There has been much that is bad in the times that are past. There is much that is bad in the time present. But, thanks be to God! there is a good time coming.
But for whom is there a good time coming? For everybody? No! For drunkards, and gamblers, and pleasure-seekers, and money-lovers, and gluttons, and liars, and swearers, and covetous people? No! No! No! There is no good time coming for them. For them there is nothing coming but “everlasting destruction,” except they repent.
Reader, the good time coming is for the people of God. It is for believers in Christ. It is for the converted, the penitent, the holy, the Bible-reading, the praying servants of Christ. Now it is a time of battle and toil with them. They are worn and wearied with sin, the world, and the Devil. But it shall not be always so. Their good time is to come. Their good time is when Jesus Christ returns to this world.
When the good time comes, the godly shall be freed from everything which now mars their comfort. From the fiery darts of Satan—from the loathsome weakness of the flesh, which now clings to them—from the unkind world which now misrepresents and misunderstands them—from the doubts and fears which now so darken their path—from the weariness which now clogs their best efforts to serve the Lord—from coldness and deadness—from shortcomings and backslidings—from all these they shall be delivered for ever. They shall no longer be vexed by temptation, persecuted by the world, warred against by the Devil.—Their conflict shall all be over. Their strife with the flesh shall forever cease. The armor of God, which they have so long worn, shall at length be laid aside. They shall be where there is no Satan, no worldliness, and no sin.
When the good time comes, the godly shall not only enjoy a freedom from all evil, but they shall also enjoy the presence of all good. They shall be forever in the company of Christ, and go out no more. Faith shall then be swallowed up in sight. Hope shall become certainty. Knowledge shall at length be perfect. Prayer shall be turned into praise. Desires shall receive their full accomplishment. Hunger and thirst after conformity to Christ's image, shall at length be satisfied. The thought of parting shall not spoil the pleasure of meeting. The company of saints shall be enjoyed without hurry and distraction. The family of Abraham shall no more feel temptations; nor the family of Job, afflictions; nor the family of David, household bereavements; nor the family of Paul, thorns in the flesh; nor the family of Lazarus, poverty and sores. Every tear shall be wiped away in that day. It is the time when the Lord shall say, “I make all things new.”
Oh! reader, if God's children find joy and peace in believing even now, what tongue shall tell their feelings when they behold the King in his beauty? If the report of the land that is far off has been sweet to them in the wilderness, what pen shall describe their happiness when they see it with their own eyes? If it has cheered them now and then to meet two or three like-minded in this evil world, how their hearts will burn within them when they see a multitude that no man can number, the least defect of each purged away, and not one false brother in the list! If the narrow way has been a way of pleasantness to the scattered few who have traveled it with their poor, frail bodies, how precious shall their rest seem in the day of gathering together, when they have a glorious body like their Lord's!
Is there a man or woman among the readers of this page who ever laughs at true religion? Is there one who persecutes and ridicules vital godliness in others, and dares to talk of people being over-particular, and righteous over-much? Oh! beware what you are doing; again I say, Beware! You may live to think very differently.—You may live to alter your opinion, but perhaps too late. Ah! reader, there is a day before us all when there will be no infidels. Before the throne of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord. Remember that day, and beware.
Is there any one among the readers of this page who is mocked and despised for the gospel's sake, and feels as if he stood alone? Take comfort. Be patient. Wait a little longer.—Your good time shall yet come. When the spies returned from searching Canaan, men talked of stoning Caleb and Joshua because they brought a good report of the land. A few days passed away, and all the assembly confessed that they alone had been right. Strive to be like them. Follow the Lord fully, as they did, and sooner or later, all men shall confess that you did well. Never, never be afraid of going too far. Never, never be afraid of being too holy. Millions will lament in the day of Christ's return, because they have not got religion enough;—not one will be heard to say that he has got too much. Take comfort. For you there's a good time coming.—J. C. Ryle.
MONTHLY MEETING AT SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS.
By F. C. Rodman
There was the largest number of Sabbath-keepers at this meeting that has ever attended any previous meeting in this place, and all appeared interested in the work of the Lord. Although some who came were rather low spirited, yet none showed any disposition to draw back, but all were disposed to press up in the work of overcoming. Our first meeting was Sabbath eve. The most of our brethren and sisters had arrived before the Sabbath. This is as it should be, unless hindered in the providence of God.
Bro. Canright was with us with interest and zeal for his Master. Our first meeting was quite interesting. Brethren and sisters were rather slow to move at first, but before we finally closed, there was more of a readiness to confess the Lord and comfort one another. Sabbath morning, met at 9 o’clock for prayer and social exercises. It was good to be there, yet not so much freedom as we love to see manifested with the brethren and sisters. I hope there will be a greater consecration and readiness everywhere, to take hold in this good work as shall please the Lord.
At half-past ten, Bro. Canright gave us a good talk on 1 Pet. i, 12, putting us in remembrance of our duty, not only to profess, but to live out present truth, each doing our part in giving ourselves wholly to the work in our several departments, in giving our means, time, and all we have and are to God, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
In the afternoon at half-past two, I spoke on Rev. xxii, 7, subject, overcoming.
At half-past seven, Bro. C. gave an interesting discourse on 1 John iii, 8, showing that this earth, now groaning under the curse, would finally be restored, and the righteous live therein forever, when the Devil and all that have chosen to serve sin, will be no more forever.
First-day, met at eight o’clock for class-meeting. Some two hours were spent in hearing brethren and sisters speak of experiences, hopes and fears, when a word of counsel and comfort was imparted to each as they spoke. Seven united with the church, six were baptized by Bro. C., at this meeting, one of them a Sr. Sturges from Connecticut, who met with us, and for the first time heard the truth from the living preacher, having been led to embrace the truth by reading the REVIEW and our publications. She had never, until she came to this meeting, seen one of like precious faith, except her own sister who was led to embrace the truth through her instrumentality, and she has been keeping the Sabbath about a year and a half. Who will be faint and desponding? I trust all will be of good cheer, as the Master bids us, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not.
At eleven, we spoke from 2 Thess. iii, and at about 12½ o’clock, gathered at the water, where six were baptized as named above. Quite a number were present to witness the administering of the ordinance, of whom it is hoped that some may be led to embrace the last message, and be saved from the delusions of these days.
At half-past two, Bro. C. gave a good discourse on James iii, 24, in which were shown the two extremes we are liable to run into. 1. To expect justification and salvation by works alone, and 2. By faith alone. How reasonable is the Bible plan to save men.
At six, met again to attend to some business, which was promptly done. At half-past seven we spoke again, in much infirmity, on the Judgment. Good attention was given.
So closed a good meeting, where there was a drawing nigh to God by some, and others were made to feel its importance, and I trust, as they stated, intend to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that they may be exalted in due time.
F. C. RODMAN.
S. Lancaster, Mass., June 9, 1868.
HE LEADETH ME.
By J. C. W.
[Bro. Smith: By request I send the following hymn for publication in the REVIEW. The author's name I have forgotten. J. C. W.]
He leadeth me, oh! blessed thought,
Oh! words with heavenly comfort fraught;
Whate'er I do; whate'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
CHO.—He leadeth me; he leadeth me;
By his own hand he leadeth me.
His faithful follower I would be,
For by his hand he leadeth me.
Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom;
Sometimes when Eden's bowers bloom;
By waters still; o'er troubled sea;
Still 'tis his hand that leadeth me.—CHO.
Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,
And never murmur nor repine,
Content whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.—CHO.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by thy grace the victory's won,
E'en death's cold waves I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.—CHO.
A CONFESSION.
By H. S. Lay
I FEEL that I have a confession to make to the people of God, and I know of no better place to make it than through the columns of the REVIEW.
Since occupying the position of physician at the Health Institute, I have not stood in the counsel of God as I should. I have trusted too much in self, and not enough in God; and by so doing, I have been in a measure shorn of my spiritual strength, and have become a weak man.
In many cases where the sick have been benefited under my care by hygienic treatment, instead of giving all the glory to God, as I should have done, I have taken a large portion of it to myself, and thereby sinned against God.
And in regard to the amusements, I would say that I imbibed errors while at Dansville, and on opening the Institute, I labored under the false impression that to have amusements for the sick, was in harmony with the testimony given in Rochester in December, 1865.
With these false ideas, I introduced amusements among the patients at the Institute, which though very simple at first, were afterward carried to so great an extent as to prove an injury to the spiritual advancement of believers at the Institute, and to affect the church at Battle Creek, and more or less the cause at large.
In consequence of the foregoing wrongs on my part, I became so blinded that I was slow to comprehend and move out upon the light presented in those letters, the copies of which are given in Testimony No. 12.
I fully endorse the testimonies of Sr. White, as from God, and ever have, since my first acquaintance with them.
I trust I have heartily repented of my past wrongs as far as I know them, and would most earnestly beg to be forgiven by all my brethren, especially Bro. and Sr. White, and all others that have suffered from my past course.
I do feel that God for Christ's sake has accepted my humiliation and confession, and has forgiven me, and from this time forth, by the assisting grace of God, I shall strive to crucify self, and be a humble follower of the meek and lowly Jesus.
Will you pray for me that I may discharge every duty, overcome all my sins, and finally stand with you all on Mount Zion ?
H. S. LAY.
A Convert Embraces Present Truth
By Julia C. Wilson
From Sr. Wilson.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For more than two years, I have been a constant reader of the REVIEW, and have often wished that I might take part in this great conference meeting, but have never felt at liberty to do so until within a short time. A little more than two years ago, I was converted to God, and united with the Baptist church. Very soon after, the REVIEW, Spiritual Gifts, &c., were placed in my hands. At first I read them because I wanted spiritual food, not from any desire or expectation of ever believing their doctrines. The Sabbath soon attracted my attention, and after a long investigation I was satisfied that it was my duty to keep the seventh day. But I would not take up this cross until I found that I must give up my hope in Christ if I did not. “For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” I have been keeping the Sabbath since last August, and I thank God, I am now alive with the law.
A short time ago, I united with the Advent people. I am now alone; I have not a relative of like faith, neither is there another Sabbath-keeper in town, that I know of. I am so situated that it is very inconvenient for me to live out these great truths, being the oldest of a large family of children, and meeting considerable opposition. I have one sister that is a Baptist, and another that is a Presbyterian. Satan has desired to have me, that he may sift me as wheat; but I have been greatly blessed of God in taking this step. He has truly brought me into a large place, and has filled my heart with peace. It is sweet to trust in Jesus, and feel that his grace is sufficient for us.
For a long time I have prayed for courage, strength, and patience, to run the race which is set before me, and my prayer is being answered. My mind has been opened to a fuller realization of the responsibilities which are resting upon those who are looking for the soon coming of Christ. May we, each and every one, feel that we have a work to do, which no other can do for us. We should all be preachers in some way. I ask your prayers, that I may do my duty faithfully, and so live that when Jesus comes to make up his jewels, I may be among them. JULIA C. WILSON.
Allegany Co., N. Y.
ELIZA I. CONNET
By Eliza I. Connet.
From Sister Connet.
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: It is with fear and trembling that I take up my pen to write. When I read from time to time the touching and affectionate letters in the REVIEW from those that I never saw, and especially the lonely ones, there is something within that prompts me to try and say something for the encouragement of others that are like myself—that have no earthly friend to go to for counsel, as we journey on through this wilderness world, striving to gain an entrance into that goodly land promised to all those that are faithful in keeping all of God's commandments.
It is over a year since I commenced to keep the true Sabbath of the Lord. I have never felt like giving it up; I love it more and more. Oh! how it pains me to hear those around me mock and reproach God's holy law, and despise the truth. I feel to cry out, How long, O Lord, how long wilt thou permit these things to be? My heart often feels sad and grieved at the coldness that I meet with from my nearest kin; but when I think of Jesus' being my friend if I am faithful until he comes, that disperses all my gloom and I feel to take fresh courage. Oh! how sweet the thought to all those that love his appearing, that are patiently waiting and watching for him, the great King of kings who will soon return to gather home his children. Oh! blessed hope. I often ask myself the question, Do I love his appearing? Would I rejoice to see him coming? Sometimes I fear and tremble lest my name shall not be found in the book of life when he comes. Dear friends, pray for me, one of the weakest and unworthiest of the unworthy, that I may be found sealed with the seal of God's everlasting covenant when the destroying angel goes forth to pour out the vials of wrath without mixture. Oh! that the Lord would help me to come while the True Witness is counseling me to buy gold tried in the fire and white raiment, that I may have on that robe of righteousness that will be acceptable in the great day of the marriage feast, and eye-salve that I may see myself aright, and humble myself, take up my cross and follow my blessed Master through evil report as well as good report. Oh! for more of a cross-bearing and self-denying spirit, that I may be willing to do anything and bear all things for the sake of him who has done so much for me, and is still pleading with the Father for all those that come to him through the merits of his atoning blood. Solemn thought! when we think that the hour of his judgment is come; that Jesus our great High Priest is now deciding the cases of all those that seek him, and obey all God's commandments. Oh Lord, help me to be faithful!
Your unworthy sister, in hope of eternal life.
ELIZA I. CONNET
Richland Co., Ill.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
Rejoicing in Present Truth
By C. M. SHEPARD
From Sister Shepard.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I wish to say to you that I still rejoice in the light of present truth, and in the increasing amount of evidence which I have, that the Lord is leading his people through and preparing them for translation.
What if all do not live out the truth, and become sanctified through it! We can plainly see that those who do live it out are growing more humble, unselfish, and lovely like Jesus. I can see and feel that the truth is pure, elevating, and holy, and I want to walk in the light of it. I feel that it will not do to neglect any duty after it is made plain to me; for the light that is in me might become darkness, and then the darkness of my mind would be greater than if it had never been illuminated.
The Sermon by Bro. White in REVIEW, No. 23, Vol. xxxi, on An Acceptable Fast to the Lord, I feel is truly meat in due season.
To-day I have been reading the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, and am strongly impressed with the conviction that the Seventh-day-Advent Benevolent Association is closely connected with the third angel's message.
I thank God for the promise that “unto them that look for him Jesus will appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Though I did expect him in 1844 and was disappointed, I am thankful now for the experience that I had then; for I know that the Lord was in that work, and those who rejected the heavenly message were left in darkness. I was not left in darkness when the time passed by, yet I was in doubt and perplexity until I understood the truth in regard to the sanctuary.
We are a highly favored people; we have so much light and truth; but oh! how fearful is our responsibility! The servant who knows his Master's will and does it not, will be beaten with many stripes. We can all overcome if we have sufficient strength; that is clear. But we have no strength of our own. Then let us lean wholly on the Lord. In him is everlasting strength. If we pray enough, and watch all we can, we shall never fail. I believe the promise of God to ancient Israel, that, “as thy day is, thy strength shall be,” is as good now as it ever was. And now as our race is all enfeebled by wrong habits and disease, and the power of Satan is great against us, let us seek the Lord oftener in secret, until we obtain the victory. We know that it is our privilege to have a daily experience in the things of God. If this is so, we have a glorious prospect before us, even the saints' inheritance. If we are making no advancement in the way of holiness, we have reason to be alarmed. Oh! what is there in this vain world of sufficient value to draw our minds away from Jesus? Surely nothing.
Let us believe in God and put our whole trust in him, and serve him in singleness of heart; and we know that “the willing and the obedient will eat the good of the land.” I am thankful that when Jesus comes, the lonely ones will all meet to part no more.
Your sister. C. M. SHEPARD.
Dodge Co., Wis.
Rejoicing in the Third Angel’s Message
By Mary Hilliard
From Sr. Hilliard.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it my duty to speak of the goodness of God to me, manifested in the light of the third angel's message. When I study this blessed truth, I praise God, and press on in the way that leads to the kingdom of eternal rest. Although myself and husband are alone in the truth, in this place, we are not weary in trying to follow in the path of our dear Saviour. I joined with the church of Wright last April, when Bro. and Sr. White were with that church. Now I feel to rejoice for the privilege I have of meeting with them once in a while. I am looking forward, with a bright hope to the morning of the resurrection, when those loved ones that have long slept in the cold and silent tomb, will come forth, clothed with immortality, and eternal life. Oh! how blessed the thought that, if we are faithful, we shall one day sit down in the kingdom of God, with all his chosen people, to go no more out forever. There our joy and peace will be complete. I will strive to meet you in that heavenly land. MARY HILLIARD.
Sabbath Keeping and Health Reform
By B. A. SEAL
From Sr. Seal.
My dear Christian friends of the REVIEW: I have for some time past thought I would like to say a few words through the REVIEW in praise of our heavenly Father, for his goodness to me in opening my eyes to the light of the truth, and the importance of keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. It has been about four years since I commenced keeping the Bible Sabbath. I had been convinced some time before, that the seventh day was the true Sabbath, but fearing my companion would be very much displeased, thought it not proper to keep it, till one Saturday I had commenced cleaning the floor, when my feelings overwhelmed me. It seemed that my case would be doleful if I kept not the Sabbath. I at that time resolved in my mind to keep the true Sabbath, God being my helper. I can truly say, the Sabbath is a holy, sacred day to me. Mr. Seal soon commenced keeping the Sabbath too; so I am not quite alone. We are the only ones that keep it here within a dozen miles or more. We have the REVIEW and Instructor come regularly; and truly they are welcome visitors. I am trying to live the health reform, as well as I can conveniently. I have not eaten any pork for some two years past. Since that I have not had those disagreeable feelings that I had had for years before, in the summer season. I am fifty-six years of age. I have belonged to the Methodists a great many years. They still hold me as a member, though I seldom get out to meeting. I am a whole-hearted believer in Sr. White's visions, and I wish to be a whole-hearted Christian. I think I can truly say, God is uppermost in all my thoughts. I desire the prayers of God's people, that I may be an overcomer at last, and reign with them on Mount Zion.
Yours in hope of eternal life, B. A. SEAL.
Shiawassee Co., Mich.
MARY BEACH
By Mary Beach
From Sr. Beach.
BRO. SMITH: I will write a few lines in favor of present truth, which is very precious to me. I love the REVIEW; it is a welcome messenger, so full of instruction in every part, and especially those excellent sermons they contain. Dear brethren and sisters, and all the friends of present truth, I am trying to live up to my profession, in denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, which war against the soul. The health reform has done much for me. I am seventy years of age, and can move with the alacrity of youth. I feel to praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy which has followed me all my days.
From your sister looking for the mercy of God unto eternal life, and the coming of Jesus.
MARY BEACH
Jackson, Mich., June, 1868.
Trials
TRIALS.—If the Lord should suffer the best men in his camp, or the strongest men in Satan’s army, to cast you into a furnace of fiery temptation, come not out of it till you are called.
OUR ANNUAL MEETING.
By T. M. STEWARD
ANOTHER yearly meeting is past, and it reminds me of the yearly feasts they used to enjoy in ancient times. I want to say a word in reference to the state of the cause in our Conference. While we have reason to regret that so few have been persuaded to seek the Lord, yet, in surveying the past, we may well rejoice, that our brethren are becoming more firmly established in these truths, and are getting an experience in the Christian life, which will be of immense value to them amid the perils of these last days. The school of Christ is a progressive one, and we need to be renewed each day for the trials that are calculated to purify us. How comforting, as we look over the past, to see those who have been buffeted, and tried, and rebuked, and chastened, becoming firm, solid pillars in the cause. The trial of such is precious to the Master; and, like Peter, having been converted, they are able now to strengthen their brethren. May the Lord help us all to bear with patience and fortitude the purifying process, until we are perfected.
We have many reasons to believe that this has been the most profitable meeting we have ever enjoyed in our Conference. While Brn. Andrews and Cornell have most faithfully given their Bible testimonies, it was cheering to see how readily all received it as the message from Heaven. It is very evident, the Lord helped them to give it, and it is equally evident that the Lord helped the others to see and receive it by personal application to their own hearts. I trust we are to see better days here. I don't mean, when we can rest at ease and have nothing to do. No! No! But I mean when there shall be a general coming up to the help of the Lord, and when all will have a mind to work. When we may all find our place in the Lord's vineyard, and cheerfully bear our burdens with those who have been so nearly crushed, bearing our burdens. Let us stay up their hands that Israel may prevail.
I see more union in our Conference than I have ever seen before. Praise the Lord! for in union there is strength. Oh! may the ministers of Christ be richly imbued with the spirit of their Master! labor with reference to the Judgment, and clear their skirts from the blood of souls. Lord inspire us all with heavenly wisdom and divine grace for the work before us. Alas! how soon our work must be done, and we must report our labors to the high court of Heaven. Solemn thought. Only a few hours left us to labor, and then eternity hangs upon the consideration of “well done,” or “unprofitable.” Oh! for more grace, more love, and more faith. Lord, increase our faith. May the Lord so help us this conference year, that we may make more visible progress in spiritual attainments. Praying the Lord to sustain his cause in every department, to be with and bless his servants,
I remain yours in hope of life.
T. M. STEWARD.
THE COMING CONFLICT.
FOR years we have thought that Spiritualism, under the garb of religion, would act a conspicuous part in the coming struggle, and in the work of persecution against the truth. Human nature, unrestrained, cannot be trusted; and no theory or system was ever devised which so completely cast off the restraints of law and of moral principles as does Spiritualism. Yet some professed expositors of prophecy have ridiculed this part of our faith, as a thing too incredible to be entertained for a moment. No one will deny the above remark, that unrestrained human nature is tyrannical and persecuting; that it is not safe to give too much power into the hands of any body of religionists. It becomes, then, a very interesting question, Do Spiritualists aspire to this end, and to this are their labors directed? Are they aiming to substitute Spiritualism for all the religions of the day, or make them second to it and give to it the political control of our country? In addition to testimony which we have before given, we call attention to the following:
On the 10th of May last, Warren Chase delivered two lectures in Boston, Mass., on the religious and scientific phases of Spiritualism. In one he said:
“Many persons, especially in New England, were outgrowing Christianity entirely, and demanding a rational religion. What should that religion be? Spiritualism! It had come in good time. When it came it was as distinct from Christianity, as that was from Judaism. Its God was no Christ, no man, no Jehovah, but a God of rationality—an acknowledgment of the existence of God in every human breast, as in that of Jesus; the Deity was not cast out of Jesus; his habitation had only been broadened to the idea that God was born on earth every time a child was born.”
In the other he remarked:
“He beheld with heartfelt satisfaction the dawning of this new light, and he could see drawing nearer and nearer, the fulfillment of the promises he had received from the spirit-world, that the governments of earth should ultimately pass into the hands of its followers.”
Here we have the religion of Spiritualism or rationalism, with all its falsities, immoralities, and blasphemies, to have control of the governments of earth! This, with them, is no unmeaning talk, no “temporal millennium,” to be prayed for and looked for at some far-distant day; but it is what they are working for with all their energies, backed up with the “working of Satan, with power, and signs, and lying wonders.”
In a late number of the Banner of Light, under the head of “Protestantism and Politics,” which is really a consideration of the controversy between Protestantism and Catholicism, are the following remarks:
“This question of the union of Church and State, seemingly tending to a different answer in England, promises to come up with us before long, in momentous proportions. We have numerous premonitions of its approach now. On American soil, it is believed by not a few, is to be fought out that stern battle between the two religious systems—Catholicism and Protestantism—which will decide the question of a united religious and political supremacy for the Continent. That Protestantism, by that name, is in a state of decay, it is not possible in strict truth to deny. We see its ranks broken up into innumerable sects, and crumbling away in the pursuit of doctrines not taught by its founders. What it will lead to, is just the problem. Were the result to prove no more than the ecclesiastical aggrandizement of either one side or the other, it would be one of the most unfortunate that could occur, knowing as much as we do of the tendencies of such a power. But happily it lies within the reach and influence of Spiritualism, with its millions of believers already, and its ranks all the time increasing, to step in between the contending parties, and save the country to the higher and holier influences of the truth which descends direct from the heavens.”
That all parties will yield to the popular influence of Spiritualism, is easy to foresee. Vital piety and the power of godliness is already departed from them. Lifeless theories and dull formality is about all there is left to them. Only two points are held by them in common—Sunday observance, and the immortality of the soul. Spiritualists adopt Sunday without difficulty, while the churches are fast turning to Spiritualism to save their tottering theory of immortality. The crisis is approaching. Let the faithful now “put on the whole armor of God.” The victory is sure, and the reward to the overcomer glorious and eternal.
ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN STATE CONFERENCE.
By B. F. Andrews; T. M. Steward
The fifth annual session of this Conference was held at Little Prairie, Wisconsin, pursuant to appointment in Review, June 4–8, 1868. Conference convened on Thursday, at 6 P. M.
Eld. R. F. Andrews in the chair.
All joined in prayer with Eld. J. N. Andrews. Elders Andrews, Sanborn, Matteson, Blanchard, and Steward, of this Conference, present, also Elders J. N. Andrews of N. Y., and M. E. Cornell of Michigan.
Delegates’ credentials presented and examined. Twenty-four delegates present, representing sixteen churches; two by letter, and two not represented.
Voted, That all the brethren present, in good standing with their respective churches, be invited to participate in the discussion of business.
The minutes of the last Conference were read and approved.
On motion, the churches of Albany, Waterloo, and Raymond, were admitted into this Conference by unanimous vote.
Voted, That a committee of three, on resolutions, be appointed by the chair.
Voted, That the chair be authorized to appoint a committee of six, to assist in settling with ministers.
Adjourned to 8 A. M., June 5.
MORNING SESSION.
Prayer by Eld. M. E. Cornell. Treasurer’s report read and approved. Reports of churches examined, resulting as follows:
Whole number of members in the churches of this Conference, May 30, 1867, 600. Whole number of members, June 4, 1868, 646. Whole amount of s. b. pledges to churches, $3,639.75. Ministers’ reports called, when the following brethren responded:
R. F. Andrews, I. Sanborn, J. Matteson, H. C. Blanchard, and T. M. Steward.
The following officers were then nominated by the Conference, and unanimously elected: President, R. F. Andrews, New Genesee, Ill. Secretary, T. M. Steward, Rockton, Ill. Treasurer, Ivory Colcord, Genesee Grove, Ill. Executive Committee, I. Sanborn, H. C. Blanchard.
Adjourned to 2 P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Prayer by Eld. John Matteson. On motion, the following ministers had their credentials renewed:
Elders Andrews, Sanborn, Matteson, Blanchard, and Steward.
By their request, it was
Voted, That the Marquette church be permitted to retain their past indebtedness to the Conference, to aid them in building their meeting-house.
Voted, That the Raymond church may retain their s. b. for the coming year, to help them in building a meeting-house.
Voted, That the Waterloo church may retain their s. b. fund for the coming year, to aid them in building a meeting-house.
The following resolutions were then presented, and unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That we are in sympathy with the effort to establish a mission in California; and that we pledge to Brn. Loughborough and Bourdeau our fervent prayers for their abundant success, and our co-operation in bearing the expenses of this important enterprise.
Resolved, That we enter heartily into the purposes of the Benevolent Association, and that we will cheerfully and promptly unite with our brethren, according to our several ability, in the accomplishment of the good work proposed.
Resolved, That the proposed change in the manner of conducting the Health Institute, so that it shall be strictly a benevolent enterprise, and not a matter of gain to the stockholders, meets our warmest approval.13
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to continue our efforts in behalf of the Book and Tract Fund, that we may circulate our publications generally, according to the wants of the people, and especially that we may place the Spiritual Gifts in every family where they will be candidly read.
Resolved, That we heartily endorse the sentiment set forth in the General Conference Address in Review of June 2.
Resolved, That our preachers, elders, and deacons, be requested to stir our brethren to pay their s. b. pledges promptly, that order may be established, and confusion avoided; and that they attend to this at once, to relieve the Conference from present embarrassment.
Voted, That the request to grant Bro. B. F. Merritt a license to improve his gift among us, be referred to the Executive Committee.
Adjourned to call of committee.
Called in session again June 7th, 8 A. M.
Prayer by Bro. Blanchard.
Voted, To have two Convocations this year. One at Dell Prairie, Adams Co., Wis., July 23, to commence at 9 A. M. And one at Clyde, Ill., commencing Thursday, Sept. 3, at 9 A. M.
Voted, That we hereby express our gratitude to God for the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White in the past, and that we extend an urgent invitation to them, to visit us again at their earliest convenience.
Entire congregation voted on this.
Adjourned to call of committee.
Called in session at 4 P. M., June 7th.
Report of Auditing Committee read and accepted.
Voted, To transfer 80 per cent of all monies received into our s. b. Treasuries, to the State Conference fund.
Voted, That we request those churches who can, to transfer the full amount of their s. b. to Conference fund.
Voted, Our sincere thanks to Bro. Andrews and Cornell, for their faithful labors with us at this Conference.
Voted, To hereby express our thanks to the church of Little Prairie, for their faithful and unwearied efforts in entertaining this Conference.
Voted, That the minutes of this Conference be published in Review.
Adjourned to call of committee.
Called in session at 8 A. M., June 8th.
Prayer by Eld. M. E. Cornell. The distribution of labor was considered, credentials distributed, and Conference adjourned sine die.
B. F. ANDREWS, President,
T. M. STEWARD, Secretary.
Something for the Children.
By Editor
THE question has for some time been agitated whether the Instructor should not be published oftener than once a month, that the children might have something at less distant intervals for their benefit. It has not seemed practicable to carry out such an enterprise. The matter was again brought under consideration at our last Conference, and it was advised that the publication page be left out of the REVIEW, and its place be supplied by a department for youth and children. We are happy to open such a department this week for the young folks. This need not lessen their interest for the Instructor, which may still be exclusively their paper, while it will give them something each week, oftener than it would be practicable to publish the Instructor under any circumstances whatever; and it may interest them in other portions of the REVIEW which it would be profitable for them to peruse. This will make the REVIEW emphatically a family paper, adapted to the wants of all. We trust this will create a new interest in the paper, and tend to increase its circulation. To our contributors we would say, Here is a new field for you to occupy. Let the Youth's Department of the REVIEW be well sustained.