“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.
As already stated, the action taken by our people in 1853 to send forth only approved ministers resulted in unity among the believers. With this unity came also increased zeal to bear the truth to others. At the same time there was, on the part of the people, an increased desire to hear the truth. In the summer of 1854 Seventh-day Adventists first began to use large tents in which to hold meetings. It was a rare thing in those days to see tents used for such purposes, consequently crowds of people came to the tent-meetings.
This increased interest in the message called for ministers who could devote their whole time to the gospel work. This they could not do without some means of support besides their own hand labor. No system of finance had yet been established, so no salaries were then held out for their encouragement. In 1851 the following Testimony respecting laborers was given: “They will have to go out by faith, trusting in Him who has called them to His work, and He will open the way before them, as far as it will be for their good and His glory. Jesus, the great teacher and pattern, had not where to lay His head. His life was one of toil, sorrow, and suffering; He then gave himself for us. Those who, in Christ’s stead, beseech souls to be reconciled to God, and who hope to reign with Christ in glory, must expect to be partakers of His sufferings here.”—Experience and Visions, page 54.
At this time ways were suggested how the believers might financially aid in the Lord’s cause: “All those who are indulging self by using the filthy weed tobacco, should lay it aside, and put their means to a better use. Those make a sacrifice who deprive themselves of some gratification, and take the means they formerly used to gratify the appetite, and put it into the treasury of the Lord. . . . If all would study to be more economical in their articles of dress, depriving themselves of some things which are not actually necessary, and should lay aside such needless and injurious things as tea and coffee, giving to the cause what these cost, they would receive more blessing here, and a reward in heaven.”—Id., page 35.
This instruction, for a time, led to quite liberal contributions of money; but some of the self-sent laborers abused these liberalities. The Testimony said of this class: “A bad example has been set by some in accepting large donations, and not giving the least caution to those who had means not to use it too freely and carelessly. . . . Those who had means were thrown into great perplexity. . . . Others have been affected by these things, and have not felt the need of economy, of denying themselves, and putting into the treasury of the Lord.”—Testimony of June 2, 1853.
In the same communication we read that “friends of the cause of present truth have been raised up, who have watched for opportunity to do good with their means. Some have handed out too freely, to the injury of the receiver. For about two years I have been shown more relative to a careless and too free use of the Lord’s money, than a lack of it.”
As order was established in the ministry, separating from the body those who had abused the liberalities of the brethren, confidence in the work was fully restored. When calls were made for money to purchase tents, for tent-meetings and laborers’ expenses, for a power press and engine, for a book fund, etc., there were liberal responses. The work advanced so rapidly that at the close of 1857 the number of Seventh-day Adventists had doubled, and the office property of the Review and Herald had increased from seven hundred to five thousand dollars.
This in kind seemed like the zeal and enthusiasm of Israel in the wilderness, at the time of the building of the tabernacle, when their gifts which they brought “was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” Ex. 36:7. When this structure was erected, there would be a continual expense for the general offerings of the tabernacle, and for the support of those who gave themselves entirely to the service; so the Lord introduced to them His plan for securing means for this purpose.
Satan was displeased to see the cause flourish as order was being established, so he called a council of his angels to devise a plan to hinder the work. In “Spiritual Gifts,” Vol. I, 1858, we find the following: “I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who are looking for Christ’s second appearing, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . . Said he, ‘The sect of Sabbath-keepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have strength. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may idolize it. We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to His service, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. . . . Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness the leading trait in their character.’”
This testimony explained to us some things that hitherto seemed strange. Why the zeal and liberality of our people from 1853 to 1855 should drop to such a low ebb in 1856 and 1857 that even many in the ministry were being driven to hand labor for their own support was a question hard to solve.
A Testimony in Vol. I shows the outward working of Satan’s plan, where it says of some professed Sabbath-keepers: “They make self and self-interest first, and then they do for the cause what they think they can as well as not. Such a sacrifice, I saw, is lame, and not accepted of God. All should be interested to do their utmost to advance the cause. I saw that those who have no property, but have strength of body, are accountable to God for their strength. They should be diligent in business and fervent in spirit; they should not leave those that have possessions to do all the sacrificing. I saw that they can sacrifice, and that it is their duty to do so, as well as those who have property. But often those that have no possessions do not realize that they can deny themselves in many ways, can lay out less upon their bodies, and to gratify their tastes and appetites, and find much to spare for the cause, and thus lay up a treasure in heaven.
“Selfishness and covetousness can be overcome . . . by laying all their possessions upon the altar of God. And when they see where means are needed to advance the cause of truth and to help the widow, the fatherless, and afflicted, they should give cheerfully, and thus lay up treasure in heaven.”—Pages 115, 142.
This lack of liberality on the part of our people went to a low ebb in the winter of 1857–58. At this time the following Testimony was given, directing us to search the Scriptures, for therein a plan is given for the support of the work,—a plan which our people should adopt: “The least that has been required of Christians in past days, is to possess a spirit of liberality, and to consecrate to the Lord a portion of all their increase. Every true Christian has considered this a privilege, but some who have borne the name only, have considered this a task; the grace and love of God had never wrought in them the good work, or they would gladly have advanced the cause of their Redeemer. But Christians who are living in the last days, and who are waiting for their Lord, are required to do even more than this. God requires them to sacrifice.
“I was pointed back to the days of the apostles, and saw that God laid the plan by the descent of His Holy Spirit, and that by the gift of prophecy He counseled His people in regard to a system of benevolence. All were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who ministered unto them in spiritual things.”—Id., pages 170, 190.
In the month of April, 1858, a Bible class was conducted by Elder J. N. Andrews, in Battle Creek, Mich. Its object was to learn what the Scriptures teach concerning the support of the gospel ministry, and resulted in developing the “plan of systematic benevolence, on the tithing principle.”
The next year the Testimony on this subject was as follows: “God is well pleased with the efforts of His people in trying to move with system and order in His work on earth. . . . God is leading His people in the plan of systematic benevolence, and this is one of the very points to which God is bringing up His people which will cut the closest with some. With them this cuts off the right arm, and plucks out the right eye, while to others it is a great relief. To noble, generous souls the demands upon them seem very small, and they cannot be content to do so little.”—Id., page 191.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
THE CHURCH
News and Notes
—Viscount Katsura has organized a new Japanese Cabinet.
—Parliamentary elections are now in progress in Holland.
—A cadet at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., was recently dismissed for hazing.
—The Portland gold mine, Cripple Creek, Colo., has been sold to a London firm for $21,000,000.
—The commonwealth of Australia is seriously contemplating the undertaking of its own coinage.
—Over thirty miners of Port Royal, Pa., are confined in a burning mine at that place. They cannot be rescued.
—During the past eleven months 40,000 names have been added to the pension rolls of the United States government.
—The number of bubonic plague cases at Cape Town, South Africa, averages ten a day, and many Europeans are leaving the place.
—Captain Blackburn started the 9th inst., on his transatlantic trip, from Gloucester, Mass., in his twenty-five-foot sloop “The Great Republic.”
—A Belfast, Ireland, mob recently hooted a Corpus Christi procession of 8,000 persons, in that city. Many persons were injured in the riot.
—It is rumored that Mr. Cortelyou, secretary to President McKinley, will succeed Charles Emory Smith as postmaster-general of the United States.
—Queen Wilhelmina, of Holland, recently made an appeal to Emperor William, of Germany, for him to make use of his influence, to end the war in South Africa.
—The steamship “Assyrian,” of the Leyland Line, ran ashore off Cape Race, Newfoundland, the 6th inst., and in all probability will be a total loss. No lives were lost.
—The United States has asked the Powers to “submit the present issues at Peking [China] over the indemnity propositions, to the arbitration of The Hague tribunal.”
—The discussion of the Algerian question in the French Chamber of Deputies, on the 14th inst., led to a riot. Troops were obliged to come in and eject members of the opposition, for denouncing the government.
—According to London papers, “Christian science is all the vogue among people of wealth and fashion in England, particularly in the metropolis and the two ancient university towns” of Cambridge and Oxford.
—Now that the Turkish government has just paid to the French embassy 20,000 pounds, “the balance of the compensation demanded for French losses during Armenian massacres,” the United States is making another strenuous effort to obtain its indemnity.
—There are 3,828 millionaires in the United States. These men own $16,000,000,000 of the $81,750,000,000 at which the entire property of the United States is valued. In short, one person out of every 20,000 controls about one fifth of the wealth of this nation.
—Sir Walter Besant, the noted author, died at London, the 9th inst., at noon. His death was caused by internal gout, aggravated by spasmodic attacks of asthma. He was born Aug. 14, 1836, at Portsmouth, England, the birthplace of Charles Dickens. He was a friend of the poor.
—Chinese dispatches, based upon an imperial edict, state that “owing to the hot weather and the advanced age of the empress dowager, the return of the court to Peking has been postponed to September 1, which astrologers announce to be a lucky day on which to begin a journey.”
—Judge Tuthill, of the Chicago juvenile court, has “decided to commit to public institutions for medical treatment in cases of serious illness, children whose parents place them under faith-cure treatment. He distinguishes between children and adults, holding that while adults are at liberty to choose their own means of cure, children are entitled to the kind of medical service which they need, according to generally accepted notions.”
—The Filipinos still keep up the fight against the Americans.
—Anarchist uprisings are rife at Barcelona and other Spanish cities.
—It takes $300,000,000 per annum to support the churches of the United States.
—Germany and Holland will together lay a new cable to the Dutch East Indies.
—Cyclones, wind, and electric storms are sweeping over the land and doing great damage.
—Edward VII has decreed that all divorced women must be excluded from court functions.
—China is preparing bonds for the payment of the great indemnity demanded of her by the Powers.
—Five French fishing boats in Iceland waters are given up as lost. Number of men in the various crews, 117.
—During the month of May there died among the British troops in South Africa twenty-five officers and 709 men.
—Dispatches from Peking state that fifteen Roman Catholic priests have been recently massacred in southern Mongolia. That means more trouble for poor China.
—Robert Buchanan, author, poet, and dramatist, died at London, the 10th inst., in the morning. He was born Aug. 18, 1841, in Scotland. He was a severe chastiser of immoral literature.
—New York dispatches state that the rector of St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic church, of that city, has begun “a series of services for newspaper men, which are held at 2:30 in the morning. At one service 700 men were present, including telegraph operators and post-office employees, as well as journalists.”
—The National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, has re-opened its plant, the molders’ union having yielded and given up their strike, which was based upon “the refusal of the company to reinstate five molders who had been discharged because there was nothing for them to do.” Over 2,000 persons are employed in that model factory.
—It was certainly a great compliment to the troops of the United States in China, when 5,600 residents of Peking petitioned General Chaffee to keep his troops in that city. In the words of the Episcopal Recorder, “That the people of a country, entirely loyal to that country, should petition an invading army to remain in it, is something new in history.”
—John Wanamaker recently bid $2,500,000 for the street railway franchises of Philadelphia. This he did simply to show the folly of the contemplated gift of these valuable privileges to private concerns, on the part of the city council. Mr. Wanamaker does not want the franchise, but he says it is worth much more than the $2,500,000 he offers, in order to open the eyes of the people.
—Fear of annexation to the United States led the Cubans to accept, on the 12th inst., the Platt amendment “just as it stands.” It has therefore been added to the Cuban Constitution, by the Cuban Constitutional Convention, the vote being sixteen to eleven. The dispatches state that “many Spaniards, Cubans, and Americans hoped that the amendment would be rejected, and thus, perhaps, annexation would come about. This thought weighed powerfully with the convention.” But suppose annexation comes anyway?
—Governor Odell, of New York, reviewed the Brooklyn Sunday-school parade on the 6th inst., 20,000 children being in the ranks, in twenty divisions. No Roman Catholic children were in the parade, while the Hebrew children were represented by a delegation. Commenting upon the event, the Springfield Republican says: “The propriety of the official presence of the governor on such an occasion, must rest on the future citizenship of the children, and is a recognition of the value of religious teaching in that citizenship.” It further characterizes the function as “a rather curious link between Church and State.”
—The police of Paris, France, have just delivered from an incarceration of twenty-five years in the house of her mother, Mlle. Blanche Monnier. The girl fell in love with a poor lawyer, twenty-five years ago, and for that reason was confined by her mother to her room. When discovered by the police, she was “shut up in a room, in darkness, lying on a mattress, stark naked, and so emaciated that she appeared to be a living skeleton. The room was covered with filth, bones, refuse, food, worms, rats, and all kinds of vermin.” The unfortunate woman had partially lost her reason, but is now improving. The wretched mother died in her cell, immediately after her arrest.
—A recent fire destroyed 652 houses in Brest, Poland.
—Disease is killing more British soldiers in South Africa than are the Boers.
—According to the recent British census, the rate of Irish emigration is less than one half that of 1883.
—William H. Newman, president of the Lake Shore Railroad, was recently elected president of the New York Central.
—The next thing in order for the Cubans is the enactment of an electoral law, and the election of a president and a congress.
—Great Britain will hereafter send her Boer prisoners to Bermuda, the governor of that island having been notified that 900 of them would arrive about July 3.
—Italian dispatches state that “peasants in the provinces of Messina, Catania, and Syracuse, are in revolt, and strikes are extending everywhere in southern Italy.”
—A Chicago association has been formed for the purpose of erecting “a $100,000 temple to the memory of Robert G. Ingersoll,” and to “perpetuate his teachings.”
—The new United States battle-ship “Illinois” proves itself the swiftest war-ship in the navy, its average sustained speed on its trial trip being 17.31 nautical miles an hour.
—The Philippine Commission has decided that “native jurists are unsatisfactory,” and that “places on the bench shall be filled by appointment from the United States.” The Manila lawyers protest against this action.
—The Turkish sultan has once more promised to pay the American claims. It is difficult to keep track of the number of times the United States has endeavored to collect its indemnity from “the unutterable Turk.”
—The United States will not send its minister to Venezuela “until there is a change in the attitude of the government of that country.” A chargé d’affaires will, in the meantime, look after the interests of this country there.
—The mayor of Madrid, Spain, has issued an order that “all inebriates arrested for drunkenness on the second offense shall have their hair and beards cut off once every four weeks, as a mark of disgrace and punishment.”
—And now it is the turn of the Swiss people to be afraid of J. Pierpont Morgan, the American millionaire; for it is reported that he contemplates the formation in the United States of “a watch trust to stop the importation of Swiss watches and materials.”
—Mrs. Florence Maybrick, the rich American prisoner in London, England, who has tried so long to be released from the alleged charge of murdering her husband, is still in prison. It is hard to get out of the clutches of British justice (or possibly in this case, injustice).
—As the result of British machinations, “the proposed Russian loan of from 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 rubles to Persia, has fallen through, because the shah would not give the required security and grant the privileges requested in south Persia.” But Russia will get Persia, in spite of this seeming balk.
—Count Romanones, the Spanish minister of education, has “asserted the freedom of scientific research, and condemned the doctrine of the obscurantist syllabus of Pope Pius IX, that liberalism is sin.” He holds that such ideas “darken the glory of science by the shadow of fanatic zeal,” and declares that, so long as he holds his present office, “scholarship shall be independent and research free.”
—President McKinley declines a third presidential term, in the following words sent from the White House the 10th inst.: “I regret that the suggestion of a third term has been made. I doubt whether I am called upon to give it notice. But there are now questions of the gravest importance before the administration and the country, and their just consideration should not be prejudiced in the public mind by even the suspicion of the thought of a third term. In view, therefore, of the reiteration of the suggestion of it, I will say now, once for all, expressing a long-settled conviction, that I not only am not and will not be a candidate for a third term, but would not accept a nomination for it if it were tendered me. My only ambition is to serve through my second term to the acceptance of my countrymen, whose generous confidence I so deeply appreciate, and then, with them, to do my duty in the ranks of private citizenship.” But other American pledges, even those of Congress, are easily broken nowadays.
CONFEDERATE VETERANS' REUNION AT MEMPHIS.
By W. J. Stone
The following is the report from the Confederate Reunion at Memphis, promised last week:—
In harmony with the action of the General Conference that we make an effort to place our literature in the hands of those attending the Confederate Veterans' Reunion at Memphis, Tenn., May 28–30, we did what we could with the limited means and time at our command. There seemed to be a misunderstanding as to who would be responsible for the means to carry forward the work, and by the time the matter was settled, it was too late to carry out our first plan; but when we learned that literature had been sent there by the I. R. L. A. and our publishing houses, for distribution at this time, we at once made arrangements for its circulation, by sending Brother Burrow to take charge of the work. I take the liberty to send for publication the letter he has since written to me, as it will be of interest to those who contributed for this special work. W. J. STONE.
Here follows the letter:—
DEAR BROTHER STONE: The Reunion of the Confederate Veterans is past, and I will write you a few lines regarding our work of distributing literature.
At first there was some confusion, as the literature had been sent to different persons, and by different conveyances, but we finally succeeded in getting it all together at our church on Johnson Avenue, and called a meeting to plan the work. We secured several thousand large envelopes, and had printed on them in large type the following: “The Last Great Reunion. A Word of Consolation to Confederate Veterans. Carry Home. Read and Preserve.” We placed our literature in these envelopes, and began work. Every one seemed to catch the idea, and many would say, “I want to be there;” “God bless you, my brother,” etc. The handing out of this literature was a rich experience to me. Never before had I seen people so eager to get the gospel. The literature was distributed largely among the officers and soldiers. Many of them folded the envelope and put it in their pocket; others carried it in their hands for hours. Although the ground was covered with advertisements, I saw only two packages of our literature on the ground, and they were picked up. I was asked a number of times to what church I belonged, and on being informed, only in one case did it seem to make any difference.
It was indeed an opportune time to place our literature in the homes of thousands of people, and eternity alone can tell the good that will be accomplished. The Memphis brethren and sisters; Brother Callicott, of Lane; and Brother Thweatt, of Columbia, helped us nobly in the work, and the blessing received from the experience seemed to repay all for the effort put forth. We were glad that we could have a part in this work. W. R. BURROW.
WORK AT THE CONFEDERATE REUNION AT MEMPHIS.
By C. P. Bollman
As all the readers of the REVIEW know, plans were laid at the late General Conference for an extensive work on the occasion of the Reunion of Confederate Veterans at Memphis, May 28–30.
Circumstances made it necessary to change the original plan somewhat, and at one time it seemed that nothing whatever could be done. But a few days before the reunion, the committee in Nashville arranged with the Tennessee River Conference to have Brother W. R. Burrow go to Memphis to take charge of the work of distributing literature provided by the Review and Herald, the Religious Liberty Association, and the Southern Publishing Company. The Pacific Press would have sent literature also, had there been time.
Brother Burrow writes thus of the work done:—
“On each paper and tract we stamped the address of the Nashville office, with the words, ‘Correspondence solicited.’”
“I do not think I ever saw literature taken so eagerly by any people as was this by these old soldiers. We handed out three thousand packages, each of which was accompanied with a personal request that the matter be read; and we were met many times with a friendly tap on the shoulder, and a greeting something like this: ‘God bless you. Go ahead, you are in a good work.’”
“Many, as they read the words, ‘The last great reunion,’ would smile and say, ‘I am going to be there.’ All seemed to catch the idea at once.”
“Out of the three thousand packages, I saw only two thrown away, and these were immediately picked up by soldiers. This literature went into many homes all over the South, and eternity alone can tell the results.”
“This was a rich experience for the church and for myself. The Memphis brethren and sisters helped most nobly. Brother Callicott, from Lane, also assisted, and seemed thankful for the privilege.”
I am sure that this good report will cheer many hearts, and that many prayers will go up to our Heavenly Father that His blessing may attend the reading of the literature, as it certainly did its distribution. It is God who must give the increase.
C. P. BOLLMAN.
A MEMORABLE OCCASION.
By W. Z. Town
After I sent my first report to the Review, one of my married sisters decided to obey the Lord, and the next Sabbath I had the blessed privilege of baptizing her. The wife of one of the brethren who had kept the Sabbath for some time was also taken into full membership. The next Monday I said Good by to the folks at home, and came to South Russell, N. Y., where Mrs. Town's people live. Thursday I received a letter from my sister who was baptized, asking me to return, as her husband had decided to follow the Lord, and wished to be baptized. After my arrival there, on Friday, another man and his wife, who had been under conviction, decided to yield, and on Sabbath these two and my brother-in-law were buried with their Lord in baptism. My only brother, who had been baptized by the Methodists, also took his stand with us, and united with the church. I was indeed grateful for the privilege of going down into the water three Sabbaths in succession with these dear souls who had died to the world, and desired to be buried with our Lord in baptism. Six, in all, were baptized, and eleven united with the church, seven of whom belong to my father's family.
The evening before I left, we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was a blessed season. Every member present took part. The social meeting which followed was one of the best I ever attended. Like the apostle Paul, we continued our meeting until midnight, ready to depart on the morrow; and at break of day, we took our final leave. Thus ended the pleasantest and most profitable visit home that I ever made. May the Lord keep these dear souls faithful to Him until we meet in that land where we shall never say Good by. W. Z. Town.
HUNGRY FOR THE TRUTH.
By B. Hagle
We left Mendon, Mich., for Render, Ky., Sunday evening, May 26, arriving here the 27th inst., at 10 P. M. The next evening we held a meeting in the Baptist church, and had an attentive congregation. The next evening we held a meeting in the schoolhouse, as another man was to have the church. To our surprise, all the people came to our meeting, and the man who was to speak in the church came over to our service, also.
We pitched our tent, seated it, and the first night it was filled; and it is just so every night. Sunday night, June 2, the tent would not hold all who came, and many stood on the outside. Truly, this people are hungry for the truth. My prayer is that the Lord will fill me and them with His Holy Spirit. A man and his wife who live nearly eight miles from here are staying with friends at this place, so they can learn the truth. They say they are convinced. At the close of our meeting last night, a woman pleaded for us to come with our tent to the town where she lives, about twelve miles away. She said she wanted to learn the truth. I gave her some reading-matter and promised to call on her. We are receiving more calls than we can fill.
If many of the brethren in Michigan would come and live out the truth in this needy field, God would bless them. The time has fully come for God's people to proclaim this message, thus hastening the coming of the Lord. Brethren, do you believe the message? If so, why not go to work and prepare to hear the “Well done,” said unto you? We know the Lord's hand was in our coming to this place, and we ask you to remember this needy field with your prayers. B. HAGLE.
THE UPPER COLUMBIA CAMP-MEETING
By Alonzo T. Jones
was but a continuation of the good work, the good spirit, and blessing that began in General Conference, and continued in the Indianapolis meeting shortly following. The blessing of the Lord and the light of His truth were made manifest from the first. The laborers present from outside the Conference were Sister E. G. White, Elders W. C. White and W. T. Knox, and Brother H. H. Hall, and the writer. Brother and Sister White left for the North Pacific camp-meeting, on the Thursday before the meeting closed. The others remained to the end, Sunday evening, May 26.
The first Sabbath, in the afternoon, at the close of a sermon by Sister White, when a call was made for those who would give themselves wholly to the service of the Lord, the whole congregation moved like a tide. Since it was manifestly impossible to have them come forward, the ministers went into the congregation and helped all who needed help or instruction in the way of the Lord. It was a blessed day altogether.
Sunday was again a good day. There were many of the people of the town and community present, and they took a deep interest in the services and in the truths presented. Good impressions were made, which continued throughout the meeting.
In conducting the business of the Conference, a whole day was devoted to some particular branch of the great work of the Third Angel's Message.
Monday was devoted to the medical missionary work. It began in the early morning meeting, and was continued through the meetings of the whole forenoon, Sister White speaking on the subject at 3 P. M., and the writer in the evening. Tuesday was devoted to the educational work; Wednesday and Thursday to the Conference work, as such; and Friday to Conference and the publishing work.
In this way the business meetings were full of blessing, and were just as spiritual and devotional as definite devotional meetings usually are. Indeed, no distinction could be discerned between the business meetings and the devotional meetings, or even the meetings on the Sabbath: all were spiritual and devotional, instructive and blessed.
Thus also, from the beginning, there was a steady growth and deepening of interest and blessedness, which culminated in a triumphant day the last Sabbath of the meeting.
The business of the Conference, in every meeting, was done by the people themselves. They were glad to know that they themselves are the Conference; that each one, so far as he is concerned, each in his place, is the cause; that in whatsoever comes to him to do, he is a worker in the cause; he is working to support the cause, and to make it a success. All went to their homes with this purpose at heart; and as surely as it is followed up, the cause will be prosperous not only in the home field, but in other parts of the earth. There will be abundance of money to supply all home demands, and also to send to supply the needs in desolate fields. This work was well begun in the Conference, in its deciding unanimously to support, for the coming Conference year, two workers in Natal, South Africa.
At the close of the last Sabbath of the meeting, Brother A. Schlotthauer was ordained to the gospel ministry. This will be a great help to the work among the Germans in this field.
The names of the brethren who were chosen to conduct the affairs of the Conference the coming year are as follows: President, A. J. Breed; Secretary, J. L. Kay; Treasurer, U. C. Tract Society. Executive Committee: A. J. Breed, E. L. Stewart, W. F. Martin, J. A. Holbrook, J. R. Leadsworth, S. A. Anderson, A. Schlotthauer; State Canvassing Agent, M. F. Hill; Secretary of Tract and Missionary Society, J. A. L. Derby; Corresponding Secretary, Claude Conard; Secretary of Conference Sabbath-school Department, Daisy Afton. Sabbath-school Departmental Committee: W. F. Martin, I. C. Colcord, H. E. Hoyt, C. F. Knott, Daisy Afton.
