Ohio Tent No. 1, 60 ft., was pitched in Sabina, Clinton Co., and meetings began Thursday evening, May 25. Eld. T. J. Butler, leading minister; George Smith, financial manager; E. H. Gates, helper.
Ohio Tent No. 2, 50 ft., will be pitched, nothing hindering, in Frazeysburg, Muskingum Co., Monday, June 5. Eld. Wm. Cottrell, leading minister; O. F. Guilford, financial manager; J. R. Purinton, helper.
Ohio Tent No. 3, 50 ft., will be pitched, nothing preventing, in Plymouth, Richland Co., Wednesday, June 14. Eld. T. M. Steward, leading minister; A. M. Mann, M. D., financial manager; Oliver Hoffer, helper.
DUTY OF LEADING MINISTERS.
We conceive it to be the duty of the leading ministers to have special oversight of the religious interests of the meetings; to say what subjects shall be presented, in what order, who shall preach at any given time, who pray, who lead in singing, who visit, where, how, and when; in short, to take particular interest in everything that pertains to the spiritual welfare of the people; and to report the progress of the meeting, briefly, for REVIEW, at least once every two weeks.
DUTY OF FINANCIAL MANAGERS.
To take charge of moneys to be used for tent purposes, to pay all expenses, and to keep a faithful itemized account of receipts and expenditures. Furthermore, it will be their duty to take charge of all books, pamphlets, and tracts belonging to the tent, keeping a careful account of the disposition made of the same, and be ready to report at any time. Motto: Economy without meanness, liberality without prodigality.
DUTY OF HELPERS.
To take charge of the tent, having especial interest in keeping it neat and orderly, both internally and externally; to assist in the meetings, subordinately, in every way possible; to correspond with each other and with the president, for mutual encouragement.
All should earnestly seek to work together in sweet union, humbly striving to be co-workers with Jesus and holy angels.
H. A. St. JOHN.
WAS JESUS A SINNER?
By R. M. Kilgore
“Sin is the transgression of the law” says the inspired writer; but B. R. Womack, in his third article of a series of three, published in the Standard of April 13, 1876, headed the “Christian Sabbath,” makes the astounding and blasphemous statement that Jesus not only violated the law, but involved others in its violation also. This, coming from one who professes great reverence for the Author of Christianity, and published to the world by the professed advocates of the religion which they inaugurated, renders the position which they occupy very strange indeed. We give here his language, and the italics are his own:—
“Jesus, the author of Christianity, voluntarily and intentionally violated the Sabbath of the Jews, and caused others to do it; and then triumphantly proclaimed himself the Lord of the Sabbath, and thus involved himself and others in the violation of the law whose penalty was death. This will appear when we consider that he wrought seven miracles on the Sabbath, But,
“1. No applications were made to him for such action. The reason is obvious. They thought, If he is a good man he will not break the Sabbath and will rebuke us; and if he is a bad man he cannot cure us; so in neither case did they apply. But he wrought.
“2. Any other day would have done just as well; for there was no compulsion making immediate action necessary. But he wrought on that day.”
“3. He arbitrarily chose a method of working miracles on that day which he well knew would make real the charge that he was a Sabbath-breaker, involving others in the same relation to the law. He made it convenient to pass along where the man at Bethesda lay, on the Sabbath, and instead of saying to him, “Remain here till to-morrow; for this is the Sabbath,” he said, “Take up thy bed and walk.” At his word the happy man, bearing his worn couch, moved along the streets of the sacred city, obtruding himself upon the attention of the multitude as an open violator of the Sabbath law. See Jer. 17: 21. Jesus did not do this by accident. So in curing the blind man, he could easily have said: ‘See!’ but no, he chooses to violate the Sabbath in two respects and involve the man. He makes ointment,applies it, and commands the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. I submit: Does this not seem to agree with the indications of the history of the Sabbath that there was going to be a change, and that it was now being made?”
Here indeed is a very grave charge. To impeach the Son of God of “intentionally” and “voluntarily” violating the law himself and teaching others to do the same, certainly makes him a sinner and a rebel against the government of the Father. How can he who is a sinner be a Saviour of sinners? How, then, can we be saved, since we cannot save ourselves? Our good works cannot save us, and why should we trust in the merits of one who is no better than ourselves, a sinner? The blood of such a sacrifice cannot atone for, or take away, the sin of a world;—no merit there.
But this is only a repetition of the charge made by the Pharisees, when they saw his mighty works in healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, etc. They said, “This man is a sinner.” “This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day.” But Christ, at another time, when asked if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day, replied, “It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath.” It was according to law to do well on that day, but it was not in harmony with their traditions. It was the tradition that he had violated. They had heaped upon the law pertaining to the Sabbath, traditions which did not belong to it, binding burdens upon the people which they could not bear and offering a vain worship, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” And Christ said, “Thus have ye made the commandments of God of none effect by your tradition.”
Christ told them they were transgressing the commandment of God—that none of them kept the law. “Ye are of your father the devil. ... When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it. ... Which of you convinceth me of sin?” John 8: 44–46. It was a base slander then, when uttered by his enemies, and what can it be called when repeated by his professed followers? It is worse. It is criminal. No! my Lord neither violated the law of his Father, nor failed to obey the peculiar commandments and ordinances pertaining to the Jewish economy previous to his passion, when the latter were nailed to the cross.
He was no sinner. Peter says, “He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” The repenting thief said, “This man hath done nothing amiss.” Paul said that “he knew no sin;” that he “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin;” and that “he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” And John adds, “That he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.”
The prophet Isaiah declared that Christ would “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isa. 42: 21. And he responds, “Lo, I come ... to do thy will, O my God.” Ps. 40: 7, 8, and again, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” He requires his followers to fulfill the law just as he did, to obey and keep it; for he says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 5: 19.
Let us, then, love, serve, and obey him; for he will soon appear the second time, without sin unto salvation.
R. M. KILGORE.
LISTEN TO THIS.
By Uriah Smith
The Christian Statesman of May 13, 1876, noticing an imaginary dream published by J. W. Forney, editor of the Philadelphia Press, in which he wakes a hundred years from now, and finds the English language universal, and all wars done away, &c., says:—
“We have a better ground of confidence that war will soon be turned into peace over all the earth, Col. Forney did not dream of the religious reformation of American politics, or of the incorporation into the fundamental law of the land, of an acknowledgment of Christianity as the national religion. He saw nothing of the impending conversion of the world to faith in Jesus Christ. The most important events of the coming century were hid from his eyes. If he would read carefully the prophecies of Isaiah and the Revelation, he could see more glorious visions with his eyes open than he has ever imagined in sleep.” U. S.
THE GOD WE CHOOSE.
By R. F. Cottrill
When Israel chose the service of the true God, he delivered them from their enemies and caused them to prosper; but when they forsook his commandments and served other gods, he said he would deliver them no more. Said he, “Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” Judges 10:14.
The ancient form of idolatry may not appear among us; yet many prefer other gods to the Lord. Gold may be a god, though not moulded in the shape of ancient idols. Many choose wealth as their god; and give their whole lives to this object. Covetousness is idolatry. Farms, merchandise, cattle, horses, and even swine, may be first in our hearts. Fine houses, costly furniture, or a splendid equipage, may be the supreme object of our devotion. Fashion and fame and the applause of men may be exalted in the mind above all that is called God, and worshiped with a hearty devotion. And not the least exalted and adored is pride of self. Self is idolized; our own will and way, desires, appetites and passions, are first of all in esteem.
But however much the gods of this world may be esteemed, the time of tribulation is coming, from which they will fail to deliver us. If we turn now to the living and true God, we shall have a shelter in the day of wrath; but if not, his language to us will be, “Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen.” But how vain the cry! Neither silver nor gold nor any earthly god shall be able to deliver in that day. Have you chosen any of these gods? Be persuaded to abandon them at once, and serve your Creator, and him only. He can deliver; but pride and passion, and all the world, will prove vain and worthless; they cannot deliver. R. F. COTTRILL.
THE WORK IN ALSACE, GERMANY, FORMERLY A PART OF FRANCE.
By D. T. BOURDEAU
Last week, while Brn. Andrews and Aufranc were making preparations for the work in Bâle. I came to Le Ban de la Roche, Alsace, a distance of seventy-five miles, to spend a few weeks in aiding Bro. Scheppler, who had come here from Illinois on a visit, and to follow up the work of French tracts sent from America.
I found that in many cases the tracts had worked admirably, yet even those who were the most favorable to the truth were in need of help. The minister had preached against our views, and under his influence and sanction one of his elders had burned several of our tracts. Perhaps this was partly owing to the influence of a malicious letter of thirty-five pages which had been sent to this preacher by an opponent from Illinois. I have called on the preacher, and visited several families at different points. Four have already decided to keep the Sabbath. I feel anxious to see a few families take a stand on the truth, that I may have a resting place, and make a more thorough effort at the close of our first effort in Bâle.
Prejudice is very high, and the spirit of persecution is being manifested by the preachers, who threaten to fine us if we preach. A Baptist preacher at Hovald, a neighborhood only three miles distant, had to pay a fine of 50 francs for speaking to only a few hearers. This was done at the instigation of a Lutheran priest. We are watched closely. We shall proceed at once to take legal steps to avoid paying a fine or being imprisoned. I see that great prudence will be required in laboring in France.
My courage is good. We have received a very encouraging letter from a French brother from Illinois, who has just returned to his old home near the city of Lyons, France. Calls will come in from France faster than I can fill them. Pray for us.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Belmont, Alsace, May 14, 1876.
REVOLUTION IN TURKEY.
CONSTANTINOPLE, May 30.—A revolution has taken place here. The whole Mohammedan population rose en masse, and being joined by the militia and reserves, carried everything before them. They took possession of all the public offices and palaces, surrounded the sultan in his palace, and forced him to abdicate in favor of his nephew, Murad Effendi, whose father was sultan before Abdul Aziz. An official promulgation has been issued, declaring the sultan dethroned in accordance with the popular will.
London, May 30. The advices received from Constantinople to-day, announcing the overthrow of the sultan, Abdul Aziz, and the appointment of his nephew, Murad Effendi, as his successor, have created considerable excitement in diplomatic circles in this city, and the opinion is expressed that this change of government will have an important bearing on the Eastern question and the settlement of the Turkish difficulties.
It has since been reported that the dethroned sultan, locking himself up in his room, opened a vein in his arm with a pair of scissors and thus took his own life.
KANSAS CONFERENCE.
By J. N. Ayers; N. W. Vincent
The first annual session of the Kansas Conference convened near Melvern, Osage Co., May 25, 1876, at 3 o'clock P. M., with the President in the chair. Prayer by Eld. J. H. Cook. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Eleven delegates were present, representing ten churches. Bro. A. J. Stover was received as delegate to represent the Seventh-day Adventists of Labette Co. Unorganized S. D. A. companies at Oskaloosa, Pleasant Valley, and Osawatomie, Jeff. Co., Eureka, Greenwood Co., and Swope, Clay Co., were taken under the watchcare of the Conference. Their delegates, together with Bro. and Sr. White, and all persons present in good standing in any S. D. A. church, were invited to take part in our deliberations.
Voted, That the chairman appoint the usual committees, with the exception of one on resolutions.
The chairman appointed the following committees: On nominations: John Heligass, Geo. W. Kennedy, C. Bauer. Credentials and Licenses: A. J. Stover, John Heligass, E. Pearce. On Auditing: S. N. Ayers, C. Bauer, A. W. Cone, J. W. Gibbs, A. A. Reed and G. D. Simms.
SECOND SESSION.
Conference was called to order at 3 o'clock A. M., Sunday, May 28. Prayer by Smith Sharp. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, J. N. Ayers; Secretary, Smith Sharp; Treasurer, A. J. Stover; Conference Committee: Elds. J. N. Ayers, J. H. Cook and C. F. Stevens. The report was adopted.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made the following report: For credentials, Eld. J. H. Cook; for ordination and credentials, C. F. Stevens, Smith Sharp and J. Lamont; for licenses, J. N. Ayers, G. W. Kennedy, John Andrews, A. W. Cone. The report was accepted.
The Auditing Committee reported the financial accounts correct, and the treasurer reported as follows:—
Cash on hand, None.
Rec'd by donations, $225.00
S. B., 883.68
Total, $1008.68
Paid out on orders, $1024.25
Deficiency, $15.57
A. J. STOVER, Treasurer.
This report was accepted.
THIRD SESSION.
Met at call of the chairman at 10 o'clock P. M., Sunday, May 28. On motion, the secretary made the following consolidated183report: No. of members, 235, Seventh-day Adventists unorganized, 120; increase of members, 15; No. of Sabbath-school scholars, 177; increase, 7; amount of S. B. pledged, $881.29; increase, $161.17; No. paying S. B., 154.
Earnest, encouraging remarks were made relative to the wants of the cause in different places till nearly midnight.
FOURTH SESSION.
Convened May 29, at 7 P. M.
Voted, That Eld. J. Lamont procure a lock and tackle for the small tent, and that the church of Bull City be permitted to change its name to Pioneer.
The following resolutions were adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That we hereby express our gratitude to God for the precious season we have enjoyed at this camp-meeting.
2. That we express our gratitude for the valuable labors of Bro. and Sr. White at this meeting, and we earnestly invite them to return and labor with us again next fall.
3. That we express our thanks to the members of the Rock Creek church for the Christian manner in which they have entertained this camp-meeting.
4. That we plainly recognize the hand of God in the advancement of present truth among the nations.
5. That we hereby express our hearty confidence in the special work of Sr. White connected with the third angel's message.
6. That the proceedings of this Conference be sent to the Review for publication.
J. N. AYERS, Pres.
N. W. VINCENT, Sec. pro tem.
LABOR IN IOWA, NEBRASKA, AND MISSOURI.
By George I. Butler
My last report extended to last December. The past winter and spring have, I think, been the worst for holding meetings that I have ever known in Iowa. Freezing, thawing, and rain, have made the roads much of the time next to impassable, and such mud as we have had in Eastern Iowa no one can imagine who has not seen it.
January 5, I commenced a course of lectures a few miles west of Iowa City in Bro. Green's neighborhood. At first we were encouraged to believe that good results would be seen, but for the reason above stated the congregations became quite small. Prejudice was strong, so the interest was not sufficient to warrant a longer stay. Gave in all about twenty discourses.
January 25, I commenced a course of lectures near River Junction, Johnson Co., Iowa, in sister McReynold's neighborhood. Gave in this place over twenty discourses. At times the interest seemed very encouraging, and the large school-house would be crowded for several meetings in succession. Then would come a rain or thaw, the ground would break up, and perhaps for a week only a mere handful could well come out. The main benefit of the meetings, so far as seen, was the instruction and encouragement afforded to the few Sabbath-keepers living in the vicinity.
March 16, I commenced a course of lectures at Nebraska City, Neb., and gave in all about forty discourses. These meetings commenced with an encouraging interest, from one hundred to three hundred being often in attendance; but the weather was very stormy and the going very muddy, so there could not be a large attendance from the country. After giving about a dozen discourses, our friends thought it would be best to close the meetings till the going became better. During this delay, I went to Rolla, Mo., where I labored last summer, to organize a church. I found that some had given up, but most were firm in the truth. But from the first there has been a very bitter and persistent opposition in Rolla. I think I never saw one more so. We finally organized a church of twelve members, Bro. R. S. Donnell, elder, and Sr. Nellie Slawson, clerk. Three were baptized. Their Systematic Benevolence is about $50. The friends there are poor, and have had a hard time to get along. Some living in the country could not be present. I hope the number belonging to the church will be doubled ere long.
After returning to Nebraska City and resuming the lectures, the going for a time continued bad, the hurry of spring work came on, and the interest continued to decrease and became quite small; still a few were interested, and I continued the meetings on their account. Seven or eight good souls took their stand for the truth. We had some excellent meetings—good, spiritual meetings—in which our hearts were greatly encouraged. There were several keeping the Sabbath before the lectures commenced, and with those who came out, a church of fourteen was organized; S. B. $140.00. Nine were baptized. Eleven joined the T. & M. Society. We feel greatly attached to these dear friends, and hope that God will greatly bless them.
I visited the friends at Blue Valley, Neb., where I lectured last fall. Found nearly all holding fast to the truth. They have kept up their Sabbath meetings through the winter, and have prospered in the Lord. Organized a church of twenty-one members, baptized eight, and organized S. B. to the amount of $217.00. I think five or six more will soon join. I think this will be one of the most reliable churches in Nebraska. I enjoyed meetings with these friends very much.
Sabbath and Sunday, May 20 and 21, I was with Bro. Kilgore at Victor, Iowa. All thought we had a very profitable meeting indeed. Some trials which had threatened almost the extinction of the church seemed in a fair way of being removed, and the good spirit of confession came in before our meeting closed up. Our souls were encouraged.
Last Sabbath and Sunday, May 27, 28, I met with the church in Mt. Pleasant, and had a profitable meeting. Had been absent from home nearly three months. Sabbath day held communion services, and Sunday reorganized S. B. The amount pledged for the year is upwards of $450.00, which is quite an increase over previous years. Three joined the church, making our whole number forty-three. Though our members are much scattered, which makes it difficult for all to meet for Sabbath and prayer-meetings, yet we have great reason for gratitude to God that we are as well off as we are. Our membership is increasing, and we have a good degree of union among ourselves. For one, I feel to thank God and take courage, for all his dealings with us, and hope he will continue to bless us more and more.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, May 30, 1876.
NOBLE CO., INDIANA.
By H. M. Kenyon
By special request of the brethren at Ligonier, and permission of the President of the Michigan Conference, I held meetings with the brethren of this county, May 19-22.
One year ago there were not more than half a dozen Sabbath-keepers in Noble Co.; there were at this meeting not less than sixty, nearly all of whom received the truth the past year.
The tent-meeting last fall at Albion, the county seat, was broken up by sickness and cold weather, so that we thought that meeting a failure. There was a brother from that place at the meeting at L. He said he and his wife began to keep the Sabbath last Christmas, and there were others keeping the Sabbath as the result of that meeting. I held seven meetings with them. Sabbath afternoon, forty encouraging testimonies were borne in sixty minutes. Five were baptized, and seven united with the church. These brethren have had but little ministerial help; yet they are firm in the truth. Steps are being taken to build a house of worship, which they are very much in need of.
H. M. KENYON.
Allegan, Mich., May 25, 1876.
ABOUT THE SWEDES.
By R. S. Webber
The Swedes in New Sweden, Me., have never seen a living preacher, but there are now twenty keeping the Sabbath. Bro. Lobdell, of Portland, began to go around and leave Swedish papers and tracts among the Swedes as often as he could find one. Some of them soon became interested and began to inquire for our people. They at last found Bro. Gowel, then they came out to Deering to our Hall. I preached to them; eight embraced the truth at once. At this time they were sending papers and tracts to their friends in New Sweden.
Now there are at least ten of the Swedes in Portland and twenty in New Sweden keeping the Sabbath that would not have even heard of the truth, perhaps, to this time, had it not been for the effort made by Bro. Lobdell with his tracts and papers. It is much easier preaching to people this way than it is to go out and preach as ministers, and all can preach this way.
May the Lord help all our brethren awake and become interested in the truth and missionary work. I feel that there has come for us all to “lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us,” and enter into this work in earnest.
R. S. WEBBER.
THOROUGH CONSECRATION.
“Yea, let him take all.”
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and “beautiful” for thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my intellect, and use
Every power, as thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own,
It shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for thee!
—Sel.
MICHIGAN
By E. R. Jones
At the request of Bro. Root, I filled his appointment at Marshall the 16th of May, and at Convis the 17th.
At Marshall the church is small, having but nine members. After setting the Bible plan of Systematic Benevolence before them, they cheerfully accepted it and acted upon it. Their pledge for the year 1876 is $80.60, being about double what they had previously been paying.
Found but little to do at Convis, and for this reason our meeting there was brief. With reference to their s. B., I doubt if there is another church in Michigan that has come nearer to the standard without previous hard labor. This church has nineteen members. The s. B. is $181.56 per year. After a careful consideration of the matter, Bro. Charles Brackett was elected elder. Concluded our meeting with a short discourse from Matt. 25:21.
The 20th and 21st, filled my appointment at Springport. On the Sabbath the brethren and sisters came in from Partello, Eaton Rapids, and Tompkins, till quite a large congregation had gathered at the school-house near sister Landon's. This is the place where I labored one year ago last winter; all that then took hold of the truth I found still holding on. After preaching to them, the cheerful testimony of nearly all in the house told that they still loved the truth and were striving for greater attainments in the Christian life. In this congregation there was a girl about twelve years old who had walked nine miles to attend this meeting. Her many tears told how earnestly she was seeking the Saviour. She expressed a desire to be a Christian, and wished to be baptized. On Sunday morning we went to Duck Lake, ten miles away, where quite a large company assembled at the water's edge. After a short discourse on baptism, she and three others were buried with their Lord in this solemn rite. The place was pleasant and the scene beautiful and impressive.
Monday, the 22d, I came to Howell, put up the tent and commenced meetings the evening of the 27th. I have now held four meetings with increasing congregations. Bro. Lamson will join me to-day.
E. R. JONES.
Howell, Mich., May 30, 1876.
KENTUCKY
By S. OSBORN
We have set our tent at Hodgenville, La Rue Co., and intend to commence meetings on the eve of the 26th. It is a county town of some seven hundred inhabitants.
This will be my post-office address until further notice. Pray for us.
S. OSBORN.
JEFFERSON CO., KANSAS.
By N. W. Vincent
I closed my school at Elk Falls April 28, willing to devote myself more entirely to the cause of present truth. I reached Perry just as Bro. Kennedy, Ayers, and Sharp were leaving for camp-meeting. I had taught school in this county from 1867 to 1872, when Bro. John Adams and family were the only permanent Sabbath-keepers in this part of Kansas. Now many of my old friends here rejoice that Bro. Kennedy has instructed them in the way of God more perfectly. God has wrought wonders here.
May 20, we had an interesting Sabbath-school at Osawkee, after which we listened to preaching by Bro. Frank Morrison. I spoke to a small company of the brethren May 13, at the Pleasant Valley school-house, and to larger assemblies a week later at the Bainter and Olive Branch school-houses.
The word of God, though foolishly, wickedly opposed, is steadily gaining victories.
N. W. VINCENT.
SABBATH MEETINGS IN TEXAS.
By E. G. Rust
SABBATH, May 27, was a day long to be remembered by the church in Dallas, on account of the blessing of God. Many of the brethren and sisters testified that it seemed the most sacred and solemn of any Sabbath they had ever passed. As a church we have been trying to draw near to God ever since Bro. Canright came among us, feeling that we are under renewed obligations to Him for the timely help which we received. Our Wednesday evening prayer meeting is well attended, quite a good many coming two miles, and we share so largely in the Lord's blessing that we all feel well paid for the sacrifice. Several who did not unite with the church when Bro. C. was here are taking an active part in our meetings, and the Lord is making their hearts tender. The field is very inviting here for missionary labor, and we hope that an efficient and humble minister may be sent to this State soon.
E. G. RUST.
Dallas, Texas, May 28, 1876.
MICH. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By E. H. Root; A. O. Burrill
The quarterly meeting of this Society was held at Wright, May 21, 1876. The three directors were present: J. Fargo, S. Wicks, and I. A. Olmstead. No reports were received from districts 3, 6, 8, and 12; therefore, a complete report of the work done by the Society during the quarter could not be presented.
The following is a summary of the reports received:
No. of families visited, 417; letters written, 181; periodicals distributed, 457; subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 7; REFORMER, 50; INSTRUCTOR, 60; SIGNS, 16; whole number obtained, 133. No. of pages of pamphlets and tracts distributed by the different districts, 104,529; No. of pages of paper tracts taken by the different districts, 220; German and Swedish, 12,770 pages. One library has been furnished with a set of bound books.
Resolutions being called for, the following was offered:—
Resolved, That we recommend the directors to see that the ministers laboring in their districts are supplied with tracts which in their judgment they may need, for free distribution, and charge the same to the district.
The above resolution was adopted.
May 16, S. D. A. P. Association Dr. Mich. T. & M. Society, $119.89.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to the call of the President.
E. H. ROOT, Pres.
A. O. BURRILL, Sec. pro tem.
KAN. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By J. N. Ayers; N. W. Vincent
The first annual session of the Kansas T. & M. Society met near Melvern, Kan., May 26, 1876, at 9 o’clock A. M., the President in the chair. Prayer by J. Lamont. N. W. Vincent was elected secretary pro tem. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Voted, That the Chairman appoint a committee on Nominations. Smith Sharp, S. Glover, and J. Lamont were appointed such committee.
SECOND SESSION.
Called to order Sunday, at 9 P. M. Prayer by A. W. Cone. Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, J. N. Ayers; Vice President, A. W. Cone; Secretary, John Gibbs; Treasurer, John Heligass. Directors, Dist. No. 1, Wm. Worick; No. 2, T. H. Wakeman; No. 3, S. N. Ayers; No. 4, O. S. Stevens; No. 5, E. M. Kallock; No. 6, A. J. Stover.
Voted, That Marshall and Washington Counties be added to Dist. No. 2, and that Jefferson and Franklin Counties be added to Dist. No. 5.
Voted, That all papers sent to Kansas sufferers not paid for be discontinued.
Voted, That the Chairman appoint a committee of three to consider the propriety of changing the Constitution of this Society.
The Chairman appointed J. Lamont, Smith Sharp, and John Heligass such committee.
The Treasurer’s report was made and adopted.
Receipts, $235.93
Expenditures, None
Cash on hand, $235.93
The Secretary’s report as accepted was as follows:—
No. of districts, 6; No. of reports, 6; No. of members, 114; No. of reports, 55; No. of families visited, 294; No. of letters written, 81.
Money rec’d on membership, $14.00
Donations, 31.50
Book sales, 36.00
Widow and orphan fund, 5.15
Periodicals, 20.25
Total, $106.90
New subscribers for periodicals, 45. Distribution of reading matter: No. of periodicals, 625; No. of almanacs, 82; pages of tracts and pamphlets, 41,517.
J. N. AYERS, Sec. pro tem.May 28, 1876.
THIRD SESSION.
Called to order, May 29, at 6 o’clock P. M.
The Committee on amending the Constitution reported amendments. After consultation with Bro. White, their report was accepted, and in accordance with Bro. White’s proposition it was voted to accept of printed copies of the Constitution as amended. J. N. AYERS, Pres.
N. W. VINCENT, Sec. pro tem.
RECEPTION AND IMPRESSIONS AT BATTLE CREEK.
By S. M. S.
Ten hours on the cars measured the distance from a station in southern Wisconsin to Battle Creek. Noting, only for a moment, the very business-like air of the vicinity, we started on a pleasant street toward the point of our destination. The short walk of a mile convinced us of the truth of what we had heard—that Battle Creek is a very pleasant city.
Reaching the vicinity of the Seventh-day Adventists, we were at first taken to the Health Institute for a temporary stay. Strangers, we were politely received by the kind host, while we noted upon his honest face the silent query—Who's the patient in your company? Anticipating the question, we announced ourselves, not on the sick list, but “come for business” at some definite place. We were soon seated in a large, airy parlor, where the sunshine was a welcome guest, and seemed to rejoice in the privilege of dispensing its healthful cheer to the inmates. And cheerful did they appear, reclining upon easy chairs and sofas, in quiet rest or social converse. Two organs stand ready to offer their aid in discoursing music to the ear, and sometimes to the soul; especially when artistic skill and melody are combined with the noble inspiration of Christian sentiment. But we must check the inclination to be minute in this hasty sketch. We next enjoyed a refreshing and highly satisfactory session in the large dining hall, filled with tables loaded with the greatest variety of luxuries, all within strict, hygienic limits; and we wondered meanwhile how the epicure and glutton could think that starvation would follow if they abandoned the improper food which is surely working destruction on body and soul.
We may next notice the ample accommodations and conveniences of the bath-rooms, where nature's great remedy, “aqua pura fontana” (pure water from the fountain), proves, in numberless instances, its health-restoring power. Next, pass through the halls and take a view of the pleasant, neatly furnished rooms of the patients, distributed through several buildings, surrounded with delightful shade and lawn, supplied with flowers and croquet grounds to beguile the leisure hour. * As evening approaches, pause, as the hour of prayer brings together in the parlor this large household; and while the offering of sincere praise and prayer ascends, you will feel that the blessing of the heavenly Physician must rest upon this household. So may it ever be, the heart responds. Add to these attractions the cheerful faces, willing hands, and sympathizing hearts of physicians and attendants; and it must be acknowledged that Battle Creek Health Institute has well earned the high reputation it sustains in the country around.
Thus entertained, the afternoon and evening passed here. Next morning, Bro. W. came with friendly greetings, conducted us to his hospitable dwelling, and manifested such true cordiality and kindness as only the noble Christian soul knows how to bestow. Truly, such unexpected, kind attentions awaken a desire to be more deserving, and inspire the determination to be diligent and faithful in future duties. It is certainly remarkable that the general manager of this Society, with all his arduous and multiplied duties, while giving efficient attention to the comprehensive whole, can yet find time for all the minor points, and the little courtesies of every-day life.