Earlier text: The Merchant's SermonRewards and Punishments.
By C. H. B.
THAT in the great Judgment day we are to be rewarded or punished according to the deeds done in the body, is a doctrine believed and advocated by the majority of professed Christians. If this be true (and the Scriptures certainly teach it), then there are degrees of rewards and punishments; that is, there are among those who receive the “wages of sin,” which the apostle informs us is “death,” some who have been great sinners, having committed enormous crimes, and others who have not been so wicked, but who have, to a certain extent, lived moral lives; and the punishment of the former class will be greater than that of the latter. Also, among those who are saved are some who, on account of their spiritual attainments, and their sufferings, toils, and privations, for the cause of Christ, will receive a greater reward than others. That this will be the case is evident, not only from the plainest declarations of holy writ; but justice also requires it; for how can a judgment in which justice is administered, be otherwise? In our courts of justice, if a person is proved guilty of violating the law, punishment is assigned him by the judge according to the nature of the crime he has committed. If he is guilty of murder, his punishment will be greater than if he had committed theft. If he is guilty of both crimes, his punishment will be still greater. So it is, or at least should be, in rewarding for labor. If one servant performs twice as much labor as another, justice demands that his reward shall be greater than that of the other. And thus it will certainly be in the great day when the Lord shall sit in judgment; for we are informed by the psalmist that “justice is the habitation of his throne.” The Saviour says, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” The apostle Paul also says, “Who will render to every man according to his deeds;” and again, “For he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Again, “He that soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully.” If a man sow forty bushels of grain, he will reap a larger harvest than if he had sowed only twenty. Thus the more he sows, the more he will reap; so it is in spiritual things. The seed no doubt represents good works. The more we sow of this kind of seed, the greater will be our reward in the kingdom of Heaven. What a consoling thought there is here for the weary and worn pilgrim, who has spent his life in the cause of God. No sufferings, toils, or privations, have been endured in vain; for the Master has said, “Every one . . . shall receive an hundred-fold.” No means expended for the relief of the poor and suffering is lost; for it is declared in Holy Writ that “he that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” The manner in which a distinction is made in the reward of the righteous, we may learn from 1 Cor. 15, where the apostle brings to view the resurrection of the righteous dead. After speaking of the glory of the sun, moon, and stars, he says, “For one star differeth from another star in glory.” “So also is the resurrection of the dead.” As we see a difference in the brilliancy of the stars which glitter in the heavens, some emitting more light than others; so also in the resurrection of the dead, some bodies will be made more glorious than others. This time of rewards and punishments is just before us. Jesus is soon coming. The sowing time will soon be over. Soon the last seed will fall to the ground. Then let the weary, worn pilgrim toil on; for he is nearing the haven of eternal rest. May those who are asleep be awakened to engage in this work; for “it is high time to awake out of sleep.” “The night is far spent; the day is at hand.” C. H. B. An old California stage-driver was on his death-bed. His eyes were closed. His hands were cold. He was rapidly reaching the “station” at the end of his “run” of life. A friend standing by observed that the dying man was moving his right foot with a sort of convulsive jerk, and said to him, “What’s the matter?” The dying stage-driver replied, “I am on the down-grade, and I can’t reach the brake.” 1. Death comes to all. No will-power of man can resist it. After the most faithful effort to reach the hights of middle life; after the steadiest pressure on the “brakes” to ease the descent to death, there comes a moment when the foot refuses to obey the will, when the “brake” slips from our hold, and we glide down to our doom of death. This is invariable and unavoidable. 2. The tendency of sin is downward. It sweeps the soul on a swift current. Sin runs on a down-grade all the way. The descent may be slow, and at first imperceptible, but it is sure, and at every step the downward inclination increases, and the movement becomes more rapid. It is very deceptive, often delightful, but, unarrested, it is damning. How terrible to find one’s self on the “down-grade” at the end of life! 3. The hold upon the “brake” lost! How terrible! The frantic steeds press on. The unlightened load pushes upon them. The deep chasm yawns now on this side, and now on that. The stage reels. The passengers shriek out in the agony of fear, and then of despair. Convulsively the driver reaches after the lost brake. It is in vain. Too late! The speed of this chariot of death cannot be checked. The ruin is irretrievable. Habit is master now. Passion is master now. The will is demoralized. Hope is gone. Strength is gone. Time wasted returns no more. Down, down, down! A cry! A leap! Darkness! Silence!—Sunday-School Journal. WHEN the savage Reds of Paris pillaged the convents, they brought to light some things which disclose the secrets of those prison-houses. A correspondent of the London Times reports that in the Convent of Picpus were found instruments of torture, and three cages in which three idiot women of advanced years were confined. He says that he himself went into the garden of the convent, where there were three conical huts, side by side, resembling white ants’ nests, which have been the prime cause of so much excitement and judicial inquiry. When the convent was occupied by the National Guards, these little huts were tenanted each by an old woman, enclosed in a wooden cage, like a chicken’s pen, the three buildings being similar in size and construction, six feet square by seven in height, with a slate roof, through which daylight was visible, while the three old women were all of them hopeless idiots. The Lady Superior has kept her lips resolutely closed up to the present time; but admitted, when first questioned, that the three sufferers had lived in their hideous prison for nine years, in an atmosphere of stifling heat throughout the summer and half frozen with cold throughout the winter; “but,” she added, “they were idiots when they came.” At another end of the same garden stands an isolated building, in which were found mattresses furnished with straps and buckles, also two iron corsets, an iron skull-cap, and a species of rack turned by a cog-wheel, evidently intended for bending back the body with force. These disclosures ought to open the eyes of our people to the nature of these religious prisons. If such things can be done in the city of Paris, under a strong government, and in the midst of a jealous population, how much greater the probability that worse things are done in a country like ours, where no supervision is taken of the establishments secretly conducted by Romish priests, with no responsibility whatever to any authority competent to redress a wrong, rescue a sufferer, or prescribe a regulation for the protection of the inmates.—Methodist Protestant. CALUMNY is like the brands flying from a large fire which will quickly go out if you do not blow them. Saviour, who died for me,
I give myself to thee;
Thy love so full, so free,
Claims all my powers.
Be this my purpose high,
To serve thee till I die,
Whether my path shall lie
'Mid thorns or flowers. But, Lord, the flesh is weak;
Thy gracious aid I seek,
For thou the word must speak
That makes me strong.
Then, let me hear thy voice,
Thou art my only choice;
O, bid my heart rejoice;
Be thou my song. May it be joy to me
To follow only thee—
Thy faithful servant be,
Thine to the end.
For thee I'll do and dare,
For thee the cross I'll bear,
To thee direct my prayer,
On thee depend. Saviour, with me abide;
Be ever near my side;
Support, defend, and guide—
I look to thee.
I lay my hand in thine,
And fleeting joys resign,
If I may call thee mine
Eternally. —Sel. The Michigan Camp-Meeting.
By Uriah Smith
Commencing on the evening of Sept. 13, this meeting was held to the 19th, according to appointment. Fifty-seven tents, including the two large tents, arranged in one grand circle about thirty rods in diameter, furnished temporary homes for nearly eight hundred Sabbath-keepers. The meeting was more numerously attended than the camp-meeting of last year. In this the brethren manifested a commendable zeal. Michigan has been favored with but little ministerial labor, so far in this Conference year, yet there has evidently been a growth of the cause in this State. The large circle of tents, the busy tent companies, the union that prevailed, the cheerful countenances, the cordial greetings, and the interest manifested in the prosperity of the cause, conveyed a very decided impression that the truth was still flourishing in many hearts. In this is seen the power of the truth. What other system, under such circumstances, would have thus held the people? Thank God for a vital truth adapted to the wants of men at this time. Bro. and sister White, and Bro. Andrews, Waggoner, Littlejohn, Bates, Byington, Van Horn and Lawrence, were among the speakers present. Bro. White spoke five times, sister White three times, and Bro. Littlejohn four times. The preaching was with great freedom and power. This was the case with all the speakers. Bro. White dwelt with much freedom on the subject of the second advent, and the work of reform in its bearing upon the preparation we are to make for that event, and our being overcomers at last. Bro. Littlejohn, Sunday forenoon threw around the Sabbath an impregnable fortification of facts and arguments. Sister White called the attention of the people to the higher objects of life, endeavoring to lead their minds from the low, the vain, the frivolous, to things of eternal interest. The contemplation of the glories of nature as connected with the Sabbath, and the connection between the law and the gospel, the Father and the Son, were beautifully presented. Bro. Andrews spoke with his usual power on the grand conclusion to which all things tend, the Judgment and the eternal issues of the great day. The social meetings were spirited and free. It was difficult to bring some of them to a conclusion. In the social meeting Sabbath morning at 9 A. M., a call was made for sinners and back-sliders. The Spirit of God moved powerfully upon the people. They pressed forward to the number of about two hundred, many of them starting for the first time. It was found impossible to close the meeting at the hour for preaching, and so it was continued till noon. It was good to be there. This scene was repeated Monday forenoon. On Sunday there was probably the largest company of people assembled that was ever gathered under the proclamation of the third message. Such assemblages are apt to be overestimated, but the lowest figure put upon this congregation, by any one, was four thousand. We believe it was never before seen on this wise in the history of Seventh-day Adventism. The people listened with good attention; and when the proposition was made at the close of the afternoon service to distribute some half a thousand or more of tracts gratuitously, to those who wished candidly to read upon these subjects, the rush that was made to the stand, and the forest of hands that went up eagerly for the little silent preachers, was a most gratifying sight to those whose chief desire is to see a knowledge of the truth spread among the people. When the hour arrived for the special meeting of the Publishing Association, which was called for the 18th inst., at 8 A. M., after some discussion it was decided that the purpose for which the meeting was called could not be legitimately carried out except at the regular annual session. The call was therefore withdrawn and no session held. The matter which it was designed to bring before that meeting was referred to a committee composed of all the tent-masters. Their action will be seen in a series of resolutions published in another column. On Monday, candidates were examined for baptism. Twenty-two presented themselves. Some of these being such as have frequent opportunities to receive this ordinance in the places where they reside, it was thought best that they should attend to this matter with their respective churches. Nineteen were baptized in the afternoon by Bro. Lawrence, who seems well qualified, from experience and otherwise, for the administration of this ordinance. The candidates, some of whom were quite young, followed their Lord in this sacred rite, with the utmost calmness and composure. It was a scene to be enjoyed, not only by the happy participants, but by the numerous throng of believers who lined the banks of the Battle Creek as witnesses. In the evening, Bro. D. H. Lamson, of Olivet, Mich., was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. Two thousand and eighty-two dollars were subscribed by those on the ground for shares in the Publishing Association and Health Institute. In all the proposed movements for the further advancement of the cause, there was, though emanating from many heads, only one mind. The cause in Michigan is not torn by schism nor jarred by contention. This State is a most promising field for labor; and while it generously sends a large proportion of its few ministers to other States, it nevertheless pleads mutely through its whitening harvest-fields for earnest workers to enter in with the gospel sickle, and save the golden grain that is ready to perish. The sixty feet tent purchased by Bro. White last spring for the Missouri Conference, having come back upon his hands, as the brethren there concluded that a smaller and cheaper one would answer their purpose when they should become able to purchase, he pitched it on the Charlotte Camp-ground, as one of the two Michigan tents could not well be spared from Indiana, where the Brn. Lane have been efficiently laboring with it the past season. This furnished two large tents for this meeting, neither of which could have well been spared. The camp-meeting and State committees thought best to purchase this tent of Bro. White for use in Michigan. This gives the Michigan and Indiana Conference three large tents, one of which is designed to run in Indiana, and two in Michigan, another year. The President of the Agricultural Society offered the use of the Fair Ground at Charlotte, free of expense, for our camp-meeting next year. A vote of thanks was tendered him for his liberal offer, and the matter was left with the camp-meeting committee for the coming year, composed of the following brethren: Charles Russell, E. W. Whitney, Gardner K. Owen. We consider this one of the best meetings of this kind that have been held in this State. If we correctly judge, the memory and influence of its pleasant scenes will not soon be effaced from the minds of those who were there. We see not how it can result otherwise than in great good to the cause in this State; while it is easy to imagine that all have arisen from this feast refreshed, and returned to their homes mentally exclaiming, Ho! for another year's labor in the cause of truth, and for a grander rally, if time continue, and God permit, in 1872. U. S. Visit to the S. D. Baptist General Conference.
By John Nevins Andrews
The fifty-seventh annual session of this body was held at Adams Center, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 6–10, 1871. Our General Conference at its session in February last appointed Elder James White its representative to attend the Conference of the Seventh-day Baptists, empowering him in case of inability to do this, to select some one to act in his place. In consequence of feeble health and of very urgent and responsible duties connected with the interests of the Publishing Association, Elder White was unable to leave Battle Creek to attend any of our eastern camp-meetings, and could not find time to be present at the meeting of the S. D. Baptists which came immediately upon the close of our camp-meeting in Maine. He therefore requested me to visit that meeting in his stead. To do this, I left the camp-meeting in Maine one day before its close, and reached Adams Center the morning on which the Conference convened. The first service of the Conference was the delivery of a sermon by Eld. S. S. Griswold on 1 Cor. 3: 16: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” After the sermon, the Conference was called to order by the moderator of the previous year. A nominating committee was appointed to present the names of persons suitable to serve as the new board of officers. Then a recess of one hour and a half was taken. On assembling for the afternoon session the officers of the Conference were chosen, and, following this, were read letters from all the churches which compose the denomination, excepting a few which failed to report. These letters were generally interesting and gave some idea of the progress of the work of the denomination in the territory occupied by its churches. After the letters were concluded, communications from corresponding bodies were called for. A minister of the Free Baptist denomination was present as a delegate from a convention of Baptists who oppose restricted communion, and who favor the union of all Baptist bodies. He asked the co-operation of the S. D. Baptists in this movement. The Conference responded through Eld. Wardner, expressing their friendship for these bodies of Baptists, but stating that their participation in this movement could only be to such extent as should not be inconsistent with their conviction of duty toward God. After this action I was introduced to the Conference as the delegate from the S. D. Adventists. I expressed my gratification in meeting so large a number of persons who observe the hallowed memorial of the great Creator, his holy Sabbath; that God had highly honored the S. D. Baptist people in making them for the past two hundred years the depositories of his truth concerning the Bible Sabbath, but that with this high honor there was also a corresponding responsibility to communicate this truth to those who were in darkness concerning it. I referred to the things which have caused some degree of ill-feeling between themselves and us, and mentioned the effort on our part to correct what has been faulty with us. I spoke of our sincere pleasure in receiving at our Conference, two years since, their delegate, Prof. Allen, and of the place which our brief acquaintance with him had given him in our hearts. I explained the causes of the failure of a delegate from us to be present at the session of their Conference one year since. Returning again, to the great truth of the fourth commandment, which distinguishes our two bodies from almost all the Christian world, I spoke of the difficulties in the way of direct co-operation. In some important points our views of divine truth are different. We cannot, for the sake of united action surrender any portion of God’s precious truth, nor can we ask of the S. D. Baptists that they should on their part do any thing of the kind. But if we cannot act as one people, we can so conduct ourselves, as distinct bodies, that there may be true Christian friendship existing between us. Elder Griswold, in his sermon this forenoon, spoke of one of the gateways of the spiritual temple as grown over with moss, and choked up with rubbish. But he said that inscribed on this arch were these words: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” The speaker justly condemned much of the work wrought upon this temple as only the work of man, and of such character that it will not stand the test. But this part of the temple, I am certain, was set up by the Almighty himself, without human intervention, and these words inscribed upon it were written with his own finger. The moss must be removed from this inscription and the rubbish taken away which chokes up the door. This is no sectarian work, but one which should unite the best energies of the loyal people of God. Herein our hearts are as yours, and in this sacred work we desire to be helpers with you. At the request of the chairman, Eld. L. C. Rogers responded in behalf of the Conference, expressing the good will and the Christian sympathy of the S. D. Baptist people toward ourselves. The afternoon session closed immediately after this. The Conference convened again at 7:30 P. M. The evening session was devoted to the consideration of the subject of communion. The body as a whole are believers in restricted communion, but some individual members hold to open communion. The subject was very earnestly discussed, and arrangements were made for a thorough examination of the question by a committee, representing both parties, to whom the matter was referred. In connection with the General Conference the Missionary Society, the Educational Society, and the Tract Society, each held their anniversaries, and one gave place to the other, according to their mutual convenience, the same persons for the most part belonging to all these different bodies. During the session of the Missionary Society, I was requested to state the position of our people on the subject of missions, which I did briefly, setting forth the fact that our preachers are expected to labor almost wholly as missionaries, and hardly at all in the capacity of pastors. The money which is raised in our churches for the support of the gospel is not used to sustain preaching in those churches, but to send our ministers into those fields of labor where the people are yet in darkness concerning the law of God; and those who raise the money are expected to take hold and labor themselves, and thus sustain the worship of God in their own meetings. I was requested to give some information concerning the Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland, which I was happy to do. By request I also explained the subject of Systematic Benevolence as practiced by our people. I answered questions concerning our statistics, and gave some account of sister Preston, the faithful S. D. Baptist sister, who first brought the Sabbath truth to the knowledge of the Advent people. Upon this a brother arose in the Conference and said he wished to ask Bro. Andrews why he could not be a Seventh-day Baptist. I answered that I could at that moment think of but one point generally held by Seventh-day Baptists which I did not accept as truth, though there were some important doctrines which I held that they did not receive. The one point which I referred to I named as that of the nature and destiny of man. Another member then arose and said that he wished me to state how far and in what manner we tested people concerning our views of the immortality subject when receiving them as members, and also concerning our use of the testimonies of sister White on such occasions. I replied that I would answer with perfect frankness and with sincere pleasure. In answering the first question I paused a moment to think, and then stated that so far as my memory served me no case had ever arisen where this had been brought to actual test. Wherever our doctrines have been preached, the people have been more ready to accept our views of immortality than to adopt our practice of hallowing the Sabbath. I further stated that although the most of those present held to views of the immortality subject different from my own this was no barrier to my fellowship for them so long as I believed them to be truly seeking to follow the light of truth; but that it was my conviction that whenever they refused to do this in anything great or small because of its unpopularity they would in so doing bring upon themselves the displeasure of God. To the second part of the question I answered that whenever I had occasion to bring up the matter in the reception of members I generally embraced the whole thing in two questions: (1.) Do you believe the Bible doctrine of spiritual gifts and of their perpetuity in the Christian church as taught in 1 Cor. 12 and in Eph. 4.? (2.) Can you treat with candor the Testimonies of sister White, and will you prayerfully examine them? When I had thus answered another member propounded further questions on the same point which I was about to answer when a brother arose and said that this was wholly out of order and not courteous toward Bro. Andrews. He said that I had not asked them to accept the views of the S. D. Adventists, and that that body had not sent me to them to be catechised in this manner. Others made similar remarks, and so this colloquy ended, after I had made the further statement that I did not object to being questioned, and would be happy at any time to answer with frankness any inquiry which they wished to propound. On sixth-day, Sept. 8, one of the themes of discussion was that of the celebration during the coming year of the two hundredth anniversary of the organization of the S. D. Baptist Church at Newport, R. I. Many desired that it should be held at Newport itself, and that Sabbath, Dec. 23, which is the exact date of the anniversary, should be observed with appropriate commemorative services. But it was finally decided, much to my regret, that this celebration should be held in connection with the session of the General Conference in Illinois in September, 1872. The subject of Masonry engaged the attention of the Conference to some extent. Though the great majority of the S. D. Baptists are opposed to Masonry, yet some of the churches do tolerate this anti-Christian institution much to the annoyance of those who regard it as an accursed thing. The Conference finally adopted a strong anti-Masonic resolution. Yet as the action of the Conference is only advisory, the churches not being bound to heed the counsel, it is difficult to see how it can effectually cure the evil with which it grapples. But let our own people remember this lesson: we can control Masonry now, because it has no foothold in our churches. Let us always hold the door against this dangerous intruder. On the Sabbath at 10:30, Eld. N. V. Hull preached a missionary sermon from 2 Cor. 5: 14, 15. It was well adapted to impress the sacredness of the work upon those who heard it, and to call attention to the great motive which constrains the servants of God to act in the work of saving lost men. In the afternoon Eld. James Summerbell preached from Acts 12: 24. His discourse was designed to show how the word of God develops itself in the experience of individuals, and in his cause as a whole. He used considerable plainness of speech in some parts of his discourse, strongly reproving some faults which had manifested themselves in the course of business in the Conference. The first day of the week was devoted principally to the business of the American Sabbath Tract Society. It was very gratifying to me to learn that the agents of this Society had met with marked success during the past year in their efforts to turn men to the keeping of God’s commandments. In Southern Illinois eight Baptist ministers have embraced the Sabbath of the Lord during the year just closed, and several churches have been raised up in that region during the same time. In the afternoon several persons spoke upon the subject of Sabbath reform as presented in the record of the doings of this Society. By request I spoke briefly concerning this sacred work, and the responsibility which devolves upon us in view of the fact that the fourth commandment is everywhere trampled beneath the feet even of professed Christians. God has not109 given the light concerning this great truth for our own benefit merely, but that we may cause it to shine upon others. He holds us responsible for their violation of His law, until we have done what is in our power to set the light of truth before them. The evening of the first day of the week brought to a close the business of the Conference and of the several societies. I should here mention that Eld. N. Wardner was chosen as the delegate to our next General Conference, and Eld. N. V. Hull as his alternate. In many respects the series of meetings thus concluded was of special interest to me, and its incidents and its lessons will never pass from my memory. Here were assembled perhaps nearly 500 persons who acknowledge the authority of the fourth commandment, and who observe as the Sabbath the day which that commandment bids us to remember and to hallow. This body seemed near to me because identified with that ancient and honorable institution, the sacred rest day of the Creator. No observer could pronounce this assembly lacking in mental strength or in business capacity. I was pleased to notice that for the most part the entire body of men, women, and children, remained through the meetings for business, and that they manifested interest in the proceedings of the several bodies which held their sessions. It is proper, however, that I should name a few things which did not so favorably impress me. 1. I should have been pleased to find that some portion of every day was set apart to devotional exercises in which all should participate. I regretted that such season could not have been found at an early hour each morning. 2. I also express my regret that the apostolic precepts respecting plainness of dress had been forgotten by many. 3. I regretted to observe that tobacco had its votaries in this body, though I hope that they are not numerous. 4. I also regretted the prevalence of a spirit of debate, which sometimes led to the use of sharp language. I omitted to mention in its place that an interesting social meeting was held at the commencement of the Sabbath, and that the congregation very generally participated in its exercises. I also omitted to state that Prof. Williams preached the anniversary sermon before the Tract Society from 1 Cor. 1: 26, 27: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” I was much edified by this discourse, which seemed to me to enter into the real spirit of the apostle’s words, and to make their meaning very clear to every hearer. I was happy to form acquaintance with a goodly number of both preachers and people and to renew acquaintance with some that I have known in former years. My intercourse with these dear friends was pleasant and profitable. And as I conclude this imperfect sketch, I will do it by expressing the earnest prayer of my heart that when the commandment-keepers shall enter through the gates into the holy city, I may be permitted to meet many of these brethren in the kingdom of God.
J. N. Andrews.
Camp-Ground, Charlotte, Mich., Sept. 17, 1871. The Burdens upon Bro. White.
By John Nevins Andrews
The cares, responsibilities, and labors, which have devolved upon Bro. White for many years past, have been very great. No one who has not been directly connected with him in the work, can have a just conception of the burdens which it has been his lot to bear. Seasons of vacation and periods of relief do not come. Were it the case that each heavy burden waited till the one before it was fairly disposed of, it would be far less wearing to him than it has been, even though this should allow no space of rest between. But the fact has been that these have come in throngs, and that they never seem to diminish in numbers. We cannot censure Bro. White for feeling at times great sadness and depression of spirit as the burdens of the work seem heavier than he can carry, and the labor so urgent and so unremitting, that no season of rest ever appears. Of late he has felt that relief was an absolute necessity, and that it could not be much longer postponed. For this reason a meeting of the Publishing Association was called in connection with the Michigan camp-meeting at Charlotte, Sept. 18, that some action might be taken that should afford relief. It was the purpose of Bro. White to resign at this meeting the offices which he holds in the Association. But it was decided by the Association that a special meeting of that body was not competent to elect officers, the power to do this being vested solely in the regular annual meetings. But the meeting took such steps as were in its power to render aid in the work to Bro. White. (See the report of the camp-meeting in another column.) There were no ones to dissent from the resolutions adopted, but each resolution met a sincere and hearty response from all the friends of the cause. The action taken promises some immediate help in the work, and gives Bro. W. encouragement to retain, at least for the present, the offices which he has held in the Association. We trust that the effort to secure suitable helpers so that some portion of the burden may be taken from Bro. White and placed upon them will prove a complete success. But besides those already selected, who have accepted the responsibilities assigned them, many others are needed to aid in the work. The brethren at this camp-meeting solemnly pledged themselves to do what was possible toward securing the services of such persons. We believe that they did this in good faith, and that they will not forget this obligation so sacredly pledged. It is not the intent of our people to be unjust. They do not mean to throw heavy burdens and responsibilities upon those who are already bowed down with them and ready to sink from exhaustion and feeble health. Yet it has seemed thus to Bro. White, and he has felt that his situation was not realized nor his burdens appreciated by his brethren. To some extent this is true. And yet it is certain that every one who is made acquainted with the facts deeply feels that there should be a sufficient number of efficient helpers in the business department so that beyond general oversight of the work, Bro. W. should have entire relief. We believe as the result of long experience, that Bro. White should fill the position of general counselor and business agent in this work. We also deeply feel that with these heavy responsibilities there should not be placed upon him the necessity of unremitting toil in attending to the details of the several departments of the general work. It is our duty to recognize the manifest call of our brother to the position which he occupies. But it is not honoring God, who has thus called him, nor doing justice to his servant, that we should leave him to the discharge of the heavy responsibilities that devolve upon him, and not withal place around him men capable of rendering efficient aid in the work. We should dishonor God to pass by those that we have reason to believe best fitted to bear responsibility in his work. We do not mean to do this. But it would be a great fault on our part to leave them to the discharge of these responsibilities without doing all that lies in our power to furnish efficient helpers to aid in the work. Let us be true to God in placing responsibility upon those that are manifestly called to bear the leading part in the general oversight of the work, and with this let us be just toward those that are placed in the forefront of the battle, that we strengthen their hands by support from those who are best qualified to share the responsibility with them. Are not these words just and right? And will not all the people in the sincerity of their hearts respond, Amen?