p. 38 | Review and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 5. (7/27/1876)

VERY IMPORTANT.

By H. A. St. John

Every person in Ohio who has any love for the cause of God under the third angel’s message, cannot but feel some interest in the success of the soon-coming camp-meeting. Such a meeting should give new spiritual life and hope and courage to believers, and a new impetus to the cause in our Conference. To this end, I have a suggestion to make to our good people in Ohio, which will, I am sure, if heeded, prove a great blessing to us individually and collectively.

Reader, whether you now purpose to attend this important meeting or not, the suggestion is to you. It is this: Take Testimony for the Church, No. 20, turn to article entitled, “Camp-Meetings,” and read carefully and prayerfully, with a view to individual profit. Please be entreated not to neglect this. I feel very certain it may prove a blessing to you. Perhaps the editor will insert the above-mentioned article in the Review, that all may have access to it.

H. A. St. John.

Clyde, Ohio.

The following is the article referred to:—

There can be no influence so detrimental to a camp-meeting, or any gathering for religious worship, as much visiting and careless conversation. Frequently men and women assemble in companies, and engage in conversation upon common subjects which do not relate to the meeting. Some have brought their farms with them, and others their houses, laying their plans for building. Some are dissecting the characters of others, and have no time or disposition to search their own hearts, to discover the defects in their own characters, that they may correct their wrongs, and perfect holiness in the fear of God. If all who profess to be followers of Christ would improve the time out of meeting in conversing upon the truth, in dwelling upon the Christian’s hope, in searching their own hearts, and in earnest prayer before God, pleading for his blessings, there would be a much greater work accomplished than we have yet seen. Unbelievers, who falsely accuse those who believe the truth, would be convinced because “of their good conversation in Christ.” Words and actions are the fruit which we bear: “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

God gave direction to the Israelites to assemble before him in the place which he should choose, and observe special days at set periods, wherein no unnecessary work was to be done; but the time was to be devoted to a consideration of the blessings of God bestowed upon them. At these special seasons they were to bring gifts, free-will offerings, and thank-offerings, unto the Lord, according as the Lord had blessed them. They were directed to rejoice—the man-servant and the maid-servant, the stranger, the fatherless and widow—that God had by his own wonderful power brought them from servile bondage to the enjoyment of freedom. And they were commanded not to appear before the Lord empty. They were to bring tokens of their gratitude to God for his continual mercies and blessings bestowed upon them. These offerings were varied according to the estimate which the donors placed upon the blessings they were privileged to enjoy. Thus the characters of the people were plainly developed. Those who placed a high value upon the blessings God bestowed upon them, brought offerings in accordance with their appreciation of his blessings. Those whose moral powers were stupefied and benumbed by selfishness and idolatrous love of the favors received, instead of glowing with fervent love for their bountiful Benefactor, brought meager offerings. Thus their hearts were revealed. Besides these special religious feast-days of gladness and rejoicing, the yearly passover was to be commemorated by the Jewish nation. The Lord covenanted that, if they were faithful in the observance of his requirements, he would bless them in all their increase, and in all the works of their hands.

God requires no less of his people in these last days, in sacrifices and offerings, than he did of the Jewish nation. Those whom God has blessed with a competency, also the widow and the fatherless, should not be unmindful of his blessings. Especially should those whom he has prospered render to God the things that are God’s. They should appear before him with a spirit of self-sacrifice, and bring their offerings in accordance with the blessings he has bestowed upon them. But many whom God prospers manifest base ingratitude to him. If his blessings rest upon them, and he increases their substance, they make these bounties as cords to bind them to the love of their possessions; and they allow worldly business to take possession of their affections and their entire being, and neglect devotion and religious privileges. They cannot afford to leave their business cares and come before God, even once a year. They turn the blessings of God into a curse. They serve their own temporal interests, at the neglect of his requirements. Men with their thousands remain at home, year after year, engrossed in their worldly cares and interests, and feel that they cannot afford to make the small sacrifice of attending the yearly gatherings to worship God. He has blessed them in basket and in store, and surrounded them with his benefits on the right hand and on the left; yet they withhold from God the small offerings he has required of them. They love to serve themselves. Their souls will be like the unrefreshed desert without the dew or rain of heaven. The Lord has brought to them the precious blessing of his grace. He has delivered them from the slavery of sin and the bondage of error, and has opened to their darkened understandings the glorious light of present truth. And shall these evidences of God’s love and mercy call forth no gratitude in return? Will those who profess to believe that the end of all things is at hand be blind to their own spiritual interest and live for this world and this life alone? Do they expect their eternal interest will take care of itself? Spiritual strength will not come without an effort on their part.

Many who profess to be looking for the appearing of our Lord are anxious, burdened gain-seekers for this world. They are blind to their eternal interest. They labor for that which satisfieth not. They spend their money for that which is not bread. They strive to content themselves with the treasures they have laid up upon the earth, which must perish. And they neglect the preparation for eternity, which should be the first and only real work of their lives.

Let us all who possibly can attend these yearly gatherings. All should feel that God requires this of them. If they do not avail themselves of the privileges God has provided for them to become strong in him, and in the power of his grace, they will grow weaker and weaker, and have less and less desire to consecrate all to him. Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast. He will be present, and he will do for you that which you need most to have done. Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher interests of the soul. All the treasures you possess, be they ever so valuable, would not be rich enough to buy you peace and hope, which would be infinite gain, if it cost you all you have, and the toils and sufferings of a lifetime. To have a strong, clear sense of eternal things, and a heart of willing obedience to yield all to Christ, are blessings of more value than all the riches, and pleasures, and glories, of this world.

These camp-meetings are of importance. They cost something. The servants of God are wearing out their lives to help the people, while many of them appear as if they did not want help. For fear of losing a little of this world’s gain, some let these precious privileges come and go, as though they were of but little importance. Let all who profess to believe the truth respect every privilege that God offers them to obtain clearer views of his truth and his requirements, and the necessary preparation for his coming. A calm, cheerful, and obedient trust in God is what he requires.

You need not weary yourselves with busy anxieties and needless cares. Work on for the day, faithfully doing the work which God’s providence assigns you, and he will have a care for you. Jesus will deepen and widen your blessings. You must make efforts if you have salvation at last. Come to these meetings prepared to work. Leave your home cares, and come to find Jesus, and he will be found of you. Come with your offerings as God has blessed you. Show your gratitude to your Creator, the giver of all your benefits, by a free-will offering. Let none who are able come empty-handed. “Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

The objects of camp-meetings are to separate from business cares and burdens, and devote a few days of time exclusively to seeking the Lord. The time should be occupied in self-examination, close searching of heart, and penitential confession of sins, and renewing our vows to the most high God. If any come to these meetings for less worthy objects, we hope the character of the meeting will be such as to bring the minds of all to the proper objects of the meetings.

Some are sufferers through extra labor in preparing for camp-meeting. They are liberal-souled people, and want nothing done with stinginess. Some make large provisions, and are thoroughly wearied out when they come to the meeting, and as soon as they are released from the pressure of work, exhausted nature causes them to feel that she has been abused. Some of these persons may never have attended a camp-meeting before, and are not informed in regard to what preparations they are required to make. They lose some of the precious meetings they had purposed to attend. Now these make a mistake in making so large preparation. Nothing should be cooked or taken to the camp-meeting, unless it be the most healthful articles, cooked in a simple manner, free from all spices and greases.

I am well convinced that none need to make themselves sick preparing for camp-meeting if they observe the laws of health in their cooking. If they make no cake or pies, but cook simple graham bread, and depend on fruit, canned or dried, they need not get sick in preparing for the meeting, and they need not be sick while at the meeting. None should go through the entire meeting without some warm food. There are always cook-stoves upon the ground where this may be obtained.

Brethren and sisters must not be sick upon the encampment. If they clothe themselves properly in the chill of morning, and at night, and are particular to vary their clothing according to the changing weather, so as to preserve proper circulation, and strictly observe regularity in sleeping, and in eating of simple food, and eat nothing between meals, they need not be sick. They may be well during the meeting, and be able to appreciate the truth with clear minds, and may return to their homes refreshed in body and in spirit. Those who have been engaged in hard labor from day to day now cease their exercise, therefore should not eat their average amount of food. If they do, their stomachs will be overtaxed. It is the brain power we wish to have especially vigorous at these meetings, and in the most healthy condition to hear the truth, and to appreciate it, and to retain it, that all may practice it after their return from the meeting. If the stomach is burdened with too much food, even of a simple character, the brain force will be called to the aid of the digestive organs. There is a benumbed sensation experienced upon the brain. There is an almost impossibility of keeping the eyes open. The very truths which should be heard, understood, and practiced by them, they lose entirely through indisposition, or because the brain is almost paralyzed in consequence of the amount of food taken into the stomach.

I would recommend all to take something warm into the stomach every morning at least. You can do this without much labor. You can make graham gruel. If the graham meal is too coarse, you can sift it. While the gruel is hot you can add milk. This will make a most palatable and healthful dish for the camp-ground. And if your bread is dry, you can crumb it into your gruel, and it will be enjoyed. I do not approve of eating much cold food, for the reason that the vitality must be drawn from the system to warm the food until it becomes of the same temperature as the stomach before the work of digestion can be carried on.

Another very simple yet wholesome dish is beans boiled and baked. A portion of them may be diluted with water, add milk or cream and make a broth; the bread can be used the same as in the graham gruel.

I am gratified to see the progress made by many in the health reform, yet am sorry to see so many behind. If any become sick upon our encampments, inquiry should be made as to the cause, and note should be taken of the case. I am not willing the reputation of our camp-meetings shall suffer by being reported as the cause of making people sick. These meetings can be made a blessing to the bodily health, as well as to the health of the soul, if a proper course be pursued at these important gatherings.

THE SABBATH FOR MAN.

By R. F. Cottrell

Much breath has been spent, much ink shed and paper wasted, to disprove the declaration that “the Sabbath was made for man;” yet it will be found in the end that the Saviour spoke the truth.

The following is a specimen of the logic used to prove that the Sabbath is an institution exclusively Jewish.

The Sabbath was made for man.
The Jews are men.
Therefore, the Sabbath was made for the Jews.

Having thus proved conclusively that the Sabbath was made for the Jews, they take this conclusion as the basis, or major premise, of another argument. Thus,

The Sabbath was made for the Jews.
But the Jews are a separate and distinct class.
Therefore, the Sabbath was made for the Jews exclusively.

By the same form of argument it could be proved that the Sabbath was made exclusively for any other distinct nation, people or church under heaven. The only position left for honest men is to take the Saviour’s words at par value, admitting the truth that “the Sabbath was made for man,” and acting accordingly.

But there is another class, large and respectable, who hold that the Sabbath was made for man, for the whole human race from first to last, without distinction; but that the day of its observance has been changed from the seventh, to the first day of the week. And having “no scriptural direction for the change,” as they are obliged to acknowledge, their first and best argument in its support is that the Sabbath commandment is indefinite, as it respects the day—that any one day of rest after six of labor fully meets its demand. A change of the day, they argue, is not the slightest change of the commandment.

According to their exposition, the Jews were required to keep a seventh part of time, no matter which day of the seven, and Christians are required to do precisely the same thing. How is it, then, that the day has been changed? According to their own showing, there has been no change of the day whatever. Why talk as they do of a “Jewish” and a “Christian Sabbath”? It is all one—any one day of rest after six of labor. Their very foremost argument for a change of the day of the Sabbath, if good and true, proves that there has been no change at all. Yet this class, like the no-Sabbath men, will tell you that the “Jewish Sabbath” was abolished at the cross, and that all now ought to keep the “Christian Sabbath,” ignoring the fact, and forgetting their own acknowledgment of it, that the Sabbath was made for man, the whole race without distinction. And what is this “Christian Sabbath” of which they speak, and for which they plead? It is a definite day the world over, the first day of the week and that only. No other day will do. It would be Judaism, as they view it, for one to use the right the commandment of God gives him, by choosing the seventh day of the seven for his day of rest and worship.

And such are the men who desire a “religious amendment” of our national Constitution, which shall give the power to “enforce” upon all the observance of a definite day, the first day of the week! Had Paul murdered logic as these men do, well might Festus have claimed that he was mad. To set out to justify a change of the day by an assertion which, if true, inevitably leads to the conclusion that a change of the day is an impossibility, since the commandment never required more or less than the keeping of an indefinite day—any one day in seven! Can sane men believe that God ever gave such a loose law to men? But they design to improve it, so as to enforce a particular day. And it would be a real improvement, provided the law of God were of such a character as they slanderously represent it to be. R. F. COTTRELL.

TO THE N. E. CONFERENCE.

By Stephen N. Haskell

At the Conference quarterly meeting held at Washington, N. H., it was decided by a unanimous vote to change the location of the camp-meeting the present season. Some of the reasons for changing the meeting to Groveland are as follows:—

1. That a new class of hearers may be reached. The present location is surrounded by cities as well as by smaller towns. Haverhill and Bradford are but three miles distant. It is eight miles from Lawrence, ten from Newburyport, and seventeen from Lowell. The camp-ground is easy of access from all these points, by public as well as private conveyance, and Haverhill and Newburyport by water as well as by rail.

2. Throughout this section of country, there are different bodies of Adventists whose influence has been prejudicial to the truth. They have used, as weapons against us, misrepresentations of our views upon the subject of spiritual gifts.

3. The brethren living in Ipswich, Mass., during the past year have been quite active in distributing our publications, especially, the Signs. As a result of this effort there is quite an interest manifested on the part of the people to know about these things for themselves, and particularly to hear Bro. and Sr. White.

There are reasons why there should be a general rally of the friends of the cause throughout the Conference at this meeting. The cause of truth is rising everywhere, and we feel that advance steps should be taken at this camp-meeting, that we may the more successfully work for God. It is the mind of the Conference Committee that every effort shall be made to call the attention of the public to our views at this time by the use of secular papers and by advertising in other ways. Through the advice and assistance of the General Conference Committee, we believe that a more extensive effort can be made, and a more successful step taken, in this direction than has ever before been done in this Conference. We, as a people and as individuals, need such counsel and help as can be given us by the servants of God who have had long experience in this work, and these servants are expected at this meeting.

Let none remain away thinking the expense of coming to this place will be greater than to South Lancaster. The expense from South Lancaster to Groveland is only one dollar and seventy-five cents, and none would come through Lancaster except those coming from Worcester, Mass. Those coming from Rhode Island, by taking the early train from Providence via Mansfield and Framingham, will reach Lowell at 9 A. M., and make close connection with the Boston and Maine R. R., which will bring them directly to the camp-ground. Those coming over the Cheshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts railroads, also those coming from Worcester, will change cars at Ayer Junction for Lowell. Those from Manchester and Nashua, N. H., will change cars for Groveland, at South Lawrence, Mass.

We hope our brethren everywhere will procure family tents as far as consistent, as it is thought advisable not to have the large preaching tents occupied by families, as heretofore, but by brethren only.

Those wishing to rent or purchase tents will please order at once of M. Wood, corner of K. and Emerson St., South Boston, Mass., who will see that they are delivered upon the ground. Prices will range about as years before.

Finally, we would say to all of our friends in New England, Commence immediately to prepare to come up to this feast. Bring your unconverted children, friends, and neighbors, and come with a heart to seek God, as never before, and you will see his salvation.

S. N. HASKELL,

VIRGINIA

By Dudley Marvin Canright

WEDNESDAY, July 5, I went to Mt. Jackson, near New Market, Va., where Brn. Lane and Corliss had been laboring. They had just closed a tent-meeting there. The interest was very small. All my meetings with them were held in Bro. Woods' meeting-house, about four miles from New Market. The brethren began their work at New Market with a very good interest, but were soon entirely shut out from any public place of meetings. This crippled them considerably. However, about twenty remain firm for the truth. They hold Sabbath and other meetings in a private house.

Father Woods, an influential member of the Christian (not Campbellite) church, on whose farm is a good meeting-house, opened this to the brethren. Here they had a good hearing. Father Woods with many of his large family which are settled near him, and others of the neighborhood, heartily embraced the present truth. I think there are about thirty Sabbath-keepers here. Geo. Woods, a minister, has charge of two Christian churches, to which he now preaches the Sabbath and the whole truth. At my meeting, he gave up his pipe and tobacco for an English Bible presented by his brethren. A good exchange!

I began meetings Thursday night, and continued till Sunday afternoon. We had a large attendance; there was a deep interest, and I had freedom in preaching the word. I dwelt principally upon the history of our work and of our people, our customs, our institutions, ordinances, Systematic Benevolence, and the like. This was what the brethren and the people wanted to hear about. Those who hate the truth had circulated all sorts of foolish and slanderous reports concerning our people and the two brethren laboring here. It was said that they had no one to back them, that they would soon leave, that there was nothing permanent in the work, &c. Though not really believed by our friends, yet these false rumors made some hesitate and others fear; so my coming and testimony were much help and encouragement to the brethren in their work. Sabbath Bro. Corliss baptized four. Others will go forward soon.

Several things make the work hard and slow here.

1. The suspicion with which a Northern man is regarded at the South. Opponents can use this scarecrow when all else fails. But this cannot last long.

2. The Lutherans and the Dunkards are the main churches here, and they are very bigoted and intolerant. Besides, their members have no family prayers, nor do they take any part in social meetings, either in speaking or praying. It seems almost impossible to break up these old ideas and habits. Less than half a dozen out of all the Sabbath-keepers here take any part in social meetings as yet. A radical change must soon be wrought in this respect or the cause will greatly suffer.

3. Generally, the people do not read much. Many cannot read at all. This cuts off, to a great extent, our work with tracts. But of late a great improvement has been made in this respect.

Most of the people seem to be quite intelligent, well-behaved, open-hearted, and willing to hear. The Shenandoah Valley is one of the richest and most beautiful countries I have ever seen. The water is abundant, cold, and clear; the air is pure and healthful; the soil, rich; and the mountain scenery, grand and delightful. Of course, the people are well off, having spacious buildings and all the comforts of life. Brn. Lane and Corliss have labored hard, and have gained many friends to the cause besides those who are keeping the Sabbath. A good token is that every week some one is embracing the truth. A good foundation is laid, and a good work is begun. Patient labor, and a steady holding on to the work, with a little time, will, I believe, give them a good Conference in Virginia.

As a great cry had been raised against us for our plan of s. B., and it was affirmed that we demanded one-tenth of all a man owned when he joined the church, I preached upon this subject on Sunday, stating the real facts, viz., that s. B., is one-tenth of a man's increase, not a tenth of what he owns, and that even this is voluntary, and no matter of compulsion. Our people were all well pleased. Those present then raised a subscription of $82 for the brethren. Absent ones will probably raise it to above $100.

I left Brn. Lane and Corliss, and their families, in excellent health and good courage. They have pitched the tent in a new place. They have some important improvements in their tent, of which I wish to speak hereafter.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Rome, N. Y.

ST. LAWRENCE CO., N. Y.

By S. B. Whitney

Since my last report, I have again visited Sweden, Monroe Co., attending a district quarterly meeting at Parma on my way. I held meetings in Clarendon, adjoining Sweden, about two weeks, in two neighborhoods alternately, from both of which there were urgent calls. Several acknowledged the truth, and one decided to obey. I think several others would if I could have remained with them, and hope they may as it is. I visited the friends in Weedsport again, and found them prospering.

June 10 and 11, I attended the district quarterly meeting at Frankfort, which was very good. I came to Hermon, St. Lawrence Co., the 12th, to pitch the tent. Bro. Hall joined me the 13th. We had previously arranged to locate the tent here and had obtained a site. We put it up and started meetings the 14th; but just before night, and before we had our tent in readiness for the meeting, a terrible storm arose that pulled all our stakes on one side, and loaded our tent with water. This was but the prelude to a series of disasters; for in less than four weeks' time our tent has been blown in four times from three directions, and we have had to let it down a number of times besides, to save it from being blown in. The attendance was very good on the start, but the weather cut it down materially, as the storms generally came just before meeting time, and for three weeks it rained every day but one or two; and since the weather has changed the hurry of haying has been such that we have not been able to get it back. Nevertheless, the Lord has seemed to work for us, and last Sabbath we had an excellent meeting. Fifteen were present, besides some from abroad, and seven of these committed themselves with deep emotion and apparent satisfaction upon the Sabbath.

There is considerable excitement and strong opposition in the community, but the interest seems to be deepening. We remain with them awhile longer.

S. B. WHITNEY.

Herman, N. Y., July 18, 1876.

SOUTHERN KANSAS TENT.

By J. H. Cook

We have just taken down our Southern Kansas tent, which had been pitched in Monmouth about four weeks. We have held meetings only about half of that time, as it was in the midst of harvesting. The general interest, for the present, is past.

Opposition has been very bitter; but six have commenced to observe the Sabbath, and as there are about as many more who were Sabbath-keepers when we came here, we expect about a dozen persons to sign the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We shall remain a week or ten days, to strengthen the few, and to ward off, if possible, a little of the wrath of the dragon.

J. H. COOK.

Monmouth, Kans., July 11, 1876.

ROSSIE, N. Y.

By H. H. Wilcox

SINCE my last report, I have visited Rossie. I found the church there, in the main, firm, and the interest good. I learned, on reaching the place, that a Presbyterian minister had visited them and preached a discourse to prove a change of the Sabbath. This helped us; for he was a learned man, and the friends thought if there was any evidence to prove a change he would bring it forward. This he did not do; therefore, they were confirmed in the belief that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and one more has commenced to keep it.

He told them that Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week, and that he had power to change the day; therefore he did change it. But they could not accept of simple assertions; for God has said, Ps. 89:34, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Again in verse 28, “My covenant shall stand fast with Him [Christ].” This covenant they understand to be the covenant which God commanded, or the ten moral precepts, of which the Sabbath is a part. One of the sins of which men in the last days will be guilty is covenant-breaking (2 Tim. 3:3), but God and his beloved Son are never thus guilty.

H. H. WILCOX.

Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 8.

HOPE

By J. C. Clemens

Hope is an anchor of the soul, And one that cannot fail, If fixed on Him who ministereth For us within the vail.

Hope burneth like a beacon bright When darkness gathereth round; 'T will guide our bark to Zion's port; Oh! then, let hope abound.

E'en in the gloomy hour of death The righteous hopeth still; He who hath said, Your graves I'll ope, That promise will fulfill.

So looking for that blessed hope, And for our coming Lord, We feast upon the promises Recorded in his word.

Then, O my soul, hope thou in God; For he thy portion is; A rock of refuge will he be, To all them that are his.

J. C. CLEMENS. Allegan, Mich.

LANSING, MICH.

By D. H. Lamson; E. R. Jones

The third week of the tent-meeting here is almost past. The interest has been far less than we desired to see, yet it is thought to be gradually increasing. Only on Sunday evenings have there been large gatherings of the people. Last Sunday evening many more were present than could be seated. Our week-day congregations will not average more than sixty, but these, for the most part, come to hear and give the strictest attention.

Lansing is emphatically a city of churches, there being seventeen organizations whose weekly services are noticed in the papers of the place. The meetings are thoroughly advertised, and both papers have each week offered us space in their local columns. Some of the ministers of the place have done all in their power to prejudice the minds of the people, and have, to a great extent, succeeded; yet there are some who assert their freedom, and are not affected by the cry of “fatal heresy” and “modern Sadducee.” At each succeeding meeting new faces appear, and already many friends show their good will by providing for our necessities and inviting us to their homes. We hope yet by the blessing of God and due perseverance to obtain for the truth a foothold here. We have not yet touched upon the Sabbath question, but immediately enter upon it, and we shall hold Sabbath meetings each week as long as we remain.

We hope for the prayers of the sincere lovers of the truth as often as they pray, and that when they can they will meet with us. Do not forget us, brethren, at the capital of the State.

D. H. LAMSON, E. R. JONES.

MARTIN CO., MINNESOTA.

By D. P. Curtis; F. W. Morse

We came to this place (Fairmont) with our tent on Monday the 10th, at the earnest solicitation of the brethren in the country around, and of many of the leading business men of the town. It is the county seat of Martin County, and a stirring little place. We pitched the tent in the best location that we could find. On account of rain, we did not get a congregation until the evening of Thursday, when some seventy-five or more came in. We have since had from fifty to one hundred and fifty. Last evening's meeting was the largest. The Lord gave freedom in speaking, and a deep and solemn stillness pervaded the congregation. We cannot tell what another evening may bring forth. On Sabbath, the brethren came in from Tenhassen, and the country around, and we had a good meeting.

We are of good courage, and hope for the salvation of God to come to this people. Pray for us, brethren.

D. P. CURTIS, F. W. MORSE.

Fairmont, July 17, 1876.

WISCONSIN TENT, NO. 1.

By I. Sanborn; O. A. Johnson

We pitched the tent in Vernon Co., the 8th of July, for the purpose of finishing up the work commenced here last spring by Bro. Johnson and myself. We have an increasing interest. We shall stay here until the 24th, and then go to Viroqua, the county seat, and commence meetings there the 27th.

We earnestly request the prayers of the people, especially of those in this Conference; for I am convinced that if there was more earnest praying done by the dear brethren and sisters for those who are out with tents, and especially for those who hear preaching, and if the prayers were as earnest as those of the prophet Elijah when he prayed for rain, we should see greater results. The minister may reason ever so closely, but if there is not much earnest praying done, both by the minister and the people of God, there will be but little increase as the result of his labors.

At this time there are about fifty tents in the Lord's harvest field, and if they only average two hundred hearers each, ten thousand are hearing the truth every evening, besides those who are hearing it in school-houses. There is therefore no other season in the whole year when so many are listening to the truth for the first time. And instead of the brethren and sisters becoming slack in their devotions, they should greatly increase their zeal.

The ministers go out feeling anxious to win many souls to the Lord, but while they weep and pray, and plead with the people, perhaps their brethren and sisters at home have not time to attend the weekly prayer-meeting. Perhaps they neglect family worship a part or all the time of harvest; and of course, in such cases they do not take time to pray much in secret. Now we ask you all to pray for the advancement of the work of God, just now, with more zeal and fervency than you ever have before. When you see an appointment for a tent-meeting, plead with the Lord earnestly to bless his word and make it powerful in convicting and converting the people.

Dear brethren and sisters of the Wisconsin Conference, pray more earnestly than ever that the Lord may greatly advance his cause the present season.

I. SANBORN, O. A. JOHNSON. July 13, 1876.

THE ROME, N. Y., TENT.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

With Brn. Buel and Wilber Whitney, I came to Rome, Wednesday, July 12. We found all things favorable. We secured a beautiful place for the tent, the most desirable of any in the city. We advertised in the papers, put out three hundred large posters 30x44 inches in size, and distributed three thousand hand-bills at the houses.

The brethren have taken great care to seat, light, and arrange the tent, tastefully. We also have an organ which helps us greatly in our music. The weather has been fine. At our first meeting, Saturday evening, we had about four hundred out, and at the next meeting, Sunday night, about seven or eight hundred. I never saw better order. Indeed, I have seldom seen a meeting open so favorably and with so extensive an interest as this one. But unless God specially helps us, Satan may bring in many things to destroy all this. D. M. CANRIGHT.

Plymouth, July 17, 1876

By T. M. STEWARD

OHIO TENT, NO. 3.

We closed our meetings in Plymouth last evening, July 16. There has been a spirit of indifference on the part of the mass of the people from the first. There has been no outward opposition, but a determination to let the matter alone. The first week our meetings were broken up by rains. We have had rain all the time, more or less, which has interfered very much with the interest. The centennial fourth also took the attention of the people. But four worthy persons have taken their stand with us on the truth. They will hold meetings on the Sabbath, and I trust, through their influence, others who are interested will be brought in. I have sold but few books, and obtained only two subscribers to the REVIEW.

The tent goes this morning to Norwalk to await the camp-meeting. I go, by request of Bro. St. John, to help Bro. Butler, who reports himself about worn out. I long to be qualified for the work. Pray for me. T. M. STEWARD.

Plymouth, July 17, 1876

HOWARD CO., IND.

By W. W. Sharp; Wm. Covert

The Conference gave us the old 60 ft. tent, which we cut down to 45 ft., repaired and pitched in a pleasant grove near the village of West Liberty, a small place, containing about a dozen families. We commenced meetings June 2, with a congregation of one hundred and twenty-five, which has increased to an average of one hundred and fifty. The people have been very kind, boarding us, and doing us many favors from the first.

We have held fifty-three meetings. Nine have signed the covenant, and five others promised by vote to keep the Sabbath. Many are convinced, for some of whom we have reason to hope. A sermon was preached against the Sabbath last Sunday, which was reviewed before about four hundred people with good effect.

We shall remain here a week, and then go to Green Town, about seven miles from this place. We intend to hold meetings here each Sabbath for several weeks. Pray for us. W. W. SHARP, Wm. COVERT. West Liberty, Ind., July 18, 1876.

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