Our missionary effort at the Indiana camp-meeting was a success. When we made the suggestions in REVIEW No. 6 about “Missionary Work at our Camp-meetings,” it was under the solemn conviction that very much more could be accomplished at our camp-meetings in the missionary work than we as a people have ever realized. The fact that there would be an aggregate attendance at all our camp-meetings of one hundred thousand people, and this at twenty different points in the country, led us to feel that at these meetings something should be done especially to call attention to present truth, besides simply the preaching. Therefore making a specialty of obtaining subscribers for periodicals at the Indiana camp-meeting was an experiment. This being a young Conference, the necessity of a systematic missionary effort has never been fully realized, and circumstances were such that we were unable to devote that time to giving instruction upon this point that we should otherwise have done; yet we have never visited a Conference where the brethren had more of a mind to work than they have here.
Brethren and sisters were appointed to canvass for the various periodicals, some for the REVIEW, others for the SIGNS, REFORMER, INSTRUCTOR, and COLLEGE RECORD. The aggregate number of subscribers obtained for these periodicals was over one hundred. This, considering the circumstances, was doing well. These subscribers were mostly obtained Sunday afternoon.
The report of the tract society showed that more than three times the amount of missionary labor performed any previous year during the history of the society had been accomplished during the past year. The plan of raising a six-hundred-dollar fund for tract and missionary purposes was cheerfully entered upon, and in less than twenty minutes from the time that pledges were asked for, $327 was pledged. When the brethren take these papers home and give each individual an opportunity to do according to his ability, the fund will be easily raised. It is not by the large amount done by any one individual that a great work is accomplished, but each one must do his respective proportion.
Another feature of their tract society was the courage with which they spoke of the Annuals. They ordered five thousand this year, one thousand more than they have ever ordered before. This is doing well for Indiana.
S. N. HASKELL.
THEN
By A. S. Hutchins
WHEN? At the time of our soon-coming camp-meeting, shall we see a general turnout of our brethren and sisters? For three years past we have been favored at our annual meetings with the labors of Bro. and Sr. White, and other brethren from abroad, for which we are thankful. This year the General Conference promise us the presence and labors of Sr. White and Brn. E. W. Farnsworth and U. Smith.
Will not our brethren in all parts of the State and in the Province of Quebec make the sacrifice needful to come up to this annual gathering? The servants of the Lord will have important truths to proclaim to us, and important duties will come before the State Conference and T. and M. Society.
Morrisville is easy of access for Canada and all Northern and Central Vermont, and with the present arrangements with railroads to carry to and from the meeting for fare one way, all are much favored who wish to take cars as far south in the State as Manchester or Bellows Falls. There is no prospect that such a meeting will be held again in Lamoille county. Then we hope to see many of the brethren, with their children and friends, here to participate in the blessings of the meetings.
Then we hope all dues to our T. and M. society, will be paid, and all S. B. will be paid, if possible, up to the close of the last quarter. It will be expected then, that the books of the Conference, and T. and M., and S. B. treasurers will be audited, and the librarians’ books will be examined.
Come, then, dear brethren and sisters, up to this annual convocation of the saints of the Lord. Come as earnest seekers after the blessing of Heaven. Come to do good where the way may open for work. Come, not as spectators, but as those whose hearts overflow, to get good and impart good. Come to carry home the good spirit of the meeting to the aged and feeble who cannot meet with us, and others necessarily detained at home. If it seems like a sacrifice to any to come, think of one of the old Vermont brethren who drove his team some three hundred miles this year to get to the Minnesota camp-meeting, a brother seventy-five years of age.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
TO THE MICHIGAN T. AND M. DIRECTORS.
By J. Fargo
We think there should be a district quarterly meeting in each district before the State meeting which will be held in connection with the October camp-meeting; and efforts should be put forth by each director to pay up the indebtedness of his district, so as to commence the next year's campaign free from debt. This is the best time of the year to do this work, and there are several reasons why it should be done. 1. The money is needed by the offices of publication; and 2. It is much more pleasant to be out of debt. We suppose all feel anxious to have our indebtedness paid up, so we expect each director to put forth an effort to accomplish this end.
Those districts that will attend the first camp-meeting can hold their meeting Sept. 14, 15; and those that will attend the second camp-meeting can hold theirs Sept. 21, 22. This will give time for all reports to reach the State secretary in time for the State meeting in October. We hope all our brethren will act promptly in this matter, and do all in their power to relieve themselves from debt. This is an important work in which we are engaged, and all should be in earnest.
J. FARGO.
To the Minnesota Sabbath-School Workers.
By W. B. Hill; Anna Fulton; T. J. Cross
At our last camp-meeting, steps were taken to advance the Sabbath-school interest in our Conference. A State Sabbath-school Association was organized, and officers were elected. The committee of the S. S. Association have arranged to have a general meeting of the Sabbath-school workers in each T. and M. district in the Conference after the tent season is over. But time is short, and the good work should begin immediately.
The committee have chosen Sabbath-school agents in the several T. and M. districts throughout the Conference. Their duty will be to visit the churches in their districts and organize Sabbath-schools where none exist, and to set in order and encourage those already in operation. Where there are only two or three families, they should be encouraged to meet together on the Sabbath, to study the Scriptures and teach them to their children. We have, through the mail, notified these agents of their appointment, but fearing that some may not receive the notice we give their names and residences through the REVIEW, as follows:—
T. J. Cross, Shelbyville, Minn.
F. W. Morse, Estherville, Iowa.
A. H. Van Kirk, Concord, Minn.
I. Z. Lamb, Pleasant Grove, “
Elizabeth Whitelock, Hutchinson, “
John Valentine, Wadena, “
Fred Lashure, West Union, “
Samuel Fulton, Beldenville, Wis.
William Little, Agency, Minn.
John Norstrum, Stark, “
The agents will find valuable information in regard to Sabbath-school work in back numbers of the REVIEW. If any do not have them, no doubt they can get them by sending to the Office. We hope they will begin their work of looking after and helping the Sabbath-schools without delay, and report to L. Curtis, Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn., as he is secretary of the Association. We hope also that ministers and all interested in Sabbath-school work will bear a helping hand. Dear brethren, let us move in this matter all along the line. Let us all pull and pull all together, and with the Lord’s blessing the work must go forward.
Due notice of the general meetings will be given in the REVIEW.
W. B. HILL,
ANNA FULTON,
T. J. CROSS, } Committee.
To the Church Clerks of the Michigan Conference.
By A. B. Oyen
THE annual session of our Conference is to be held this year in connection with the camp-meeting at Battle Creek, beginning Oct. 2. This time is fast approaching, and brings with it certain duties for the church clerks to perform. It is the duty of each clerk in the Conference to send to the Conference secretary, a church report, giving number of members at the commencement of the Conference year, additions during the year by letter or baptism, losses by death or apostasy, present number of members, and number of S. S. scholars; also a financial report and pledge of the church for the coming year.
I would earnestly request that each clerk in the Conference attend to this in season, so that I can make a report of the standing of the Conference, to the General Conference. In past years less than half of our churches have reported their standing to the State Conference. Shall it be so this year? Shall we not hear from every church clerk this time? Send your reports to me at the REVIEW Office, Battle Creek, Mich. A. B. OYEN, Conf. Sec.
H. C. M
By H. C. Main
Notice.
TO DIST. NO. 9, KANSAS.
I wish to obtain the name and address of every Sabbath-keeper in this district, which comprises Butler, Cowley, Harvey, Greenwood, Sumner and Sedgwick counties, and the territory west. Please write me at once, and state whether you belong to the tract and missionary society or not. We want all to get into working order, that we may see the work of God moving forward. Now is the time to prepare for the winter campaign. The time is short. Let us labor while the day lasts.
Address me at Clarion, Sedgwick Co., Kansas.
H. C. MAIN. Director.
P. S. Is there any one taking the REVIEW in McPherson, Rice, Ellsworth, or Russell counties? If so, where? Answer by card.
H. C. M
Each Day Brings Us Nearer Eternity
Each day when past leaves the number less.
MICHIGAN
Colon.
I was with the church in Colon, Aug. 17. They very much feel the loss of Bro. Quimby, their elder, who so suddenly fell in death. Though few in number, they have regular weekly meetings. I spoke to them of the promises made to the little flock that do not fear, Luke 12: 32; then all took part in our social meeting.
Bro. Hiram Goodrich was appointed leader until arrangements can be made for an elder. J. BYINGTON.
Tent No. 1, Douglas.
We are now speaking on the nature of man, and there is a stir among the people on the subject. We have had some opposition on the Sabbath question. Last Sunday the M. E. minister gave a discourse against the Sabbath. His position was the Sunday-seventh-day theory. In the afternoon we reviewed his sermon before a large congregation, and in the evening spoke on the mark of the beast, when the people donated upwards of $9.00 towards our expenses.
Last Sabbath, after the discourse and social season, eight more arose for prayers. E. R. JONES. E. P. DANIELS.
Romeo.
We closed our tent labors at this place Aug. 11, Mrs. Lane remaining one week longer, holding meetings in the Christian church. As the result of our labors, fourteen have decided to keep the Sabbath. We shall hold Sabbath meetings with them several weeks longer.
The tent is now pitched at Utica, a small village on the Detroit and Bay City railroad. We have held four meetings, with an average attendance of one hundred. All seem deeply interested. E. B. LANE.
Coral, Aug. 18.
We pitched our tent in this place the 8th inst., and have held eight meetings, with a good turnout, and the best of attention is given. The place contains about six hundred inhabitants, a quiet, industrious class of persons. There are two churches and three societies—Methodist, Congregationalist, and Freewill Baptist.
When we began meetings here we felt somewhat worn by eight weeks' labor at Pierson, but as we gird on the armor anew, strength and vigor come, and weariness is gone. E. VAN DEUSEN.
WISCONSIN
Tent No. 1, Stevens Point, Aug. 21.
The interest here, though not extensive, still continues. We now have the Sabbath question fairly before the people. Last Sunday evening the Methodist minister preached against the Sabbath. It was as poor an effort as I ever heard. His own congregation were ashamed of him. His main argument was the Greek word Sabbaton. Monday evening I reviewed him before a good congregation. His effort did us more good than harm.
Several are keeping the Sabbath.
H. W. Decker.
Clintonville, Waupaca Co., Aug. 23.
I came here a stranger the evening of the 20th inst. On inquiring for Sabbath-keepers, I was introduced to Dr. Ovitt, the leading physician of the place, who kindly assisted me in making arrangements for the meetings. We have spoken twice. The image of Daniel 2 and the beasts of chap. 7 have awakened no little interest in the community, as to most of the people these subjects are entirely new. We have the church all the time except every other Sunday.
S. S. Smith.
Tent No. 2, Clay Banks, Door Co., Aug. 19.
The interest here is good. There never was such a stir in this community before. The people are very attentive to all our wants. Aug. 17, we held our first Sabbath meeting, which was a good one. Our brethren from Sturgeon Bay met with us, and added much to the interest. Six or more kept their first Sabbath. Many are deeply interested. We shall remain here yet awhile.
Our address is Sturgeon Bay, Door Co., Wis.
O. A. Olsen. N. Clausen.
Weston, Dunn Co., Aug. 19.
AFTER visiting the churches at Beldenville and Eau Galle, we came to this place. Have held meetings two weeks. Five have been added to the church. We organized a Sabbath-school, and a T. and M. society, and obtained three subscribers for the REVIEW. The brethren, although poor, seem to have the real missionary spirit.
Pray for us.
S. Fulton.
Tent No. 5, Avalanche, Aug. 21.
WE closed our meetings at Debello, Aug. 5. Between twenty-five and thirty commenced to observe the Sabbath, not including those who kept it before we went there. Twelve were baptized by Eld. Atkinson. A temporary organization was formed, and they promised to sustain a Sabbath-school and keep up Sabbath meetings. A house of worship is needed at Debello, and arrangements were made to erect one this fall.
We came to this place, Avalanche, Aug. 9. This is a village of about twenty-five families; most of these are Norwegians. We have spoken eleven times in Norwegian and four in English. The attendance has ranged from twenty-five to one hundred. The interest is on the increase. The people are very kind, especially the Norwegians. Many of them seem anxious to hear the truth. May God bless our work, and give us wisdom in leading to Christ.
Our address is Avalanche, Vernon Co., Wis.
O. A. Johnson. P. L. Hoen.
IOWA
Bonaparte, Aug. 15.
Our meetings are still progressing, with good interest. Some have decided to obey. The dragon spirit is being aroused, and we are challenged for a discussion by a Presbyterian minister. We will attend to this at the close of our lectures, if necessary.
Pray for us. L. McCoy.
Crawford Co., Altamont, and Elk Horn.
Since my last report, I have held meetings with the Swedish friends in Crawford county, and with the Danes in Altamont and Elk Horn. At Elk Horn two Americans joined the church by baptism.
As our annual Conference is soon to be held, I wish to impress on all our Scandinavian churches the importance of sending delegates. If those companies that are not fully organized desire to be taken under the watchcare of the Conference, that they may help and be helped, let them signify that desire to the Conference Committee. Let all the Scandinavians that possibly can, attend the camp-meeting, especially those that understand the English language. The Lord willing, there will also be services in Danish, if a sufficient number are present. JOHN F. HANSON.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Tent No. 2, Newfane, N. Y., Aug. 20.
We have had another prosperous week. Several more have taken their stand with us, and among them some quite remarkable cases. About twenty have embraced the truth now. The majority of these are from the world, and nearly all of them give evidence of genuine conversion. Baptized one last Sunday and expect others to go forward soon.
Bro. Williams remained with me one week, and I found him efficient help.
S. B. WHITNEY.
East Martinsburgh, N. Y., Aug. 19.
Our congregations are not large, but there is a growing interest to hear the word of the Lord. Some are for the first time making a start to serve God. We have had a little opposition from the subjects of the “little-horn” power; but victory turned on Zion’s side.
Some of the Sabbath-keepers were down from South Harrisburgh last week, and brought a good report from that field. We went to Otter Creek ten days ago, and baptized one person, and received four into the church.
J. WILBUR.
Sunderlinville, Potter Co., Pa.
The interest here has kept up good for a farming community. Four times each week our tent is full or nearly so. We came here July 18, and now, Aug. 20, we have held forty-three meetings. Ten have taken hold of the Sabbath and are getting ready for the coming of the Lord, and as many more are convinced. We shall stay another week.
We earnestly crave the prayers of all God’s dear children, that the cause in Old Pennsylvania may prosper.
J. G. SAUNDERS. W. HUMPHREY.
Tent No. 6, Lander, Pa., Aug. 20.
The interest here is still good. A few have taken a position upon the Sabbath; others will soon. Our trust is in God.
We have no open opposition, but an undercurrent that is hard to meet. The truth is gaining many friends.
F. PEABODY. J. Q. FOY.
Tent No. 7, Little Marsh, Pa.
We commenced meetings in this place Aug. 3, and are in the midst of the Sabbath question. The M. E. minister advertises to speak next Sunday on the following propositions: “1. Origin of the Sabbath; 2. Bible times when it was first observed; 3. By whom it was first known to be kept; 4. For whom it was made; 5. When the Sabbath law became a moral law; 6. Who keep it at the present time, Jews or Gentiles; 7. Importance of its observance.”
The attendance at the tent has not been large, but quite steady. Money is very scarce, and times are hard, consequently our sales of books and tracts have been small.
We meet with the class at Sabinsville every Sabbath. There is a growing interest in that place, and we think others will obey.
The people here are very kind. There is a church of first-day Adventists near. One of their ministers kept the Sabbath awhile, but fell back. He acknowledged before his church that the ten commandments are binding, the fourth among the rest. We desire the prayers of the brethren and sisters.
M. C. WILCOX. T. M. LANE.
THE STREAM OF LIFE.
By Arthur Hugh Clough
O stream descending to the sea,
Thy mossy banks between,
The flow’rets blow, the grasses grow,
The leafy trees are green.
In garden plots the children play,
The fields the laborers till,
The houses stand on either hand,
And thou descendest still.
O life descending into death,
Our waking eyes behold,
Parent and friend thy lapse attend,
Companions young and old.
Strong purposes our minds possess,
Our hearts affections fill,
We toil and earn, we seek and learn,
And thou descendest still.
—Arthur Hugh Clough.
Progress of the Cause.
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
OHIO
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
Springfield, Aug. 19.
THE tent-meeting closed in Springfield, Aug. 18. I intended to continue two or three days longer; but was feeble and much worn when Bro. Stone left, and, failing to get help, Bro. St. John advised me to close, and take a little rest before camp-meeting.
The work in Springfield very much resembles that in Newark last year. The interest is deeper and wider than the numbers attending would indicate. There is an entire absence of any excitement, but the real interest is better now than at any previous time.
We cannot yet tell just how many are decided on the Sabbath. Probably about twenty to twenty-five are firm at present, with many others convicted. Although the city was canvassed two years ago, and many of our publications scattered here, we sold over thirty dollars' worth of books during the meeting. Money is scarce, and we find it a hard time to get subscribers for our periodicals.
Bro. Cottrell will spend a full week here before camp-meeting. If the work is followed up, as it needs to be, we have no doubt a good, strong church may be established in Springfield.
The daily paper shut down on our reports when it came too warm on the Sunday question. The ministers also took great pains to keep the people away. The eyes of the candid are being opened by the course some of them pursue. One who is not now a pastor, but is styled “Rev.” by the papers, has the “cheek” to assert that there is no definite article in the Hebrew! a seventh day (any one) is the Sabbath; and when conversing on baptism, he affirmed that the Scriptures do not say that we are to take Christ as our example! And yet some think that such men are worthy teachers of Christianity, and blame us for saying that “Babylon is fallen.”
We tried to give a plain testimony on the condition of the church and the world, and the trouble impending, and it is doing its work. May the Lord still direct all to his own glory.
J. H. WAGGONER.
MAINE
By J. B. Goodrich
Aroostook Co., Aug. 19.
I joined Bro. Hersum at Caribou, June 21, and we closed our meetings at East Washburn, Aug. 18. Upwards of fifty have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, eight have been baptized, and twenty-eight subscribers to our periodicals have been obtained. A Sabbath meeting has been established, and a large field has been opened for future labor. Bro. H. and wife remain another week.
I do not know of a more encouraging field of labor than this in the Pine Tree State. We expect to see others gathered into the truth here yet. One opposition tent was pitched at East Washburn, but the Lord turned it to the good of his cause. The keep-away argument was urged by some, and false reports were put in circulation, as usual; but God gave the increase. To him be all the glory.
My address will now be Hartland, Me.
J. B. GOODRICH.
NEBRASKA
By H. Shultz; M. Hackworth
Palmyra, Otoe Co., Aug. 18.
We have labored hard at this place to bring the third angel’s message and its kindred truths before the minds of the people. We have now canvassed the Sabbath question. The people mostly acknowledge that we have the truth, but they do not see how they can give up the old traditions. May the Lord open their eyes that they may behold wondrous things in his word, and see that obedience is better than sacrifice. A few here are seeking after truth.
Brethren, pray that souls may be gathered for the kingdom of our God. H. SHULTZ. M. HACKWORTH.
ILLINOIS
By R. F. Andrews
Belvidere, Aug. 21.
Our meeting here is most encouraging. Twenty-eight took their stand for the truth last Sabbath. Two discourses were preached here last first-day in favor of the Sunday institution. The Lord gave us liberty in reviewing them before an audience of over six hundred, in the evening. We never realized the need of God's help more than now; and we feel assured that the Lord has been with us thus far. Pray for us. R. F. ANDREWS.
MINNESOTA
By D. P. Curtis; N. Battin
Sauk Center, Aug. 19.
We took down our tent last Tuesday, and have since been holding meetings in private houses. We have given, in all, fifty-five discourses here. Fourteen have decided to obey God.
We now go to Alexandria, twenty-eight miles north-west of Sauk Center, where we hope to begin labor Thursday evening, Aug. 22. Let the people of God remember us.
D. P. CURTIS.
N. BATTIN.
KANSAS
By J. H. Cook
Ft. Scott, Aug. 15.
Our meetings in the tent still continue. The interest has not been very great at any time; but our congregations range from forty to one hundred and fifty. The ministers, so far, seem to think it wisdom for them to keep silence. Eld. Santee has gone home to commence a course of lectures near Sherman City, Cherokee county, where we have located our camp-meeting. Bro. Stover advises that this meeting be postponed till October on account of sickness in that section. Eld. Lamon is now with me.
Six have embraced the Sabbath and have signed the covenant. Nine were keeping the Sabbath before, making, in all, fifteen. We yet hope for many more in this place. J. H. Cook.
THE TEXAS MEETING.
By R. M. Kilgore
Rockwall, Aug. 8-13.
Though it was announced that this would be a general meeting, it took the form of a camp-meeting. We had previously erected an arbor on the south side of the large 28x70-foot tent, which served to protect from the scorching rays of the sun. This was well filled with campers; others camped in their wagons, while a few were provided with tents. In this respect this meeting was an experiment. Those who attended now see and realize what they need at future camp-meetings to protect them from rain storms and the heat of the sun.
Tuesday evening the brethren from Cleburne arrived, those from Dallas came Wednesday, while those from Peoria and Terrell did not arrive till Thursday, and some did not come till just before the Sabbath. We think those who came so late lost a blessing by not being present to share in the first meetings.
Those who attended this meeting showed commendable zeal, many of them coming from eighty to one hundred miles. Some left sick friends at home in the care of others; some were afflicted themselves; and still others were warned by their pretended friends not to attend the meeting, as they would surely be sick should they do so. Many of our brethren in different parts of the field were kept away on account of sickness, and for other causes. Notwithstanding, the attendance was greater by far than we expected. Between one hundred and twenty-five and one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were assembled. At our Sabbath-morning five-o’clock prayer-meeting over a hundred Sabbath-keepers were counted.
For more than two weeks previous to the meeting I had been prostrated with the bilious fever, which was not broken till Monday, Aug. 5; yet I was enabled, by the blessing of God, to attend all the meetings but two or three. Bro. Caldwell, who had labored excessively previous to the meeting, was taken sick Sabbath evening, and was not able to be at his post until the closing meeting.
Although the ministers were so weak physically, and their labors were so inefficient, the meeting proved to be a success. The brethren all took hold with a will to build each other up, and to gain all the strength possible for themselves, and the Lord manifested his power and willingness to bless. Each meeting seemed to grow better. The searching Spirit of God was present in the prayer and social meetings. Perfect freedom on the part of brethren and sisters was manifested; frequently three and four were on their feet at the same time, waiting to say a word for Jesus. I tried to close one of these meetings on time but was utterly unable for thirty minutes.
And what makes this most wonderful is the fact that so large a majority of these workers have embraced the truth within a year. It was the universal testimony that this was the best meeting they ever attended. One old gentleman who came eighty miles said, “I have lived eighty years; and I have attended many camp and other meetings, but I never saw such a meeting as this.”
The bitter prejudice on the part of so many in the community, was in vain, and the untiring efforts of the ministers to keep the people away, were a failure. The outside attendance was better than we had reason to hope. When we called for those who desired an interest in the prayers of the servants of God to come forward, a number of these separated themselves from the congregation, and, with tears, came, seeking the Lord. More than twenty, in all, came forward.
As the result of the lectures and this meeting, by the blessing of God, we are happy to report thirteen who have declared themselves on the side of truth, and determined, by the grace of God, to keep all his commandments. Two of these are young men, partners in business. They were baptized and joined the Dallas church for the present.
On Monday P. M., with a procession of nearly fifty teams and with about eighty persons on horseback, we repaired to the lake, where we baptized sixteen willing souls in the presence of about five hundred people. It was indeed a solemn scene.
The T. and M. work received its share of attention. About $70 were pledged to help relieve our debt; also steps were taken toward a State S. S. organization. Some very instructive essays and interesting letters were read at these sessions, and many interesting incidents and experiences were related. The subject of the Dime Tabernacle was presented, when nearly all present eagerly sought the opportunity to have a share in that edifice.
Just before the Sabbath, the REVIEW containing the notice that Bro. and Sr. White intend to visit Texas, and the appointment of another camp-meeting for 1879, was received; this sent a thrill of joy and gratitude throughout the entire encampment. They will receive a hearty welcome from the friends of the cause in Texas.
A camp-meeting committee consisting of Brn. J. C. Cole, A. Swaden, and Emory Rust was appointed. The camp-meeting for 1879, and the organization of the Texas Conference, are events to which all look forward with pleasure, and we are even now talking about getting ready for them.
By the advice of my brethren, I am now at home to rest for a few days before entering on another series of meetings with the tent. R. M. Kilgore.