Our camp-meeting held with the Prairie Valley church, Oct. 4-9, has just closed. It has been a great success, and in some respects better than any camp-meeting ever held in the State before. Though the weather was somewhat against us, as it rained the Monday and Wednesday before the meeting, stopping and turning back some who had started, and no doubt hindering many others, and though it rained much of the day Sunday, thus keeping away the crowd, yet there was at our meeting a larger number of our people than I have ever seen in Missouri, or when Missouri and Kansas were united.
An immense crowd of outsiders would have been present Sunday but for the rain; for the livery men in towns eight or ten miles away had all their own teams engaged, and many others had been engaged of private citizens, and all through the country many had said they were coming. But the rain stopped many of these, so Sunday there was not a great number of any but our own people present. But at night, after the rain, and Monday night, though dark and muddy, the tent was well filled, and a good degree of interest manifested.
Our own people go home from this meeting greatly encouraged. We had an excellent social meeting Monday afternoon, in which many short, cheering testimonies were given. Almost every one commenced with, “I am thankful to God for this good meeting,” or “I am glad I came to this meeting,” or kindred words. There has heretofore been a great lack of interest among our people here in our camp-meetings; but many expressed themselves determined from this time forward to attend; to provide themselves with tents, and come at the beginning and stay to the close. Our brethren this time did nearly all stay till Tuesday morning, though many had not intended to when they came.
Another gratifying feature to me was this, that our camp-ground presented a more neat and orderly appearance, and the tents were better than I have ever seen before in this Conference. On Sabbath day, our meetings were solemn. By a rising vote, nearly all pledged themselves to live nearer to God and be more earnest in his work than ever before. On Monday, not far from twenty came forward for prayers, when I invited those who felt they were far backslidden from God, and those who had never started in his service, to consecrate themselves to him. It was a good season, and the Lord came near.
In preaching, Brn. Chaffee, Wood, Rogers, and T. J. Butler took part, while I spoke fifteen times in all, filling in all the available time between regular services. There was so much I wanted to say, and that needed to be said, that I hardly knew where to stop. It was all received kindly, and seemed to be enjoyed. I felt greatly anxious that the brethren should feel we could have as good a state of things in Missouri as anywhere, if we would go to work for God, and regard the light he has given us, and the agencies he has instituted for our good. I believe impressions have been made which will be lasting. The last two weeks have been a source of great encouragement to me. At these two meetings I have had the privilege of speaking to not less than two hundred and fifty of our people, over half of our membership; and though this number seems small when compared with the numbers attending such meetings in Iowa, Michigan, and the other large Conferences, yet the time was not far back when this would have been a respectable attendance for either of those strong Conferences. How the cause is growing! and even this is in glorious contrast with the meetings in Missouri only a few years ago.
I am in favor of a great many camp-meetings. While we need one general meeting in every Conference, at which to attend to business matters, and which should be a general gathering of delegates and brethren and sisters from all parts of the Conference, I see no reason why we cannot have other camp-meetings, more local in character, which may be seasons of great profit to the cause. If these are managed right, they need not be financially expensive. The two just held have cost the Conference nothing from any fund. If it is the desire of the brethren, I see no reason why we may not have three camp-meetings in Missouri next season, one in Northern and one in Southern Missouri in the spring, and a general meeting in the central part of the State in autumn. It does our brethren good to stir out, get acquainted, and get their hearts warmed up.
We have received subscriptions for our tent and camp-meeting fund to over $350. We hope to raise this to $500 before spring. We want to buy two tents, one large and one small one, pay off our debts, and get things on the right basis. We expect to do this. The brethren are beginning to wake up in Missouri; and though the victory is not yet complete, and there is much hard work to be done, yet God lives, and will help all who are in earnest; and we must gain the victory. Let us remember the Christian's watchwords, “Watch, pray, and work.”
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Gallatin, Mo., Oct. 10, 1877.
SABBATH DESECRATION.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
In the correspondence of the New York Evangelist, of Aug. 16, is a letter from P. H. Burghardt on the conflict between labor and capital, which speaks as follows:—
“But as we are led to think, with an open Bible in our hands, as the immutable and eternal statute book of Jehovah, the great trouble now so universally pressing itself upon us as a people and nation, as everywhere to be witnessed throughout our country in the very great depreciation of all property values, the want of monetary confidence, and the very general stagnation of business, is not by any means attributable to any conflict between labor and capital, but to the conflict of both labor and capital with the laws of God. For the last twenty or twenty-five years in our country there has been a growing—and a most fearful—recklessness upon the part of both capital and labor, in trampling upon the laws of God, and more especially that law both plain and positive in regard to the sanctity of the Sabbath. Our capitalists, railroad and express companies, and the host of laborers that have willingly worked with them, are now, as we most fully believe, cursed and crippled, stricken as with a perfect paralysis by the direct hand of God, for the open profanation of this sacred day of rest, a day that he himself, as if to call the attention of the human race more directly to its very great importance, ceremoniously set apart, and hallowed as a portion of time to be conscientiously kept as needful for the highest and the noblest purposes and possibilities of man’s nature in helping to develop the greatest good of his physical, mental, and moral manhood.
“The Heaven-daring and defying sin of Sabbath desecration, a sin that will ever carry with it sooner or later every form of the violation of the laws of God, was the great central sin that called down the just judgments of Jehovah upon the nation of Israel. So now, we, too, as a people and nation, are most fearfully guilty of the sin of Sabbath-breaking. Our only hope and only remedy can come by ceasing from sin. Let our Sabbath mails and our Sabbath running railroads, with all their laborers, rest on this God-given day, and then we may expect God’s blessing upon us, and once more peace and prosperity throughout the length and breadth of our land.”
With the writer we too accept the Bible “as the immutable and eternal statute book of Jehovah.” But if these laws are truly immutable—unchangeable—the writer might have said that “we,” not only “as a people and nation,” but as churches, “are most fearfully guilty of the sin of Sabbath-breaking;” for it is a fact that the churches generally throughout the country, ministers, priests, deacons, and congregations, pay no regard at all to the day that was “ceremoniously set apart and hallowed” by the Creator. It was not two days that were set apart or appointed. There is no law in the Bible for keeping Sunday, the first day of the week, as the Sabbath. Which, then, is the “God-given day”? God gave but one in each week, not two.
The difficulty is that another day, a day Jehovah did not rest upon, set apart, nor hallow, has been foisted into the place of the God-given day; and every honest and well-informed clergyman will acknowledge that there is no command or direct revelation in the New Testament making the first day the Sabbath instead of the seventh, which is Saturday. And yet they appeal to the eternal and immutable statute law of the Bible to enforce the observance of a day not mentioned therein as a sacred day—not made God’s Sabbath by his resting upon it, not blessed by him nor sanctified. And this fact is becoming so well understood by the people generally, that they attach but very little, if any, sacredness to the day. “How can the people be impressed with the duty conscientiously and religiously to keep sacred to the Lord the first day of the week, or Sunday, by the commandment of God which requires the holy observance of another day, the seventh day or Saturday, the day on which he rested from his work, and which he sanctified, that is, appointed, to a sacred use, because that on it he did rest?” He rested only on one day of the seven. How can another day, a day on which he did not rest, become his rest, or Sabbath, day? R. F. COTTRELL.
KENTUCKY TENT.
By S. Osborn
We struck our tent at Glover's Creek, Sept. 24, after laboring nearly seven weeks against all the opposition the enemy could devise, through the instruments he had to use. Notwithstanding this, the Lord gave us some victory in his name. Bro. Soule staid to finish up the work, and he will report accordingly.
On Sunday, the 23d, I united in the holy state of matrimony, under the tent, and in the presence of an audience of over three hundred, Bro. Orlando Soule and Miss Alice Turner, a very worthy lady, and a late convert to the truth. May God bless them.
On the eve of the 28th inst., according to appointment, I met with the brethren at Bro. I. B. Forrest's, and held meetings over Sabbath and first-day. I spoke six times, and held one social meeting. There was a small outside attendance of people who seemed to be much interested. The few there were much strengthened.
From there, Bro. Forrest took us to Powder Mills church. On account of sickness, we had only two meetings here, one of them a prayer-meeting. This church needs much labor, and I hope to spend some time here after tent-season.
We then went to the quarterly meeting at D. W. Barr's, near E. Town. This meeting was one of the most solemn and heart-searching meetings we ever held in the State. Some who were detained at home on account of worldly matters lost much. The very ones who need these meetings most, think they need them least, and are least inclined to attend; and what is curious, they do not get along in the world any better than those who take time to attend these important meetings, which shows God is not well pleased with his people when they neglect duty in this direction. I preached three times, and Bro. R. Garrett once; and held three prayer and social meetings. We attended the ordinances, and had a business meeting, in all of which God was present by his Spirit. Bro. I. B. Forrest, who was a Disciple elder, came to bring us here and was baptized.
The last day was a very important one here. We look forward from this meeting for better times for this Conference. The brethren present did all they could with their means to meet the wants of the cause. The T. and M. Society is also taking root and beginning to work. I will report as soon as I get returns from Tennessee.
We now go to a place near Nashville, Tenn., which will be my address until further notice. We want another tent-meeting this fall, and by going that far South we think we can have it.
S. OSBORN.
Oct. 8.
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore
The interest here at Peoria is still all we could ask. The tent was crowded last night with very attentive hearers. Our first Sabbath meeting was well attended. Next Sabbath we have a Bible reading, subject, “The coming of the Lord.” Many were very much prejudiced at first, some of whom are keeping the Sabbath.
Last night after I entered the desk a letter was handed me, which notified me that if I did not leave this place within twenty-four hours I would be killed; that I must take all with me or suffer the consequences; and that I must leave the State also. After preaching a very pointed discourse on the Sabbath in prophecy, I read the note before the crowd, and stated that if the people who were attending these meetings were desirous to hear more, and were not willing that I should leave, I would not obey the order. A prominent citizen called for all who were in favor of Bro. Kilgore’s remaining and preaching to them to stand on their feet, when the whole congregation simultaneously rose up. The indignation of the better class of society was great. It is now 3 P. M., Monday, and I am still alive and at my post. R. M. KILGORE.
NEW YORK.
Wellsville.
We can still report progress here. As we anticipated, the work has moved slow, but it is still moving. There are now between fifteen and twenty keeping the Sabbath as the result of our labor here, and others are deeply interested, who, we hope, will soon take their stand. The prayer-meetings are well attended three times each week, and we have public service Sabbath and first-day.
On Sunday last we organized a church here with twenty-seven members. There are others who will join soon, and we expect to see this number increased to forty by the time the new house is ready for dedication.
Work on the house is going on well. We have secured one of the finest sites in the village; in fact, we do not know one in the town for which we would exchange it. The building, 32x52, 18-foot post, is up and nearly enclosed, and with good weather we shall get the roof on this week.
The brethren are of good courage, and take hold of the work well. It is due to brethren here that we should say that during the entire meeting they have done all they could in every way to make the meetings a success; and we feel that in a large measure what has been accomplished is due to their faithful efforts. They seem greatly encouraged at the present prospect, especially of having a house of worship here so soon.
As we are in need of more help on the church, we invite our brethren who are willing to work and donate a whole or part of their labor to the enterprise, to correspond immediately with R. L. Whitney, Wellsville, Allegany Co., N. Y., in reference to it.
We still desire the prayers of the brethren for the work here.
B. L. WHITNEY.
M. H. BROWN.
Parma.
I came to this place Sept. 27, and found the friends holding on and doing well, though they have had to meet terrible opposition. A few have gone “out from them, because they were not of them,” and, like Demas, “loved this present world.” Remained with them over two Sabbaths, and left them much strengthened and encouraged. They received instruction on the health reform quite readily, and all seem disposed to walk in the light. The opposition is wearing away some, and there are those who, we hope, will yet embrace the truth.
S. B. WHITNEY.
NORWALK, OHIO.
By Wm. Beebe
The Norwalk church, in accordance with instructions given through the REVIEW, met in church quarterly meeting, Sabbath, Oct. 6. Though we had no elder present to administer the ordinances of the Lord's house, we had an interesting meeting, it127being a time of general confession and of renewing covenant obligations. Everything looks favorable. Most of the members see the necessity of being liberal in supporting the cause, and express a willingness to do this duty. Many earnest prayers were offered in behalf of our dear brother, Eld. St. John, that he might be restored to health, and be permitted to labor with us till the Lord comes.
The REVIEW comes regularly, laden with rich things, which so much interest us that we could not well do without it; and we will try to increase the number of subscribers. Wm. BEEBE.
ETERNAL LIFE.
By P. Alderman
ETERNAL life! How blessed to rise,
And grasp the glorious, endless prize:
Forget, my soul, these earthly toys,
And seek the true, unending joys.
Eternal life! Oh! can it be
That Jesus offers this to me,
A mansion near his holy throne
That I may call my own dear home?
There I'll forget the grief and tears
That mark these sorrowing earthly years;
There will I ever walk with God,
Nor need again the chastening rod.
Eternal life! Eternal bliss!
I cannot grasp a thought like this:
This mortal must immortal be;
I long for immortality.
Adieu to dreams of former years,
Delusive hopes, annoying fears;
By faith I see a land of peace,
Where love abides, and sorrows cease.
Dear Saviour, wilt thou mark my brow,
And seal me with thy people now?
Impart thy strength, nor let me fall,
My sure support, my guide, my all.
P. ALDERMAN.
Ashtabula Co., Ohio.
Labors in Georgia: Griffin and Surrounding Communities
By C. O. Taylor
Georgia.
I labored in and around Griffin nearly four weeks, speaking to the people as the way opened. The people expressed much anxiety to hear, coming three or four miles, and that when the nights were quite dark. Some opposition came up, just enough to cause the true-hearted more fully to identify themselves with us. While there, I formed the acquaintance of Eld. Reese, Methodist. He had read our papers and tracts, and become convinced that we had some truths that he and his brethren do not have. He and some of his family are convinced on the Sabbath. I think he will soon keep it. He indorsed the second angel’s message very heartily, and sees quite clearly the fallen condition of the churches.
While at Mr. Gunn’s, I became acquainted with Dr. J. F. Wright, a man very eminent in his profession. His mind had been much exercised on the condition of the churches, the state of the dead, the end of the wicked, and the Sabbath question. He was ready to receive the truth, and embraced it gladly. When I parted with him, he and his wife said they should keep the Sabbath. The faithful labors of Bro. Killingworth, and his living the truth, have done much to help me in getting a hearing, and in calling out the people. I think he has a more public work to do in the message. He has stood alone, but has been faithful for many years. The Lord is about to give him society in the truth. I found true friends in all this section. We had some difficulty in getting a place to speak in the city of Griffin. Some false reports were circulated; but one gentleman who had read some of our works, and had some knowledge of us as a people, told the people that if these reports were true he would be the first to drive me from the place, but if not, he would take his gun and stand by me. He engaged the city hall for me to speak in.
I spoke three times to the colored people while here. They seemed much interested, and wanted to hear more. One minister spoke at the close of one of the meetings, expressing very clear views on the nature of man, the state of the dead, and not receiving rewards at death. Many in this Southern field are waiting for the truth.
Some have said they would send the SIGNS to persons here. Many thanks to such. I am gathering names of persons who will be much interested and profited by reading the paper. Other items of interest soon. C. O. Taylor.
INDIANOLA, IOWA.
By J. H. Morrison
Meetings closed here Oct. 8. The tent was taken down and rolled up for the winter. Bro. Farnsworth left us a week before to attend the Nebraska camp-meeting. We continued here a little over seven weeks, and had good weather and good congregations. There was only one Sabbath-keeper here when we came, Bro. Henry, who has borne the expense and burdens of the meeting. Twenty-seven new ones have signed the covenant, and hundreds are convinced. We have rented a hall in which the brethren will hold meetings. I remain to follow up the interest. Bro. Hollenbeck, who has been with us all summer, assisted very much, especially in singing and playing. He has now returned home.
J. H. MORRISON.
THE NEBRASKA CAMP-MEETING.
By E. W. Farnsworth
This meeting was held at Fremont, Neb., Oct. 4-8, on a beautiful island a little south of the village. The location was all that could be desired. There was a good grove to break the wind, while at the same time, where the tents were set, the trees were so scattering as not to obstruct the warm rays of the sun. There were twenty-seven tents besides a number of covered wagons. About three hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were encamped on the ground, a good proportion of whom were ready to commence meetings on Thursday.
From first to last our meetings were excellent. Not having given our brethren much encouragement that we should have help from abroad, no one was particularly disappointed, although we felt the need of such aid. It was evident from the first that our people came to work, not only for themselves, but for others. The preaching was mostly of a practical nature, and we knew, from the hearty responses and many tearful eyes, that it found a place in the hearts of the brethren and sisters. I believe I never saw a company of people so hungry for the truth. While our meetings were in session, the camp was entirely deserted. There was no strolling about, but it seemed that every one was determined not to lose a word. In our social meetings, God greatly blessed us; and all hearts seemed to be melted in tenderness before him. In some of these meetings as many as one hundred and thirty testimonies were given in forty minutes. Sabbath was a good day for us. After setting before the people the importance of seeking God, we called for backsliders and sinners to come forward, when about thirty responded; and as we united our prayers together for these who were thus seeking God, the Spirit of the Lord graciously rested upon us, and all hearts seemed to be broken before God.
On Sunday, fifteen were baptized in the Platt River, by Bro. Boyd. The outside attendance was not large; but those who came were respectful and courteous. Our brethren raised $125.00 to pay the T. and M. debt. It was truly affecting to listen to the many calls as they came in from all parts of the State. Some of our brethren came three hundred miles with teams. They came to seek God and they found him. We heard it remarked all over the ground that it was the best meeting our people ever enjoyed in this part of the Conference. Brn. Nicola, Boyd, and Wing enjoyed good freedom in preaching the word. Personally, I believe I can say my soul was never more blessed: it was one of the brightest spots in all my Christian experience. Our people all felt to praise God for his goodness, and returned home greatly strengthened and encouraged.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
P. S. My permanent P. O. address is Knoxville, Iowa. E. W. F.
MICHIGAN
Howard City, Oct. 12.
The weather has become so cold that we have moved our meeting to the Band Hall. We kept the tent up till this week. Thus far, eighteen have promised to keep the Sabbath. We close the effort here next Sunday evening. We shall then seek a new field near by, where we can meet with these for a few Sabbaths until they will do to leave alone.
Bro. J. O. Corliss has been with us since camp-meeting. A. O. Burrill.
Isabella Co., Oct. 8.
We now have two families of Sabbath-keepers here. We hold prayer-meetings every Sabbath. We are now having calls for tracts, books, &c. I am visiting occasionally where people want to hear our views. Have had three invitations to speak in school-houses. I spoke once on the signs of the times, after which nearly all in the house, by a rising vote, expressed a desire to hear further on that subject. Cannot some brother come this way and preach? There are several small openings which should be improved soon.
John B. Tinker.
KANSAS
By J. Lamont
North Otter, Greenwood Co.
Our meetings at this place have closed. Six covenanted together to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. They will maintain Sabbath meetings. J. Lamont.
ILLINOIS
By W. P.
Kankakee, Oct. 7, 1877.
The little company of Sabbath-keepers at this place met at their usual place of worship yesterday and to-day. The French brethren of St. Anne, Papineau, and those residing four or five miles south of Kankakee, met with us, some thirty-five or more all together. After singing, Bro. Pottenger opened the services by reading the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, calling special attention to the twelfth and thirteenth verses, in connection with Jer. 6:16, after which prayer was offered.
Bro. Bezon, of St. Anne, being present, was requested to speak, which he did in the French language. He seemed to have great freedom of speech, and many of the French brethren were moved to tears. Bro. Ely then gave us a good exhortation, and after a few other testimonies had been given, the meeting adjourned till two P. M., at which time Bro. Christman conducted a social meeting. Some twenty-five testimonies were given, Bro. Bezon acting as interpreter. The Spirit of God seemed to pervade the hearts of all present. Some who had recently embraced the truth were rejoicing greatly in it. The meeting continued until near night.
To-day, at eleven o'clock, we came together for a business meeting. After opening by singing and prayer, the minutes of last meeting were read and approved, after which the S. B. was considered, and several paid. The T. and M. Society was then taken up; and the standing of the membership was reviewed. There was no element of discord or complaint. Five applications for membership were acted upon favorably, the candidates, except one who comes from the Baptist church, having been baptized at our late camp-meeting.
W. P.
CALIFORNIA T. AND M. SOCIETY.
The last annual report of the Cal. T. and M. Society published in the SIGNS of Oct. 4, 1877, shows the following result:— Number of districts, 9; members, 332; families visited, 1260; letters written, 625; new members, 47; donations, $493.12; book sales, $672.22; tracts &c., loaned, 112,367 pages; ditto given away, 310,335 pages; new subscribers for SIGNS, 600; new subscribers for other periodicals, 348; SIGNS distributed, 21,590; other periodicals distributed, 1,835; ships visited, 234; Almanacs distributed, 6230; libraries furnished, 3.
OUR DUTY—AN APPEAL TO THE COLLEGE STUDENTS.
By Chas. Lewis
Great responsibilities rest upon us as students. We have just returned from the camp-meeting, where many of us have for the first time given our hearts to the Lord, and have been buried with him in baptism. We have experienced the convicting influences of the Holy Spirit; our hearts have been melted into tenderness by the love of Christ; we have felt a godly sorrow for our sins; and, we trust, have truly repented and been pardoned.
These are steps necessary to be taken, and so far we have done well. But the work should not stop here, in fact must not stop if we would make a success of it. We perhaps expected to be so completely transformed that no longer would temptation and sin molest us, or our evil habits trouble us. But we may rest assured that Satan will not give us up without a struggle. If we had been fitted for Heaven at conversion, perhaps the Lord would at once have taken us to himself. He designs that our faith shall be tried; that we shall have an opportunity to show by our actions that we are sorry for the past; and that we shall commence to build characters for eternity; in short, we have only commenced the work of overcoming, which must be continued as fast as our faults are revealed to us.
Let us consider a few points that may help us in this work.
1. We should make it a rule to discharge every duty, to take part in every social meeting we attend, if it be possible. It is a mistake to suppose that a person should take part in meeting only when he feels like it. We should consider it a duty to speak for Christ, until our love for him grows so strong that we esteem it a privilege.
2. We should “be thoughtful and earnest, kind-hearted and true.” We should be cheerful but not gay; active, but not too forward: in deep earnest for our own salvation and that of others. Our piety should be of that deep, quiet kind that overcomes all obstacles, and does twice the good with half the fuss that a certain other kind, very prevalent now-a-days does.
3. We should often be engaged in secret prayer. One cause of dull meetings is found in the neglect of this source of strength. Some people go all through the week without secret prayer, and it takes them half or three quarters of an hour to get right with God and into working order. Perhaps they do not bring themselves into this position at all, and leave the meeting without lifting a finger to help the work along. Let us not neglect secret prayer.
Lastly, let us talk religion more. This is more particularly to those of us who have been longer trying to serve God. I sometimes wonder why we talk about the weather, the crops, and almost everything else, before religion. When we do mention the subject, we are often surprised to find that our friend has been thinking about the same thing, and wishing some one would talk with him about it. We have a duty to perform in this respect. Let us “speak often to each other,” and do all we can to encourage and cheer those about us who have not had the experience that we have had.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Prov. 25:11.
May we get so near the Master that the light of his countenance may shine upon us and be reflected to others, and we thereby carry joy and sunshine wherever we go.
CHAS. LEWIS.
AUTUMN MUSINGS.
By Nellie F. Heald
October’s rich and varied hues of crimson, green, and gold, robe hill, and vale, and forest, in superb autumnal beauty; and mark the “final triumph of the perfect year.” Well may our hearts soar upward in adoring gratitude to Him who holds within his hand the penciling sun, with which he paints the rural landscape and its autumn foliage in such varied and pleasing colors.
“But while gay autumn gilds the fruit and leaf,
And doth her fairest garments wear,
Lo! Time, all noiseless, in his mighty sheaf
Binds up the year.”
The seal of the recording angel will soon be affixed to the record of the present year. As we come to its last quarter, the inquiry arises, What shall be the character of its closing report? We have no power over that which is past, even to change a single item in its completed record; but the unwritten page of the future is subject to our own dictation. As the clay is plastic in the hands of the sculptor, so is our future capable of being molded in our hands. As “sculptors of life,” it remains for us to determine whether we carve our future characters into moral beauty or deformity.
The fading glories of this autumn scene remind us, that the “fashion of this world passeth away.” The law of change is impressed on every varying form of nature whose hidden agencies are ever at work, producing new forms and combinations. If we rest, nature is still active; and the world in which we wake, is not the same as the world in which we slept. In all this activity we recognize God’s presence. The fragile flowers that strew the wayside path, the products of his care and skill, soon perish. Their delicate beauty fades, and swift decay is sent through every vein; yet they are not lost, for from this waste new life shall spring. So friends, around whom our affections twine, and who, like the leaves of autumn, fade, and are buried in earth’s cold bosom, shall at the Archangel’s voice arise to new, immortal life. But, while “passing away” is written on all that our eyes behold, we have the joyful assurance that “he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
As autumn is nature’s grand harvest season, when the ripe, luscious fruit that has been gathering richness and sweetness of flavor amid summer’s sun and showers, is collected by careful hands, and toiling reapers thrust in their sharp sickles to the fields of yellow grain, all ready for the harvest, and gather it into the garner of the husbandman, so, at the appointed time, in life’s grand harvest, will precious souls that have ripened for God’s kingdom of glory beneath the sun and showers of divine grace, be gathered by angel-reapers into the garner of the Lord.
Oh, blissful hour! when angelic messengers who have ministered to the heirs of salvation during their earthly pilgrimage, shall, with joyful alacrity, gather their precious charge, and bear them on angel pinions to the presence of Him who hath bought them with his blood. Who would not wish to be counted among that happy throng? God, in his rich mercy, has provided a way, though not such as is gratifying to the natural heart; for it is not a way of ease and self-pleasing, but a sacrifice of both, for the sake of One who made himself a sacrifice for us. Who will follow in his footsteps, and choose to lose this present life, for the sake of eternal gain? Who will refuse to make the needed sacrifice, and, clinging to the transient treasures of this brief existence, meet with eternal loss?
While God’s message of love and truth, of merciful warning and threatened judgment, is speeding onward, rising in power and influence, moving the hearts and consciences of the people as never before, shall we remain idle and indifferent? In the present success of the cause of truth, have we not fresh incentives to inspire us with hope and courage in the tract and missionary work, while we trust under the shadow of His wings who hath said, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” shall the work be accomplished?
God’s blessing has been richly bestowed upon his tried servants, in which all who have sought him with full purpose of heart have shared. Is it not a time to rejoice in the Lord, while we seek to bring every thought and purpose into unison with his righteous will? The “Captain of the Lord’s hosts” is leading his people; and by faith in his divine power, and obedience to his word of command, they shall overcome the hosts of the enemy. The great work of purifying the heart, and developing a character that will endure the final test, will be carried forward till the Church of Christ shall “look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” May none of us be excluded from that shining host that shall ascribe blessing and honor and glory unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever.
NELLIE F. HEALD.
MICHIGAN T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By Stephen N. Haskell; Mrs. S. H. Lane
The sixth annual session of the Michigan Tract and Missionary Society was held Sept. 26, 1877, at Lansing, in connection with the camp-meeting.
The president, on account of sickness, was absent, and Eld. S. N. Haskell filled the chair in his stead.
The meeting opened by the singing of that grand and soul-inspiring missionary hymn,
“From Greenland’s icy mountains,” etc.,
after which prayer was offered by Eld. James White.
Report of last meeting read, and approved. Report of labor for the last year was then read, which is as follows:—
No. of families visited, 3,332; letters written, 2,370; No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 190; REFORMER, 461; INSTRUCTOR, 431; SIGNS, 714; TIDENDE, 4; HAROLD, 29; whole number, 1,829. No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed, 1,007,980. No. of almanacs distributed by the society, 14,133; periodicals distributed, 27,320. Increase of membership during the year, 221.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
The treasurer’s report is as follows:—
Cash on hand Sept. 20, 1876, $325.30
Rec’d during the year, 2705.13
Paid out during the year, 4985.29
S. H. LANE, Treas.
After the reading of the report, Eld. Haskell contrasted the present report of labor with that of last year, which contrast showed nearly a ten-fold increase.
A committee of three was appointed to nominate officers, who reported the following-named persons to fill the offices of the society for the ensuing year:—
President, Eld. J. Fargo; Vice-president, Eld. E. H. Root; Secretary, Mrs. S. H. Lane; Treasurer, Eld. S. H. Lane. Directors: Dist. No. 1, Frank D. Snyder; No. 2, E. P. Giles; No. 3, I. A. Olmstead; No. 4, M. S. Burnham; No. 5, J. S. Wicks; No. 6, F. Howe; No. 7, F. Squire; No. 8, J. McGregor; No. 9, Wm. Ostrander; No. 10, Geo. Randal; No. 11, Alex. Carpenter; No. 12, Peter Smalley; No. 13, D. B. Wellman.
The report was accepted, and the officers were elected by a unanimous vote.
Eld. Haskell again made very appropriate remarks on the importance of each individual member acting well his part in the great missionary field, clearly presenting the fact that should one fail he meets with a severe loss. Consequently, it is not only highly important that all should become members, but that all should labor earnestly and diligently in the cause of God. This work will be a delight to each one who has that spirit which caused the Saviour of the world to die for fallen man.
Our own country presents one of the finest missionary fields on the globe, from the fact that its inhabitants are composed of representatives from all nations. In the providence of God, the third angel’s message has here arisen, which is with a loud voice to reach “many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings;” and it will move onward,
“Till, like a sea of glory,
It spreads from pole to pole.”
Eld. White, in a few cheering remarks, gave us the assurance that the Publishing Association would aid the society to the best of its ability in furnishing the printed page to send to earth’s remotest bound.
On motion, The meeting adjourned to call of Chair.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres. pro tem.
MRS. S. H. LANE, Sec.
BLESSINGS RECEIVED.
By Mary Clark
SOME over two years ago, some of our ministers came to our neighborhood to give a course of lectures. I was able to sit up but little of the time, and so did not attend until the last week, when Bro. R. M. Kilgore came to the assistance of those preaching, and persuaded me to try to attend. With much reluctance I consented, because I was so weak, although much interested; for I believe light had been shining upon my pathway. The light of present truth was clear to me as the noonday sun, and love to God enabled me to obey.
But the light of health reform in connection with the third angel’s message is what I especially thank God for. I had taken a great deal of medicine, and it was several months before I had faith to give it up entirely. As I was lying on the lounge one day, I became deeply impressed that if I would live healthfully, my health would be restored. I sat up, and, trusting in God, made up my mind to adopt the health reform in earnest, and lay aside all medicine. Since that time the lounge has been my companion but little, and I have been gaining strength steadily. Now, if I do not feel well I know nature is working for me, and try to aid her work; for I have no doubt but all will be well. My faith is strong, for I believe the light is from God.
I commenced reading the Testimonies about two years ago. As I read, my faith increased, and I tried to live in accordance with them, and I know that God has blessed me in so doing. I had scarcely known what it was to be free from pain for several years, but since I have walked in the light pain has scarcely been felt.
My friends and neighbors think the way I live a strange one. But they can now see that something has improved my health; for I have not seen a doctor or touched medicine for nearly two years.
Let us walk in the light God has so kindly given us, for our own good, although it may require a little self-denial. Let us praise God for his mercies to us in these last days. MARY CLARK.
A CARD.
By E. B. Evans
At a meeting of the church at Hamilton, Mo., Sabbath, Sept. 29, it was voted to express through the REVIEW our gratitude to God for his goodness in restoring to health, in answer to prayer, sister H. M. Van Slyke; and that we as a church are determined to get on higher ground and in a position to receive more of the blessing of the Lord.