic men take their position on unpopular Bible truth; let them undertake to build up a religious interest which is full of sacrifices and crosses; let them take hold of the work in their strength, without God to help them, however learned and energetic they may be, they will make an utter failure. The positions of Seventh-day Adventists are unpopular. The world is against us. Popular professors generally are ready to take a decided stand against us. The powers of darkness are ready to make war upon us. We have no ambition to rank among great men. We regard ourselves as small men, engaged, however, in a great work. And the only reason to be assigned why the cause of truth in our hands progresses, is because God's hand is in it. We therefore conclude that we should have implicit confidence in God and in the message for this time; and should, with courage, press forward in the work to which God has called us.
Sixth-day, Bro. Littlejohn spoke in the morning, Mrs. W. in the afternoon, and we in the evening upon the subject of the kingdom. The social meetings of this day were very interesting. The brethren are settling into the work, and there is a good prospect of a glorious meeting. We find ourselves in the midst of an intelligent, energetic, and enterprising people. They bear much of the New-England stamp in these respects.
Sabbath morning. The weather is fine. The gathering of brethren is large. The morning meeting is deeply interesting. Confessions are being made. A shouting, exalted, self-righteous spirit in a few has been checked in a manner to have a good influence on the cause, and our social meetings are characterized with the sweet spirit of humility and love. The general prayer and conference meeting at 8 A. M., showed that the good work was still deepening in the hearts of the Lord's people.
Sabbath forenoon, Bro. Littlejohn spoke upon the subject of the Judgment. This was an appropriate subject at this stage of the meeting. The speaker was listened to with great interest. At half past one, we spoke to a large congregation for thirty minutes. Our Seventh-day Baptist brethren came quite a distance to meet with us; also many of the citizens of this locality were out to hear. Mrs. W. followed at two, and spoke with great freedom, clearly setting forth the Christian life. This effort told upon the congregation, which was not less than three or four hundred. We called on all who loved the Lord to unite in a covenant to serve him better, and love him more fully. Probably not less than two hundred arose. The scene was solemn and touching. Then we called upon backsliders and sinners who were ready to give themselves up to the Lord, and desired the prayers of his people, to arise. Many rose up. The front seats were vacated, and not far from one hundred came forward. This movement was marked with deep feeling. Earnest appeals were made by several, and the entire crowd was moved mightily. The work was general, and the surrender to the Lord seemed almost complete.
The afternoon meeting continued nearly five hours, with a short intermission, during which time, probably, not far from two hundred persons took part. Among them was Dr. Lee and his wife. Dr. Lee is an educated Swede. His testimony and that of his wife were to the point. We never witnessed greater advancement on the Sabbath at any meeting than at this. The several services of this day were so deeply interesting that they held, in all, not less than ten hours.
First-day morning, our social meetings were usually interesting. It was very evident that the work was deepening. At half past ten, Bro. Littlejohn spoke to a large audience. He was clear, forcible, and free; and the attention of the congregation, with hardly an exception, was decidedly candid and good. At the close, we circulated all we had of Bro. L.'s printed sermon on the Sabbath, and did not more than half answer the urgent demands. As we handed out the last one of the two hundred we had on hand, there were twenty hands reaching for it.
In the afternoon we spoke thirty minutes upon several points connected with the Sabbath question, to a large and very attentive congregation. We were followed by Mrs. W., who held the crowd with increasing22interest for about forty minutes. At the close of this service, we circulated several hundred copies of Mrs. W.'s tract entitled, The Sufferings of Christ. Again we were pained, not being able to supply the eager crowd. Bro. Ingraham spoke with freedom in the evening on the subject of conversion.
Second-day morning meeting was full of interest. At an early hour we were assembled at the stand for general social worship. Again the call was made to backsliders and sinners to come forward. The front seats were soon filled. The brethren and sisters went to their children and friends who had not moved forward, and generally succeeded in inducing them to come forward. The interest of the meeting was at a high pitch. We bowed in prayer. God heard the prayers of his servants. We arose, and while singing, several brethren and sisters came forward, leading their friends with whom they had been pleading with many tears. Dr. Lee and wife spoke in a very touching manner. The Spirit of God came down upon us in a wonderful manner. And yet sinners and backsliders pressed forward. The congregation was large. Our Seventh-day Baptist brethren took a deep interest in our meeting. Many of them were present.
Baptism being called for, those wishing the ordinance were requested to rise up. A number arose. In the afternoon the congregation was assembled to examine candidates for baptism. About twenty-five were received, among whom were Bro. and Sr. Lee. The crowd at the water was very large and attentive. Twenty-seven were baptized by Bro. Ingraham, among them a feeble young man from the poorhouse, who had to be carried to the water's edge on his couch, and then taken into the water upon a sheet by Bro. Ingraham, assisted by another. The scene was impressive. Here our minds were carried back to the days of Christ when the sick were brought to him.
In the evening the blessing of the Lord still rested upon us. Our union with the brethren in Minnesota became very strong. There is an efficiency and activity with this people which we do not always find in other localities. Their Conference sessions were spirited, and marked with union. There was a general promptness in paying for our periodicals. Many paid liberally in advance for the Review, Reformer, and Instructor. In consequence of the scarcity of money but few books were purchased. This we made up in gifts from the book fund, in full faith that our faithful brethren in Minnesota will make it up to the book fund when money shall be more plenty with them.
Our Danish brethren in Minnesota were out to Camp-meeting. They are among the most faithful friends of the cause. They anxiously inquire for Bro. Matteson. They think he would do more good among the Danish people. There is also an urgent call for his labors among numerous Danes in Black Hawk Co., Iowa. There is a very general feeling that Bro. M. has mistaken his field of labor. Under the instructions of the General Conference Committee, we think Bro. M. should labor for his people. He should translate many of our smaller works into the Danish language, that the Publishing Association may print large editions for general circulation among those in our country who read that language. And then, in our opinion, he should labor under the instruction of the General Conference Committee, much of his time, in connection with such Danish works as he shall prepare for that people. While we admire the enterprising, liberal spirit of the Danes in instituting a Danish Tract Fund, we regret that our American brethren did not take this matter in hand, and act a liberal part in it. In fact, the General Conference should, and will, take Bro. Matteson, and the cause among the Danes, right up in its arms, and direct and nourish both him and it. We are much disappointed in not seeing Bro. M. at some, at least, of our Western Camp-meetings.
The business sessions of the Minnesota Annual Conference were harmonious, and the brethren are of good courage. The expenses of the Conference are liberally met, and the brethren donate $100 to the General Conference.
Minnesota is a promising field of labor. Bro. Ingraham goes out with the tent alone unless some one can be found to go with him. We suggest that a Minnesota summer and fall might improve the health of Bro. Cornell or Waggoner. May God raise up faithful and able laborers in this great western field.
We were happily disappointed at the camp-meeting in Minnesota last fall, and have since thought of the brethren in that State with pleasure. But our joyful disappointment to see so many brethren from different parts of the State at the late camp-meeting, and in witnessing so much of the work of God among them, can hardly be expressed on paper. We feel the strongest union with this people, and shall do what we can to help them in their efforts to build up the cause in that new State.
Kilbourne City Camp-ground, Wis., July 1, 1870.
JAMES WHITE.
Iowa State Conference.
By George Ide Butler; Lycurgus McCoy
The eighth annual Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists of Iowa, was held near Marion, Linn Co., Iowa, in connection with the camp-meeting, June 9-14, 1870. Conference convened June 10, at 9 o'clock A. M. Eld. Geo. I. Butler, of Mt. Pleasant, in the chair. Prayer by Eld. W. H. Littlejohn, of Michigan. On motion, L. McCoy, of Sigourney, Iowa, was chosen Secretary pro tem.
On examination of credentials of delegates, the following-named churches were found to be represented: Knoxville, Laporte City, Waukon, Sigourney, Iowa City, Mt. Pleasant, Lisbon, State Centre, Washington, Marion, Talleyrand, West Union, Pilot Grove, Anamosa and Sandyville. By application, the church at Richland was admitted, with Bro. John Stroup as delegate. Also church at Monroe, with Eld. D. M. Canright as delegate.
On motion, Elds. James White and W. H. Littlejohn, of Michigan, together with brethren present from different churches, were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
On motion, the following-named brethren were appointed an auditing committee: Ben Auten, D. Smouse, Sidney Hart, D. Andre, Thos. Hare, and F. H. Chapman.
Voted, That the following brethren act as nominating committee: James White, W. V. Field, and L. McCoy.
Voted, That the following brethren be committee on resolutions: Elds. W. H. Littlejohn, James White, and D. M. Canright.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
Conference called, June 13, at 8 o'clock A. M. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. Minutes of last meeting read.
The committee on nominations reported the names of the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year: Eld. Geo. I. Butler, President; L. McCoy, Secretary; R. M. Kilgore, Treasurer; H. Nicola, and J. F. Mitchel, Executive Committee.
The discussion of the question of distribution of labor was participated in by many. No definite action was taken.
Voted, That the following brethren act as Camp-meeting committee: J. F. Mitchel, Ben Auten, F. H. Chapman, L. McCoy, H. Nicola, S. M. Holly, and D. Andre.
The question of the location of the next Camp-meeting was here discussed, and many liberal propositions were made for the same. No action.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
Conference called, June 14, at 8 o'clock A. M. Prayer by Eld. Littlejohn.
Voted, That the credentials of Geo. I. Butler and D. M. Canright be renewed.
Voted, That a renewal of License be granted to J. H. Morrison, A. L. Carl, C. A. Washburn, and R. H. Johnson, to improve their talents by publicly preaching the word of truth.
The Treasurer made the following report:
S. B. FUND.
Cash on hand Oct. 10, 1869, $1034.49
Rec'd. since last report, 1380.65
$2415.14
Cash paid out since last report, $1763.53
“ on hand to balance, 651.61
$2415.14
CAMP-MEETING FUND.
Cash on hand, Oct. 10, 1869, $ 79.05
Rec'd. since last report, 562.05
$641.10
Cash paid out since last report, $406.00
“ on hand to balance, 235.10
$641.10
R. M. KILGORE, Treasurer.
June 1, 1870.
Partial reports from churches show a membership of over 400, and S. B. of over $2500, with a considerable amount yet due. The financial condition of the various funds is good.
Voted, That $100 of the S. B. fund be allowed the church at West Union, to aid in building their meeting-house.
Voted, That $300 of the S. B. fund be appropriated to General Conference fund.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following report:
Whereas, Our State Conference Constitution makes it the duty of all S. B. treasurers to report to the Conference Secretary once in three months; and
Whereas, There has been a neglect of this duty on the part of some, therefore
Resolved, That this Conference make it the duty of its Secretary to publish through the Review within four weeks after the time when these reports are due, the names of all delinquent churches. And,
Whereas, The duty of exercising a watchcare over its members is obligatory upon every church, and as this cannot be done in the case of absent members unless they frequently report themselves, therefore
Resolved, That this Conference considers it the duty of all the absent members of our churches to report themselves to their respective churches as often as once in three months. And furthermore, that we consider the persistent neglect of this duty a sufficient ground for church labor; and we hereby advise our churches to judiciously carry this resolution into effect.
Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks to Bro. and sister White, and Bro. Littlejohn, for their faithful labors with us during this camp-meeting, and we cordially invite them to attend our next.
Resolved, That the minutes of this Conference be published in the Review.
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.
LYCURGUS MCCOY, Sec’y.
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By Bro. Matteson
I LABORED seven weeks in Farlinville, Kan. Had a good hearing and much opposition. Twenty expressed themselves to be fully convinced of the truth, but no one has moved out, as yet, to obey. I have never labored in any place more faithfully than here, and have been much reduced in health and strength. It is truly discouraging to see no more fruit at present; yet I am willing to leave all with the Lord, and hope to see fruits in the future.
From there I went to Centerville. Labored with them one week. Here are twelve Sabbath-keepers. Eight of them took the covenant. One was baptized. Bro. J. Brown was ordained an elder, and Bro. F. Morrison elected clerk and treasurer. We organized S. B. $52.00 were pledged to the Conference for the coming year. This church took the name of the S. D. A. Church of Centerville, Kan. Finished meetings here on Sunday. Commenced next day a series of meetings with the brethren south of Mound City. Continued a week and a half, and then had one day's rest. Here I was obliged to hold meetings in the day time, my strength failing. This proved much more beneficial to the brethren also. The Lord blessed us in these meetings beyond our highest expectations. Every meeting some advancement was made. The brethren were punctual in attending. All made an effort to move. Old difficulties were overcome, sins confessed, jealousy and envy removed, and union restored. Earnest prayers went up to Heaven, tears flowed freely. Love from God commenced to come in. Backsliders were restored, and sinners converted. Sixteen were added to the church. Their present number is twenty-three. Fourteen were baptized. All seem to give good evidence of having their hearts in the work.
Bro. J. H. Cook was ordained an elder of this church, which is known by the name of the First S. D. Adventist Church of Mound City, Kan. Bro. Amos Van Syoc is clerk and treasurer; S. B. was organized, to the amount of $201.76 per year.
Next we held a three-days' Grove-meeting at Farlinville. This was right in the midst of wheat harvest23and was consequently much less attended than it would have been at some other season. But this was the only time I had left. There were thirty Sabbath-keepers on the ground, and about 200 people in all attended on Sunday. Our meeting here were very searching and solemn, and we felt refreshed in the Lord. Our parting meeting was one of much weeping, and I left the dear brethren of Kansas, feeling that they have a large place in my affections, and that I never shall forget them.
Monday evening I arrived at this place after an absence of eight months and two weeks. To-day (Tuesday) we are busy pitching the old tent again, and I expect to begin a series of meetings to-night. I do not see how my strength can hold out to supply all the labor that is called for here; but I believe the Lord will either give me sufficient strength, or else send some one to help me, or else let me die at my post. I am well contented with my lot, and thankful to the Lord for a work to do, though it be very small. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.”
The brethren in Kansas would like very much to have a general Camp-meeting about the middle of September, after the Michigan Camp-meeting. If Bro. and Sr. White intend to go to California, this would be very little out of their way. Pleasonton, on the Mo., Ft. Scott and Gulf R. R., would be a convenient and central place for all the brethren of South and North Missouri and Kansas to convene together. The brethren of Kansas will make necessary preparations if the Gen. Conf. Com. will consider this matter and supply ministerial labor, and if the brethren in Missouri favor the plan.
Hamilton, Mo., June 21, 1870.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Sr. Austin.
BRO. SMITH: I have asked while looking over the pages of the Review, and seeing so many selections, and so few names in the Conference Department. Why is it so? Are there not enough who have a real love for this cause, and in whose hearts this truth lives and burns, to furnish at least half a dozen testimonies weekly, that shall cheer the hearts of all who read, and especially those who cannot hear in any other way from those of like “precious faith”?
Those who can get together and speak words of encouragement, know how sweet and strengthening it is to be cheered along over the roughness of the way, by words of hope, and songs of praise, from fellow pilgrims who are toiling to reach the same blest home with themselves; and as they recount blessings enjoyed, victories gained, and help received from our “Bountiful Father,” who watches with a loving eye, every effort of his striving children to live so that they can honor his glorious name, it inspires them with new courage to press on in the narrow way that leads to life, although it may separate them from earthly friends, and loved ones almost as dear as life itself.
And next to hearing others is reading from their pens; and are there not many silent pens which might and should be used to speak such words of cheer as should cause bright hope to spring up in the heart of some lone pilgrim, or call a song of praise from some saddened soul, which the angels would hear, and the echo be returned laden with bright rays of glory, to light up the darkness, and disperse the gloom that Satan labors so hard to envelop us in as we near the golden city of our God.
Have we not reached a point in this message where we need put on the whole gospel armor, and such a consecration to God as shall enable us to say, “I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”?
When we attain this position in our Christian experience, where Christ truly lives in us, there will be seen by angels and men earnest, faithful, laborers in the vineyard of the Lord; and this message will rise, and the last note of warning for a drowsy church and an ungodly world, will then be heard with a loud voice, and the latter rain will strengthen the tempted and tried children of God, and prepare them to stand amid the awful scenes of earth's closing history.
I thank God for the light that shines on our pathway, for the evidences of the soon coming of the glorious Lifegiver, for the precious promises made to those that seek the Lord with their whole hearts, and the spirit of love for perishing souls, that goes with the third angel's message. It was this spirit that prompted our dear Redeemer to leave all the glory of his heavenly home, and walk this vale of tears in sorrow and agony, to bring us to his Father's house on high. And shall we go contentedly along alone, satisfied if only ourselves are saved? If ever we plant our glad feet on the sea of glass, shall we not want to see near us a little company, or at least one, whom we have loved here, that has been assisted to reach the place where the victor's song shall be sung, by our helping hand, reached out for them through the power of that life which Christ lives in us?
I believe with all my heart that soon, soon, we shall be there if faithful to the end; and what we do for ourselves or others must be done quickly. May God arouse his people to more earnestness, and strengthen the lonely ones to trust in him, and labor on, remembering that those that sow in tears, shall come with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.
Yours, hoping soon to meet and have a name and place with all the good and pure of earth,
C. R. AUSTIN.
Berkshire, Vt.
Encouragement for Isolated Sabbath Keepers
By A. M. Treadwell
SR. A. M. TREADWELL writes from Douglas Co., Kan.: I am very thankful that I ever heard the truths of the third angel's message, and had a heart willing to receive the light that shone around it. It has been almost six years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; and looking back over those six short years, I see many crooked paths that I have made, and I pray God, for Christ's sake, to forgive me of my sins. I will try to walk better the remaining few years we have to stay here. I have not the privilege that many have. We live far from any Sabbath keepers; but I thank the Lord for the REVIEW that makes its weekly visits to our lonely home. It cheers my heart, and helps me to praise the Lord for his goodness and mercies to me. I believe the Lord has precious souls here. We have been here but a short time, and the true Sabbath is quite a novelty to some. I lend the REVIEW to those that seem anxious or willing to read. One family reads them weekly, and I hope soon to see more interested. I further hope some one or more of the ministers will call at this place and preach. I believe it would be a good place for a tent meeting. I will give all the aid that is in my power to take care of those that feel burdened to come this way. I would say to those that are separated from God's people, Take courage! Jesus will soon come to gather his faithful children home.
So let us run that we may gain the prize at the end of the race, and be counted worthy to receive the crown of everlasting life at his appearing.
The Review, a Faithful Preacher
BRO. D. MOORE writes from Polk Co., Iowa: I want to return my sincere thanks to the friends who have sent the REVIEW to a poor sinner like me. It is the best preacher I ever had. I intend to pay for it after harvest. I thank God, through our great High Priest, that he has brought me into the light of the gospel. I am trying to serve him with my whole house. The Lord being my helper I will never receive the mark of the beast.
Interest in Present Truth
By E. H. Little
SR. E. H. LITTLE writes from Polk Co., Iowa: I rejoice that for the last few months it has been my experience to form an acquaintance with the sinner's Friend. Oh, what a friend! We heard the present truth while in Monroe, Jasper Co., last winter. We are the only Sabbath keepers in this place at present; but we hope through the blessing of God there will soon be more. Through the tracts there is quite an interest prevailing here at present, and a desire to hear the present truth preached. We think there could be great good done here, if some preacher could come here.
Preparing for the Kingdom
By J. E. Spencer
SR. J. E. SPENCER writes from Tuscola Co., Mich.: By the grace of God I mean to see how it looks in the kingdom of God. I take great pleasure in reading the letters of the brethren and sisters. I often ask myself, Am I rooted and grounded in the truth? Have I on the whole armor? Am I prepared for the day of the Lord? The Lord help us to make every preparation, and wait the directions of the Captain of the Lord's hosts, without distrust or murmuring.
Converted by Reading
By J. Wilmot; E. Wilmot
BRO. AND SR. J. AND E. WILMOT write from Carroll Co., Mo.: Neither of us ever heard an Advent sermon, but have become convinced of the truth of the doctrine by reading. We have reason to thank the Lord for putting it into the heart of a sister to send your valuable paper to us, which, through the blessing of God, has been the means of leading us to embrace the present truth, or seeing the truth as it is. But we are despised, neglected, persecuted. We care not for this. If we can have the smile of Heaven, and do our Master's will, it is sufficient for us. May the grace of God be as our day is, so that when our Lord appears, we may be prepared to meet him.