WESTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 27, 1860

WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

SINCE last report we held one meeting with the church at Mauston. We spoke relative to order in the church of God. That in shunning Babylon (confusion) on the one hand, we should not run into a worse confusion on the other hand. That there is no state in which believers may be, however much of the Spirit, or even the gifts they may enjoy, that they can safely lay aside reason, and follow impulse. That the apostle Paul, in speaking of spiritual gifts in 1 Cor. xii, xiii, and xiv, says, "Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." Chap. xiv, 12. "Let all things be done unto edification." Verse 26. "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Verses 32, 33. "Let all things be done decently and in order." Verse 40. And let it be borne in mind that these cautions, admonitions and instructions are given for those under the influence of the choicest and most powerful gifts from heaven. But there is an uncontrollable, ungovernable, untamable spirit attending fanaticism which will run over and shout over these precious portions of the word.

We also took up the doings of the Battle Creek Conference relative to holding our office of publication, and stated that it must be held either by one or more persons as their property, or by a legally organized publishing association. That we were the only legal owner of the office property. And should it still be left in our hands, doubtless a meaner cry of "speculation" would be raised than was heard under Stephenson and Hall's administration in this State six years since. That it was a matter of real necessity that something should be done, and the simple steps proposed to be taken were no more of Babylon than each brother securing his property by deed.

We would here state that Bro. Steward is now on a journey to Madison, to secure by deed forty acres of school land on which he and two of the brethren have built them houses. If, then, to secure the office property is Babylon, Bro. Steward is taking a bad journey by the way of Babylon. We wonder if M. E. S. will see this matter branded with "Babylon," "fallen?"

As to the visions among these reformers, we would say that we had a meeting of the church to investigate, from 9 o'clock A. M. to 3 P. M., and became perfectly satisfied that the Lord of heaven has nothing to do with them. Those who have them are conscious of all around them. Compare this with 2 Cor. xii, 1-7. And some things connected with them are too silly to be attributed to the arch-deceiver. They must partake very largely of human weakness.

Obituary notices have been seen, with the date of the death of persons who have outlived the time set, and bid as fair to live as other people. This is now met with the reply, "That was a trial of faith." And it is now recollected that the name Jesus was not signed to the obituary. We have been informed that it has been seen how much room an article setting forth this work would occupy in the REVIEW, Nos. 24 or 25; but neither of these contain the article. This, too, must be a trial of faith!

The most favorable thing in this unpleasant matter is, that the crisis came so soon, that it is being exploded before many became ensnared. It will doubtless prove a severe trial to some in Mauston, Marquette, and vicinity for a short time; but if they decide to go with the body instead of a faction, it will teach them a lesson of great benefit for time to come. What we have written upon this subject has been in the absence of brethren Ingraham and Sanborn, therefore their names are not signed to the reports. It may be gratifying to the friends in Wisconsin to have them speak out in relation to this fanaticism

MARQUETTE CONFERENCE.

In company with brethren Sanborn and Ingraham, we reached Marquette sixth-day morning, Nov. 9th. We soon learned that the brethren had purchased, and were fitting up a brick building, formerly used in connection

with the court. Marquette has been the county seat. This has been brought about in a busy season of the year, and money scarce, with a spirit of enterprise worthy of the friends of the cause in Marquette. With some alteration, and well seated, it will make a good, commodious place of worship. We were happy to find the young church at Marquette generally decided and strong in the truth. Many wished to be remembered to Bro. Loughborough, and expressed a hope of seeing him as soon as next spring. Our meetings were large, and there was good liberty in preaching and in the social meetings.

As the friends had raised the cash to pay for their place of worship, they were justly excused from doing much for preachers present. However, they raised about a dozen dollars for Bro. Ingraham, to get him a new overcoat, which he much needed. In accordance with the request of many brethren in Wisconsin, it may be duty for Bro. Loughborough, self and Mrs. W., to hold a series of conferences in the State next April and May. Lord direct.

Sabbath and First-day, Nov. 17 and 18, we had the pleasure of meeting at Monroe, Wis., with many of the brethren and sisters in that vicinity. At Monroe their number is small, some having died, others moved away, and some gone back, so that about the only reasons for holding a conference in that place are that it is central, and the court-house could be obtained.

We spoke four times during the meeting with much difficulty, as a severe rheumatic affection in the neck and shoulders was a severe drawback. Sabbath morning we were obliged to call for help to arise from bed. Bro. Ingraham spoke three times. The social meetings were good. The brethren raised $14 for traveling expenses, besides $10 from the S. B. T. of our good brethren at Avon, which we handed back to the treasurer, stating that it would add one foot to the length of their contemplated meeting-house, which they design to build thirty by forty. Four feet added to the length would give them a better shape, and more room for general gatherings, which will be very beneficial twice a year.

The brethren in that part of the State are not in the least affected with the fanatical extreme relative to consecration which infests the Northern part, and see the necessity of order in the church of God. We now design visiting Wisconsin in the Spring in company with Mrs. W., and it is the unanimous desire of the brethren in several places that Bro. Loughborough accompany us.

First-day, after the afternoon discourse a few moments were spent in a business meeting. By a unanimous vote Bro. J. G. Wood of Brodhead, Green Co., Wis., and Bro. L. Lathrop, of Freeport, Ills., were chosen to solicit pledges for support of the tent next season. Each church and individual in Wisconsin and Illinois to pledge according to their ability and send their pledges to these brethren by the first of January, 1861, and half to be paid by the first of May, the other half by the first of September.

Also, Bro. J. N. Loughborough was invited by a unanimous vote to labor in connection with the tent next season.

Last evening we preached at this place (Crane's Grove, Ills.), and were in hopes to have one meeting in the place without disturbance and confusion. We therefore spoke till within five minutes of nine, and closed the meeting. But Mr. S. G. Clark, a no-law, age-to-come preacher, being present, commenced the usual harangue of that kind of men, and caused some confusion. The mantle of Eld. H. Collins (who is now denounced by those who have been his dupes as a very bad man), has seemed to fall on this Clark, and he fills his place well. Probably more brass, impudence and blackguardism cannot be found in any second-class minister than in this Clark. He challenged for a discussion, but we declined on the ground that to discuss with a man who had used our name and Mrs. W.'s as he had, even attacking character, would be a disgrace to us. We then inquired before the congregation if he knew anything against our characters, to which he replied that he knew nothing, but had heard. But he had stated that he was acquainted with us and knew those things to be true. We then stated that to attack character, and from hearsay use smut and blacking, as he had done, was doing Satan's dirtiest drudgery.

The brethren at this place are firm. They are prudent, peaceable, quiet Christians, living in the midst of the meanest persecution we ever witnessed. We were happy to meet sister Golden who came out at the time of the discussion at this place some more than two years since. Also sister Newton who was at that time confirmed on the truth. We go from here to the Round Grove conference. May the Lord meet with us.

AT HOME.—We reached Bro. Wick's, near Round Grove, the 22d, at 7 P. M. We had rode forty miles in an open buggy that day, about half the distance in a western prairie snow-storm. Happy indeed we were to meet a hearty reception, and sit down by a heated stove.

But the scene changed. A telegraphic despatch was handed us, stating that our youngest child, ten weeks old, was at the point of death. Then came a struggle of mind to decide what to do. To leave for home immediately would prove a disappointment to the brethren who might assemble for conference according to appointment. And the thought of remaining over Sabbath and first-day, three full days, was painful. But as the storm would prevent the brethren from coming in from a distance, and Bro. Allen was to be at the meeting, we decided to return immediately to Battle Creek.

At Mackford, Wis., while praying for our family at home, we had a presentment that our youngest child was very sick. The babe seemed lying before us with face and head dreadfully swollen. We wrote to Mrs. W. the 13th, from which we copy the following:

"I fear that all is not well at home. I have had some impressions as to the babe."

When we read the despatch at Bro. Wick's we were prepared for such news, and stated to those present that they would hear that the child's head and face were greatly affected. When we reached home we found the child alive, but suffering with erysipelas, the face and head swollen, and dreadfully inflamed. To-day (the 25th) the symptoms are favorable.

We do not profess to be a prophet, or the son of a prophet; neither would we be influenced by every impression and image of the mind, but we do most solemnly believe that those who give themselves unreservedly to the work of God, may have an experience richly dotted with the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

J. W.