DEAR BRETHREN : We feel constrained to unburden our minds to you upon the subject of systematic benevolence, because it is evident that as a body the S. D. A. churches of Ohio, are slow in moving out on this important enterprize. All who have been long with us must have noticed that an incubus rests upon us, a cloud of darkness; and the cause does not prosper as in many places. Our new tent is now laid by the second season, as Bro. Cornell's strength failed, and we notice also, that when Bro. Waggoner labored with the Ohio tent his health was much impaired. We do not say that these misfortunes have come upon us for any fault of ours, but we suggest that it is probable that the continued hindering providences, which have impeded the progress of the third angel's message in Ohio have a cause, and this cause, or these causes, we believe to exist among us. The great obstacle to the forward movement of the cause with us, is a want of entire consecration of all to God. All is not upon the altar. Of course the evidence of this state of things is found in the fact that the importance of the work is not appreciated. Our ministers are not sustained by the prayers and efforts of the church, as God requires they should be; and the cause languishes. The meager, stinted offering, God does not delight in, and he will not add his blessing, until all the tithes are brought into the storehouse. It is a fact that our churches are but just adopting the plan of S. B. Some of them have yet to take the first steps. It is a fact that there was a prospect of the necessity of borrowing money the present season to prosecute the tent enterprise; when at the same time, considering how little has been done within the past two years, hundreds of dollars ought to be now on hand in the S. B. treasuries. As an index of the low state of things, we ask the brethren candidly, if when the news came that Bro. Cornell found it necessary to lay up the Ohio tent, there was not a feeling in the minds of many, Well, it will not be necessary to pay in my pledges promptly as if it was now called for. The lack of consecration we have spoken of, is the great cause of our decline. The heart is not fully set in the ways of righteousness. Self is not subdued. The carnal heart still lives. The old man of sin yet sets up his claim. The burden of sin is not felt by the conscience; the whole soul does not cry out for God. There is not that agony of soul for full salvation from sin which calls out the prayer of faith. There is not that realization of the dreadful scenes before us, which prompts to deeds of piety, liberality, and zeal. The world has a power to charm, and the church of S. D. A. in Ohio are yielding to that charm. Brethren, facts stand out, plainly attesting this true. We have had discouragements, but these discouragements arose mainly out of this very slackness, this deadness, this lukewarmness, and the cause of our trouble is ours to remove. How? Let us seek some solitary place, and each one there plead with God for full consecration of ourselves and ours to God, and be sure that we avoid the course of Ananias and Sapphira, who kept back a part of the price. And when we begin to feel our hearts to soften and melt under the sweet influences of the Spirit, do not let these feelings subside, but continue often and earnestly to plead with God as long as a sin remains to be forgiven, as long as there is a spiritual enemy to watch against; as long as there is a soul to be saved; as long as we remain in this perilous world. Coming from the closet where we have had sweet communion with God; where we have had sweet foretastes of future bliss; where we have had sublime views of the character of God; his justice, as well as his mercy; in view of the future retributions which await the ungodly, the plagues, the second death; in view of the coming of Him whom our souls desire; in view of the joys of heaven, and the glorious prospects before us; in view of the immense ransom paid for, and infinite labor bestowed upon, us; we shall begin to feel like going to work in earnest. Then when the treasuries begin to overflow, and Christian hearts begin to burn with ardent, pure, and quenchless flame; when we are dead to the world and the world dead to us; when we live to God alone; then shall we begin to feel a burden for souls. Our example will be holy, our lives spotless. Then it will be a pleasure and a privilege to hand out a tenth, or54more, if necessary, without an exhortation; but rather, he will be considered happiest who has the most capital in the savings bank of heaven, which never fails. Brethren, our hearts are full on this subject. The word of God is very distinct on this point: "The liberal soul shall be made fat." "The liberal deviseth liberal things." Our offerings show our true dispositions, and we feel confident that God will not work in power in Ohio, until we, as a people, come up to our duty in this matter. Doubtless, God would have us work lively in this business. Let us each ask ourselves, not "How little can I give and be accepted," but, "How much can I invest in this noble work, this glorious cause?" I. N. VAN GORDER,
JOSEPH DUDLEY,
H. F. BAKER. } Conference committee.