My last report was made from Red Bluff, March 11, just after my arrival there. I tarried until April 13, holding in the time thirty-six meetings. Part of these meetings were held in Sister Healey’s neighborhood, and part of them in Bro. Wible’s neighborhood, both near Red Bluff. As the result already apparent, eight have taken their stand to keep all of God’s commandments, which, with the four who had already come out, make a company of twelve who now meet together on the Sabbath in Red Bluff. Five of these were, on the last day of my meetings, baptized in Sacramento river.
I cannot refrain from speaking here of the missionary branch of the labors at Red Bluff. Bro. Wible had moved in from Green Valley, and by circulating tracts, had awakened an interest in his neighborhood. Sister Healy, who embraced the truth in San Francisco, had circulated books and tracts to interest her neighbors. As the result of this tract distribution, I found two families already very anxious to hear. In this place, there was a family, the mother of which saw sister White on the train last fall, on their way to California. Sister White gave her some Reformers. She brought them to her son, who subscribed for it. As he had read my articles in the Reformer, when he saw my name announced for Bible lectures in Red Bluff, he decided to go and hear. As the result, the mother, son and wife, all took their stand upon the truth.
As we have come to a point where every month shows fruits here of our missionary labor, we will say a little in retrospect. When the matter of missionary labor was first presented among our people, there were some of our sisters that began to think how they might make some sacrifice, to advance this cause. They concluded that when Peter said, “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel,” 1 Pet. 3:3, and Paul said “that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array,” 1 Tim 2: 9, they meant what they said. So they concluded to lay aside their gold, and substitute a cheaper article for such things as were necessary, such as collar pins and cuff buttons, using jet and ivory, disposing of their gold jewelry, and putting the proceeds into the missionary fund. The jewelry thus laid aside was melted into bars, and assayed, and brought, all told, over two hundred dollars in coin.
This money was invested in tracts and pamphlets, and as the result of such tract distribution, we can count, at least a score, in this State who have already embraced the truth by reading. Those who made this self-denial are none the poorer, but they do have the consolation that their appropriation of that which the Bible condemned them in wearing, has done some good.
We read that “The children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, by the mount of Horeb.” Ex. 33:6. This is the point from which God proclaimed his law to them. As we are brought to the obedience of all his commandments, and wish to make thorough work in seeking God, how appropriate to divest ourselves of all useless adorning; and how thankful we should be that a way is opened that these, even, may be made to extend the cause of truth.
May we all seek that adorning which the apostle commends: “The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
On my way home from Red Bluff, I spoke one evening at Woodland, and was glad to meet so many who had taken their stand since I was there before. Twenty had been baptized since the dedication; and still the good work is onward. I learn by Bro. Cornell’s letter, last night, that thirteen more have united with the church, ten of whom are to be baptized. This raises the number of Woodland church to forty-seven.
I met with a few at San Francisco, and at Petaluma, spending an evening at each place; and these were glad to learn of the progress of the cause. I arrived home April 18, having been absent seven weeks, during which time I preached fifty discourses. Had two excellent meetings at Santa Rosa, Sabbath.
We are now preparing to go out with a new tent in a few days. We hope to so apply ourselves to the work this summer that many may be brought to see the light of truth. Bro. Cornell and myself expect to strike some new place between Sonoma and Yolo Counties, so that our forces from each way may rally together. Pray for us.
J. N. Loughborough.
Santa Rosa, April 23, 1873.
Michigan.
By I. D. Van Horn
Since the session of the General Conference I have been holding meetings in the township of Assyria, twelve miles north of Battle Creek, and in Flushing and vicinity in Genesee Co.
Through the blessing of God, the result of the effort in Assyria was, that nine began to keep the Lord’s Sabbath, and adopted other points of truth held by our people. These, with four others who had previously taken hold of the truth, making thirteen in all, signed a covenant to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and to hold meetings until such time should come when they could be organized into a church. Some opposition was manifested, but the result of it was favorable to the cause of truth. With God’s blessing this little company of commandment-keepers can maintain an interest and influence in the place where they live till the Lord shall come.
I have just closed my effort of about three weeks in Flushing and Mount Morris, which has been a season of much labor, yet with encouraging results. On Sabbath and Sunday, April 19, 20, we were at Mount Morris, where Bro. S. H. Lane labored with such faithfulness last fall and winter. These were two eventful days for the little band of Sabbath-keeping Adventists in this place, and will not soon be forgotten by any who were present.
On the Sabbath, after our morning meeting, we went to a small, clear stream of water on Bro. Samuel Rone’s farm, and there ten expressed their faith in the burial and resurrection of Christ by being baptized. The good Spirit of the Lord was with us, and made this a happy season to us all. On the next day, two more were baptized. A church of eighteen members was fully organized, to be known as the church of S. D. Adventists at Mount Morris, Mich. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $65.00 per year. Bro. Samuel Rone was elected to the office of elder, and was ordained. In the afternoon, we all came together and enjoyed a precious season in celebrating the ordinances. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us with power, and gave us clear evidence that he approved of the work we had done. To him be all the praise.
I spent the following week in and about Flushing, visiting from house to house and holding meetings.
On Sabbath, the 26th, we had a good meeting, with a large attendance. Most of the friends from Mount Morris were with us. After the discourse, many bore testimony, which gave courage to all present. We enjoyed another precious season in celebrating the ordinances at this place. New courage and strength were given to continue faithful in the work of the Lord. On Sunday, we had a business meeting in which matters of importance to the church were attended to and some good accomplished. During the meetings, one was baptized, and five united with the church. There are many good souls in this part of the country who have heartily embraced the truth, and already its sanctifying influence may be seen in their lives. My prayer to God is that they may hold up the standard of truth and keep the light burning till the great gathering day. I. D. VAN HORN.
Stowe, Vermont.
By Francis Gould
Thinking that the brethren in Vermont would like to know what I have been doing in the past, I thought it might be duty to report through the REVIEW. Since receiving license last fall, I have been trying to do something for the cause of truth. During the past winter, I have been laboring in a district called the Forks, near the base of Mount Mansfield. It is comparatively a new place. The word presented from time to time has been crowned apparently with good success. Four have embraced the Sabbath; others are interested. I have been astonished, and also encouraged, to see how the people turned out to hear, in this cold and mountainous district, where it has snowed and drifted most every day so that the roads would be considered impassable on ordinary occasions.
There is a small church of no-law Adventists here. We have received some opposition from them, and the course which they have pursued has turned the minds of the people in our favor. The excellent influence of Bro. Harlow and wife, who have stood alone in the truth for years, has told favorably for the cause here, and it is a fact worthy of notice that our scattered brethren where they have lived out the truth, and exerted a good influence in the community where they reside, open the way so that when the truth is presented it will be easier reaching the minds of the people.
My design has been to seek out another new field of labor this spring; but I am now prostrated with the chronic rheumatism, a disease from which I have suffered much, years in the past. It has returned with renewed vigor. I am confined to my room. How long I shall be is quite uncertain. I earnestly desire the prayers of God's people that, if it be his will, I may be raised up to share some humble part in the work of the closing message.
FRANCIS GOULD.
April 20, 1873.
Kenyon, Goodhue Co., Minn.
By H. F. Phelps
THIS is a small prairie settlement of farmers, of perhaps a dozen families, somewhat scattered. At the time of our last report, Bro. Ellis had been here twenty-five days, and had given twenty-three discourses, on the theory of the truth. Nearly all seemed convinced; but one appeared willing to move. When these meetings commenced, the roads were very much drifted, and it was very cold, so that but few (fifteen to twenty) could come out. But these were quite steady listeners. And when we joined Bro. Ellis, and resumed the meetings, they were all willing to come.
Our meetings commenced the evening of the 12th of March, and for about two weeks, we held them nearly every evening. Our subjects were nearly all of a practical nature, and as the meetings progressed, the Lord helping us much, it was evident that the Spirit of God was at work upon the hearts of the people. We never enjoyed more of the Spirit of God than in some of these meetings. The power of God's truth was melting its way to the heart of the sinner. The second evening that we called for those to rise who wished an interest in our prayers, nearly all arose. Soon, ten commenced to keep the Sabbath. Six of these never made a profession before.
The 26th, we were agreeably surprised to see Bro. Grant. He stayed with us one night, and cheered us all by his testimony.175The next day I started with him for Pine Island. Bro. E. remained to carry on the meetings here. At P. I. we enjoyed a good meeting. On account of bad roads and a severe storm on sixth-day, we could not circulate the appointment much; but we enjoyed the meeting, as also the counsel of Bro. Grant in regard to our Bible-class and Sabbath-school, which I believe, if carried out, will add to the interest of each.
On Monday, we separated, Bro. G. to go on his way visiting the brethren, and I to return to K. I am thankful for the advice and counsel of Bro. G., and will try to be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Remained in K. about ten days more, holding meetings, visiting from house to house, encouraging and helping to erect the family altar, doing all we could (hope we did no harm) to establish these dear souls in the truth. Two families of our brethren have lived here for some nine years, praying on, sometimes in darkness, now in the light. Now, instead of four, there are fourteen, besides children. A few others are convicted. May the Lord help them to move before it is too late. We believe these people mean work. They all are beginning to take part in the prayer-meetings. They seem determined to overcome. We organized a Bible-class and Sabbath-school.
Obtained subscribers for the REVIEW, 2; Instructor, 4; Reformer, 2. Sold about $10 dollars' worth of books, and gave away a few. The way seems to be opening before us. The people of Kenyon village, six miles north-west, seem anxious to hear. They are inquiring when we can come. Expect to commence there between the 10th and 15th of May. Brethren, pray that the Lord may give us success, and that souls may be saved.
H. F. PHELPS,
TRUST IN GOD.
By Gettie W. Davis
Lonely pilgrim, on life's pathway,
Art thou weary and oppressed,
Toiling 'neath thy heavy burdens,
Longing for the promised rest?
Art thou passing through the waters,
Passing 'neath the chastening rod?
'Tis thy Father's hand that leads thee;
Bow submissive to thy God.
Should thy heart grow faint within thee,
At the tempest and the wave,
He will walk the way beside thee,
He will comfort thee and save.
Though his chastening may seem grievous,
Yet in mercy it is given;
Only God knows what is needed
To prepare thy soul for Heaven.
Calmly trusting in his promise
Ne'er to leave thee nor forsake,
With the eye of faith look upward,
Soon the light of day shall break.
When this pilgrimage is ended,
Passed away this dreary night,
“Hope shall turn to glad fruition,
Faith shall then be changed to sight.”
GETTIE W. DAVIS.
R. M. KILGORE
By R. M. Kilgore
Iowa.
HAVING had the privilege of attending the sessions of the late General Conference, and a short visit with my family, and friends in Michigan, I returned to Iowa on the 26th of March and began a course of lectures at Siam, in Taylor Co., on the 29th, in the house of worship owned by the Christian order. Although it was the busy season of the year, and the evenings short, yet I had good congregations, good order, and a lively interest throughout, which I believe was more healthy at the close than at any time previous, and our friends were stronger and there were more of them.
The house being occupied by regular appointments on every Sunday but one, we were compelled to labor every night that it could be obtained. We closed the meetings last night, April 29, giving in all thirty-five discourses. Bro. W. D. McLaughlin preached twice, and he now begins a meeting four miles distant in a school-house; and will meet with the friends of the cause at Siam on the Sabbath.
Twenty-five are now keeping the Sabbath here, and only two of them had ever heard a S. D. Adventist preach previous to these meetings. There are quite a number besides these who are halting between two opinions, some of whom will yet obey. I obtained twelve subscribers for the REVIEW, and sold a number of books, tracts, and Bibles, although money is very scarce.
I felt, from the first, that God would work for this people, and I have not been disappointed. To his great name be all the praise, for he is worthy.
A letter received this week from Hook’s Point, stating that all was well there, and that others were uniting with them, has cheered and encouraged my heart greatly.
I am now on my way to fill appointments in the West and North. My prayer is that God may be with me in my extreme weakness and unworthiness.
R. M. KILGORE
Clarinda, Iowa, April 30, 1875.
Iowa and Nebraska.
By J. Bartlett
I HAVE been laboring in Iowa and Nebraska the past winter. The Lord has been good to me and has blessed my efforts. This has been a happy season to me. Twenty-five have come out and are keeping the Sabbath, who will, I think, prove reliable. Some others have taken hold who may prove only wayside hearers.
An aged brother, by the name of Winter, who embraced the advent-faith under the labors of Wm. Miller and preached in the streets of London, England, in 1842, with his wife and son, has commenced to keep the Sabbath. They are now happy in the truth.
Last Sabbath, we had meeting at Morehead's school-house. The Lord was present, by his Spirit, and we had a refreshing season. Fourteen gave in their testimony on the side of truth, three of whom had never before tried to observe the day. We are thinking of having a camp-meeting in this part of the State some time this summer.
I have obtained six subscribers for the REVIEW, and two for the Reformer, and others will take them as soon as they are able.
At this meeting, the dragon manifested some of his ire, but the Lord worked for us. Praise his name. He can make the wrath of man to praise him. I feel like saying, The will of the Lord be done.
I lectured in a place called Belvidere, Monona Co., Iowa. The ministers of the Methodist and Baptist churches tried to close the house and oblige me to leave. They did not succeed, however. The people said if they turned the Bible out of the house they would make a dancing hall of it.
On Sunday, a Christian, and a Baptist, minister spoke an hour each on the Sabbath question. I had good liberty in replying to them on Monday night.
Calls are coming in from almost every direction. Pray for me.
Yours in hope,
J. BARTLETT.
Maiden Rock, Wis.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
As this church belongs to the Minnesota Conference, I came here and began meetings April 26, and held seven meetings. There are about thirty Sabbath-keepers here, but they are greatly scattered. Not more than half of them can well come together at any one point. This hurts them. Troubles have existed among them from the first, which have greatly injured the cause. We found them still in this condition. Only a few attended meeting, generally; several did not take even the REVIEW; some had gone back to the use of tobacco, always a sure sign of backsliding; some were behind on their s. B. two and three years, nearly all of them a year; no proper record had been kept of the church, or any thing. A sad state of things indeed!
I took hold the best I could, and preached only on practical subjects. Had good freedom, and a large attendance from without. Was surprised to see so much interest under the circumstances. Think a proper effort here would bring out a number. On the Sabbath, five or six young persons made a good start to serve God. Two who had once kept the Sabbath resolved to keep it again, and others took a new hold of the work.
Sunday, three were received into the church, and I sold about $13 worth of books. Monday, we reorganized s. B. $106, which we hope will be raised considerably by others who were not present. Several paid up all the past, and all voted to lay apart their s. B. each month or quarter out of the first money they received. This is the only correct principle to act upon. God requires “the first-fruits.” But many pay every thing else first, and put off their s. B. till it becomes so large that they will never pay it. God’s blessing cannot follow any such course. The church records were made out properly, and things set in order as far as possible.
But all our efforts failed to settle all difficulties. Some who needed the meetings the most did not come at all. The world was of more account to them than the cause of God and their own souls. The best we could do was to leave things to develop further and return here again and complete the work. Time will do much to tell what action must be taken.
Considering the slack, disorderly way everything has been suffered to run on here, it is no wonder the blessing of God has not followed. Most of the church feel encouraged, and I hope for better days here in the future. My health is improving. This is a beautiful country, and physically, I enjoyed my visit here much. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Jesus’ Love Smooths the Pathway.
By R. C. Baker
I can still say that my face is toward the heavenly Canaan. My gracious Heavenly Father is brightening up the pathway before me. Those seasons of gloom and despondency, bordering on despair, which I have experienced so many times in the past, have, I hope, forever passed away. I am trying to keep my head above the cloud, and never lose sight of the infinite love that has stooped so low to save a fallen race. God has been so good to me, I feel that it would be sin to doubt his love and care for me again. I have had some faint glimpses of the unutterable glory and surpassing loveliness of the promised inheritance. By faith, I have stood with Bunyan’s Pilgrim on the Delectable Mountains, and caught a view of the Celestial City and the evergreen fields of the land of promise.
With such a foretaste of the joys of the world to come, how vain and empty do the pleasures of earth appear. But to know that Jesus loves me, to feel that he is mine, and I am his, affords a joy this world can never give, and which all its malice and its hate can never take away. To have a friend that is ever near, a friend “that sticketh closer than a brother,” a friend who never changes, who is the same, “yesterday, to-day, and forever,”—this is, indeed, a priceless boon. Surely such a friend as this would be the “chiefest among ten thousand, and the One altogether lovely.” To know in the hour of trial that the everlasting Arms are around us, to feel that, though the storm may rage, our hopes are built upon the eternal Rock, this indeed is “joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
We have such a friend in Jesus. That same Jesus whose breast supported the head of the beloved disciple, that same Jesus whose heart of love was touched with pity for the woes of all he met, that same beneficent Being is the friend of his people now. He has given the strongest proof of love that it was possible for him to give, in giving his life for us. And now he is testing us, to see if we will prove worthy of the redemption he has purchased for us at such a costly price. Will we stand the test? Can we bear the world’s opposition? Yes, if the love of Jesus burns in our hearts, if the hope of eternal life, like a star, beckons us on, we will not faint nor falter at the narrowness or ruggedness of the way, but press toward the prize.
R. C. BAKER.
Mackford, Wis.
Cherokee Co., Iowa.
By Chas. L. Boyd
Last February, Bro. R. M. Kilgore came to this county and delivered a course of lectures on points of Scripture concerning which Adventists differ with most orthodox churches. He presented the truth in a straight-forward and clear manner. As a result of his labors, many were interested, some convicted, and a few decided to obey. To us who were believers in the glorious truths of the third angel's message, it was indeed a privilege to listen to this course of lectures.
Soon after Bro. Kilgore left this place, it was announced that Rev. Hilton, Baptist, would speak on the immortality of the soul. In his discourse, he said, “There is, or may be, as much atheism about the nature of man as about the existence of a God;” and that the reason the Jews were commanded to abstain from the worship of idols was because they could have no true idea of the form of God. He classed those who believe in the ultimate destruction of the wicked and that the dead sleep till the resurrection with the Sadducees and said, “These delusions have come from the pit of hell.”
In another discourse on the “Christian Sabbath,” I was astonished that a Baptist minister should resort to such desperate means to get rid of that troublesome fourth commandment. The ten commandments were written by the finger of God, hence were hand-writings and included in Col. 2:14. No Sabbath was observed from the creation till the manna fell in the wilderness. When a man teaches the law, he is contradicted and condemned by the New Testament. None but the murderers of Christ and a few who have sprung up at this late day, keep the seventh day. I think that keeping the seventh day is rejecting Christ and turning to Moses. The above, are almost, or quite, the exact words of the speaker.
That law which contains nothing “against us,” but is so perfect as to be the foundation of the laws of all civilized governments, must be done away, cast aside as unholy, simply to do away with the Lord's Sabbath. When were the words of the sweet psalmist so applicable as at the present day? “It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law.” This world offers no reward, no happiness, to be compared with that offered to the commandment-keepers in Rev. 22:14. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Chas. L. Boyd.
A Maryland Brother’s Appeal for Prayer
Bro. Q. P. Henderson writes from Maryland: “The light thrown upon present truth from your standpoint convinces me more fully of the truthfulness of your views; and now I feel that I must keep God’s holy law, but my faith is not yet sufficient for me. My business, and the opposition I meet with from both relatives and would-be friends is binding me to earth, while I have no friend within miles, but the REVIEW AND HERALD, to build me up.”
“Lord, help thou my unbelief.” Brethren and sisters, pray for me, that I may receive strength, and that the way may be opened for me, to keep God’s holy law and walk in the light; for I am satisfied that time is short.
Burial in Hope of Resurrection
As men lock up their best apparel in a chest, meaning to wear it again; even so are the dead bodies of the faithful buried in sure and certain hope of rising again to life everlasting.—Cawdray.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Rochester, N. Y., April 18, 1873, of long-standing kidney disease, sister Caroline Orton, aged sixty years.
Sister Orton gave her heart to Christ in early life, and had for many years a rich experience in the things of the Spirit of God. She was one of the first in this city to receive the doctrine of the near advent of Christ, and her love for the appearing of Jesus was never lost. She embraced the Sabbath of the Lord in 1852, and was ever afterward an exemplary observer of that sacred day.
In 1866, a terrible blow fell upon her in the assassination of her husband. It seemed to her more than she could bear. Unbelief and unreconciliation added to the great bitterness of her cup a still more terrible bitter. Words cannot express the anguish which she has suffered. For several years, however, light has gradually broken into her mind. In her last sickness, which was attended with great pain, her mind was in a state of complete submission to God. Yet she said repeatedly that she wished to have greater light from the Spirit of God. But during the last few days of her life, she said that her light was such as to be entirely satisfactory. We cannot doubt that she sleeps in Jesus. We mourn our loss, but we are comforted with the thought that her sorrows are ended, and that she will ere long have a crown of glory placed upon her head, and will sit down with Christ upon his throne. J. N. Andrews.
Died, April 19, 1873, of croup, Henry Oliver, son of Enoch B. and Margaret M. Potts, aged six years, seven months, and eight days. He was a lovely son. It seemed hard for the parents to give him up; but we are assured that at the last trump the grave will yield up its trust, and if they are faithful, they will soon live with him beyond the grave, nevermore to part.
Words of comfort were spoken to an attentive congregation by the writer. Jos. G. Wood.
Died, at Serena, March 21, 1873, sister Eliza A. Nettleingham, aged twenty-one years, four months, and thirteen days. She embraced the truth two years ago last fall while our tent was in operation at Northville, and has been faithful in trying to live up to the light she had. She attended our good camp-meeting at Aledo last June, and since that has seemed to realize that her end was near, and has been preparing for it. She leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn while she rests in hope. She was buried on first-day, March 23, and the funeral services were attended, April 20, by the writer, with a house full of interested hearers. T. M. Steward.
Died, at Bowdoinham, Me., Feb. 19, 1873, after a short but distressing illness which terminated in paralysis, my dear husband, Ephraim Flanders, aged seventy-five years and three months. S. Flanders.
Died, in Chesaning, April 13, 1873, of consumption, our beloved mother, Amanda F. Chase, aged 47 years and 5 months. I. O. Thompson.
Drowned, in Cass river, Mich., George, son of Bro. and sister Lett, aged about 20 years. Funeral at his father's residence, Greenwood, Mich., April 12, 1873, where the writer addressed a large audience from Job 14: 14. “If a man die, shall he live again?” H. S. Gurney.
Western Camp-Meetings
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand
** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago, are invited to attend.
Western Camp-Meetings.
Near Centerville, Kan., May 29 to June 2, 1873.
Washington, Iowa, “ 5-9, “
Medford, Minn., “ 19-23, “
Milton Junction, Wis., “ 26-30, “
If nothing in the providence of God prevents, I will meet with the brethren at Stewartsville, Olmstead Co., Minn., May 24 and 25. At Jo Davis, Faribault Co., May 31 and June 1. At these meetings, it is not only expected that there will be a general attendance, but that the friends will come prepared to remain the entire two days, if possible. Meetings to commence Friday evening. S. N. Haskell.
I will meet with churches as follows:—
Allensdale, Mich., Sabbath, May 17; Oceana Co., near Greenwood Station, at Bro. Weets, 31 and June 1.
J. Byington.
Quarterly meeting for Burlington and Newton at Newton, Sabbath and first-day, May 17 and 18. Sister churches are cordially invited. Bro. Hutchins will meet with us. Hickman Miller.
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 2 of the T. and M. Society of the N. Y. and Pa. Conference, at the church in Roosevelt, May 24 and 25, 1873. The librarians of the different churches are requested to send in their reports in time for the meeting. Daniel Bowe, Director.
Monthly meeting for Jefferson Co., N. Y., will be held in Mannsville, May 31 and June 1. As the privileges of this church have been few of late, I ask for a general attendance of all its scattered members. Arrange for a two-day’s meeting. C. O. Taylor.
Quarterly meeting of the church at Bunkerhill, Mich., May 31, 1873. We invite Leslie, Alaiedon, and all our neighboring churches. H. Clark, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society of Dist. No. 7, Mich., at Wright, May 24 and 25. We invite all the churches in this District to attend. Bro. S. H. King is requested to be present at this meeting. C. Buck, Director.
I will meet with Dist. No. 11, N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society, at East Otto, May 17 and 18, in quarterly meeting as appointed by Bro. Kinne. Hope all will have their reports made out in time. D. B. Welch, Director.
Monthly meeting for the S. D. Adventists of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., will be held at East Otto, May 17 and 18. Friends are invited to attend. E. V. Clark.
Appointments for Minnesota.
At Calvin Kelsey’s house, May 24. Meetings begin Friday evening. Jo. Davis church, at Bro. Shram’s, Tuesday, May 27. Meetings begin at 10½ A. M. Tenhassen, May 31 and June 1. Meetings begin Friday evening. D. M. Canright.
Monthly meeting with the church in Cornville, Me., May 24 and 25. Meeting of the T. and M. Society of District No. 1 will be held in connection with this meeting. Let all see that their reports are sent in season so that we may know what each one has been doing. We must work in the missionary field, and scatter the light, and God will give the increase. By order of the President of the Me. T. and M. Society. J. B. Goodrich.
As I cannot consistently comply with the earnest request of the brethren in Jackson Co. to attend their next monthly meeting, I appoint one to meet the friends in that county, Sabbath, May 24, at Bro. H. H. Bramhall’s, in Springport. We hope all will be in season, and that all will earnestly seek the Lord, that his especial blessing may rest upon the meeting. We hope to see all present in this section who earnestly desire the prosperity of the cause of God in their midst. A. S. Hutchins.
The next quarterly meeting of Oakland, Johnstown, and Little Prairie, Wis., will be held at Oakland, the last of May and the first day of June. John Matteson.
Quarterly meeting of the Sand Prairie church, Wis., Sabbath, May 31 and June 1, 1873. There will be a business meeting on first-day, and we hope that all who are in arrears on their S. B. will come prepared to settle the same. Sister churches invited. Cannot some preacher attend. By order of the church. Thomas Demmon, Clerk.
Camp-Meeting and Conference in Iowa.
By George I. Butler
THE President of the Iowa Conference desires me to call the attention of all interested to this meeting, appointed in last week’s Review for Washington, Iowa. This is quite an important railroad point, and one favorable for a large gathering from the State and from Illinois. There being no camp-meeting this season there, we hope a large number of the brethren will attend the Iowa meeting. It is convenient for them. Those wishing to come by railroad from the north, can come down the Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and Minnesota, road to Columbus Junction, and then take the Chicago and south-western road west, to Washington. Those coming from the east can come on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. The same road runs west and south-west through Washington.
We trust all the churches in the Conference will re-sign B. previous to the meeting, and come prepared to pay up all arrearages so that the Lord’s treasury shall be full, as in years past. The brethren have done nobly in this respect heretofore. We trust they will not be weary in well-doing. We hope every church will be fully represented by delegates, who will come prepared to make all the proper reports.
We cannot well overestimate the importance of these yearly meetings to the prosperity of the cause, in each Conference. Some of our people suffer a great loss in staying at home, and not attending them. They may not realize it now, but they will when it is, perhaps, too late. They let a round of worldly cares engross their attention. The world, the world, takes and keeps possession of the mind. Others always attend them. They do not think of being absent any more than they do of neglecting the putting in of their crops or making provisions for any temporal want. I have never been able to see but what they get along just as well in this life, and far better in that which is most important. They grow stronger and stronger, year by year. Their hold on the eternal world is more and more firm. Can a man thrive physically and neglect to eat? No more can a man thrive spiritually and neglect the means of grace.
I want to say to my brethren in Iowa, This cause is onward. Never did I feel greater faith in its ultimate success. It must succeed because it is founded upon God’s word. Our tract and missionary work is making striking progress. Our great and important school enterprise is taking shape, and must soon be a success, if all our brethren take hold, as we have no doubt they will, and as they have in other enterprises. Missionaries must be sent in all directions. It is no time now to think of halting. This cause has struggled through the weakness of infancy. Our institutions are being founded on a firm basis. It is about ready to strike the sturdy blows of manhood, and cause the nations of the earth to hear the truth it has to present.
I want to meet my brethren of Iowa at this meeting and see the largest gathering we have ever seen in the State. Our new churches, we hope, will make a special effort to attend. They are old enough now to see the importance of such gatherings. We have had the two meetings previous to this very far west, for their accommodation. Now let them show a willingness to make the same effort that the older churches did to attend at Knoxville.
We expect Bro. and sister White will be with us without fail, and I wish to meet all my old friends from all parts of the State. Come at the commencement of the meeting, and stay till the close. Let not the good work in the State slack a particle, but keep it moving forward. You can do this by faithfulness and zeal on your part. Come prepared to fill all you can in the great and important enterprises now being inaugurated. Geo. I. Butler.
Battle Creek, Mich., May 7, 1873.
My Appointments.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I CALL THE attention of the brethren interested, to my appointments in this week's paper. I have had to give up my general meetings from the fact that the friends do not realize what they are for, viz., simply to look after Sabbath-keepers and attend to the business matters of the church so that everything may be in order before Conference. When I appoint these meetings, the brethren make them as public as possible, and thus we are so embarrassed that the real object is entirely defeated, while little or nothing is done to help outsiders. The persons we want at these meetings are, 1. Every member of the church. 2. Every Sabbath-keeper in the vicinity of these churches who does not belong to the church, especially those who are in trial or backslidden. 3. The youth and children of our brethren. Make a special effort to have these there.
We will attend to baptism and the ordinances, and all other business matters. Meetings will hold only one day in each place, except at Tenhassen.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
To the Brethren of Orleans Co., Vermont.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
The appointment for Westmore is necessarily postponed to May 31 and June 1, and that for East Charleston, to June 7. D. T. Bourdeau.
Change of Appointment.
By A. S. Hutchins
To accommodate the greater number of brethren and friends who would be glad to meet with us, I appoint to preach at Newton instead of Burlington, next Sabbath, the 17th. A. S. HUTCHINS.
A Case of Great Interest.
In the report of Bro. Bartlett, in another column, it will be seen that an aged brother by the name of Winter, who embraced the Advent doctrine in 1842, and preached as a missionary in the streets of London, has received the present truth, and is now rejoicing in the third message.
In an article entitled “The Rise and Progress of Adventism,” published in the Advent Shield in 1844, among the events mentioned which were considered of great interest and importance, we find the following item:—
“In 1842, Robert Winter, an Englishman by birth, and a Primitive Methodist by profession, fell in with the Adventists in this country, and embraced the doctrine. In the fall of the year, he resolved to return to England and proclaim the coming of the Lord. He did return and commenced the work. God owned his truth, it took effect, and many have been raised up to join with him in spreading the light through these islands of the sea. Last summer, camp or field meetings were held in different parts of England with great success.”
In the Signs of the Times published in that year, there are interesting reports from this brother giving his experience in the field and the success of the truth as proclaimed by himself and those who were associated with him in the work. We should be happy to give extracts from these, had we room.
But the thought that this early laborer in the Advent cause, after the doubt and uncertainty that has long rested on many minds since the great disappointment in 1844, has again found his whereabouts, and is now joyful in the same movement in its advanced stage of fulfillment, is a matter of great rejoicing. He has heard the instruction which the angel gave to John as the representative of the church, after the great movement on time, “Thou must prophecy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” Rev. 10: 5–11. There are others of this class scattered all over the land, whom the truth is destined yet to find. Let them be searched up. Let them still come in.