Pursuant to notice through the Review, the stockholders of the Health Reform Institute met in Battle Creek, Mich., Friday, May 21, 1869, at 9 o'clock A. M. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. Joseph Bates. The roll was then called. There were 58 shareholders present, representing 271 shares in their own names, and 435 shares, as proxy, for others,—in all there were 706 shares represented, being a majority of the stock taken in the Institute. Elbert B. Lane, Auditor, submitted the following report of the workings of the Institute for the last year, which was read and approved.
HEALTH INSTITUTE CASH ACCOUNT.
For the year ending May 1, 1869.
RECEIVED.
Cash on hand, May 1, 1868,
$ 65 16
On Shares & Sales,
1,058 00
From Patients,
7,226 71
Incidentals & Expense Sales,
1,826 00
On Reformer,
1,574 51
On Charitable Fund,
51 46
Of Publishing Association and on other accounts,
4,538 41
$16,340 35
PAID
On Stock & Furniture,
$ 662 77
Refunded Stock,
425 00
Incidental Expenses,
6,225 01
Help,
3,504 86
On Accounts,
3,285 06
On Reformer,
1,976 83
On Dividend,
31 81
Out of Charitable Fund,
105 11
Cash on Hand May 1, 1869,
123 90
Total,
$16,340 35
FINANCIAL WORKINGS FOR THE YEAR ENDING
MAY 1, 1869.
EXPENDITURES.
Invoice of May 1, 1868,
$ 855 95
Incidental Expenses,
6,255 00
Paid Help,
3,504 87
Their due to date,
259 33
Publishing Reformer,
1,976 83
Allowing 20 per cent on $4,500
worth of Furniture,
900 00
Making
$13,751 98
Less the Invoice of Provisions
and Goods on Hand,
562 83
Total of Expenditures,
$13,189 15
RECEIPTS.
From Patients,
$7,226 71
Due from Patients on the past
year's account,
2,151 15
On Sales and Incidentals,
1,058 10
On Reformer,
1,574 51
$12,010 47
Leaving the Excess of Expendi-
tures,
$1,178 68
I have carefully examined the books containing the accounts appertaining to the Health Reform Institute, and can certify that the above statements are correct as far as I am able to discern.
E. B. LANE, Auditor.
Minutes of the last meeting were read.
On motion of J. N. Andrews the resolution relating to the labors of Bro. M. G. Kellogg, M. D., was amended so as to include the preamble of the resolution referred to, which amended reads as follows:
Whereas, The cause of Health Reform among our people demands that labor and attention which our preachers cannot bestow in connection with their other arduous labors, therefore,
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that Bro. M. G. Kellogg, M. D., should labor in that department of the great work of preparation for the coming of the Son of Man, by the counsel of the General Conference Committee.
The regular business of the meeting being the election of Directors, the following brethren were elected, viz.: James White, J. N. Andrews, O. B. Jones, N. N. Lunt, M. J. Cornell, B. Salisbury, and E. S. Walker.
Adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. M. E. Cornell.
On motion of J. N. Andrews, it was
Resolved, that we consider it due to Bro. and Sr. White, and to our brethren abroad, that we make a statement of the following points: 1. That they have acted a noble and generous part toward the Health Institute, and that the errors committed in its management are not to be in any wise laid to their charge, Bro. White being unable at that time from sickness to have any part in the business. Those, therefore, who attribute blame to them concerning it, act unjustly and without any ground for such censure. On the contrary, they are entitled to the thanks of all our people for their efforts in sustaining the Institute, and for counseling a course of sound wisdom in its management. Nothing therefore can well be more unjust and cruel than to hold them responsible for the errors of others. 2. We make the same statement respecting the Publishing Association. The errors committed in connection with the Publishing Department have not been caused by following their counsel, but by neglecting it. We consider it our duty to exonerate them from all blame, and to bear testimony to the fact that they are in these things worthy of the entire confidence and support of our people everywhere. 3. And finally, we express our hearty sympathy with them in their arduous labors, and we pledge ourselves to co-operate with them in their work, and to sustain them by our prayers, our moral support, and our means.
Carried.175
Adjourned sine die.
URIAH SMITH, President.
E. S. WALKER, Secretary.
CONFLICTS AND LONGINGS.
By M. D. ABADON
Many years have passed since the people of God have been looking for the Coming One, but still we are here in this world of darkness and sin, where it seems harder than ever before to keep the narrow way that leadeth unto life.
But have we struggled on thus far, contending with the world, and sin, and now just before our glorious King appears, are we ready to give up the conflict and strife, lay down our armor, and surrender ourselves to our deadly foe? Oh, no! this must not be! It is true the way has seemed long and sometimes tedious. Often have we heard the lions' fearful roar, and in dread started back. But knowing to go back is death, we press on a little way, finding our adversary chained. Then perhaps we think the dangers passed, and ere we are aware, we slumber on some enchanted spot, losing our way and guide, and wasting many of the few remaining hours. Again aroused to thus find ourselves asleep, we pursue our way only to come into close combat with a lurking foe, meeting a “dreadful fall,” losing the sword from our hand. Yet with one promise for a defense, when just ready to be overcome, we put the bold enemy to flight. Then with gratitude to Him who delivers from the enemy's grasp, and gives a healing touch to our bleeding wounds, we go on feeling that we can bless his name always. Oh, what a conflict is this! what a fearful strife!
What if in some dreadful hour the enemy gains and keeps the ground, and we be left amid the dark mountains to stumble and fall and rise no more? But this need not be. The Christian may have his armor bright every time. As the enemy advances, we may know his stealthy tread. We may understand his first approach. Neither need it always be a sense of slumber, or a field of combat, but there may be places where we can leave our burden even though it be at the foot of the cross. There may be hours of rejoicing, and times when we can look back over the way we have come and see dangers we have escaped, victories won, temptations endured, and promises fulfilled, which are as standards lifted against the enemy, an encouragement to us and others around us.
Indeed, the Christian may experience not only the temptations, trials, sorrows, griefs, disappointments, distresses, and all the tribulations that must be met in his journey through this world, but the Christian's joys may also be his. Here he may have a foretaste of heavenly joys. His hope and treasure are in Heaven. His Saviour is there; and the more intimate he is with him who has purchased such joys for him, so much more of heavenly cheer will come to help him on the way.
What then if the storm-cloud gathers? He has a lighter spot than earth to look back to for light and strength. What if he find himself amid the surging billows alone, if he but hear the Saviour's voice in the darkness, “Be ye not afraid”? Oh! to know in hours of danger that the Saviour is not far from us, that we are following where he leads, that we are choosing the narrow path in which we can hear his voice, however still, chiding us when we err, and comforting us in distress.
Oh, yes! there is a path elevated above the broad ways of sin in this world, which will lead us to green pastures and still waters. Its rough places and piercing thorns may wound my already weary feet, but while I find my Saviour's footprints in the way, I will go on. Oh, no! I must not look back now. I may endure. But the shadows of the wilderness deepen, and the way grows steeper and straiter. I am not safe. Shall I not fall upon the rocks below? No! I need not. Some will go on, though only a few. But I may press closely in their steps. But shall I not go wrong, be deceived and stumble? Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path. Sweet promise.
Dear Saviour, guide my every step. I would walk close to thee. I would live as in thy presence. I would know thy love, and power to save from sin. I long to see the green fields and flowery vales beyond, and they are almost in sight. I want those unfading joys. Earth has but few treasures left, and they may be mine in that heavenly home. I long to realize my long-cherished hopes. I want to see Him whose mercy has been so wonderful to me, to adore and worship before him, and praise him with an immortal tongue.
Oh! to be one of the redeemed throng, arrayed in white robes and palms in their hands, to be of that company from whose faces tears will be forever wiped away, never to weep again, never to know sorrow any more. Oh! shall I be there? This vale of tears is almost ended; the cup of iniquity of this world is nearly full. God's people will soon all be sealed. Only a little time remains.
May this be the hour when we shall seek God fully, and humbly, that we may have a shelter beneath his wings in the day of his wrath. M. D. ABADON.
Battle Creek.
“DEATH-BED REPENTANCE.”
BY A HIGHLY-RESPECTED PHYSICIAN.
This is an expression often used. Many live in sin and neglect of religion, who hope that, when death approaches, they may repent and be fitted for Heaven.
While practicing medicine in a Western State many years ago, I was called to visit a man who had by mistake swallowed a poisonous quantity of a powerful drug. He was in great distress, and it was evident that a fatal result might ensue. The chemical not being a narcotic, the intellect was perfectly clear. On being informed that recovery was doubtful, the patient, although in most terrible agony, began to express fear as to his future state, should death result. No man ever manifested greater concern, or confessed with more apparent sincerity his guilt and need of a Saviour.
A clergyman was sent for, who talked and prayed with the sufferer. For a day and night there was alternate sinking and reviving. At times life seemed almost extinct, and as he revived, then recurred the deep anxiety about the salvation of his soul. The minister and others prayed, conversed, and sung with him. All who came in were extremely solicitous about his case. The apprehensions of its probable fatal effects, together with the hopes and fears in regard to his preparation for death, caused deep-felt anxiety.
During an interval of comparative relief from pain, after a long day of indescribable agony, the man began to say that he believed the Lord had forgiven his sins. He could rejoice in pardoning love, and every one seemed to rejoice with him.
Before morning another paroxysm of depression was anticipated, in which it was probable he would die. In view of this contingency, the sufferer bade farewell to all about him, and earnestly expressed his gratitude to the clergyman for his kind attentions and counsel. In a few hours he began to sink, and death seemed inevitable. All were thankful that, if he must die under such distressing circumstances, he could give so clear evidence of having passed from death unto life. This seemed to be one instance in which a person might repent on a death-bed.
Morning dawned, and with its light was an improvement in the symptoms. Convalescence commenced, and from day to day for a week he conversed freely upon religious subjects.
In a month he was well, but with returning health less and less interest was manifested in a religious life. He was not disposed to make a public profession of religion, and after a few months was as indifferent as ever, and within a year he was openly wicked and reckless in his conduct.
If this man had died, all would have thought he was prepared to leave the world. But during years of observation I remember no such case which could be considered undoubted. The pain and mental anxiety attendant upon disease sufficiently severe to prove fatal, are not favorable to a clear grasping of the subject of repentance and faith. Let no one delay a moment so important a duty.—M. D., in Am. Messenger.
REPORT FROM BRO. WHITNEY.
By S. B. Whitney
At my last writing, I had just commenced a course of lectures at Philadelphia, Jeff. Co., N. Y. Our labors in that place have not accomplished as much as we could wish, but we cannot now see how we could have done better at this season of the year, so far as this place is concerned.
We followed the best light we had in going there, and the way seemed to open very prosperously; but a number of things transpired to hinder our success. We found the representatives of no less than ten classes of religionists, aside from skeptics and ordinary non-professors, embracing most of the leading denominations, Unionists, Disciples, Quakers, Universalists, and Spiritualists; and but very little hospitality among any of them, as we were there between seven and eight weeks and received, during the whole time, but few invitations to dine, and but one invitation out to lodge, and that from a Baptist preacher eighty years of age; and when we supposed we must leave our room at the hotel, we looked in vain for a place of entertainment, even for pay, among those who had been the most constant attendants at the meetings. Yet there were a few who would gladly have entertained us, could they have done so.
Our congregations were unsteady from the first, but as long as there were any to hear, and especially those who were interested, we did not feel free to leave them. We met with but little opposition, but that of the most effective nature, working underhandedly, and in some cases even manifesting friendship to our faces, while secretly opposed to us. But we labored on as faithfully as we knew how, canvassing the village several times and circulating tracts freely among the people.
Bro. Taylor joined us when we had been in operation three weeks, and continued with us most of the time. Bro. Rhodes remained till within two weeks of the close of the meeting. I trust my experience with this dear brother will be profitable to me.
We would express our gratitude to those brethren who so kindly supplied our wants. We hired a room at the hotel, and boarded ourselves with food provided mostly by the brethren at Adams Center, Buck's Bridge, and Norfolk. May the Lord reward them. Returned home the 3d inst., to find a few day's rest, which I very much need.
We left six keeping the Sabbath, and obtained three subscribers for the REVIEW. S. B. WHITNEY.
Neglecting Children’s Spiritual Welfare
NEGLECTING the spiritual welfare of children, is allowing the Devil to take and fortify important positions before you move upon his works.
Obituary Notices.
By N. A. LORD.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Thetford, Genesee Co., Mich., March 28, 1869, Millia, infant daughter of Bro. C., and Sr. S. Rhodes, aged 9 months, and 22 days.
Also May 9, 1870, very suddenly, Cleora A., wife of Judah Butler, aged 65 years, and 6 months.
Sr. Butler embraced the truths of the third angel's message, about eleven years ago. She has ever been a humble, devoted, truth-loving woman. We mourn not without hope, expecting, if faithful, to meet her in a little while, where parting will be no more.
World's Crisis, please copy. N. A. LORD.
Death of Susannah Noble
By C. O. TAYLOR
DIED, in Waddington, St. Law. Co., N. Y., April 19, 1869, Sr. Susannah Noble, aged 84 years. 50 years ago, Sr. N. gave her heart to her Saviour. During the last ten years she has embraced some of the Advent views. Although not permitted to attend the meetings at Chases Mills, the past winter, on account of age and sickness, yet she gladly received the light and truth on the Sabbath, and kept it till her death. We trust she is among the blessed.
C. O. TAYLOR.
Comfort for Those Who Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
True Grace Is a Growing Principle
By Cecil
TRUE grace is a growing principle.
The Christian grows in discernment; a child may play with a serpent, but the man gets as far from it as he can; a child may taste poison, but the man will not suffer a speck of poison near him.
He grows in humility; the blade shoots boldly up, and the young ear keeps erect with confidence; but the full corn in the ear inclines itself toward the earth, not because it is feebler, but because it is matured.
He grows in strength; the new wine ferments and frets; but the old wine acquires a body and firmness.—Cecil.
Patience.
By John Nevins Andrews
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” Nothing is more foolish than the spirit of murmuring. If we could realize that God suffers us to be afflicted in order to teach us patience, we should understand that it is not the affliction which should trouble us, but the lack of patience in us which caused the Lord to suffer us to be afflicted. Our care need only be with reference to ourselves. When we have learned submission and patience our afflictions will be removed. Their work will be done. Dying to self is a painful process, but it is worth all that it costs. Let us not shrink from the anguish of the needed crucifixion.
J. N. A.
Progress in Allendale
By Adolphus Smith
BRO. A. SMITH writes to Bro. Van Horn, the following encouraging account of the little church in Allendale, Mich.: In company with Bro. Dennis, I visited the friends in Allendale. We were denied the use of the school-house, and by invitation, assembled for meeting at the house of a German brother who had recently embraced the truth. The Spirit of the Lord was present. About twenty testimonies were borne. Our German brother prayed in his mother tongue. We could not understand his language, but we felt the impress of the Spirit that indited his petition and ours.
They are truly a devoted little band, and stand firm for the truth, notwithstanding the effort that has been recently made near there by Eld. Jones against the Sabbath of the Lord.
Nine of their number expressed themselves in readiness to receive baptism as soon as a messenger can come this way.
They exhibit commendable zeal in adopting the reforms of the church.
Eighteen are now keeping the Sabbath in that place as the result of your labor, and the work is still progressing.
Yours in Christ,
ADOLPHUS SMITH.
Sabbath Work in Santa Rosa
By D. T. Bourdeau
Bro. D. T. Bourdeau writes from Santa Rosa, Cal., April 30, 1869: We are in the heart of the Sabbath question in this place, and the interest holds good. We have a good attendance. Several of the brethren and sisters from the Piner District attend. Thus two objects are gained by this meeting; first, the believers are being confirmed in the truth by having the benefit of a second course of lectures; and second, the limits of the work are extended still further. There are still other openings before us; and we expect to have to spend the remainder of this season in this county.
Don't Waste Life's Sunshine
HAWTHORNE speaks of a lament for life's wasted sunshine. How many persons render themselves needlessly miserable in their life-journey by overlooking little rills of attainable happiness! Be cheerful. Every cloud has a silver lining. Quit grumbling. Practice thanksgiving. Don't waste life's sunshine.
Sunday in New Orleans.
It would be a wise precaution for the stranger from any quiet rural district, or any staid moral locality near, or remote, to procure an almanac previous to his visiting New Orleans, particularly if he is a church goer. Without one he might be puzzled to know one day from another. He might hear a distant bell ring out something that at home would be a call for prayer, and startled at the hint it would convey, he would look anxiously around for other proofs; but there are none. There goes cart after cart, full of wooden blocks to make railroads on the “Nicholson” plan, the driver in his under shirt dark with perspiration and toil stains, as weary looking as the mule he drives, gives the stranger full assurance that it is not Sunday. Still that bell peals its solemn, measured tone, in his ears, and seeing crowds of illy dressed and well dressed men enter a large building where the black glazed flapping-doors fall noiselessly together as they pass in, he says to himself, “Ah, this must be the house of God, where the rich and the poor meet together and the Lord is the maker of them all.” He passes in reverently with hand raised ready to uncover his head—his eyes see blue wreaths of incense curling above the heads of those from whose mouths come oaths, and slang, and villainous tobacco smoke, but no prayers! and his ears drink in the sounds of a gambling hell! He rushes out, and sees at every dozen paces the same black, noiseless swinging doors, the same motley visitors passing in and out; he hears the blacksmith’s hammer ring on the anvil; the shoemaker’s shop is open, and his hammer returns a dull echo to the ringing tones of the iron shoemaker; the tailor has his charcoal furnace out on the sidewalk, with “many irons in the fire;” the lottery shops are crowded, the theaters are selling their tickets, hand bills tell of the Fair and the races, the rat killing, the sparring and the wrestling matches; and horror of horrors! he sees the date; Sunday, April 11, and he asks, Are they Christians? Why, of course they are: but what does that signify? Just see that procession moving this way with music, and banners, benevolent societies, schools, orphan asylums and an endless train of men, public, private—of some religion, any religion, every religion, New Orleans religion, the world’s religion—seeming. And see, there goes the best part of it—the little boys, the little girls, the women—with truth enough to redeem the rest. God bless the boys, the little girls, and the women.
The papers of the city say that from twenty to twenty-five thousand people turned out in honor of the Pope’s Ordination: more than that I cannot say, as I am not an anniversarian to any great extent for anybody.—Correspondence of Battle Creek Journal.
Family Worship.
Family worship should be brief. It should consist of the reading of a few verses of God's holy word—not a long chapter; the singing of a few lines of some familiar hymn, and then a short prayer, offered to the Lord of all in a soft, subdued tone of voice, should conclude the services. We have noticed in those families where these things are observed that the time of worship was precious, the influence sweet, the result lasting. Long prayers are the result of habit, perhaps, more than anything else, and as such may be easily corrected by doing unto others as we would have others do unto us, though we remember having heard a minister say that it seemed to him that he was accomplishing nothing unless he prayed long and preached long, as though a prayer or a sermon were nothing unless long.
HEALTH: THE BASIS OF SUCCESS.—
Good physical health lies at the very foundation of success and happiness, and should be most highly prized, and every available means taken to retain it by those who possess it, and to regain it by those who have lost it. With health man may accomplish almost everything he wills, but without it he is like a giant bound, helpless. Horace Mann once truly and beautifully said: “All through the life of a pure-minded, but feeble-bodied man his path is lined with memory’s gravestones, which mark the spots where noble enterprises perished for want of physical vigor to embody them in deeds.” The great study of mankind is man, and man’s first duty is to obey the laws which God has implanted in his very being for his guidance.—Herald of Health.
A Delayed Issue
By Editor
By making extra efforts last week, we are able to issue a paper this week, though a day late, instead of laying over a week, as is usual at the time of our Yearly Meetings.
The New Hymn Book
By Editor
A supply of the new Hymn Book was received from the binder in ample time for the Conference. It more than meets our expectations in convenience of size, and beauty of appearance. And for practical utility it is not surpassed by any hymn and tune book with which we are acquainted. The hymns are all so arranged that it is never necessary to turn a leaf in singing a hymn. A large department of social or revival hymns will be appreciated by the brethren everywhere. The tunes are most of them of practical utility and standard worth. Orders may now be sent in. The books are put up in three styles of binding, at the following prices: Morocco, $1.00; Plain Calf, $1.30; Extra Calf, springback, $1.50. Postage, 12 cents.
Appointments.
By O. A. OLSON
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The next Quarterly Meeting for the churches at Little Prairie, Johnstown, and Oakland, Wis., will be held at Oakland, June 5 and 6. We hope to see a general turn out. We hope also to see some of the brethren from Raymond, and Racine, at this meeting. Come, brethren, in the name of the Lord.
We would earnestly desire that a messenger could be with us on this occasion. There will be a team at Fort Atkinson on sixth-day if any should come on the cars.
O. A. OLSON.
Monthly Meeting at Bushnell
By S. H. KING
THE next Monthly Meeting for the churches of Fairplains, Orleans, Stanton, and Bushnell, will be held at Bushnell, Mich., June 5, 1869. We hope to see a general gathering. S. H. KING.
Tuscola County Monthly Meeting
By A. W. FISHER
The next Monthly Meeting for the churches in Tuscola Co., Mich., will be held at Tuscola village, June 5, 1869.
A. W. FISHER, clerk.
Meeting at Monterey
By James White; Ellen G. White
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will meet with the church at Monterey, Sabbath, June 5. We hope to see a general gathering from the region round about. A special meeting of the Monterey church is requested at 9 A. M.