NO WRITER in the Old Testament had more wisdom from God imparted to him than had Solomon; and no one gave a more emphatic testimony on the nature of the commandments of God than he did in Eccl. 12: 13, 14. In other places, as in Prov. 28: 9, he also spoke decidedly on the subject. This text reads: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” This shows that the nature of the law is such that disobedience or neglect of it vitiates all religion. The same is shown by a text which we have quoted on another point, to mark the distinction between the law and the offerings and sacrifices, or ceremonials of religion. “Behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.” Jer. 6: 19, 20. Incense, offerings, sacrifices, prayers—nothing is acceptable to God from those who reject his law.
This is directly contrary to the opinion expressed by many at the present time. They affect to think that God will hear their prayers and accept their offerings notwithstanding they reject or neglect his law. Nay, more, they say that our worship in this dispensation is so much more spiritual and exalted than that in the days of the patriarchs and prophets that it is not only acceptable without regard to the law, but is even more acceptable if the law is disregarded! We shall show, when we come to examine the New Testament, how completely this position is negatived by Christ and his apostles. For the present we will notice but one statement of the apostle Paul, in Rom. 6. He meets the point squarely by raising the question: “Shall we sin [sin is transgression of the law] that grace may abound?” Does he answer, Yes! Neglect of the law is conducive to grace under Christ? He says: “By no means,” or, “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin [to the violation of the law], live any longer therein?” Christ removes his people from sin; saves them from sin (Matt. 1: 21;) saves them from walking contrary to his Father’s revealed will. There is no intimation in the Bible that he will save anybody in sin, or answer their prayers if they turn away their ears from hearing the law.
Eccl. 12: 13, 14 reads thus: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Let us notice the relations presented in this text.
It is an accepted truism that “God is supreme moral Governor.” To be a governor he must have a Government; to have a Government he must have a law, for there is no Government without law. In the absence of law there is only confusion or anarchy. The Scriptures abundantly teach—and reason approves—that God has exercised governmental control over man ever since the creation of the race. Not that he compelled everybody to obey him. He never did that; he does not now. He always left man free to act, and held him responsible for his actions. This is necessary where there is any free agency, for without freedom to act no character could be formed. All which goes to prove that God has always had a law for the government of his creatures. The opposite of this is an absurdity, and a direct contradiction of the Scriptures.
As he is a moral governor his law is a moral law, and as he is supreme his law is a universal law. No one can be found who is not amenable to his law unless he is outside of his jurisdiction—beyond the sway of God’s authority. But that is impossible.
Can there be two moral laws? Yes, provided there are two moral governors! Not otherwise. Hence, if there are two moral laws, God is not supreme. Again, if his moral law has been changed, morality itself has been changed; man’s moral nature and relations have been changed; and is it too much to say that, in that event, God himself has changed? We think not.
Now we will consider further the objection that our religion is higher than that of the Old Testament, and that New Testament morality is above that of the Old. When God says: “Be ye holy; for I am holy,” can there be a higher standard of holiness than this? And when he says if they will keep his covenant—his law—they will be a holy people, is not that proof that a holy character is formed by obedience to his law? As there cannot be two moral laws unless there are two supreme moral governors, there can be but one rule for the measurement of morality. All moral characters are formed according to that rule.
Two more important statements made by Solomon remain to be noticed:—
1. That the commandments of God contain the whole duty of man. As man is a moral agent, the above declaration proves that the commandments of God cover all moral obligation. Every relation of man both to God and to his fellow-man, comes within the province of that law of which Solomon spoke. Types may give way, for these are not original or elementary, but circumstantial. Memorials may take the place of types; but no new moral relation can be instituted. Our relation to the salvation of Christ is exactly that of Adam when a Saviour was provided for him; our faith is exactly that of Adam when he accepted “the seed” of the woman as the one appointed to bruise the head of man’s seducer; it is that of Abraham to whom the gospel promises were made, and who rejoiced to see the day of Christ; it is that of Moses who “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;” and of all the ancient worthies who are held up to us as examples of faith whom we do well to follow.
2. On the authority of these commandments every work shall be brought into judgment. That law was no local affair; it was no temporary arrangement; it was not limited to a few outward acts. By it shall “every secret thing” be tested; it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
J. H. W.
The Michigan Camp-Meeting.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THE largest company of Sabbatarians ever assembled since the days of the apostles, met upon the camp-ground at Grand Rapids, Mich., from Sept. 20 to 28. This Conference contains about four thousand members, over two thousand of whom attended the camp-meeting. There were pitched upon the ground over two hundred and fifty family and church tents. Besides these, there were eight tents varying in size from fifty feet in diameter to fifty by seventy. These were occupied as bookstands, dining-tents, and for special services. There was preaching in the German and Scandinavian languages, besides the English. The preaching pavilion where the general meetings were held was one hundred feet wide, and one hundred and fifty feet long. It was supported by three center poles and twenty-five quarter poles. These were besides the outside standards around the tent. When all of our brethren were present they nearly filled this648large tent; especially was this true on the Sabbath when the friends met in Sabbath-school. The outside attendance was also good. Everything was neatly arranged, and the preaching pavilion bore tasty mottoes between the center poles and over the preachers’ stand. In taking a view of the camp from an elevation just back of it, one of the most picturesque scenes that a person could imagine was presented. It was like a large city of cotton houses, and occasionally a large tent towering up here and there might represent some meeting-house in a city of as many inhabitants. There seemed to be harmony reigning throughout the entire camp.
The interests of the various associations and societies were considered, and instruction given in different departments of the work at intervals during the entire camp-meeting. The half past five o’clock meetings were well attended. Ministers’ meetings were also held each day at twelve. The camp was divided into thirty-six districts, and at eight o’clock each morning the families met at one place in each district for family prayers. Beside this, the children from six to ten years of age met under the charge of competent sisters who instructed them in the way of salvation. The youth from ten to fifteen met at another place, and the young men and women also had meeting by themselves. It was seldom that many could be found strolling around the ground at the hour of morning worship. The attendance at the general meetings was as good as at almost any camp-meeting which we have attended this year.
On Sabbath there were two efforts made for the unconverted and backslidden. In the forenoon about two hundred came forward for prayers; in the afternoon about three hundred. The congregation was so very large that all excepting those who came forward were dismissed to their places of morning worship, where they held district meetings. Then the three hundred were divided up in the large tent into ten companies, and ministers were appointed as leaders. And thus personal labor was had with each individual. Many gave their hearts to God, some taking their stand for the first time to keep God’s commandments. A large proportion of those who came forward made a start for the first time to seek God; very humble confessions were made. Some who stood in good membership in their churches made confessions of things which no person knew excepting themselves, things which would shut them out of the kingdom of God. God came near by his Holy Spirit and it was a powerful meeting. On Sunday the appearance of the weather was such that the crowd from the city was not as large as was anticipated in the morning. While the preaching was going on under the great pavilion, Miss Dr. Lindsay was speaking to the sisters on the subject of health, in a fifty by seventy foot tent.
Over one hundred students from the Battle Creek College were present at the camp-meeting, and special meetings were held for their benefit every morning; a good interest was manifested, many being converted to God, and others who had made profession of religion before were aroused to make a new start in the service of God. In their meeting Monday morning ninety-six out of a congregation of one hundred and three bore testimony in one hour.
Much interest was taken in the subject of education, and a large number of names was enrolled of those who go from this camp-meeting to attend the College. A call for means was made Monday forenoon, but as there was a heavy rain and many of the brethren were preparing to leave for their homes that day, there was only about $7,500 raised for the general fund and $800 for their home work. About seventy persons were baptized, while the students concluded to be baptized at home. In many respects this was a successful meeting. Many spoke of the meeting as being the best one they had ever attended. Seven brethren were ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. It is evident that the time is near at hand when God will pour out his Spirit in an unusual manner, and such scenes as were witnessed on the day of Pentecost will be re-enacted. May God spare his people and help us all to prepare for the outpouring of his Spirit.
S. N. H.
California Conference Proceedings.
The first meeting of the fifteenth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Woodland, Cal., October 7, 1886, at 9 A. M. The President, Elder S. N. Haskell, in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder H. A. St. John.
The following churches were represented by delegates:— Burrough Valley, Dow's Prairie, Duarte, Eureka, Fairview, Ferndale, Fresno, Healdsburg, Lakeport, Lemoore, Napa, Nevada City, Oakland, Petaluma, Pleasant Grove, Placerville, Reno, San Jose, Santa Rosa, St. Helena, San Francisco, San Pasqual, Vacaville, and Woodland. The churches at Los Angeles, Norwalk, and St. Clair failed to report.
On motion it was decided to waive reading all but the resolutions of the minutes of last session.
The churches at Eureka and Dow's Prairie, organized by Elder N. C. McClure, and the churches at Virginia City, Mason Valley, and Duarte, organized by Elder E. A. Briggs, were received into the Conference.
Brethren Scott and La Rue were invited to represent the Hawaiian Mission, and Brethren Hare and Brighouse, New Zealand. They spoke of the wants of the cause there, and hoped that soon help would be sent to that field.
Elder Haskell spoke of the lead that California had taken in providing for the missions in the Pacific, and the need which the cause had for more good workers to be sent to foreign countries to organize and carry on the work there.
On motion the chair appointed the following committees:—
On Nominations, Wm. Saunders, W. C. Grainger, and John Morrison.
On Resolutions, E. J. Waggoner, H. A. St. John, and E. R. Jones.
On Credentials, J. N. Loughborough, Wm. Healey, and N. C. McClure.
On Auditing, Wm. Saunders, Jos. Leininger, F. V. Harmon, H. P. Gray, Wm. Butcher, and Ruel Stickney.
Adjourned to call of the chair.
SECOND MEETING, OCTOBER 8, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder N. C. McClure. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The Treasurer's report being read, showed the total receipts for the Conference year ending Sept. 1, 1886, to be $18,628.09, with a balance on hand at the close of the year, of $5,124.32.
Interesting remarks were made by Elder Haskell as to the need which we as a people have of a more thorough consecration of ourselves and our means to the work.
Elder Loughborough then read a letter from Mrs. E. G. White, speaking of the advancement of the cause in Europe, and urging all to renewed zeal in the cause of truth.
Adjourned to call of the chair.
THIRD MEETING, OCTOBER 10, 1886.
Opened by prayer.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:— WHEREAS, The testimony of the Lord has explicitly spoken to the effect that it is the duty of every one to pay to the Lord his tithe, and that none are excused; therefore,
Resolved, That we promise henceforth to do our duty in this respect, and that we will make every proper effort to induce all within the reach of our influence to pay an honest tithe.
WHEREAS, Our preaching pavilion is scarcely large enough to accommodate the members that attend our present camp-meeting, and we expect that God is going to greatly bless this Conference in bringing souls to the saving knowledge of the truth;
Resolved, That we request the Conference Committee to purchase before the next annual camp-meeting a tent 100x150 feet in size.
WHEREAS, The Healdsburg College is prepared to make good family tents at reasonable rates; and
WHEREAS, It is essential to our influence for good that there should be neatness and a good degree of uniformity in our camp-meeting tents;
Resolved, That we recommend that all of our brethren who desire to purchase tents should patronize our college factory, and that those who prefer to rent tents should rent them of the Conference Committee.
All members of the Conference in good standing were invited to take part in the deliberations.
The first resolution, pertaining to the paying of tithes, was quite freely discussed, and it was shown that none should be excepted from the privilege. The most dependent should be assisted in some manner so that they will have something to put into the treasury of the Lord.
The resolutions were then adopted and meeting adjourned to call of the chair.
FOURTH MEETING, OCTOBER 11, 9 A. M.
The following resolutions were adopted:—
WHEREAS, It has ever been well-pleasing to God, and according to his word, that laborers in his cause should be special subjects of prayer by the churches that send them out; and
WHEREAS, They greatly need the help and encouragement of such special remembrance at a throne of Grace; therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend that all of our brethren and sisters of this Conference regard Wednesday of each week as a day of special prayer for God's blessing to rest upon ministers and laborers of every class in both home and foreign missionary work.
WHEREAS, The Testimonies have repeatedly spoken upon the subject of the qualification of the ministry; therefore,
Resolved, That we heartily indorse the recommendation of the General Conference, that at the annual session of each State Conference, some person, or persons, be appointed by the committee to examine all candidates for credentials or licenses, as to their attainments, their habits of study, their acceptance of the faith, what they have studied during the preceding year, and to advise them with regard to the same in the future.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses then submitted the following names for Credentials: Wm. Healey, G. D. Ballou, E. A. Briggs, Wm. Ings, A. T. Jones, G. W. Colcord, W. C. White, J. N. Loughborough, J. D. Rice, E. J. Waggoner, N. C. McClure, H. A. St. John, E. R. Jones, and E. P. Daniels.
The report was accepted and all granted credentials as recommended.
Meeting adjourned to call of the chair.
FIFTH MEETING, OCTOBER 14, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder E. R. Jones.
The following resolutions were then introduced and adopted:—
Resolved, That the announcement of the trial and imprisonment of our brethren in Tennessee, calls for our hearty sympathy and prayers, and that while we remember those in bonds as bound with them, we will do our part in rendering them whatever material assistance they may require; and further,
Resolved, That we regard this proceeding on the part of the Tennessee courts as a warning to us that our time for work is short, and that we will heed this warning by making such consecration of ourselves and our means to the cause of God as will649bring the blessing of God, and fit us for whatever labor or suffering may be required of us.
It was voted that a copy of the two preceding resolutions be telegraphed to the brethren in Tennessee.
WHEREAS, In the providence of God the College at Healdsburg has been established for the special purpose of preparing persons to be efficient workers in all branches of his cause, and as competent teachers have been secured to give instruction on all points, and especially on the Tract and Missionary work in its different parts; therefore,
Resolved, That our ministers and people in this Conference should seek out worthy persons of ability, and urge them to attend the school, that they may receive such training as will enable them to do missionary work wherever they may be called to labor, in a manner that will be pleasing to the Lord and approved of his people.
WHEREAS, Experience has demonstrated that those students at Healdsburg College who have been under the discipline of the Students' Home have attained far greater success in forming right habits of labor and study than those who have not had the benefit of such influence; therefore,
Resolved, That we heartily indorse the resolution contained in the last annual catalogue, requiring all students from abroad to board at the Home, unless attended by their parents or legal guardians.
WHEREAS, The giving of quite full reports of our general camp-meetings, in the leading daily papers, is an efficient means of getting important truth before the people;
Resolved, That we recommend that before the next camp-meeting such steps be taken by the members of this Conference as will secure this result.
WHEREAS, The General Conference has at great expense, and with the exercise of much care, prepared a new Hymn and Tune Book which is amply sufficient to meet the wants of our people in this respect, under all circumstances; therefore,
Resolved, That we heartily recommend this book to all our brethren, and that we urge the individual members of every company in this Conference to purchase and use this book, that there may be uniformity in this important branch of the worship of God.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made the following additional report, which was adopted as recommended:—
For credentials, Elder John Fulton; for ordination and credentials, R. S. Owen; for licenses, Philip Kent, Frank T. Lamb, Jasper G. Smith, Andrew Brorsen, Robert Hare, S. Thurston, and J. D. Morton.
Committee on Nominations presented the following: For President, Elder S. N. Haskell; Executive Committee, J. N. Loughborough, S. Brownsberger, C. H. Jones, and N. C. McClure; for Secretary, E. A. Chapman; for Treasurer, Pacific Press; for Camp-meeting Committee, C. H. Jones, G. A. Baker, E. J. Church, G. D. Hager, and Geo. W. Mills.
Elder Haskell called Elder Loughborough to the chair, and pleaded hard to be relieved from the office of President of the Conference, but his reasons did not appear conclusive to the delegates, and met with no response.
This report was accepted, the names considered separately, and the nominees elected.
Elder A. T. Jones then spoke of the imprisonment of the brethren in Tennessee and said that we had arrived at a time when the same persecutions might be looked for in other places and we should be preparing and consecrating ourselves for whatever we might be called upon to bear. It was then moved that the Secretary correspond with the President of the Tennessee Conference as to the means that can be used to assist the brethren there.
It was moved by Elder A. T. Jones that the delegates to the General Conference be selected by the Conference Committee, and that they be instructed to use their vote and influence with that body to have a test case in regard to the Sunday law taken before the United States Supreme Court. This was unanimously adopted.
Adjourned to call of the chair.
The Work in Russia.
By W. C. White
On the 29th of June Elder Conradi started for Russia. At Odessa he was met by Brother Perk, and together they began to visit the Sabbath-keepers in Southern Russia. Wherever they went there was a great interest manifested to hear the truth. So busily were they engaged in their work that not many letters were written, and we can give but few particulars about their work up to the 1st of August, when it was very unexpectedly and suddenly cut short. Then they were both arrested on the charge of teaching Jewish heresy, and were thrown into prison. Although they were imprisoned the 1st of August, it was not until the 12th that we received at Basel a very imperfectly transmitted telegram, stating the fact. A few days later a letter was received signed by five of the German brethren giving some of the particulars with reference to the meetings held by these brethren, and their arrest. From their letter we take the following statements:—
“After having had, through the grace of God, our dear Brother Conradi almost three weeks among us, he has been taken from us and thrown into prison. At his request we write to you how these things happened, for he is not allowed to write. Wednesday, July 14, he went to Katisch among Baptist brethren, where he had twice before held meetings. Friday morning, in company with two brethren, he came to us. After much conversation, with joy, we went the same day to Japautchi, where we had a meeting with the brethren the same evening, and we rejoiced in the good instruction which we received.
“Sabbath morning also there was a meeting, and in the afternoon Brother Conradi gave us Sabbath-school lessons. . . . In the evening we invited all the neighbors in the village, and our meeting was well attended. Brother Conradi preached with eloquence on the present truth. Many were convinced, and went home in silent meditation. Sunday we held another meeting which was still better attended. After the meeting a teacher invited Brother Conradi to go to another village to preach there. If Brother Conradi could not go, he promised to visit him with a certain preacher; but alas, when he heard Brother Conradi preach that to break the Sabbath was as great a sin as to transgress the other commandments, he became offended, and we think that he and the preacher he mentioned, took part in the treachery against Brother Conradi.
“Sunday afternoon I returned home full of hope for the future. Brother Conradi remained and held meetings every evening. The next Sabbath we all assembled again; also the brethren of Berdebulat. Meetings were held Friday evening and Sabbath morning. A brother and his wife from the Mennonites kept the Sabbath with us, and many others were convinced and inclined to keep the Sabbath. In the afternoon we had Sabbath-school, where we said our lessons as far as we understood them. In the evening Brother Conradi preached with power. The meeting was well attended, and many prayers were offered with tears. In our prayers we remembered also our friends, and may God put it more and more into our hearts to bring the light of truth, the message of the third angel, before our friends. During the meeting two windows were broken by enemies. This caused some fright and disturbance, but the meeting went on with blessings. Sunday morning was the last meeting in Japautchi. In the afternoon Brother Conradi went to Westheim, where there was a sister who wished to be baptized. In the evening he was invited to another village, where he went in company with several brethren, and held a meeting in the house of the man who had invited him to the village. The next week he went to visit two brethren in Avell and held two or three meetings there. Friday noon he went to Berdebulat, where he again explained the rules of faith, above all our duty to be faithful toward God, to one another, and to the community; and all this with proofs from the Scripture.
“So it came about that Sabbath afternoon we were organized as a congregation of nineteen members. But just as we were celebrating the ordinance of humility, by washing one another’s feet, a policeman entered, and summoned our brethren and Brother Conradi and Perk to appear at court, after having taken our passports. On the day following our brethren of Berdebulat had to go with them to Perekop, where Brethren Conradi and Perk were imprisoned without cause. Our brethren came home with sorrow after having consulted a lawyer. The lawyer advised us to pledge our property as security that he would appear before the court at the appointed time. We did all in our power. Two days later we were again at Perekop but everything was refused us. We were not even permitted to talk with him. At last, however, we obtained the privilege of a few minutes’ conversation in Russian, in presence of a Russian officer. Then Brother Conradi told us that we should inform you of his situation; that we should write in his behalf to the American Consul; that we should greet all the friends; and that we should be peaceable and full of love to everybody, for the Saviour, said he, will end all things well. These things Brother Conradi spoke in German, and Brother Perk had to translate all in Russian to the officer and to me. Then I took leave without being allowed to speak a word in German. My heart has spoken many things but only with God. Hearty greetings to you, dear brethren, in the Lord. We help our Brother Conradi to the extent of our ability, just as you do. Rejoice, for the work of the Lord goes forward. Soon we hope to see Brother Conradi again and will give you further news. Your brethren in the Lord.”
As fast as information was received from Russia with reference to Elder Conradi’s situation, Elder Whitney communicated the facts to the American Minister at St. Petersburg. The minister, Mr. Lathrop, promised to do all that he could for Brother Conradi’s relief, but told us that great patience might be required, as the action of the foreign office was very slow. On the 18th of August, we received letters from Elder Conradi, written on the 1st and the 4th, and which had no doubt been detained a considerable time by the officers whose duty it was to examine them. In these, Brother Conradi stated that their situation was anything but pleasant. They were confined in a common jail; but as the officer was friendly they were allowed to keep their own clothing. After sleeping three nights on the hard floor the650brethren were allowed to send them some coats, with which to make a bed. They were also allowed to purchase some food in addition to the regular prison fare. From this date until September 10, we were able to obtain no definite information, and we had no assurance that our letters reached their destination. This painful suspense seemed unendurable, and although we had but little idea as to what could be accomplished, it was decided that a brother should be sent to ascertain the true facts as to the situation of these brethren, and to do whatever was possible for their relief. In accordance with this plan, Brother Oscar Roth, of Tramelan, one of our most successful colporters, a man of much business experience who speaks both the German and the French, was selected to go upon this painful and unpromising mission. He left Basel August 31.
The American newspapers of August 27 state that “Conradi the American who was recently arrested at Simferopol, in the Crimea, has been released and ordered to leave Russia immediately.” This, however, was a false rumor. But on the 10th of September brethren Conradi and Perk were both released, and Brother Conradi sent a telegram to us at Basel announcing the fact. In a letter from Odessa, written September 16, Elder Conradi says:—
“Since leaving the prison, the Lord has blessed us much in visiting the friends; the seed which has been sown is bearing fruit already. After being released, I sent you a dispatch Friday morning, announcing our deliverance. Then we hired as good a rig as we could get, and after a tedious ride on an old lumber wagon, we reached our friends at Berdebulat, about five P. M. About seven o’clock I met Brother Roth, who then came from the post-office, sad and cast down. Oh, what joy to all when we met! It seemed a wonderful deliverance. Later, five of the brethren came from Japautchi, and we spent the Sabbath together talking over the missionary work. Six here have joined the Tract and Missionary Society. Four promised to go forward in baptism. Evening after the Sabbath we drove fifteen miles to Westheim. From there we went to Japautchi, where we met by appointment our brethren from Avell, thirty miles south, and a Baptist and his wife who had commenced to obey the truth since we were imprisoned. Our meeting continued till after midnight. Here we talked about the Tract and Missionary work and received two more members. In the afternoon, at the request of the Mennonite brethren I visited their meeting, and told them my experience. I never had so many friends in Japautchi as now. My accusers have bitterly repented of their action already. Then we went to Timirbulat, where five have promised to unite with us by vote, and two by baptism. Monday morning we drove twenty-five miles to Biden, where the most of our brethren at Milltown, Dakota, once lived, and where many of their relatives still reside. Next morning we went to Nikkebash, where one promised to obey the truth, and then to Avell where several more joined our Tract and Missionary Society, and four promised to be baptized. Wednesday morning a brother took us twenty-five miles to Eupatoria, where we took the steamer for this place.
“Since arriving here I have seen the American Consul. He was very friendly, and said that some here thought that I would go to Siberia; that my deliverance was brought about through the intervention of the American Minister at St. Petersburg, who, after writing to the Foreign Minister of Russia, went personally and told them that I was not a Jew but a Christian. Truly the Lord has been merciful unto us, and has wrought in our behalf.
“There are now forty-five Sabbath-keepers in Crimea; twenty-four of these are church members bers. Eight are ready to join by vote, and twelve are waiting to be baptized. Twenty-three have joined the Tract Society. I expect Brother Wonneberg will baptize next Sabbath. I must be absent at such occasions, for the present at least, to avoid further trouble. Up to the present time I know of seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in Russia. As soon as he can get the books, Brother Perk will engage in colporter work. After visiting Brother Laubhan at Saratov I shall return to Basel. I am now planning to return by the 15th of October. I am anxious to get to Basel as soon as possible to help in getting out books. We must have books for our colporters, books that they can sell and support themselves in the work.”
In a letter written two or three days later Brother Conradi sends an order for a large box of books, and says that they are determined to give the canvassing work a thorough trial.
We cannot close this account of the work in Russia without calling the attention of our brethren to the means by which the knowledge of the truth reached these brethren in Russia. Here are seventy-five or more persons keeping the Sabbath, and up to the time of Brother Conradi’s visit, none of them had ever seen a Seventh-day Adventist minister, but had embraced the truth from reading books, papers, and tracts sent to them by their friends in America. This should be a great encouragement to those who have friends in the countries of Europe, to send them the reading matter. The seed sown may not always bring forth so bountifully as this, but it will have its influence, and not until the great harvest day will it be known whether it has yielded thirty-fold, sixty-fold or one hundred-fold. W. C. WHITE.
SIXTH MEETING, OCTOBER 18.
By S. N. Haskell
Prayer by Elder J. N. Loughborough. The following additional resolution was then offered and adopted:—
Resolved, That every church should require its tithe collector to visit or correspond with each member of the church, on or near the first of every month, for the purpose of collecting tithe.
It was then moved by Elder E. J. Waggoner that the Conference express its thanks to Mrs. Beamer for the use of the camp-meeting grounds, to the Woodland Water Co. for the free use of water, and to the Puget Sound Lumber Co. for lumber used; and also that a copy of this resolution be published in the Woodland Daily Democrat.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented the additional names of L. A. Scott and H. C. Palmer for ministerial licenses, which were granted as recommended.
Adjourned sine die.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres't.
E. A. CHAPMAN, Sec'y.
The Fall Camp-Meetings in Minnesota.
By G. C. Tenney
FOUR camp-meetings have been held in Minnesota this season, one in May at Wadena, in the northern part of the State, a general meeting at Minneapolis in June, and two in September. The first of the fall meetings was held at Owatonna, September 8-13, for the special benefit of our Southern churches. Owatonna is a beautiful place of perhaps two thousand inhabitants of a very quiet, respectable, and intelligent class. The location is a favorable one for such a meeting, being easy of access to all.
Some churches were well represented at the meeting while others were not. About thirty-five small tents, two congregation tents, and the book tent comprised the camp, which was pitched in a pleasant spot in the border of the town. The attendance of the residents was quite good, though it would doubtless have been much better had it not been for the cool and unfavorable weather which prevailed almost the entire time. A tent meeting had been held there the past summer by Elders Schram and Gregory, which resulted in quite an extensive interest and about twenty-five embracing the present truth.
All the Conference laborers located in this part of the State were present and participated in the labors of the meeting. We also enjoyed the assistance of Brother W. W. Sharp, of Wisconsin. There was a disposition on the part of all to make the meeting a profitable one by drawing near to God. Our prayers were heard and the Lord came near to us with his precious blessing, especially so on the Sabbath, when there was a united move to seek God; ministers and people realized their needs and all pressed to the seats set apart for those who, either for the first time or anew, wished to obtain an evidence of the divine blessing. Many gave themselves more fully to the Lord and his service, and with quite a large number it was their first step in the ways of present truth.
Notwithstanding the fact that the weather was quite cool and the preparations to meet it were inadequate, all felt it was good to be there, and the meeting proved a success. The work in Owatonna was more fully developed and since then the friends have secured a church and lot at small cost in a very favorable location, and we have reason to thank God for the work there and to hope that it may become permanent and to his glory. Monday several were baptized.
Two weeks later a meeting was held at Sauk Centre, over one hundred miles northwest of Minneapolis. Here also a tent meeting had been held by Brethren E. A. Curtis and A. S. Coon. About twenty-five have taken their stand upon the platform of present truth and a good interest to hear was still maintained. The grounds occupied were the same as last year, only two or three blocks from the center of the town. The meeting was not as large as last year nor quite as large as the one at Owatonna reckoning only our own people, but the outside attendance was better. The tent was well filled each evening and many came in the day-time also.
On account of the lateness of the season good preparations were made to meet the cold, and they proved to be timely, for the first night a heavy storm prevailed and the weather turned quite cold. It was necessary to lower both large tents and in the morning they were frozen so stiff that it was difficult to raise them. A strong northwest wind was blowing and as we were out in an open field the prospect was somewhat discouraging. But we succeeded in raising one of the tents and by putting two walls around it, plenty of straw and two large stoves in it, there was an end of discomfort. We prayed for favorable weather, and throughout the remainder of the meeting it was all we could desire.
The nature of the meeting was similar to that at Owatonna. Some thought our Sabbath meeting even better. Over one hundred requested prayers and renewedly consecrated themselves to God's service. During both of these meetings the Scandinavian brethren enjoyed the labors of Brother Lewis Johnson. One meeting was held each day in the interests of the Sabbath-school work. Talks were given on various methods of work and an opportunity was given for those who wished to do so to subscribe toward the church building at Minneapolis. Subscriptions amounted to about $600. There is no doubt of the profitableness of these meetings though many were deprived of these privileges by home cares, as the season is a busy one. God has blest us in many ways this year. Our tent efforts have mostly been successful. There are abundant openings for labor. Crops were good, in many places bountiful. To the friends of the cause in Minnesota I would say, God is good; let us put on the armor anew, and work for him during the few remaining hours. The night cometh and also the day. How blest it will be to be found earnestly doing our Master's will.
Eight were baptized at this meeting and several others both here and at Owatonna will soon improve another opportunity to go forward in this rite. G. C. TENNEY.