Earlier text: THE WORSHIP OF IMAGESTHE KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
In company with Eld. E. W. Farnsworth, President of the Iowa Conference, I attended this meeting held May 22-28. Preparations were quite well advanced at the appointed time, and Eld. Ayers gave a discourse on the evening of the 21st. The weather had been very wet before the meeting, though the heaviest rains were further east. These hindered the brethren coming from that direction nearly two days; but most of the brethren were in good season. Though we had a long rain the first night, yet we were mostly favored with fair weather. Nearly three hundred Sabbath-keepers camped on the ground. Some of these came three hundred miles with teams, many of them half that distance, and the going was very bad at that. This shows a good degree of zeal truly. There were about twenty family tents up, besides the two large ones. A mistake, I think, was made in the location of the ground. As Neosho River was too high to ford, it was two miles around from the village, over a very bad road; so that very few besides our own people came out, except on Sunday, when there were perhaps four hundred outsiders present. The fair-ground, which was much nearer town, might have been obtained at little extra expense, and it was much nicer. I saw many encouraging omens at this meeting,—evidences of progress since I met with these brethren three or four years ago. There has been a large increase of numbers, and many good, sensible people have been converted to the truth. The cause has made a very encouraging growth. People from all parts of the country are gathering into Kansas. This year the emigration has been very large. It must be that many of these can be reached by the truth. There are many Iowa people in Kansas, and many of our Sabbath-keepers are from that State. Indeed, four out of five of the ordained ministers of the Conference were from Iowa, and all the officers of the Conference and T. and M. society except one, and many of the leading brethren besides. It seemed almost like being at home. In financial matters the Conference has hardly kept pace with its other growth. The s. b. was not sufficient to settle up with the ministers, but three hundred dollars were promptly raised on the ground for this purpose, more than covering the deficit. A fund of $1000 for the better carrying on of the T. and M. work was also started on the ground, and about $500 subscribed. Times are not as hard in Kansas as in Iowa, as Kansas has been reasonably favored with crops since the grasshopper raid, and the large emigration brings means into the State. Some of the brethren could do much more than they are doing financially to build up the cause. We tried our best to care for the spiritual interests of the meeting, and found Bro. Farnsworth most efficient help. He has a large place in the hearts of all present. The Spirit of the Lord came in with power several times during the meeting, and souls melted under its influence, though on the whole there was not as much accomplished as we hoped for. One great hindrance in this respect was the course of a person from a distant Conference holding credentials from our people, who came without invitation, with special light, as he claimed, for our people on holiness, and with “power” to keep his “sins under his feet,” living without sin. He claimed that our people are among those “having the form of godliness but deny the power thereof.” He tried hard to get a chance to preach his special light from the stand, but failing in this had considerable to say in the social meetings and in private, till it became evident he was doing harm and bringing confusion into the meeting. We then had a kind private talk with him, and tried to dissuade him from this course, but all to no purpose. He said God had impressed him to come all this distance to deliver his message, and he must do it. On Sabbath, when some fifty were forward for prayers, and souls were seeking the Lord with tears, and we were giving them instruction just before praying for them, he got up and insisted on speaking and giving in his special light. We tried to have him stop, telling him this was a special meeting for a special object. (We had not refused him the privilege of speaking in our ordinary social meetings.) He persisted and refused to sit down. He threw everything into confusion for the time being, till the camp-meeting committee finally quietly led him out of the tent. It was one of the most persistent attempts to take a meeting out of the hands of those conducting it I ever saw. I was fearful it would ruin our meeting completely. It was the most critical point of the whole meeting. Yet he had some sympathizers. Next evening, after a careful statement of the whole matter, almost every person in the congregation voted that they did not want to hear him further. He troubled us no more at that meeting, but has come on to attend the meeting at Appleton City, and says he shall attend all the camp-meetings he can, and give his testimony. He intends to be at Gallatin and Minnesota. We would say little about this, were it not for this fact. Our brethren should know what to expect. After this our meeting recovered beyond our expectation. On Monday about as many came forward as on the Sabbath. The Spirit of God was present. Several made a start in the religious life for the first time, and backsliders were aroused. Eleven were baptized. The brethren seemed to be of good heart to go on in the work. We were compelled to leave for the next appointment at 8 P. M. Monday, very weary from the anxieties of the meeting, hence were not present at the close Tuesday morning. God bless the Kansas Conference. Men of promise are taking licenses this year, and we wish them great prosperity. Our meeting at Appleton City will be very small, as the fearful rains of a week or two past, west of here, have raised the streams. The Osage river bottom was covered with water five miles wide in places, and trains could not cross it for nearly a week. The railroad had to ferry for two and a half miles. The streams are much lower now, but few can come. Appleton City, Mo., May 29. THE APPEAL FROM OUR ITALIAN BRETHREN
By S. N. Haskell
It may be thought by some, as they view the rapid progress of the work in this country, that the Italian mission is expensive. Let such consider the following facts:— 1. The brethren in Italy labor under the greatest difficulties, and persecutions, as the following extract from a postal card from Dr. Ribbon, dated April 28, will show; yet they are of good courage: “The persecution against me is inconceivable. No one will admit me into his house; every door is shut in my face where I am known. If I am not left out upon the street it will be owing to the special interposition of God. Hope to have good news to send you in a day or two.” 2. Those embracing the truth partake largely of the missionary spirit, and commence at once to send light to others. The letter this week from Egypt concerning a company there shows something of the result of their labors. 3. None of them have ever heard a course of lectures by an experienced S. D. Adventist minister; but their work has commenced, and is being carried on, so far as our people are concerned, by publications. 4. Through this mission in Italy we are already seeing fruit in Egypt, Greece, and the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. In short, it is the only door the providence of God has opened for us to reach many dark portions of the globe. 5. Those embracing the truth give the greatest proof of sincerity. They not only sacrifice all their earthly prospects, but they are ready to give their lives for the promulgation of these truths, and go to any part of the world to carry them, without a promise of support from any Conference of S. D. Adventists. This is a worthy example. We believe that the appeal from Italy in this week’s paper will reach ten thousand hearts, and that they will respond in a practical manner. Especially to our brethren who can give their hundreds we would say, Now is the time to help the struggling cause in Europe. Important Notice.
By A. S. Hutchins
The following is the description of a farm lying in Wolcott, which belongs to the Bingham estate. The avails of this place, when sold, will go to the Publishing Association. We are anxious to sell this farm. For further particulars, address A. B. Smith, of Morristown, Vt., or myself. One hundred and seventy acres of land, about one hundred under tillage and in pasture; will keep twelve cows and a team. Most part of it produces good quality of grass, much of which can be cut with a machine. Good sugar place, with plenty of spruce and hemlock. Place well watered, buildings quite good, fences in a good state of repair. About 1½ miles from North Wolcott and some six miles from the depot in Wolcott. This farm would be sold at low figures for the times, for cash or for notes which could be cashed on short time. ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrell; J. W. Heath
During the past two weeks, the attendance has been very small on account of a large Methodist revival which was in progress when we erected the tent, and of which we were not apprised. Those who do hear are very attentive and regular. Among them is a U. S. commissioner. About fifteen were out to our Sabbath meeting. We expect a few will be found here who will be numbered among the “remnant.” We find it more difficult to reach men with the truth in Alabama than in Michigan. A. O. BURRELL.
J. W. HEATH. Friendship and Wolf Lake, May 29.
Since my last report I have labored at several different points where we have established churches. At each place the friends of the cause have been greatly strengthened and encouraged. May 19-21, I spent at Friendship, Ripley county. The friends here embraced the truth last winter, and thus far seem very firm. May 19, baptized three. This baptism seemed of especial interest, as it is the first ever celebrated by our people in South-eastern Indiana. Monday, May 20, organized a church of seven members. There are more keeping the Sabbath who will soon unite with them. The subject of S. B. was introduced, and the church pledged $51.00 per year. We feel to praise the Lord for this the first church in South-eastern Indiana. May 25, 26, I was at Wolf Lake, Noble county. About two months ago I commenced at this place the organization of a church. During my last visit the organization was completed. Seventeen entered into church relation. They seem earnest in the work, and not only report good meetings, but a growing interest in them. I first presented the truth to them two years ago. At that time a few embraced it. Have since visited them occasionally, and reading matter has been distributed and SIGNS taken, and thus quite a number have been led to embrace the truth. Nine were baptized, one of whom is a brother ninety-three years old. Two years ago, when the truth was first presented to him, he was using tobacco. Though he was ninety-one years of age, and had been addicted to its use for seventy-five years, he willingly discontinued it. Organized S. B. to the amount of $103.00 per year. At this meeting I had the pleasure of meeting my brother, E. B. Lane, for the first time in nearly two years. He aided much in the meeting. He administered baptism to the candidates. The meetings increased in interest to the last, the house not holding the congregations, and quite a number listening on the outside at the windows. Monday, May 27, held meetings at Ligonier. This church has been passing through a severe trial for some time. Bro. Shilling, one of the Conference Committee, Bro. Weber, and my brother rendered valuable aid here. A better state of feeling seems to exist in the church at the present time than has existed for months in the past. To the name of the Lord be all the praise. MAY 14, by urgent request, we commenced meetings in a school-house about six miles south-east of Coldwater. We have given fifteen discourses, which have been listened to with interest. Two adults had commenced the observance of the Sabbath before we came. We have tried to render the churches of Bronson and Quincy some help. At the last-named place we have met with them in Sabbath meetings. The Lord blessed. On Sunday last we baptized three, one of their number and two who had lately embraced the truth. They have re-organized their Sabbath-school. Bro. E. P. Daniels assisted me in these meetings, until he was taken sick of a fever. We still continue the effort at the school-house. Canandaigua, Lenawee Co., May 24.
WE have labored at this place and in the vicinity for the past four weeks. We have held meetings when we could and visited from house to house; sold some books and loaned a number of thousand pages of tracts. These have been read and returned. We praise the Lord for some signs of success. Many are convinced and are still investigating. Six have said they would keep the Sabbath, and we expect as many more to join them by another week. We have appointed a Sabbath meeting; quite a number have said they would attend. JOHN I. COLLINS.
T. P. BUTCHER. Our meetings still continue with unabated interest. Twenty-four have signed the covenant to date. The Methodist minister comes to the front, and begins to review us. We shall look after him. We hope for some others who are much interested. L. McCOY. In company with Eld. G. I. Butler, commenced meetings near Davis City, May 10, and continued them till May 20. Close, practical subjects were presented by Bro. Butler, and were well received by the people. The subject of health reform was presented from a Bible stand-point. Some good persons resolved to break away from the wrong and strong habit of using tobacco. Eight were baptized. As husband and wife, brother and sister, side by side followed their Lord to the watery grave, angels seemed to draw near; and in some cases those who are not with us in faith were affected to tears. A church of twenty members was organized. These were mostly heads of families. About $100 per year S. B. were pledged. Ten or twelve others are keeping the Sabbath, besides many others who are convinced, but halting. Bro. Butler spoke twice in Davis City, presenting, on the last evening, the subject of spiritual gifts,—the difference on this subject between S. D. Adventists and Mormons, of whom there are many in this county. He showed that Seventh-day Adventists try spiritual gifts, and all other points of doctrine, by the Bible. But Mormons, some at least with whom I have conversed, test points of faith and Bible doctrines by what they call spiritual gifts. It is a noted fact that some of their leading men take the position and teach others that the ten commandments are abolished. Isa. 8:20 was produced as positive proof that there was “no light” in any who speak not according “to the law and to the testimony.” C. A. WASHBURN. Since our last report, Parson Daniels (Baptist) has given seven discourses against us. We dismissed three meetings in order to let our audience hear the other side, leaving an appointment for Sunday P. M., at which time our large congregation voted for us to go on with our meeting, stating that they had heard enough of the other side. We gave two discourses in review of his assertions on the Sabbath question. Our friends are all stronger than before. We lost none, but gained some. To God be all the praise. We are not able to tell how many are keeping the Sabbath. Our Sabbath-meetings are excellent. The truth is settling deeper into the hearts of many. We learn of new ones every day. We are laboring incessantly visiting from house to house; and we see no stopping place yet. We are gathering names from different parts of the State, and sending out our periodicals. Times are hard, and there is but little money afloat. Have sold but few books; but the people are reading their Bibles, and listen attentively to the word spoken. About the last of July or the first of August we contemplate having a grand rally of all the friends of the cause at the close of our next tent setting. We hope all the brethren and sisters in the State will make arrangements to attend. We want to become better acquainted with the general workings of the cause, and better acquainted with one another, so that we can labor more effectually for God and his blessed truth. R. M. Kilgore.
L. Caldwell. Sabbath, May 18, we were with the brethren at Cleburne. It was a rainy day, yet a goodly number of the brethren were out, some coming seven miles. The Lord met with us. We found the brethren united, and firm in the truth. We visited nearly every family, and prayed with them, and left them much encouraged. [Attributed from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.] A good interest is manifested here, although a strong effort has been made to keep the people away from the tent. At the time of writing, May 17, Bro. Wood and Rice were presenting the Sabbath question, and expected to hold their first Sabbath meeting May 18.183 Sixteen have signed the covenant here, and others are deciding and will probably soon take a stand for the truth. Bro. Loughborough and Healey intend to remain here at least another week, and to labor for those interested. Bro. Israel was to join them, and give himself entirely to the missionary work. North Pacific T. and M. Society.
A SUMMARY of the work done by the tract society of the North Pacific Conference is as follows:— No. of members, 113; No. that reported, 21; families visited, 119; letters written, 73. No. of subscribers for periodicals, 111; periodicals distributed, 330; tracts and pamphlets distributed, pages, 18,792; books and pamphlets loaned, pages, 3,982. Rec'd on membership, $ 3.00 Still the fields are waiting, waiting,
For the laborers to come.
And the golden grain is dying,
Yet they tarry, heedless, dumb. Few the brave and noble toilers
In the harvest-field of life,
Mighty, mighty throngs are groveling
In the dust ’mid brutish strife. White the harvest, weak the reapers,
While the idling crowds are strong;
Weary, scarred, and single-handed,
Must we struggle, Lord, how long? To the fields, the gracious Giver
Points again with pitying pain,
With the words of promise cheering
These who sheave the precious grain. PENNSYLVANIA
By S. B. Whitney
In my last report from this place I should have stated that the Presbyterians had taken their house from us, and we had returned to the Odd Fellow's hall. Yesterday I listened to the discourse which the Disciple minister had announced against the Sabbath, and reviewed it in the evening in the hall, which was well filled. Nothing new was presented except that the Elder seemed especially anxious that the people should understand that he did not claim any command for keeping Sunday. The Lord gave freedom in reviewing him, and the friends of the truth were much pleased and encouraged by the victory which was gained for it. Two more were baptized. Reached home to-day, and had a meeting with the church and baptized three. Design to start with the tent as soon as possible. S. B. WHITNEY. VERMONT
By R. S. Owen; M. E. Kellogg
WE came to the northern part of this town to hold a few meetings before tent season. Since May 17, have given eight discourses. We have now reached the Sabbath question. The interest is good. Three have already decided to obey. We hope for others, as they hear further. TENNESSEE
By S. Osborn; G. K. Owen
We commenced meetings here in the tent on the 22nd inst., under very unfavorable circumstances; but prejudice is giving way and increasing interest is manifest. The attendance has not been very large, but our audiences have been composed of the best class of citizens, and the best of attention is given. The officers of the town offer protection, if needed to secure order. Last night the tent was about full for the first time. We think our meetings are now extensively advertised. We pray and labor for success. We have good health and courage in the Lord, to whom we give all the praise for every good omen he gives us here. Pray for the success of the truth in this place. In company with Bro. Hackworth, I went to Weeping Water last Thursday, and commenced meetings in the evening. We found this company, not only firm, but growing in grace. A church of eighteen members was organized. Ten were baptized. Brn. J. C. Williams and W. Brookins were elected and set apart for the respective offices of elder and deacon. Systematic benevolence was cheerfully pledged to the amount of $122. All were glad to here meet a company from the Nebraska City church. Meetings closed with the celebration of the Lord’s supper, of which quite a number partook for the first time. In the gathering out of this company the hand of God is very manifest. While passing through the county, Bro. Jas. Clark heard of a believer in the advent faith. He sought and found a wandering brother. He influenced him to attend the camp-meeting which was soon to be held at Fremont. He here renewed his covenant with God, and went home to sow seeds of truth by scattering tracts and living a Christian life. In the winter Bro. Hackworth went there to hold meetings, and found several who had already embraced the Sabbath, and others inquiring for light. They were instructed, others brought in, and the result is as above stated. CHAS. L. BOYD. Seward, May 28. OHIO TENT.
By J. H. Waggoner
I COMMENCED meetings in the large tent near Cook’s Corners, Huron Co. O., May 17. Bro. Mann arrived to assist me on the 23d. The spring was so open and mild that we looked for an early season for tent work. But May has been generally wet and cold. Even last night it was uncomfortable in the tent, and we think of putting up a stove in it to-day. We could not find a very favorable location for the tent. It is in a pleasant grove, but a little out of the way. There was more prejudice here than we expected to find; but it is giving way on the part of many, and the attendance and interest is now quite good. We are just about opening the Sabbath question. We have found some good friends here, who have shown us much kindness. Brethren of the Clyde church did most of the labor of pitching and seating the tent. We ask the prayers of all. Our post-office is “Four Corners;” but letters sent to Cook’s Corners, Huron Co., will come all right, as the place is known by that name. It is “a Corners,” with not much village; three miles from Monroeville, thickly settled. Granite Falls, Chippewa Co., May 22.
I HAVE labored with this dear people for some time. Some of them formerly belonged to the Baptist church. Our friends here are humble and faithful, trusting in God. Two were baptized, and six signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A church was organized. We celebrated the ordinances, and felt the Lord very precious to our souls. Linneus, Littleton, and Oakfield, May 27. I attended the general meeting held in Linneus, May 11-14, which was a season of profit to us all. I hope the good instruction and encouraging words we heard from Bro. Haskell and Goodrich will not soon be forgotten. May 17-22, held meetings in Littleton. Found all holding on to the truth. Bro. Goodrich, returning from New Sweden, stopped in Littleton and held an evening meeting. In company with Bro. Goodrich, I attended the meetings in Oakfield, which commenced Friday evening, the 24th. These meetings were generally good, although there was not that promptness on the part of some to take part in the social meetings which we would have been glad to see. Our meeting Sunday morning was one of interest and profit. We came together at eight o’clock, and after talking over matters connected with the cause, the importance of Sabbath-schools, &c., S. B. was re-organized, which amounted to about $90.00 a year. If our brethren and sisters carry out the tithing system, as many of them have resolved to do (and I verily believe they will), it will far exceed the amount pledged. At this meeting we sold about twelve dollars’ worth of books. May the Lord help our brethren and sisters to enter into this work as they never have before. Pray for us. CLOSING REPORT FROM NEW ENGLAND.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
About the middle of June, 1877, myself and family went to New England to labor. In a few days we were joined by Bro. Stone, from Michigan, and Sr. Lamson, with her little daughter Mary, from New York. We began our labors at Newburyport. We had also the assistance of other brethren of the New England Conference. At Newburyport we remained but a short time, as the interest was small. At Danvers, having a much better interest on the start, we staid a much longer time. Sr. Lamson remained with us only four months. Besides the above places, I labored some at Seabrook and Kensington, N. H., where several embraced the truth. Bro. Stone, in connection with Bro. Robinson, labored at West Newbury, and with Bro. Haines at East Salisbury and Ipswich. At these places some good souls have come into the truth. In all, I myself have labored in New England eight months; Bro. Stone, some longer. It is due to our brethren of that Conference to say that from first to last they gave us their fullest sympathy and co-operation. Everything that they could do reasonably was done to assist us; nor did I hear any fault-finding from any one. Bro. Haskell, particularly, has stood by and helped us most faithfully. We parted with all with the most tender feelings of sympathy and Christian love. We feel that in answer to their prayers and constant sacrifices the Lord was pleased to bless our labors. Not far from two hundred souls have embraced the truth in that Conference during that period. Quite a number of these were brought into the truth by the labors of Bro. Robinson and others. Two good meeting-houses have been built. The brethren at South Lancaster have taken extra pains in erecting a good house. It has cost them about $3000. Probably it is the best finished and most tasty house erected by our people this side of California. We spent two weeks there at the dedication. There is some outside interest. I think that a thorough course of lectures there some time in the future will result in the addition of quite a number. Our house at Danvers is plainer, costing only $2000, but all like it very much. We leave a good working church at Danvers, with a large outside interest. At Newburyport, contrary to our expectations, the cause has grown steadily up from the first. The brethren there began meetings with about a dozen, in a private room. Then they hired a very small hall. In a few months this hall would not hold them. They have now a very neat, pleasant, larger hall, which is also becoming crowded. When I was there two weeks ago at my last meeting, I found forty-five keeping the Sabbath. Others are constantly coming in. We organized a church of twenty members. I baptized eleven. Some were not ready to be baptized, and others wished to wait a little while before they joined. These will unite in due time. They have a good Sabbath-school thoroughly organized, also a tract society. Their S. B. pledge is $200 a year. At Danvers it is $500; so these two new churches have added $700 to the S. B. of the Conference. We leave five brethren now preaching in that Conference. It is expected that two tents will be run this summer. The brethren report encouraging openings and calls for labor in a great many places. If it should be the will of God, I hope to spend a few weeks in Danvers and Newburyport next winter. Last week myself and family came to Battle Creek. Mrs. Canright is now at the Sanitarium. She is comfortable, but quite feeble. She would be very glad to receive letters from any of the brethren and sisters, but she is not able to answer any. LETTER FROM SCOTLAND.
By James Scott
It is now a few years since I have been a Sabbath-keeping Christian. I have become one from conviction and the fear of God. I in some measure strive to obey. There is none other here to be a companion. I have found first-day people most ignorant on this subject, and yet bigoted in “Sunday,” as they call it. Many even go to the length to threaten violence. I feel assured that the origin and continuance of first-day rest, and of course Sabbath desecration, stands against the clergymen. I am not disrespected by any of them in Elgin, though I have spoken plainly of and to them. I have publicly disowned the Sunday, and called on them or any to defend it; but none dare, but the regardless, that I do not think proper to meddle with; they would turn and rend me. I am sorry progress is slow in Britain. Had my advice, and the advice of Brn. Jones, of London, and Mills, of Glasgow, been taken, I think there would have been self-supporting churches in Scotland ere now. I wanted meetings in the open air, and offered to lead off, but this plan was not adopted; hence there has been no progress. Still, seeds have been sown, and it is my opinion that if there was a suitable missionary here,—one that would preach Christ’s gospel and teaching, and of course the Sabbath-keeping, in the corners and public places in summer, and indoors in winter, progress would be made, and it would cost but very little. About £200 might nearly cover the entire expense for one year. Suppose two hundred persons, as an experiment, would subscribe £2 each, to be paid in quarterly, as needed, it would be no mighty matter as to the money whether it would succeed or not; then let a missionary be engaged for two years, who will be subject to a director or directors in America or Scotland, or in both countries combined; let him preach to all, immersers and sprinklers in baptism; let there be free communion, but make it imperative to preach salvation to all, the duty of keeping the ten commandments unabridged, the second coming of the Lord, and the life everlasting. Let this be done, and no doubt the reef will be cut, and the golden treasure found in abundance. To talk of progress here in the present state of matters would be but to delude. How can anything be done without hands? At a great sacrifice and risk, I here, and another in Glasgow, a third in London, and a fourth in Ireland, may keep our lights burning; but what progress is made? But let there be a combined effort, and there will be progress. Distributing tracts will never form churches. I hope that the subject will be considered, and that some who have faith in God, as the husbandman has, will cast the seed on the earth, that it may appear afterward. Permit me to convey a declaration of my love for the brotherhood. Brn. W. Walker and E. H. Pullen are engaged in missionary work in Minneapolis, Minn. Bro. W. reports it to be a fine city; and as they visit every house, they find many pleasant people, and have many interesting conversations upon points of our faith. They think three courses of lectures in a tent could be given there this summer with the best prospect of success. The following extract from a letter from Washington, D. C., will be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW. Sr. Olive R. Dalton says:— It has been about three years since I voluntarily commenced my labors with Sr. Cook, in this city. We have visited from house to house distributing tracts, and have found many inquiring souls anxious to hear more about present truth. A Methodist minister, leader of their “holiness meetings,” invited Sr. C. and myself to come to their meetings and take part with them. We would often touch upon present truth, but very cautiously; they would sometimes allude to Millerism, but we paid no attention to what they said. I felt that I had a message for them, one from the Lord, and must deliver it. I tried to shun the cross, but the burden was on my heart. Oh how I prayed to my Heavenly Father to give me wisdom and understanding, that I might do it to his honor and glory. When the time came, the Lord stood by me. I spoke of the Sabbath and the coming of the Lord. I felt there was a solemn grandeur in the message. It reached the hearts of the people, and it seemed as though angels were near. I had such a view of God's goodness and mercy as I never had before. All fear of man was gone, and Jesus was near. The minister wept; some said, “That is just what I believe;” others said, “Amen.” After the meeting closed, I distributed tracts and gave the minister “Christ in the Old Testament, and the Sabbath in the New.” He promised to read. We stopped on our way home at an out-door meeting, and distributed a large number of tracts. In a few days Sr. C. and I called on a family who professed holiness. The gentleman said he did not want us to come to their meetings and talk about Jesus's coming, and if he had been there he should have stopped me. We had a long talk on the Scriptures. The Lord was with us, and the gentleman was completely broken down; the spirit of the dragon fled; they took us by the hand and said, “Come again.” The man said he thought Jesus might come within forty years. I told him that we did not set any time, but hoped they would be led to see the truth. Sr. C. gave them THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES; they had had tracts given them previously. We bade them farewell, and I have not seen them since. The following interesting extract from a letter from Sr. C. F. Phelps, of Cedar county, Iowa, will be encouraging to tract workers:— I have been an interested reader of the REVIEW about two years, and wish here to bear my testimony to the great good your publications are accomplishing through the blessing of God. I have never met with an Adventist minister; but through your paper and tract publications, in the hands of a faithful T. and M. worker, I have been enabled to see the truth, and, by the grace of God, have come out fully on the Lord's side, resolved henceforth to be found among those “who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” A LETTER FROM AFRICA.
By J. H. C. Wilson
For fifteen years I was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and during the whole of that time I was deeply convinced of sin. Although the last three years of that time I was appointed class-leader and local preacher, I did not feel what I tried to point out to others,—the experience of a true believer in Jesus; but the more I studied their doctrines the more I became bewildered, until I finally decided to try no longer to attain that high of perfection which is set forth in the Scriptures; for when I examined their teaching in describing the personality of God, I found that it was altogether contrary to the word of God. While disputing this matter with some of the brethren, Bro. Hunt placed in my hands THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES treating on the subject. I studied it well, and compared it with Scripture; and such beautiful harmony was displayed that I was led to read several of your works and compare them with Scripture. From this examination I am forced to acknowledge that the truth is with you; and I have since that time taken a stand for the truth, and am determined, with the help and blessing of God, to keep all his commandments. As I have embraced the S. D. A. faith, it is essential for me to conform to the law. Baptism by immersion is one of the precepts set forth by the blessed Saviour; and this greatly troubles me, as there are no Baptists on the Fields. I find that our Lord and Master, before he went forth to proclaim his message of love to a perishing world, set an example in this respect. As I wish to move forward in this great work, it becomes me to walk in his footsteps. There is a great work to accomplish here in the midst of the wealth-seeking thousands of the Diamond Fields, and I know that there will be great opposition; but with the blessing of God and the aid of the Holy Spirit, I hope to overcome all obstacles. I have persuaded one brother and three sisters to examine the truth for themselves, and they are ready to join me in this great work of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, for they are fully persuaded that it is the truth. My wife is also with me in the work. There are two others now examining, and several others are fully convinced that you have the truth, and are ready to flock to the standard as soon as it is unfurled. I ask the prayers of the church of God, and of his faithful ones, that I may be sustained and strengthened in this great work. With the help of God I hope erelong to see here in the Diamond Fields a flourishing church of commandment-keepers. The few brethren and sisters here who are striving to obey the truth send greeting to all the true believers in our blessed Lord, and ask the prayers of the united churches for the prosperity and spread of the truth in our midst. May God grant it for his name’s sake. Amen. I remain your brother in Christian bonds, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
By S. H. Lane
The person referred to by Eld. Butler in his report of the Kansas camp-meeting, is Eld. A. W. Bartlett, of the Indiana Conference. His course in his own Conference has done much harm. The Indiana State Conference Committee, advised by the General Conference Committee, have demanded his credentials, but he will not give them up, so we take this means, advised by the General Conference Committee, to let our brethren everywhere know that we do not indorse his views or course, and that he does not legitimately hold credentials from the Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. S. H. LANE, Pres. Ind. Conf. How little do we think of the dead. Their bones lie entombed in all our towns, villages, and neighborhoods. The lands they cultivated, the houses they built, the works of their hands, are always before our eyes. We travel the same road, walk the same path, sit at the same fireside, sleep in the same rooms, ride in the same carriages, and dine at the same table, and seldom remember that those who once occupied these places are now gone—alas, forever! Strange that the living so soon forget the dead, when the world is full of the mementoes of their lives. Strange that the fleeting cares of life should so soon rush in and fill the breast to the exclusion of those so dear. To-day man stands and weeps over the grave of his departed friend. To-morrow he passes that grave with cold indifference. To-day his heart is wrung with all the bitterness of anguish for the loss of one he so much loved; to-morrow the image of that friend is effaced from his heart and almost forgotten. What a commentary upon man.—Selected. RELIGION UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
A Chicago writer tells of a woman who would not call the minister of her church to her death-bed. “Every time during her illness that he who was her pastor entered the room to bring the consolations of the blessed gospel of love, peace, and purity, there came also with him the strong and unmistakable fumes of tobacco. To whisper into her dying ear the words of Jesus the Saviour on the breath of tobacco was more than the dying saint could compliantly bear. The words might reach the ear, but so would the breath the nostrils.”