p. 139 | Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 9. (8/18/1868)

REPORT FROM BRO. A. C. BOURDEAU.

By A. C. Bourdeau

After our return from the General Conference I spent three Sabbaths with the church at home. Our meetings were very interesting, especially the Quarterly Meeting, which was held June 6 and 7. Eld. Stone was present, and assisted in preaching. Sabbath afternoon I enjoyed good freedom in speaking to a large congregation from the following words: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto all men.” Titus iii, 8. In the social meeting which followed, the brethren and sisters heartily responded to the word spoken, which encouraged me much in my fatigued and worn condition.

After thirty minutes’ intermission sixty-three attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house. At the commencement of this meeting several of the young members of the church, who felt unworthy, took their position, some on the back seats, and others out of doors. We did not feel to say, “Let them go!” I entreated them with earnest appeals, and then called on the elders of the church to go after them, and have them seated with us. As they came to the front seats some of these young souls were in tears, which evinced to us that we had pursued a rigid course in their case. The next day, at the close of the meeting, we got up a subscription for Bro. A. S. Hutchins, and the brethren and friends pledged $54.25, to help him in buying a horse.

On Sabbath, June 13, I met with the Sabbath-keepers in Sutton, C. E. Preached twice, and had a good social meeting.

Sabbath and first-day, June 20 and 21, I met with the few in Bristol, Vt. Found that they had not lost their interest in the good work since our visit among them last winter. Sabbath I preached twice, after which the brethren and sisters manifested promptness in responding to the truth spoken in their testimonies. We were interested in the case of Sr. Evert’s son, who spoke in this meeting for the first time. Sunday morning I dwelt on church order, and systematic benevolence. I did not leave the subject till all were free to act in unison with the body in the matter. The result was that eleven had their figures set down on s. B. amounting to nearly $90 per year. We appointed a treasurer and a leader, and I had $23.50 handed in to help in the different departments of the cause. In the afternoon, at half past four o’clock, I gave a discourse to a respectable congregation, composed mostly of unbelievers, who listened very attentively to the word spoken.

On my way to Jamaica, June 23, I met with the brethren in Andover. The friends of the cause here are trying to be in the work. Most of them attended the meetings in Jamaica. The brethren in Jamaica were greatly encouraged by my visit among them. They had made a start in getting out some timber for their meeting-house; but on some accounts had come to a stop, and felt quite discouraged.

I spent one week with them, during which time I held five meetings; baptized three persons, arranged s. B. for thirty-three names, amounting to $122.20; assisted the brethren in forming themselves into a society to legally hold and manage their house of worship, and the land upon which it is built; and worked four days on the meeting-house. Bro. C. A. White was present, and labored to advantage on the house. When we left the frame was raised, and nearly all inclosed, and the work was still progressing.

While I was setting down the figures on s. B. a brother thought that the Lord would excuse him from paying s. B. this year, on account of his having lost a good ox last spring; but before I left Jamaica he came up nobly with full figures, and further stated that he felt fifty dollars better on account of the effort that had been made in the meeting-house enterprise, therefore would pledge to give $50 more to help in this enterprise.

July 4, I attended the Quarterly Meeting at Berkshire, Vt. Fourteen teams of brethren and sisters from Enosburgh accompanied us to this meeting. Bro. Stone was present, and assisted in preaching. Some were present also from Richford, and from Sutton, C. E. This was a good meeting to all present.

Sabbath, July 11, was a good day to the church in Enosburgh. In the morning I spoke on baptism, and at 2 o’clock, P. M., we repaired to the Branch, where I baptized eight persons. During the following week I met twice with the church, and the next Sabbath made a special effort for the young who had recently united with the church. In the social meeting sixty-five testimonies were given in less than an hour, and our hearts were made glad to see several of the young make a new start for the kingdom.

A. C. BOURDEAU. Bordoville, Vt., July, 1868.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

By John Leland

AFTER having been favored with a course of lectures from Dr. M. G. Kellogg, we as a church most heartily endorse the resolutions of the General Conference, published in REVIEW, Vol. xxxi, No. 23, page 356, also the introduction and recommendation published in the same paper, page 364, 3d column, 1st article, by Gen. Conf. Com.

We would further say that we as a church have been greatly benefited by the lectures and sermons of Dr. Kellogg. We fully believe him to be amply qualified to present that part of the third angel’s message, upon which he lectures, in such a manner that all, professors or not, may be greatly benefited. The whole tenor of his lectures here has been to elevate, to sanctify, and to make those who follow the light, entirely conformed to the will of the Master for whose second coming we are all looking. He presents the message in a clear and cogent manner, besides being deeply versed in the science of life.

For ourselves, we can say that after becoming cast down in our minds, he came here and presented truth to us which caused the same unspeakable joy to come over us that we felt some seven years ago when under similar circumstances Bro. Loughborough first presented to our view the great truths of the third angel’s message.

By order of the church. JOHN LELAND, Church Clerk. Otsego, Mich.

Note on Bro. K.’s Labors

By Editor

NOTE. A portion of the foregoing communication consisted of an appeal from the church in Otsego to other churches to secure the labors of Bro. K. This we withhold as he has now returned to California, not receiving sufficient calls for help to induce him to remain in this part of the country. Yet we deem it but justice to Bro. K., to give the brethren in Otsego an opportunity to acknowledge the benefit they received from his labors.—ED.

Reproof and Blamelessness

He that would reprove the world, must be one whom the world cannot reprove.

Sustained by Grace

By W. S. Ernst

From Bro. Ernst.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been some time since I have said anything in the Conference department of the REVIEW. It has not been because I have lost my love for the truth, or for my brethren; but because I have suffered myself to neglect this duty. I often feel as if I could not write anything that would benefit others. Then again I think how I have been encouraged by reading the testimonies of brethren and sisters, and especially those of the lonely. Brethren and sisters, I do rejoice to-day that my ears were ever saluted with the sound of the gospel, and I praise my Heavenly Father for his grace that has sustained me thus far. When I think what Jesus has done for me, as well as all mankind, it gives me fresh courage to press my way onward and upward till I obtain the prize. It is about two years and a half since I embraced the third angel's message, and to-day I can say that it is the truth of God's word made plain to our minds, and oh! that we might let the truth rule and reign over our every thought and action. How it rejoices my heart to hear the brethren of the ministry report the good work going on, and that souls are being brought into the truth;

and I pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers into the field. My desire and determination is by the grace of God to live a Christian while I do live. And oh! how much of the grace of God I do need. But there is a never-failing fountain to draw from, and Jesus says, “Come unto me all that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Glorious invitation! help me, blessed Jesus, to come. Brethren, let each one of us make an individual work of overcoming, and preparing for the coming of Christ, for signs daily thicken around us to admonish us that the day of the Lord is at hand. He says, Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation, and that that day come upon you unawares.

May the Lord help us all, is the prayer of your unworthy brother in Christ. W. S. ERNST. Branch Co., Mich.

Persevering to Heaven

By M. J. Cotterill

From Sister Cottrell.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have been reading, week by week, your testimonies in the REVIEW, and feeling cheered and encouraged thereby, I often think that I, too, would like to say a word in the conference meeting. I hardly know which part of our precious paper I love best; and it grows better and better. Oh! what a help it is, especially to the lonely ones. I often think of such, and pray that God will guide and keep them, cheering them by his Holy Spirit. If we are only faithful in serving him, he will soon call us home; yes, soon call us home, to his bright, beautiful, glorious home, where we shall enjoy an eternal rest, and never know what it is to be weary or sad. When I get to thinking about that home, and what the suffering Jesus endured, that we poor sinners may enjoy it, words fail me. Oh! shall we fall through want of attention to the work assigned to us? Shall we grow careless of our eternal interests, when “all Heaven is interested in our behalf”? Oh! I must go through.

I want to see Jesus in his beauty, and testify to his wondrous love by my presence in Heaven. I want to help swell the song of praise which the ransomed ones will sing. I want to see those lovely angels who are watching over, and caring for, us now; and I want to see the “great white throne,” and join the throng of white-robed worshipers, who cease not to cry, “Holy, holy!” Oh! I will try to be there. Let us all take courage; for we are able, in the strength of Jesus, to go up, and possess the goodly land. Let no one give up. The way is none too narrow; the path is none too rough; the crosses in the way are none too numerous nor heavy.

I have thought that when we really get humble enough to take up the crosses we find awaiting us, and in willing obedience stoop to lift them, that then angel hands assist us; and sometimes it does seem that they almost carry the cross for us; the burden is so much lighter than we expected. Lonely ones, take courage, and look up; up beyond the darkness which hangs like a pall above you; up by the eye of faith to where Jesus is pleading, “My blood, Father, my blood.” Fix your eye upon the light and glory there, and press onward.

Your sister striving for victory, M. J. COTTERILL. Ridgeway, N. Y.

UNANSWERED LETTERS.

By R. A. Wheeler

When at the Institute, I received many letters, and have received many since I came home. I have hoped to be able to answer them, but it would be too much of a task for me. I conclude, therefore, to write one letter through the REVIEW. And now, dear friends, will you all please accept this letter as yours.

I left the dear Institute, May 20, and arrived home the 22nd, after an absence of seventeen months lacking a few days. I was thankful to meet again my precious family. Our hearts were made glad with joy, and our tears mingled together. My journey was hard for me, but after a few weeks of quiet and rest, I began to improve some in strength, for which I felt very thankful. For a while past, I have not felt so well. The very warm weather affects me much. But I keep hoping and believing that I shall be better.

Oh! how thankful I am that it is my privilege to hope, and look up, and trust in the Lord; and every one that will, may share in the blessed privilege. I mean to be patient, and continue in well doing. I have not felt in my heart to say that my lot was too hard. No, no. I would not ask to have trials or afflictions lessen, but I want the grace of God to sustain. I believe I shall have it. I feel that I have had it thus far, and the blessed promise is that the Lord will be with us unto the end of the world. How it cheers and comforts me.

Dear friends, I thank you very much for writing to me, and for the kind feelings and sympathy you have for me and my family. I appreciate it all. I was glad to hear that you were doing so well in living out the health reform. I, too, am striving for the same. Let us be firm, decided, unmoved, yet gentle, meek, possessing the Spirit of Christ in all our acts. And while we try to strictly obey the laws of our being, we can look up and ask the blessing of the Lord to rest upon us.

I feel thankful that I went to the Institute. I believe my life has been saved by going there. I formed very pleasant acquaintances, and I highly appreciate the kindness of all toward me while there; and they have not forgotten me since I came home. May the Lord bless them in their efforts to do good, and especially those on whom the burden of the work rests. Those of us who were there for some time, know something of the care and anxiety that rests on Bro. Lay. May he have our earnest prayers and sympathy. My mind often dwells on my pleasant stay at the Institute. May the Lord bless all the inmates. Thank you all for what you have done for me. What was given, I most heartily believe was given with a free good will. Of some that was given, I never knew who the givers were; and I received some presents from those who were not connected with the Institute. It was all thankfully received, and I shall ever hold you all in grateful remembrance. My prayer has been, and still is, Lord, bless the donors, and reward them richly with eternal life.

Since commencing this, I have received a letter from a dear sister in Orleans, Mich., and thank her for her tender regards, and would ask her, with the rest, to accept this in reply. I should be glad to answer, separately, all the letters I have received, but letter writing is too taxing for me at present.

Your sister striving for a home

“Where these partings are o’er; Where death and the tomb Can divide us no more.”

R. A. WHEELER.

Johnstown Center, Wis.

SOMETHING TO DO.

By D. H. SANBORN

THERE is something for every Christian to do, To keep the commandments of God; The pathway of life with success to pursue, The footsteps that Jesus has trod. There is something to do; there is something to do; There is something for Christians to do. Those who walk in the footsteps that Jesus has trod, Have, certainly, something to do.

We must gather the little ones into the fold, We must gather and bring them to God; For they are more precious than jewels of gold; They may be the jewels of God. We must gather with Him; we must gather with Him: We must gather the children to God. We must gather with Jesus, the Saviour, or else We surely shall scatter abroad.

There's a star-bedecked diadem waiting for you; Oh! say, will you wear it or no? Will you follow the Saviour, and to him prove true? Will you follow through weal and through woe? Then, there's something to do; there is something to do; There is something for Christians to do. If that bright, starry crown shall e'er rest on your brow, You, brother, have something to do.

We learn that the Saviour is coming full soon— Is he coming for me and for you? Will he give us the welcome applaudit, Well done? Will he say it? and will it be true? Then we've something to do; we have something to do; There is something for Christians to do. Those who hear from the Saviour the welcome, Well done, Have, certainly, something to do.

Oh! why stand we halting and waiting so long? Oh! why sit we idle all day? Why join with the world in its gay, thoughtless throng? Why trifle probation away? Is there nothing to do? Is there nothing to do? Is there nothing for Christians to do? There's a world to be warned of its hastening doom; Oh! isn't there something to do.

D. H. SANBORN.

NELLIE BOYNTON

By Nellie Boynton

From Sr. Boynton.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Although “slow of speech,” I feel it my duty to add my humble testimony in favor of present truth, and the goodness of God. Almost five months have elapsed since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. For months I had been under strong conviction, and often spending sleepless nights, and days of silent agony, combatting unbelief and prejudice. I made the decision to keep the Sabbath “according to the commandment.” Still I was not converted, and having been a Universalist, and a most hardened unbeliever, Satan was loth to give me up. But glory be to God who giveth us the victory, through the prayers of the little church at Chesaning, I found peace in believing. Ah! who but those that have tasted, can realize the value of that word. The peace of God that floweth like a river; Oh! if it could only last forever. But no; we need the trials and temptations we meet with here to fit us for the enjoyment of our blessed home, where, thank God, there will be no more sin.

I have been suffering for twenty-five years from the effects of drugs, which caused my lameness, since which time I have walked on crutches, and for the past year have been suffering from spinal disease, which obliges me to lie down all the time. But I know that “these light afflictions work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” and everything works together for good to them that love God.

I love the REVIEW; there is always something just suited to my case; and it is to me companion and friend. My friends are all perfectly indifferent, and offer no opposition except ridicule. My heart yearns for them. How can I leave them behind. But God is just, and doeth all things well.

I am trying to live out the health reform, but it is very difficult, situated as I am, and I find oft times that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Pray for me dear sisters, that I may overcome, and meet you where “the lame man shall leap as an hart,” and the inhabitants shall never say, I am sick.

NELLIE BOYNTON

Saginaw Co., Mich.

Conference Department.

By Willard W. Stebbins; M. E. Stebbins

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.

This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Bro. and Sr. Stebbins.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We are very much interested in reading the REVIEW, and wish to express our thankfulness to you who so kindly interest and comfort us by writing. We love the truth and are trying to live out the health reform. Our neighbors sometimes look upon us with curiosity, because we are so peculiar in our manner of living, and style of dress; but we are willing to be peculiar and hope to be fully prepared to stand when the time of trouble comes upon the earth.

Yours praying for the triumph of the truth.

WILLARD W. AND M. E. STEBBINS.

Raymond, Pa.

Living as Pilgrims

By F. A. Thyne.

From Bro. Thyne.

DEAR BRETHREN: I feel very thankful for the numbers of the REVIEW sent me. They are a feast to me. My relation and duty to my Heavenly Father is growing plainer every day. Truly, the Lord is good. I rejoice when I think of the time when we can be in the company of our blessed Redeemer, to see him, and hear him face to face. And the thought that he now heeds us, and hears us when we pray, encourages me to meet many a trial and disappointment in this unsteady world. Our Father does care for his children, and he has a happy life in store for them. May the Lord help us to be faithful and thankful.

If we could only remember that we are but tarrying here, we should not want to strive for the things of this world. We should walk cautiously and soberly, because we are the children of the Lord. How foolish to load ourselves with useless burdens here. Surely we do need to watch and pray. The enemy is seeking every chance to deceive us, and draw us out of the narrow way. The Devil is holding out every inducement whereby he can deceive, and make men to love the world. Let us consider what we are created for, and where we are going to. Was there ever such a time as the present? Look at the world! Look at the churches! Indeed the Devil has power.

Yours in hope. F. A. Thyne.

Van Buren Co., Iowa.

F. C. CASTLE

By F. C. CASTLE

From Bro. Castle.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We daily think of you, and how glad should we be to meet again those that have lived in our memory for years. We think of sweet seasons in the past. We also have experienced something of the wormwood and gall, but we have great reason to ever be grateful to our kind Heavenly Father for his love and mercies which are still extended to us, the least of all his saints.

We are grateful that we have a tender High Priest, whose ear is open to hear our cries when we pour out our complaint to him, and he is able to deliver. What love is shown to a fallen, perishing race! The thought that all Heaven is interested for our good, and that the holy angels are ever ready to help us, if we are in earnest to overcome, ought to inspire our hearts with love, and lead us to action.

I often ask myself the question, When shall I be like Jesus? I want that principle formed within of pure love to God and man that was in my Saviour’s bosom, so that what little influence I may have in the world may be on the side of truth. I mourn over my lack in the past of coming up to these principles. How should I feel to think that one poor soul should be lost on account of my unfaithfulness.

I am glad that the spirit of the gospel is, “Come,” and not, “Go away,” and that this spirit is reviving among this people. I love the sound.

Our prayer is for success to attend the efforts of those especially called to this work of gathering into one fold all the scattered sheep. And may the Lord of the harvest send out more laborers into his harvest. We think of the hour of Judgment. Do we live in it? and must our case soon come up for examination? and will it pass favorably upon us? We tremble and fear lest we should come short at last; for we see that great numbers come up in confidence and ask for admission, but they are turned away, the Lord assuring them that he never knew them.

I would choose a baptism into all the sufferings of Christ here, rather than to be disappointed at the great day when the great and final gathering shall take place. Only a little longer can we have the privilege of doing and suffering for Christ. Then awake! my soul, and stir thyself. Is there asking for me to do? Yes, much; to watch and pray, and see that my words are few, and seasoned with grace.

F. C. CASTLE

St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.

The Light of Present Truth

By Joshua Philbrick

From Bro. Philbrick.

BRO. SMITH: Since I returned from the Conference, and have rested body and mind, I have felt to thank God for the privilege I then enjoyed with the dear brethren, and since then for the refreshing view of Jesus and his word. I have felt, in some degree, the triumph of his grace, and do thank him for it. It is the greatest source of comfort and joy of my life to think of the triumphs of his love for unworthy me. I thank the Lord to-day for the light of present truth, the light that shines from the open door of the heavenly sanctuary.

The Lord is good, blessed be his name! But the question often comes home to my heart, Have I searched the depth of the fountain of my life as the nature of the case demands? How fearful, fearful the danger of being careless, indifferent, and lukewarm, and thus not realizing our need of Spiritual Gifts, and the Testimonies, here in the investigative Judgment.

Oh! for a deep, realizing sense of the work before me. How wonderful is the health reform in all its parts, and how definitely applicable is this solemn work to disclose to us the transgressions of both moral and physical law. As I follow on in the light that shines, the way grows brighter. As sure as the baptism of John was from Heaven, and not of men, so sure is the same true of the third message.

The Lord bless you, and all his dear servants upon whom he has, in his wise arrangement, placed the responsibility and burden of sending out, and proclaiming, the solemn truths, of the last message of mercy to man. JOSHUA PHILBRICK. Oakland Co., Mich.

Seeking a Closer Walk with God

By Emily L. Canright

From Sr. Canright.

DEAR BRETHREN: “Silver and gold have I none,” and yet perhaps I may do something to aid the cause of God by the way of encouraging others. We are alone here, yet striving, in weakness, to keep the commandments of God. No, not alone; Jesus, our beloved Lord and Master, has promised to be with us “always, even unto the end of the world;” and I often feel myself basking in the sunshine of his divine presence. What can I ask more? Oh! why does he bend to associate with such a worm as I? Do we pine for society? let us seek Jesus. Here is one in whom we can confide; one whose ways are beyond criticism, and whom we may at all times safely strive to imitate. “Oh! for a closer walk with God!” I long to have my will brought into subjection to the will of Him with whom I have to do.

If the foretastes of glory, which we at times obtain here, afford us such joys unspeakable, “what must it be to be there?” Oh! that better land, how I long to be gathered into its rest! There no sorrow nor pain can ever come, no cares to harass us then, and death can never chill, and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. Oh! that I may be numbered with the 144,000, and join in singing that sweet song that shall make the heavenly arches ring; that I may be among those that “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”

Dear brethren and sisters, do we realize how great is the prize that awaits the overcomer? God helping me I will strive with greater diligence to obtain that incorruptible crown which fadeth not away. Daily and hourly we are passing those that are soon to be destroyed by the seven last plagues. Do we warn them of their danger, crying aloud, and sparing not? Do we show by our daily walk and conversation that we are what we profess to be, pilgrims and strangers on the earth? that we do verily believe that these are the last hours of probationary time? If not they “shall die in their iniquity, but their blood will God require at our hands.”

It is my earnest desire to be a child of God in word and deed; but I find the spirit willing, but the flesh is often weak. I do many things that I ought not to do, and leave undone many things that I should do. I have found that life is truly a warfare. Pray that I may be enabled to fight it well. EMILY L. CANRIGHT.

Lifting the Cross

By L. Bolton

SR. L. BOLTON writes from Portland, Me.: I am strengthened and encouraged as I see the wonderful dealings of God with his people, in leading them out from the world to be his peculiar people, that they may shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. How good the sermons are in the REVIEW! How full of truth! How timely! My mind was very solemnly impressed with the two sermons, “The Lost Sheep,” and “The Acceptable Fast unto God.” Unworthy as I am I feel to thank God for his goodness and mercy to me, and for the light and truth of his blessed word which has shone upon my pathway, and also for the faithful testimonies to the church. I feel their solemn warnings and reproofs, and the prayer of my heart is, that I may be enabled, by the grace of God, to live out these truths from day to day, and bear the cross of Christ. I know if I lift the cross the cross will lift me, and I shall rise above the trials and discouragements which sometimes weigh me down; and it will enable me to lift up my head and rejoice, knowing that the redemption of God’s people draws nigh. I mean to strive to be faithful, and overcome everything that is evil, that I may meet with all God’s people in his blessed kingdom.

Still Striving for the Goodly Land

SR. B. ROCKWELL writes from Farnham, C. E.: I am still striving for the goodly land. Although my progress is very slow, yet I do feel to praise the Lord that he has not forsaken me. It is something over 14 years since I first commenced to try to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Since that time I have had some sore temptations and trials; but I am not tired of the way.

“I need thee, precious Jesus, For I am very blind— A weak and foolish wanderer, With dark and evil mind! I need thy charming presence To tread the narrow road, To guide me safe to glory, To bring me home to God.”

Fellowship Among Scattered Believers

By Sister E. DeGarmo

SISTER E. DEGARMO writes from Oswego Co., N. Y.: I am still striving to be cleansed from sin through the blood of the Lamb that was slain to redeem me from ruin. Sabbath I met with four other lone ones in this place. The Lord was with us indeed. After meeting we spent two hours in reading Testimony No. 15. It was what was needed. It was fraught with blessings to these fainting, scattered ones. We have no preaching but the REVIEW, which we hail with joy.

Alone Yet Holding to the Faith

SISTER E. JUDD writes from N. H.: I am still striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The present truth is precious to me. I am all alone here, in respect to any of like precious faith. I have been without the paper for a long time, and I feel anxious to know how the cause is prospering. I feel myself that the time is very short, and I want to be ready to hail the glorious appearing of our Lord and Master.

True Repentance and Reform

TRUE repentance consists in the heart being broken for sin, and broken from sin. Some often repent, yet never reform; they resemble a man traveling a dangerous path, who frequently starts and stops, but never turns back.

Contentment in One’s Calling

To inculcate contentment with our lot, the eminent John Newton left us this saying: “If two angels came down from Heaven to execute a divine command, and one was appointed to conduct an empire, and the other to sweep a street in it, they would feel no inclination to change employments.”

REPORT FROM BRN. LOUGHBOROUGH AND BOURDEAU.

By J. N. Loughborough; D. T. Bourdeau

At the time of our last report we had just arrived in San Francisco, where we had had a little time for rest from the fatigue of our long and wearisome journey over the sea. We were not as sensible of the effects of the change of climate from temperate to torrid zone, and back again to temperate, while inactive upon the boat, as we were after leaving the boat where we have ample room again for exercise in the open air. True, we could pace the deck, and view the rolling waves, the sporting of the porpoise, or the spouting of the whales, on the boat, but this was more like forced exercise than it is to be on land again where the beauties of vegetation and the works of art cheer us on from place to place in our rambles. Our walks in San Francisco and vicinity, however, have reminded us of the fact that our inactive life and changes by sea, have taken strength from our muscles.

We have now spent a little over a week on land, as we arrived here one week ago yesterday. It seems good indeed to be permitted to sit again at a table of fruits, grains, and vegetables; where we have not to scrutinize every article of food, as we did on the steamer, for fear of hog's grease. Fruits of all varieties are offered in the market here, and we have permitted ourselves to indulge somewhat freely in their use, that nature may have opportunity to arouse her latent energies. Strawberries have been in the market for the past three months. The second growth of the season is now offered. This morning we enjoyed 8 pounds, which were purchased at 6¾ cents a pound, about 10 cents per quart. Everything here, even to potatoes and apples, sells by the pound. In the line of fruits we now see in the market, peaches of three varieties, apples of various kinds, several varieties of plums, four kinds of pears, apricots, cherries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, figs, &c. We have bought peaches here for about $1.00 per bushel, and good cooking apples for the same. Apples have not been long in the market, and will be cheaper soon. Grapes will soon sell for from four to five cents per pound. Of vegetables, there is every variety that any market affords. In addition to these, here is the finest of wheat and other grains. And if any one wishes to regale in imported fruits, here are tropical fruits in great variety. It is strange to us to see so much fruit, and that too, free from worm and blight. As yet, wormy fruit is unknown in this country. Why, in a land, abounding, as this does, with the products of the soil, a people should give themselves to eating of flesh-meat, is strange. In this climate, meat never cools, as it does in colder climates, and, of course it will sooner become unfit for human food, although it will not putrefy as in northern climates. For ourselves, we find no occasion for taking the lives of animals to meet nature's wants, yet, with all this, we say, Caution, to those changing from meat to a more healthful and unstimulating diet.

The week we have been here has not been an unprofitable one to us. It has not been spent in inactivity, but in trying to inform ourselves concerning the habits and customs of the people, to decide upon the best place to pitch our tent. In the line of labor, we are fitting up our tent for service.

We did not anticipate, on arriving here, that our tent was among the freight of our vessel. On Monday morning last, on going to the wharf, what was our astonishment to find all our freight was there. We could not obtain it however, until all the fast freight was delivered. Yet we got it soon enough to do all our fitting up before we could have obtained the tent had it come as slow freight. It seems to us that a special providence has overruled in this matter. Its speedy arrival has not only freed us from all anxiety concerning its safe arrival, but we shall sooner fit it for operations. We design to prospect for a place to pitch it this week, and if possible commence operations next week.

Of the climate of this city, and the city itself, we would say something. The city, containing about 150,000 inhabitants, is built on sand hills, and there is much drifting sand in the streets and vacant lots. As there is no rain here from June till October, this sand gets very dry, and, being moved about by the winds, becomes very fine. When the wind blows, the air is filled with these small particles of dust, which are very hurtful to feeble lungs. Some say the sea breeze is so bracing that it hurts consumptives here. Our philosophy of the matter is, that the dust in the air hurts more than the wind.

For some six months on this coast, the wind blows strongly from the northwest. The breeze commences about 11 o'clock and increases until night. Probably these “Trade winds” are caused by the sea air's rushing in to fill the vacuum made by the intense heat in the valleys. When the rainy season, or winter, comes on, the winds come from the southeast, and bring on the rains. Winters in San Francisco, aside from the rains, are really pleasanter and warmer than the Summers. We are, at the time of this writing, comfortable only with such clothing as we wore in Michigan the last of April and first of May. We now design to operate in the valleys, where the weather is warmer, until the fall rains come on, when it will be more pleasant here.

The number of those already keeping the Sabbath in this State is small. Several of those who were keeping the Sabbath, have returned to the States. We gave, each of us, a discourse last Sabbath, to a few who assembled at the residence of Bro. St. John in this city. The Lord gave us some freedom in speaking, and our own souls were refreshed as this was the first meeting we had opportunity of attending since leaving Rochester. This meeting reminded us much of the beginning of the work in Battle Creek 15 years since. We do not expect, however, to see the same results in San Francisco as there, but we may find some honest souls here, who will walk in the light.

As far as counting on any in this State, who are in a condition to help us, we may say there are none. Bro. St. John has kindly shared his home with us till we can make other arrangements; but his accommodations are no more than are requisite for his own family, and his means limited; still his heart is open. May the Lord bless him. Brethren and sisters in the States must look upon us here as in an entirely new field, and that, too, not with homes of our brethren to stop at, while prosecuting the work, but in a field where we must find our own home, until, by the truth presented, hearts and homes are opened for us. For this reason, our expenses will be heavier than in the States. There, when a preacher goes to a new field, some brother generally meets him at the station and provides for his wants until friends are raised up to care for him; here, we must furnish our own home, pay all our tent hauling, pay for stakes and labor of pitching the tent, &c., &c. All can readily see that for these reasons our expenses must be necessarily greater for the first six months, than they would be in the States. Aside from extra expense in this direction and rent, which we shall have to pay for our home, our expenses here will be no greater than in the States, with the exception that they must be paid in gold instead of currency. So you will remember when you pay $1.00 for the California mission in currency, it counts us only 70 cents, as that is all that is allowed here for legal tender. We think after carefully looking over the whole matter that it is safe to say that ten dollars in greenbacks will do no more in sustaining the mission here than five would in a new place in the States.

Just at present, this place, and, in fact, this part of California is being scourged with that dreadful malady, the small pox. We have all been vaccinated as a precaution, and shall have to labor carefully until this disturbance in our systems is over. In fact, there is no use in trying to get up much public stir until this scourge passes over. The small pox was brought here by a fresh arrival of Chinese; first spread among them, but is now scattered among all classes. Active measures are adopted; all the people being required to be vaccinated, as a check to this disease.

We have just received and read the first number of the present volume of the REVIEW. Our hearts are cheered by its “news” to us; although most of the readers of the REVIEW have read four papers of later date than this. We shall be glad to receive the REVIEW weekly, although it may be a month old. Letters come here from Michigan in about fourteen days, as they come the “overland route.” Papers come by steamer, via the Isthmus, which requires some four or five weeks. All mail going east, goes the overland route.

Since commencing this report we have been to Petaluma, 50 miles further north than this, near the head of San Francisco Bay, or rather San Pablo Bay, which is an arm of San Francisco Bay. That place is freer from the heavy sea breeze, sea fog, and dust. Rent is cheaper there than here. Fuel, of which we need but little except for cooking purposes, is only $6 per cord, while here it is $15. Provisions are about the same there as here. We think it a favorable site for the tent, as soon as the small pox subsides so that it will do to commence operations. We still wish our mail sent to San Francisco, as it can be forwarded to us from this point, soon after arriving.

We desire to be remembered at the throne of grace, by all those who have an interest in this mission.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, D. T. BOURDEAU. San Francisco, July 30, 1868.

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