Our excellent camp-meeting has just closed, and we have all returned to our homes, determined, I trust, to carry out the good instructions we have received from the servants of God, and to make the coming Conference year a success in overcoming our sins and in bringing souls to Christ.
You have, through your delegates assembled in Conference, and somewhat against my own choice, elected me president of your State Conference and of the Tract and Missionary Society, for the ensuing year. You have thus placed upon me the responsibility of taking the supervision of the interests of the cause in this Conference, in connection with my colleagues of the Conference Committee.
We have had a most excellent camp-meeting, and our hearts have been greatly encouraged to be more zealous in laboring for God. The harvest is ripening. We are extending our lines of influence and taking in new ground, thus creating a necessity for greater vigilance, activity, and foresight.
We ought to make this year by far the most memorable in our history, on account of true advancement in this great work. What a field we have in which to gain recruits for Christ—in which to prepare guests for the marriage supper of the Lamb! Where is there a more favored State than Iowa? We have a sensible, intelligent, and enterprising people, gathered from the other States and from Europe, who stand second to no others in the Union. We have a fruitful and healthful country. Our people are not poor, but generally have all the blessings of life. We have much for which to be grateful to God. And we owe a debt of love to all those thousands upon thousands in this noble State, to give them this glorious light and truth which has made our hearts glad. We must do this, or our skirts will be stained with their blood.
And there is Nebraska. What an extent of new ground is contained within the boundary lines of that great State! What glorious opportunities we have there for doing good! Society there has not crystallized and hardened, till every new idea is looked upon with suspicion. The entering of the wedge of truth is easier than in older States. The people are too poor to have a cordon of popular ministers hired to fence out every incoming ray of unpopular truth. We can better get at the people. We want to sow the seeds of truth all over those virgin prairies. What a work we have, then, to do! At the past rate of increase, Nebraska will soon be able to look after her own interests. Let us do her people all the good we can, while still connected with us.
At our recent camp-meeting, a noble body of believers in distant Dakota sent in a touching plea to be received under our watchcare, entreating labor at our hands, to help bring the light of truth to the settlers in this new territory. They sent also money with which to help bear expenses and to assist in the work of God. How could we do less than to receive them, and joyfully take upon ourselves the delightful privilege of scattering the light of this message there?
Indeed, who should have a special interest in the broad but unentered territory between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains if not the strong Conference of Iowa? Who knows how many scores and hundreds would gladly receive the light of present truth all over that section, if it could be brought to their view? What a field of vision, and what a train of thought, does a glimpse of these things open up to our minds! What possibilities of usefulness! What chances for success!
Brethren and sisters of this Conference, we must not narrow our minds down to ourselves—our own interests alone, but expand our hearts and enlarge our views. This is a world-wide message. This work is to ripen the harvest of the earth. This truth is to prepare us for the great day of wrath. Every one of us should bestir himself to do what he can for the salvation of his fellow-men. This is more important business than making money for consumption in the flames of the last day.
The present season will see a new tent in Dakota Territory; another, in Nebraska; a third, along the Missouri River much of the time, also in Nebraska; while only one tent will run wholly in the great State of Iowa. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to greatly bless these laborers, and give them abundant success.
A word here in regard to means. For the first time in ten years at least, our Conference found itself at our last camp-meeting lacking in money to pay off its debts. Some claims still remain unsettled. I dare say, this would not have been so, had our brethren generally suspected such a state of affairs. Always having had a sufficiency heretofore, they were some of them a little careless in paying up their S. B. fully, as times were somewhat hard. Our brethren will see this will leave the committee embarrassed in carrying on our tent operations, and cripple our efforts, and perhaps distress some who are unpaid. Therefore, let all who are in debt on their S. B. at once settle up, and pay their solemn vows to God. And if there are brethren who have paid all past indebtedness, who can pay on this year a portion of their pledge, it will at once relieve us. Let every one of our S. B. treasurers who has money on hand, or receives it, forward the same by draft, money order, or registered letter, to A. R. Henry, Indianola, Iowa, our State treasurer for the present Conference year.
And what can I say at this time to stir up our people upon the great and important work of the Tract and Missionary Society? I intend to have much to say to them on this all-important subject the present year. We are far behind, dear brethren and sisters, in this important branch of the work. It is a good and noble work; we can all take part in it. I have accepted this office you have placed upon me against my own choice, and when I did it I determined to use what influence I possessed in trying to be a help in the work. I want your help, dear friends. Especially do I appeal to all the old friends of the cause to arouse and rally. Some of us have been almost asleep. All of us can do better than we have done. Brethren and sisters, let us make this grand centennial year an epoch in the history of the cause of present truth in Iowa, as great as it is in the political history of our country and of the world. Geo. I. Butler.
The Lord's Prayer.
ALL the things that you need for yourself, or for your children, traced back, are found, in their initial forms, in this Lord's Prayer. This is a birthright prayer, belonging to every man. A gate it is, through which every living soul may pass. Each petition is a separate gate. And beyond is an infinite variety of blessed things. These gates open, as it were, into a garden where are growing fruits and flowers in wonderful profusion. Endless diversities of things are there; and all of them are appropriate to the utterance of this prayer.—Sel.
Redeemed from the Curse of the Law
Death by crucifixion has been considered ignominious, or dishonorable, as well as painful; yet a recent writer has said that Christ “magnified the law, and made it honorable, and nailed it to his cross.”
To be redeemed from a cursed law which ought to be abolished, is quite different from being redeemed from the curse of a law that is holy, just, and good.
NORTH PACIFIC MISSION.
By I. D. VAN HORN
We now have our tent pitched in the pleasant town of Oregon City. This is the oldest town in the State of Oregon, and contains about one thousand inhabitants, We have held meetings about two weeks, and the average attendance is about one hundred. A number are much interested, but none have yet decided for the truth. We are having much rain here yet, and the weather is cool, which makes it very unpleasant for tent-meetings. We cannot expect much of a congregation in such weather.
We can say an encouraging word to the T. & M. Societies in reference to the case of Bro. and sister McCord, who live near this place. A number of years ago, sister Jane Higley, of Lapeer, Mich., sent some books and tracts to this family, by reading which they embraced the truth. They have been keeping the Sabbath for six years or more, and never saw a Sabbath-keeper until we came here this spring. They are zealous for the truth and very devoted, and are much respected in the neighborhood where they live.
Keep sending out the reading matter, and the seed thus sown will show fruit in the gathering day. I. D. VAN HORN.
Oregon City, Oregon, June 1, 1876.
MICHIGAN
By D. H. Lamson
MEMPHIS.
Bro. Canright left me at this place March 14, with an excellent interest pervading the whole church. On the 18th, thirteen were baptized, young men and women principally, after which the ordinances were celebrated. It was a season of much joy to the church, which was expressed in audible praise and thanksgiving to God and by many tears.
Sabbath, the 25th, seven more were buried with their Lord in baptism; April 1, eight; April 12, one, making twenty-nine in all. All are fully united with the church; and what gives the greatest satisfaction is the evidence of real conversion on the part of all. No pains have been spared to educate them thoroughly in all the requirements of the gospel. The Memphis church exerts a strong moral influence in this part of the State, and they have recently placed themselves in such relations to God that he can bless them. I shall ever pray that the young in this church may never cease to honor the Lord in all their ways. The meetings continued every day for about five weeks from the time of their commencement, each succeeding one increasing in interest.
FLINT.
Came to Flint April 19, and remained over two Sabbaths. The work here from first to last has been one of earnest labor. It seemed for a while as though all was lost. This church was so large at first, and made up of so many and somewhat discordant elements that it seemed almost impossible to create a perfect union. But faithful dealing has accomplished what nothing else could, and the culmination of our hopes was reached at these meetings. Bro. Jones was with me one Sabbath. We re-organized the church. About sixty are in full fellowship, and not far from twenty who observe the Sabbath remain out of the organization. Some of these will be saved to the cause. The s. b. pledge has been reported. About thirty unconverted children and youth are under the influence of the Sabbath-school. Tuesday evening, May 2, baptized two sisters who are happy in the truth.
May 1, I was at Richfield; but three families were represented in this meeting. The object was to arrange s. b.; $40 were pledged, and the treasurer thought it would be increased by others who were not present. Those who pledged did well; no pledge was made last year. The Sabbath-keepers here have no organization, but meet together on the Sabbath; they number seventeen.
GREENWOOD.
Reached this place May 4, and remained here and at Grant until May 10. The school-house being closed against us, as usual, we were compelled to hold our meetings at the house of Bro. John Kearns. The bitterest prejudice prevails here to a great extent; and the right to peaceably worship God is hardly accorded. Almost every indignity has been submitted to by our brethren, even to arrest for Sunday labor. There has been the most complete discomfiture to our enemies whenever the majesty of law has been appealed to, and even a Catholic supervisor became their champion. These things only make them firmer in the faith, and they are slowly increasing in numbers.
Their s. b. pledge last year was $40; this year it is $120. Most of the brethren here are poor. The church, including a branch at Grant, numbers forty members. This branch was organized May 9, with Bro. Levi Bradshaw as leader, and numbers eighteen members. May 6, a little meeting was held on the bank of Black river, and six were baptized. There still remain twenty-five young persons in the families of Sabbath-keepers, unconverted, but some have promised to seek the Lord.
SMITH’S CREEK.
Our meetings here began May 13. Two were baptized after the morning service. This church was once completely organized and for a time prospered, numbering twenty-two members. Through the fall of one, the organization was entirely broken up; a misplaced sympathy proving their ruin as a body. Circumstances have recently changed the feelings of the brethren. The testimony borne was well received, and the few who are left, twelve in number, unite again under the leadership of Bro. Albert Weeks. A Sabbath-school is established; and hope is high that all that has been lost will be regained, and many more added to our number. Indications for good were never better. On the morning of May 15 baptized one. Our aged brother, William Gifford, was with me at Greenwood, Grant, and Smith’s Creek, and helped much.
Met with the young people at Memphis, May 17. All seem to be in earnest in their endeavors to be perfect overcomers. They unite themselves in a society for mutual improvement with regular meetings once a month.
FLINT.
I returned to this place May 19, and remained till the 22d. Held in all six meetings. Sabbath morning nine were baptized. Sunday six more went forward in baptism, after which the ordinances were celebrated. With scarcely an exception, all the members of the church were present, and this first celebration of the ordinances of the Lord’s house was an event never to be forgotten. The church at Flint has had a severe struggle for existence, but has obtained a signal victory. The utmost harmony now prevails, and there are under its watchcare, including youth and children, not less than a hundred and twenty souls. God has heard the cries of his faithful ones and help has been bestowed.
ARMADA.
Held meetings here May 27, 28. Nearly all the Memphis church were present, and some from Rochester. Our house of worship was well filled, and excellent liberty was had in preaching the word. Two good persons accepted the truth. We have no elder nor other ordained officers of the church. The society numbers about fifty, principally sisters, who have but little property under their control. Their s. b. amounts to $130, $100 of which is pledged to the Michigan Conference. This is liberal in view of the fact that they have still a debt of eight hundred dollars to pay on the church within two years. I do not know of a church more willing to do than this; but they have had and still have a heavy burden to carry. There are none who claim full fellowship with us who are not doing what they can. There are, however, some observers of the Sabbath who take no part with us in s. b., and who for various reasons remain outside of the society. Of this class was the gentleman referred to in Bro. Canright’s report from Armada. D. H. LAMSON.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
Since my last report, I have given thirty-two lectures, eleven of which were given at the little town of Pikeville. Failing to get a hearing there, I made some interesting visits to private families, lecturing as I went, sometimes to several families gathered at one house. In one neighborhood I found thirteen who are convinced by reading that the seventh day is the Sabbath. I encouraged them all I could, and promised to go there and lecture.
At this time the news of Bro. Canright's coming reached me. This was timely aid; for help and advice such as he could give were much needed. He remained two days, to the great satisfaction of all who believe the truth; and his influence was equally good upon outsiders.
Opposition was great here during my absence. Not less than seven preachers opposed the truth; but not by taking the Scriptures and showing by plain texts that the seventh day is wrong and the first day right. They confused the minds of the people by falsifying our faith, and then appealed to their prejudices, inducing them not to associate with those who keep the Sabbath; but, notwithstanding all this bitter prejudice, four more have taken a decided stand to keep all the commandments of God, and suffer affliction with this people.
I have spoken a few times upon the subject of repentance; several rose for prayers; I trust a good work may be done for them. The Sabbath meetings are excellent, especially considering the way the people have been taught. The praying and speaking7have been done principally by leading brethren, with only now and then a sister who dared do more than keep silent; yet in our social meetings they all speak promptly, testifying, both with tears and words, their gratitude for the present truth.
A Bible-class was organized last Sabbath, to be held every Sabbath in connection with the prayer and social meetings.
Brethren, pray for the work here.
ORLANDO SOULE.
Bee Creek, Tenn., June 11, 1876.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD.
By J. E. Green
The loving Lord my shepherd is,
My guardian, friend, and guide;
Tho' oft I walk through places dark,
He's ever by my side.
His gentle care leads me to rest
In pastures green and wide;
He leadeth me most tenderly
The waters still beside.
My wandering soul he kindly brings
Back to the paths of peace;
He leadeth me the livelong day
In paths of righteousness.
Yea, tho' I may be called to walk
Through death's dark, gloomy vale,
No evil shadows will I fear,
His love will never fail.
His rod and staff will comfort me
Mid conflicts, trials deep;
He doth my head with oil anoint,
Then wherefore should I weep?
His generous care a table spreads
Before me, while my foes
Look wondering on, the while my cup
With blessings overflows.
Goodness and mercy ever shall
Be with me all my days;
And in the house of God at last
I'll dwell and sing his praise.
Oh! happy he who thus can sing,
Can make these words his own;
Ere long he'll tune a golden harp
With angels round the throne.
J. E. GREEN.
ALSACE, GERMANY.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I REMAINED in Alsace over three weeks. Six decided to obey the truth, and I obtained five subscribers for our French paper. As my time was limited, I confined my labors to those families that had become interested in the truth by reading French tracts sent them by their friends in America.
Though I endeavored to do my work in a prudent and peaceable manner, yet some of the ministers, and not a few “of the baser sort,” were uneasy; and some were determined to frighten me by threats, etc., that I might leave the country.
One day as I was laboring at Hohwald, I was told that three men of Belmont had been sent to the mayor of Hohwald to persuade him to bind me and take me to jail. But I had visited the mayor and had enjoyed sweet seasons of prayer with him, and his good wife was decidedly in favor of our views. Besides, I had documents showing that I had done nothing whereby I had laid myself open to the censure of the government.
One night a mob of sixteen persons came to a house with the full purpose of abusing me. They threw stones at the house, and broke some panes of glass; but I was stopping at another house, and was not harmed. These were church members, Lutherans. How unlike the father of their denomination and those who first followed him in his work of true reform!
As the field in which I have labored is situated in the Vosges Mountains, away from the railroads and omnibus lines, I have been under the necessity of traveling much on foot. Long journeys on foot, and the changes from the air of the valley to that of the mountains, were not favorable to my health, yet I have enjoyed some of the blessing of God in laboring to start the work in Alsace. Several are inquiring after truth while reading our French and German works, and I hope the few who have received the truth will extend the light to others.
As Alsace is still governed in religious matters by the same laws by which it was governed before it fell to Germany, I hope I have learned important lessons, which will be of service to me when I go to France.
The French brother that I referred to in my last report, still writes favorably concerning the work in Southern France, where he has settled. Many call on him and are anxious to hear a preacher. His French tracts are doing a good work, and he says he could dispose of thousands of them if he had them. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Bale, Switzerland, June 7, 1876.
Plymouth, June 19, 1876
By T. M. Steward
OHIO TENT, NO. 3.
This tent was pitched in the village of Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, June 14, 1876, and meetings commenced in the evening. We have a pleasant and accessible location, and a beautiful, natural green carpet—in short, a very pleasant place. We have held six meetings with increasing interest. Last night we had about one hundred and fifty hearers. The people seem intelligent, candid, and kind.
The first Sabbath I spent in Ohio I was with the church at Clyde. The next week I spent in the country five miles north-east of Clyde, where some were interested. The busy season and prejudice kept the people away, yet I hope some fruit will be seen in the future. June 5, I came to Fredericktown. Bro. N. Grant met me and took me to his hospitable home. We made arrangements for our tent-meeting at Plymouth. The 7th, Bro. G. took me to Mt. Vernon, where I labored until evening after first-day, and Monday morning I came to Plymouth.
Pray that the Lord may qualify us for this holy work of warning the world to flee from the wrath to come and winning souls to Christ. The Lord has greatly helped us in preaching the word. Bless his holy name. T. M. STEWARD.
Plymouth, June 19, 1876
KANSAS
By J. Lamont
The place selected for the first meeting in the western tent is Council Grove, Morris Co. This is a substantial, enterprising place, containing about one thousand inhabitants. We hope for good results. Brethren, remember us at the throne of grace. J. Lamont.
MINNESOTA
By F. W. Morse
When I returned home the last of March, I was suffering from inflammation of the lungs, and until quite recently my voice has not been strong enough so that I could give a course of lectures.
I have met with the brethren where I labored in the winter, and found them all steadfast, and a good degree of growth in grace among them. They have held two regular prayer-meetings each week, besides the Sabbath meeting and Sabbath-school. When we gathered together for prayer-meeting, the change seemed wonderful to me as I contrasted the present state of things with that which existed when I first met with them. Now I find entire families joyfully uniting in prayer and praise and Christian exhortation, while but a few months ago many seemed not to once think of such things. The work of God is indeed wonderful; how I love it!
June 11 and 12, I attended the quarterly meeting at home. The Mankato church has received about a dozen new members during the past year, more than two-thirds of them by baptism; and there are four or five now about ready to unite. There was a good attendance at the meeting, and the blessing of God was with us. Two were received into the church. We hope the way may soon open for a strong effort in a course of lectures at Mankato.
In the Lord Jesus my courage is good to toil on!
“There’s resting by-and-by!”
F. W. MORSE.
MUSKEGON CO., MICH.
By D. E. Wellman; D. A. Wellman
Commenced meetings near Twin Lake April 8, and labored here and in the vicinity till June 5. Five had commenced to keep the Sabbath when we came, mostly through reading. As the result of our meetings, these have become strong in the truth and five more earnest souls have been added to their number. Many more are convinced, and we believe that some of them will soon be persuaded to receive the truth. Obtained three subscribers for the REVIEW and four for the INSTRUCTOR, and established Sabbath meetings.
D. E. WELLMAN,
D. A. WELLMAN.
IOWA & NEB. CONFERENCE.
By Henry Nicola; L. McCoy
This Conference held its thirteenth annual session at Marshalltown, Iowa, in connection with the camp-meeting, June 8–12, 1876.
The first session convened June 8, at 6 P. M. Conference was called to order by the President, Eld. H. Nicola; prayer by Eld. James White.
Credentials of delegates were examined, showing that the following churches were represented, viz., Sigourney, Sandyville, Monroe, Peru, Winterset, Smithland, West Union, Soldier Valley, Cedar Falls, Marion, Mt. Pleasant, Crescent City, State Center, Washington, Woodburn, Adel, Lisbon, Pilot Grove, Victor, Onawa, Anamosa, Hook’s Point, Elkhorn, Knoxville, Laporte City, all of Iowa; and Seward, Stromsburg, Decatur, and Hooper, of Nebraska.
The following were not represented: Richland, Brighton, Waukon, Osceola, Decatur (Iowa), Caloma, Afton, and Prescott. Minutes of proceedings of the last Conference were read.
Fourteen newly organized churches, representing a membership of 189, were admitted into the Conference, viz., West Dayton, Boone Co., near Marshalltown, Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Oxford Mills, Jones Co., Deloit, Crawford Co., of Iowa; David City, Valparaiso, Saunders Co., Farmer’s Valley, Hamilton Co., Salem, Richardson Co., Lindon, Furnas Co., Blue Valley, York Co., Nebraska City, Neb., Fonda, Pocahontas Co., Iowa, and Swan Lake, Dakota Ter.
Moved, by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. That those companies of Sabbath-keepers which are not yet organized into churches, but pay s. b., be considered under the watch-care of this Conference for the ensuing year; and the Conference hereby requests the Committee to provide them such labor as their wants demand. Carried.
The President was authorized to appoint the usual committees, which were as follows: Nominating Committee, J. H. Morrison, C. L. Boyd, and L. McCoy. Auditing Committee, W. P. Andrews, F. H. Chapman, Noah Hodges, S. M. Holly, A. J. Stifer, and Henry Shultz. Committee on Resolutions, U. Smith, John G. Matteson, and E. W. Farnsworth. Committee on Credentials and Licenses, Geo. I. Butler, U. Smith, and Jacob Shively.
SECOND SESSION.
Met June 11, at 5 P. M.; prayer by Eld. J. H. Morrison.
Voted, That Elds. James White, U. Smith, and John G. Matteson, together with all brethren present who are in good standing, be invited to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.
The Committee on Nominations made the following report:—
For President, Eld. Geo. I. Butler, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Conference Committee, Elds. Geo. I. Butler, H. Nicola, and R. M. Kilgore; Secretary, L. McCoy, Sigourney, Iowa; Treasurer, A. R. Henry, Indianola, Iowa; Camp-meeting Committee, F. H. Chapman, John Berry, and Wm. Newcomb.
On Motion, the report was received, and the persons named were declared the officers of the Conference for the Conference year.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made the following report:—
For Credentials: Geo. I. Butler, R. M. Kilgore, D. M. Canright, S. Osborn, J. F. Hanson, Henry Nicola, C. L. Boyd, J. T. Mitchell, C. A. Washburn, J. H. Morrison, J. Bartlett, and J. W. McWilliams.
For Ordination: Matthew Wing, E. W. Farnsworth, and L. McCoy.
For Licenses: G. V. Kilgore, F. A. Barlow, A. Caldwell, S. W. Bird, Henry Shultz, Matthew Hackworth, and Louis P. Johnson.
The report was received and adopted.
THIRD SESSION.
Convened June 12, at 5 P. M.; prayer by Eld. R. M. Kilgore.
On motion, The church at Stromsburg, Neb., were allowed to retain their s. b. for one year, to aid in building a meeting-house.
On motion, The Smithland, Iowa, church were allowed $100 of their s. b. to aid in building a meeting-house.
On motion, A committee of three were appointed to consider the question and policy of churches retaining all or any portion of their s. b. for building purposes.
The following resolution by Eld. James White was adopted:—
Resolved, That in view of the opening fields in Dakota and other western territories, it is the duty of this Conference to encourage missionary labor in those fields.
On motion of R. M. Kilgore, the President appointed a committee to take into consideration the distribution of tent labor in this Conference, and the provision of tents. The persons named were J. H. Morrison, C. L. Boyd, and J. H. Hanson.
The question of how to build houses of worship, and when, was discussed by Eld. White and others, to much profit, evidently, to all present. Also the proper manner of entering new fields or communities to labor was a question of much interest to all.
FOURTH SESSION.
Convened June 12, at 7 P. M.; prayer by Eld. Morrison.
Committee on Appropriations of s. b. Funds for Church Building made the following report:—
Your committee have to report that there has no case come before them in which they feel justified in making any appropriation of s. b. funds.
Report received and adopted.
The Committee on Tents reported that the Conference should at once provide a forty-foot tent, send it to Dakota Ter., and supply laborers for the same.
On motion, $500 were voted to the General Conference fund.
The following resolution, presented by Eld. Kilgore, was adopted:—
Resolved, That this Conference return a vote of thanks to the officers of the Central R. R. of Iowa, for their kindness in granting to those attending this camp-meeting a reduction of fare over their line.
Eld. James White, President of the General Conference, laid before this Conference the progress and wants of the cause, especially of the European Mission and Battle Creek College, in a few remarks, which were highly interesting and instructive to all present.
On motion, A committee was appointed to circulate a subscription on the ground for the purpose of raising funds to aid said Mission and College, the result of their labors to be reported through the Review.
The financial condition of the Conference is as follows:—
June 8, 1875, bal. in hands of treas. $1091.83
June 12, 1876, amt. rec’d by treas. during year 3478.76
June 12, 1876, amt. paid ministers by churches 1702.28
$6272.87
CONTRA.
June 12, 1876, amt. paid by treas. for year $950.00
June 12, 1876, amount of orders drawn by Aud. Com. 3371.23
June 13, 1876, rec’d by ministers from churches 1702.28
June 12, 1876, in hands of treas. 249.36
$6272.87
SUMMARY.
No. of churches at beginning of year, 38; No. of new churches admitted, 14; No. of members admitted during year, 335; No. of members at present, 1,123; No. of Sabbath-school scholars, 831; No. of ordained ministers in Conference, 14; No. of licensed ministers in Conference, 8; amount of s. b. pledged, $6450.00; amount of s. b. pledged to Conference, $6047.00.
The Committee on Resolutions made the following report, which was adopted unanimously:—
Resolved, That we note with pleasure the promptness of the brethren in assembling at this annual convocation, by which we were enabled to commence with a full representation at an early hour on the first day of the meeting.
Resolved, That we are happy to see so many of our Scandinavian brethren at this meeting, and are thankful that they are able to have services in their own tongue, which adds greatly to the interest of this occasion.
Resolved, That we hail with joy the continued success of the cause in Europe, and the good prospect of its more rapid advancement in the future.
Resolved, That we have occasion for thankfulness to God for the great blessing he has given us since the commencement of this meeting, by which sinners have been converted, backsliders reclaimed, and the people of God enlightened and much encouraged.
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to the General Conference for the help furnished at this camp-meeting, and our gratitude to God for sparing Bro. and sister White to labor with us, and we take this opportunity to express our sincere desire that we may be favored with their presence, counsel, and help every year till the Lord comes.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to the Camp-meeting Committee for their faithful services in making preparation for this gathering.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that ministers should not incur expenses of long journeys without the counsel of the Executive Committee, and that in all ordinary cases they should meet their own expenses of board and washing.
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Conference, those ministers who do not labor at our camp-meetings and annual Conference should not expect to have their expenses to and from the meetings paid, neither be allowed for the time occupied in attending our annual meetings.
Resolved, That in our opinion the Camp-meeting Committee should feel at liberty to hire needed help in making preparation before the annual camp-meeting; and, also, to call on young men who are not otherwise employed to do errands, and perform general service during the time of the camp-meeting.
Resolved, That this Conference fully approve the plan and efforts of Eld. James White in furnishing daily reports of this meeting, for the leading secular papers of Iowa.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to the people of Marshalltown for the candid hearing they have given, and the kindness and courtesy manifested toward us during our stay here.
A very gratifying feature connected with the camp-meeting was the daily reports furnished the secular press of the State by a competent reporter furnished by the General Conference Committee, giving to the public in a very readable form a concise history of our people and work, their religious faith, and a summary of sermons delivered, which it is hoped will do much toward correcting erroneous impressions among the masses concerning our people and work.
This annual gathering of S. D. Adventists was the largest ever held in the State, and the courage and zeal manifested by the worn servants of God, and their close testimony to his people, will do much toward establishing the work in this Conference.
On motion, The secretary was directed to furnish a copy of the proceedings of the Conference for the REVIEW AND HERALD for publication.
On motion, Adjourned.
HENRY NICOLA, Pres.
L. McCoy, Sec.
NEW ENGLAND T. & M. SOCIETY.
By Stephen N. Haskell; Maria L. Huntley
The New England Tract and Missionary Society met at Washington, N. H., June 10, 1876, according to appointment in RE-VIEW. After the opening services, a short time was occupied in reading the report of labor performed in Dist. No. 4, and in business pertaining to that district. This report showed a marked improvement in some respects in this district during the last quarter. One feature of encouragement was that every member had tried to do something, and had reported the same.
A report of the last general quarterly meeting was then read and accepted. The report of labor performed during the last quarter was also read, which showed that 84 subscribers had been obtained for periodicals; No. of copies sent on trial, 150; No. of periodicals distributed, 1699; No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed, 192,873; No. of families visited, 404; letters written, 215. Money received on donations, etc., during the quarter, $690.30; expended, $260.45.
The Vigilant Missionary Society reported 127 letters written by its members, and 106 received; 31,100 pages of reading matter distributed, etc., during the last quarter.
The editor of the MISSIONARY WORKER not being present, the reading of the paper was omitted, although articles had been prepared as usual. There was a larger attendance at this meeting than at any previous quarterly meeting held at this place. At least twelve different localities were represented from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
A limited amount of time was devoted to remarks. These showed that the interest that has ever characterized the Society still exists in the hearts of the brethren and sisters. Much feeling was manifested by some present with reference to acting as colporteurs. Several towns in different localities have been canvassed during the winter and spring, which has resulted in a general interest, and calls from a number of places for the living preacher. Especially was this the case in the vicinity of Ipswich, Mass.
The matter of selecting a camp-ground for the next camp-meeting was considered, and in accordance with the mind of the brethren present, it was voted to change the place of the camp-meeting from South Lancaster, the present season, and to leave the selection of the locality to the Camp-meeting Committee. It was also
Voted, That we encourage those in this Conference who feel a burden in reference to missionary work and wish to devote their time to it, as colporteurs or otherwise, to freely consult the Conference Committee in the matter.
The preaching during these meetings was especially solemn and impressive, and some who were present seemed to feel the importance of taking hold of the work of God anew. The meeting Monday A. M. was one of special interest and deep feeling; and some returned to their homes with the determination to start in the service of God, and obey him in keeping all his commandments. It is hoped that the solemn covenant that was entered into on Monday A. M., will mark an era for good with many. S. N. HASKELL, Pres. MARIA L. HUNTLEY, Sec.