According to appointment we met with the brethren in Conference at Koskonong, Wis., May 26-28. A goodly number of brethren came in from the region round about; some thirty miles. The Meeting was one of interest, and we trust much profit. We were happy to meet Brn. Phelps and Waggoner at this place. They have labored extremely hard in the cause; have traveled many hundred miles on foot to get the truth before the people, and the Lord has blessed their labors, and raised up many friends of the cause. We hope these dear brethren will be fully sustained in their arduous toils, and be free to devote their whole time to the work of the Lord. We sold about $75.00 worth of publications at this place.
The subject of publications was taken up at this Meeting, and the importance of giving our publications a wide circulation was felt by the brethren. We stated that it was not possible for us to publish Tracts and send them out into different States, one hundred dollars in a place, and wait till they were sold for the pay, for this reason: we have not the capital to do it with. But if the brethren in Wisconsin would raise a small fund, and put it into the hands of an Agent, who could send the pay with the order for publications, we could furnish common Tracts and Pamphlets, neatly printed on good paper, at the rate of 2000 pages for $1.00, and would pay one half of the freight bill on the books from Rochester to Wisconsin.
It was thought necessary to raise about $150.00 in that part of the State. It was stated that several individuals could put into this fund $20.00 each, and that some small Churches who have but little of this world's goods, could put in the sum of $20.00 with ease, and in this way the fund could be raised at once. This fund is to be kept good by the sale of books. Bro. E. S. Sheffield of Koskonong, was then chosen Agent, and a becoming zeal was manifested by the brethren to have this small fund raised as soon as possible. Those in that part of the State who wish to place a portion of their Lord's money where it can benefit the cause of truth, will please inform Bro. Sheffield immediately how much they wish to put into the fund.
June 2-4, we met with the brethren in Conference at Rosendale, Wis. Here we formed a happy acquaintance with several brethren who have given themselves up to the work of preaching the present truth, and with many other brethren and sisters. This was a meeting of some labor, especially on the Sabbath, and we hope the plain truth spoken in regard to the life, dress, &c., corresponding with the profession, will be heeded by all who heard. First-day about 600 assembled in a beautiful grove, who listened with great attention. The word of the Lord had free course. We spoke two hours in the forenoon on the Sabbath question; then after an intermission of forty-five minutes, Bro. Stephenson spoke more than two hours on the subject of the Two-Horned Beast, of Rev. xiii; and no one seemed to think of their hard plank seats without backs: they would have listened one hour longer with pleasure.
In the evening the brethren met to take into consideration the subject of obtaining publications, and they were all agreed in the plan adopted at Koskonong; and Bro. T. R. Sheldon of Rosendale was chosen Agent for that part of the State. At this Conference also we sold about $75.00 worth of publications.
There is an ear to hear in the West, and a great call for publications. We are now publishing a Pamphlet on the law of God, written by Bro. J. H. Waggoner; and other brethren in Wisconsin design to prepare works for the press soon. The cause in Wisconsin is onward. May the Lord bless his dear servants in that part of the field with health, courage and grace to go forward with the message, and save many souls from ruin. They have had many discouragements to contend with; but now the way opens before them. H. S. Case, and some others who first visited the State, moved in a manner calculated to prejudice the people against the truth. But this is nearly overcome by the judicious labors of Brn. Waggoner, Phelps, Stephenson and Hall. We think the whole Church will co-operate with these brethren, that they may go out into the wide harvest, free from embarrassments.
It was indeed painful to part with those dear brethren; and we shall never forget the spot where we turned in from the highway, as we were about to part, and beneath the shady oak, bowed in prayer with Brn. Waggoner, Stephenson and Hall. There we wept together and took the parting hand. But all this was mingled with that joy which the blessed hope gives, that we should soon meet again, when our work should be finished, and in the saints' rest share together the reward of the faithful. O blessed hope!
It was not consistent with other duties to attend the Conference at Battle Creek, so we spent the next Sabbath at Rosendale, and at the close of the afternoon meeting several young persons manifested their desire for salvation. We hope they will follow on to know the Lord by happy experience.
We had a great desire to be at the Battle Creek meeting, and to speak to the people in the Tent at least once before our return home. And when we arrived at Battle Creek we were happy to learn that the brethren had a cheering meeting, and that the Tent was on the way to Grand Rapids to our last appointment. On Sixth-day the brethren pitched it on a vacant lot in the city. We were much pleased with its appearance from without, and when we entered it to engage in the solemn worship of God, we felt that the Lord was indeed with us. We are perfectly satisfied that the brethren have moved none too fast in obtaining the Tent for this season. On First-day, probably about 500 came out to hear, and if the brethren could have remained another week the congregation doubtless would have increased to thousands. The people listened with great interest, and when publications were offered, crowded forward to obtain them. The way seems to be fully open to spread the truth, and it is evident that the brethren have been too fearful, and have not kept pace with opening Providence. The cause in Michigan never was as prosperous as at the present. There is union of sentiment, feeling and action, among the brethren; and preaching brethren now enter the field with hope of success, such as they could not have before the subject of Church Order was introduced among us, and while some rash, fanatical spirits were connected with the cause, who now have no connection with it. The brethren labored faithfully to reform them, but as they would not receive reproof and instruction, the Church now feels greatly relieved that they have left, and shown to all by their malicious course that they are not of the body.
We reached home the 23d, in good health and spirits, and were happy to meet again the faithful ones connected with the Office and family the church in the city, and many dear brethren who had come to attend the Conference.